Nepal Internet Foundation awarded with “Emerging Digital Solutions & Ecosystem” Award

काठमाडौं ।

The ASOCIO Digital Summit 2024 in Tokyo, Japan, from November 6th to 8th, honored Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF) with the prestigious ASOCIO 2024 DX Award.

The Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) presented the award, celebrating outstanding contributions to digital innovation and transformation in the Asia-Oceania region.

NIF received recognition for its Everest Community Network (ECN) project, which established the highest community network at an altitude above 4,000 meters in the remote Himalayan villages of Khunde and Khumjung.

ECN promotes eco-tourism, environmental conservation, and digital connectivity by bringing reliable Internet access to these isolated communities. Through ECN, NIF has profoundly impacted local Sherpa communities, bridging the digital divide by providing digital tools, techniques, and resources that empower these remote Himalayan settlements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T562-1VcbGg

Everest Community Network (ECN) proved to be an invaluable resource during the devastating flood that struck Thame, a village in Nepal’s Khumbu region, on August 16, 2024. Thyanbo Glacial Lake’s outburst triggered the flood, causing extensive property damage and disrupting essential services like electricity and traditional communication channels.

ECN remained operational despite extensive power outages and the failure of other communication systems, offering crucial updates and facilitating real-time communication between officials, emergency services, and affected individuals with alternative solar power. This connection highlighted the importance of strong digital infrastructure in disaster-prone areas and aided critical relief efforts.

With its demonstration of how reliable Internet access can save lives, protect communities, and facilitate efficient disaster response in even the most difficult situations, the Thame experience demonstrated ECN’s innovative impact on the area.

Everest Community Network (ECN) stands out for its innovative use of technologies to foster development in education, healthcare, tourism promotion, Sherpa homestays, digital banking, and community engagement.

The project has demonstrated the transformative power of Internet connectivity in rural mountain areas, providing critical digital infrastructure and improving residents’ quality of life. The prestigious ASOCIO 2024 DX Award on ASOCIO Emerging Digital Solutions and Ecosystems has honored the Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF). https://www.asocio.org/award.html

ASOCIO, an international federation of IT organizations across 24 nations in Asia, awards digital excellence annually, recognizing the outstanding achievements of its member countries’ service providers.

In various categories, over 200 organizations received nominations this year. NIF’s recognition as the recipient of the “Emerging Digital Solutions & Ecosystem Award” highlights the far-reaching impact of ECN’s technological innovation in advancing sustainable digital solutions.