By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Nov. 15: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Devendra Poudel has said that Nepal has already made significant progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the area of education, health, gender equality and women's empowerment.

Addressing the 41st general conference of the UNESCO in Paris on Saturday, Minister Poudel said in line with the SDGs, Nepal has put forward “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” as the national aspiration to steer all the development efforts.

Regarding Nepal’s effort in education, Minister Poudel said Nepal tried hard to continue the education of children even during several lockdowns caused by COVID-19. In the address he said, "We had to make do with the use of low-tech for education, such as the use of television, community radio and home-based learning materials, making us ponder how the digital divide could be bridged."
Likewise, in regard to the literacy campaign the government has devised necessary legal instruments allowing local bodies to make appropriate decisions with a strong commitment to “Learning never stops”.

"Nepal has adopted necessary directives and manuals to continue the education calendar despite the adverse effects of the pandemic. We are trying hard to design and implement digital platforms for better experiences in alternative learning," he said.

Minister Poudel said Nepal had also given priority to develop science and technology where Nepal promotes innovation and research and thus encourages young scientists to take the next steps in Artificial Intelligence. The STEM education has been considered as a focused area for school and higher educational system in Nepal, he said.

UNESCO general convention is ongoing in Paris from 9 November to 24 November. The general conference consists of the representatives of UNESCO's member states. It meets every two years. Nepal is attending as a member state.