Internet Society (ISOC)
Mr. Bikram Shrestha is actively involved in international projects that strive to make the internet safer, more open, and accessible for everyone. His commitment with the Internet Society (ISOC) goes well beyond his role as ISOC Nepal’s head. By participating in international forums, encouraging digital inclusion, and working together on projects that improve online security and accessibility, he firmly supports ISOC’s aim to guarantee that the internet continues to be a beneficial force in the world. His international efforts include on increasing internet access in rural and underserved areas, encouraging multistakeholder discussion on important internet issues including cybersecurity and digital rights, and supporting laws that empower communities and safeguard user privacy.
Bikram has been actively participating in ISOC’s worldwide efforts since 2019, such as the “Internet for All” campaign, which aims to connect the millions of people who are still offline. He made significant contributions to ISOC’s worldwide study on rural connection through 2020 by drawing on Nepal’s own experiences with last-mile connectivity initiatives, such as community Wi-Fi networks in isolated districts like Dolakha. He helped to create ISOC’s worldwide strategy for enhancing internet access in remote and difficult-to-reach areas by highlighting the value of solid local partnerships in addressing infrastructure constraints.
Bikram passionately advocated for stronger encryption standards to protect user data at ISOC’s 2021 Global Encryption Day. He still supports this cause through ISOC Nepal’s initiatives to raise cybersecurity awareness and protection throughout Nepal. His work demonstrates a profound awareness that safeguards against new cyberthreats must expand along with Nepal’s digital environment.Bikram plays an equally important role in promoting multistakeholder discussion. He organized a panel discussion at the 2023 ISOC Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on community networks as a practical and efficient way to address the digital divide. Based on his vast experience with the Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF) and ISOC Nepal, he emphasized Nepal’s successful community-driven internet initiatives as an example for the region. Nepal’s achievements were used as a primary case study in the regional action plan that was developed as a result of the discussion and was aimed at helping and scale community networks.
Bikram keeps up his campaigns for laws and initiatives that improve communities around the world through his work with ISOC. He sees the internet as a platform for creativity, education, and economic opportunity in addition to connectivity, guaranteeing that everyone may take advantage of a safe, inclusive, and durable digital world.