Internet Society Nepal Chapter (ISOC Nepal)
In Nepal’s digital scene, Mr. Bikram Shrestha is a recognized innovator and creative figure. He has dedicated more than 25 years to ensuring that the internet is a secure, welcoming, and empowering environment for all Nepalese. Bridging the domains of technology, policy, and community development, Bikram has been instrumental in Nepal’s digital revolution as the founder and past president of the Internet Society Nepal Chapter (ISOC Nepal). Beyond technology, he is passionate about fostering human connections, conserving culture, and creating new opportunities for people and communities all throughout the nation .Bikram has led the charge in Nepal’s attempts to create an accessible, secure, reliable, and open internet over the last ten years and beyond. Under his direction, ISOC Nepal has developed into a dynamic forum that brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, business executives, civil society activists, and technical specialists, all of whom are collaborating to develop Nepal’s digital future.
Bikram quit his position as chapter president, but he is still steadfast in his support of ISOC Nepal’s objective. He now acts as a mentor and trusted advisor to the chapter’s up-and-coming leaders, lending his extensive knowledge and perspectives to make sure ISOC Nepal stays at the forefront of the nation’s continuous digital revolution. Under his direction, the chapter remains committed to the global Internet Society’s mission: to advance a safe, useful, and accessible internet for all people, regardless of location or background.
Implementing Strategic Plans and Promoting Inclusive Conversations
Organizing and maintaining significant projects that have united Nepal’s online community has been one of Bikram’s most significant achievements. His leadership has helped ISOC Nepal establish a reputation for successfully hosting the National Internet Governance Forum (IGF), an annual gathering that provides a vital forum for honest, multistakeholder discussion of urgent internet issues. These National IGF events, which Bikram has been leading the chapter in hosting since 2019, have become more significant and well-known every year.
One significant event was the 2021 National IGF, which was conducted virtually in reaction to the COVID-19 a pandemic With more than 500 attendees from all throughout Nepal and beyond, it offered a comprehensive schedule of interactive sessions, panel discussions, and workshops. Bikram pushed for a particular emphasis on small company internet safety, which is crucial considering Nepal’s quickly growing e-commerce industry. His advocacy gave small business owners useful tools to safeguard their digital activities and helped increase awareness of the particular cybersecurity issues they face.
Community Empowerment Through Beyond the Net Initiatives
Mr.Bikram’s vision goes beyond administration and policy; he firmly believes in empowering people and communities via digital education and useful skills. By means of ISOC’s Beyond the Net initiative, Bikram has provided guidance and assistance for several initiatives that aim to provide digital resources and expertise to the most vulnerable.
The 2022 project, which was started in the rural Kavrepalanchok district and involved ISOC Nepal training more than 300 women entrepreneurs in digital literacy, is a prime illustration of this. Training materials were provided in local languages and customized to the participants’ cultural background as part of this program’s careful design to guarantee accessibility and relevance. Many women became more comfortable using online platforms to market their goods, handle their money, and reach clients outside of their local communities as a result of this endeavor. This training has changed many people’s lives by promoting greater independence and opening up new economic prospects.
Having an Impact on National Policies for a More Secure and Inclusive Internet
In addition to community initiatives, Bikram has been instrumental in creating national internet regulations that take into account the specific needs and circumstances of Nepalese internet users. He actively supported ISOC Nepal’s contributions to the country’s national cyber security policy in 2023. His campaign highlighted the value of community-based security education in countering growing threats including cyberbullying, phishing, and online fraud.
Bikram supported for inclusive, realistic rules that are based on the real-world experiences of regular internet users, taking inspiration from ISOC Nepal’s “SecureFamily” campaign, which encourages families and people to use the internet safely. Because of his efforts, the policy framework now promotes education and awareness in addition to technical security measures, enabling people to protect themselves online.
A Tradition of Cooperation, Learning, and Self-Empowerment
Bikram Shrestha has shown the value of an individual-centered approach to technology and the strength of teamwork throughout his tenure with ISOC Nepal. Under his direction, Nepal’s digital community has grown stronger and more cohesive by bringing together a variety of views and fostering cross-sector cooperation.
Bikram has contributed to building the foundation for a more secure, welcoming, and dynamic internet ecosystem in Nepal by guiding upcoming leaders, planning significant events, supporting community empowerment initiatives, and influencing national policy. His efforts continue to encourage others to see the internet’s revolutionary power and to band together to make sure that its advantages are felt across the nation. Bikram’s story provides an example of how vision, commitment, and empathy can transform ideas into significant change, paving the way for people and communities to prosper in the digital era and influencing Nepal’s future as an empowered, connected country.