PRESS RELEASE
KATHMANDU, March 31, 2025 — UNFPA in Nepal, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population, Google, UNFPA’s Information Technology Services Office (ITSO), and with support from the British Embassy Kathmandu, launched a pioneering AI-driven data analysis system today at an event attended by key stakeholders from government, development partners, and the private sector.
The event, titled “Unlocking Data with AI: Leveraging AI for Data Analysis and Reporting,” introduced a cutting-edge pilot AI system designed to transform how data is analyzed and reported in Nepal. The innovation allows users to generate AI-powered statistics, graphs, tables, and reports from complex datasets in real time using simple questions. The pilot system used data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022 to showcase its application. The system boasts a domain-aware semantic query engine at its core—a technically advanced feature where the system understands the specific field or area of knowledge the user query relates to.
Won Young Hong, UNFPA Country Representative for Nepal, said, “AI has the potential to fundamentally transform how surveys are conducted and how reports are produced—making data collection and analysis more timely, efficient, and accurate. We are excited about its ability to help the government release data analysis and narrative reports much faster, enhancing responsiveness and bringing significant cost-effectiveness—an especially critical advantage in today’s challenging global financial landscape. We are grateful to the British Embassy in Nepal for its innovative and risk-taking partnership, which is helping to make this progress possible.”
His Excellency Robert Dominic Russell Fenn, the British Ambassador to Nepal, emphasized the significance of the initiative in his opening remarks, stating, "By making data more accessible, timely, and actionable using AI-powered analyses, this project sets a strong example of how innovation can make development more inclusive with evidence-based policies, bridging the gap between institutions and individuals. Through this collaboration, we are proud to support UNFPA for this digital transformation in evidence-based policymaking.”
Dr. Bikash Devkota, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, highlighted how AI can help overcome challenges in data analysis, such as human resource and technical capacity gaps. “AI opens new frontiers for our public institutions to make faster and smarter decisions based on real-time evidence,” he said.
The event included a live demonstration of the AI system and a vision to integrate it within current government data systems and processes. The event attracted around 150 participants, including senior representatives from the Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the National Statistics Office, UN agencies, academia, private sector, tech companies, and media outlets.
The initiative is expected to foster future partnerships to integrate AI-powered tools in additional sectors and datasets, promoting improved public decision-making. This project embodies the growing global momentum towards leveraging AI in the development sector for more impact with greater efficiency.
For further inquiries:
Aditi Aryal
9849541479
aryal@unfpa.org
