President of Bagmati University, Prof. Chandra Mani Paudel, held a meeting with Mr. Jaco du Toit, UNESCO Representative to Nepal, to explore potential areas of collaboration between Bagmati University and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in quality and inclusive higher education, skill-based education, information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), cultural exchange, social sciences, and sustainable education. The discussion emphasized the importance of developing higher education programs that respond to emerging global challenges while addressing Nepal’s national and local needs.
Prof. Paudel highlighted Bagmati University’s commitment to promoting innovative, technology-enabled, practical, and employment-oriented higher education. He emphasized the need to integrate AI and digital technologies into teaching, learning, research, and university management, while developing future-ready skills among students and faculty members.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, languages, cultural diversity, and social science research. Particular attention was given to the possibility of establishing a Research Center for Indigenous Culture, Heritage and Knowledge Preservation at Bagmati University. Such a center could contribute to research, documentation, digital preservation, education, cultural exchange, and the transmission of indigenous knowledge to future generations.
Other potential areas discussed included digital humanities, indigenous and endangered language preservation, cultural documentation, cultural and heritage-based tourism, cultural and creative industries, STEAM education, future skills, and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The two sides expressed interest in identifying concrete areas of cooperation through joint research, academic programs, capacity-building initiatives, knowledge exchange, cultural activities, seminars, workshops, and institutional partnerships.
The meeting marked an important step toward strengthening the relationship between Bagmati University and UNESCO Nepal and exploring opportunities to advance innovative, inclusive, culturally responsive, and sustainable higher education in Nepal.
