Nepal’s drone technology ecosystem has expanded rapidly, initially driven by anti-poaching efforts and now transforming sectors such as disaster management, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

However, gaps remain in local expertise, regulatory frameworks, and policies, underscoring the need for a more structured approach to sustain this growth.

To address these challenges and explore emerging opportunities, the Government of Nepal, with support from the World Bank and grant financing from the Korea–World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF), hosted the South Asia Drone Forum from April 9–11, 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

This three-day event brought together key stakeholders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and beyond—including government officials, industry leaders, academics, development partners, and youth innovators.

Key features included keynote speeches, technical sessions, interactive workshops, live drone flight demonstrations, and a half-day workshop for regulators.

Forum Reflections

From 9–11 April 2025, the South Asia Drone Forum in Kathmandu brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and innovators from across the region and beyond.

Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, and supported by the Government of Nepal, the Korea–World Bank Partnership Facility, and the World Bank, the Forum formed part of the broader Drone Ecosystem Acceleration Program. It marked a significant milestone for South Asia, helping to align national strategies, strengthen local ecosystems, and accelerate the safe and effective integration of drones across sectors.

Over three days, more than 300 participants engaged in plenary sessions, technical discussions, workshops, and live demonstrations. The Forum explored how drone technology is already contributing to real-world challenges across agriculture, disaster management, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and conservation.

A defining strength of the Forum was the diversity of perspectives, with practical experiences shared from across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Day 1 focused on policy and governance, highlighting the need for clear, risk-based regulatory frameworks and stronger institutional coordination.

Day 2 explored industry growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on skills development and education.

Day 3 focused on regional cooperation, including a high-level roundtable with Civil Aviation Authorities.

Live demonstrations and the exhibition space connected discussion with real-world applications, allowing participants to engage directly with technology and use cases.

A consistent message emerged: the future of drones in South Asia depends not only on technology, but on collaboration, capacity building, and supportive regulatory frameworks.

Participants left with strengthened networks, shared insights, and a clear direction for continued regional collaboration.

SADF 2025 Moments

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

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