Worldlink, the leading Internet service provider, and KBCF (The Karnali Basin Conservation Foundation), a pioneer nonprofit organization promoting biodiversity conservation and economic development, collaborate to digitally develop Karnali and Sudurpachim provinces of Karnali River Basin (KRB). They aim for the region’s social-economic development by providing access to the internet and other services out of the internet connection.
KBCF works on biodiversity conservation, livelihood opportunities, health care, access to quality education, and eco-tourism. They manage funding sources for such activities. Worldlink’s expansion of the internet to the remote areas and under-privileged helps bridge the digital divide among the connected and non-connected people.
Similarly, at times like this, education and businesses are dependent on the internet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It makes internet access one of the basic requirements for people for which Worldlink is incessantly working on.
Chairperson of KBCF, Mr. Radhesh Pant, explained the importance of the collaboration as, “As there is still a lot to accomplish in the region, it is important to lay a strong foundation for long-term and sustainable growth. Having infrastructure, both soft and hard, for a digital economy will be key in this regard. We aim to support the provinces in the region to leapfrog in the development process, and WorldLink is the ultimate partner to achieve this pioneering objective.”
Similarly, Chairman and Founder/Director of Worldlink Communications, Mr. Dileep Agarwal, expressed, “We will jointly work towards identifying growth zones and providing internet access for commercial business, community groups, and individuals to leverage the opportunities of a stable digital platform, fulfilling our vision of creating a ‘Digital Karnali.’ This project is in perfect synergy with our vision statement: ‘To connect everyone, anywhere, all the time.’”
The agreement between Worldlink and KBCF intends to create opportunities for the people and community of the region (KRB). It includes access to digital services, only possible with the internet expanded by Worldlink. They can create employment opportunities, support to the entrepreneurs, SME’s in the region. Such opportunities for the community will help improve the region’s social, economic, and environmental aspects. The collaboration will ensure the people in the area are digitally capable and use it for their prosperity.
Worldlink has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and one of the achievements in this period is the expansion of the broadband internet to Karnali’s remote places. So, the partnership between KBCF and Worldlink targets to make use of the broadband connectivity for the region’s development. Digital Karnali also syncs with the government’s Digital Nepal concept to bring prosperity to the country.
Source: https://www.nepalitelecom.com/2020/10/worldlink-kbcf-partner-for-digital-karnali.html