1. Background
Nepal has significant untapped potential to become a global leader in health tourism and
agro-tourism. However, fragmented governance limits coordinated development of these sectors.
The Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 emphasizes digital innovation, AI integration, and rural
empowerment, requiring a formal mechanism to coordinate these sectors for inclusive, quality, and
competitive development.
2. Purpose of the Committee
The National Joint Policy Coordination Committee (NJPC Committee) will develop integrated national policies for health tourism, agro-tourism, and AI ensuring alignment with Digital Nepal Framework 2.0.and facilitating cross-sector collaboration among government, private sector, academia, and civil society promoting ethical, sustainable, and competitive sector development.
3. Proposed Composition should be representatives drom MoCTCA (Chairperson), MoHP (Co-Chair), MoALD, MoCIT, NTB, NHRC, NAST (Members), Provincial Governments (Rotational Members), Private Sector, Farmer Cooperatives, Women's Networks, Indigenous Groups (Members), Development Partners (Observers)
4. Key Functions cover formulate integrated strategies, oversee AI adoption, data governance, and ethics, coordinate infrastructure development by mobilizing resources, monitoring sustainability and inclusion and promoting Nepal internationally
5. Prioritizing Rural Communities & Women by direct investments to rural areas ensuring representation in decision-making, empowering rural communities with AI tools, promoting women-led enterprises and safeguarding against digital divides
6. Expected Outcomes should be streamlined policies and accelerated AI adoption, improved coordination across sectors, increased rural incomes and job creation enhancing global reputation
7. Next Steps
- Cabinet approval for NJPC Committee, developing Terms of Reference within 90 days by mobilizing partner support and launching integrated policy drafting and pilots within six months
8. Conclusion
The NJPC Committee is essential to realizing Nepal's integrated, ethical, and inclusive health
tourism and agro-tourism vision under Digital Nepal Framework 2.0.