South Asia Drone Forum 2025, Kathmandu, Nepal

03/05/2025

🤖✨ How are AI, robotics, and data transforming the way we use drones?

Watch the full session from the South Asia Drone Forum 2025, Nepal – Plenary 3: Robotics, Data and AI for Drones 🎥

This panel session dives into how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping drone applications in South Asia and beyond — improving disaster response, boosting efficiency, and enabling smarter, real-time decisions.

🌐 From real-world case studies to future-focused discussions, hear from innovators and experts working at the intersection of tech and impact.

🎤 **Speakers & Panelists include:**
👉 Mr. Uttam Pudasaini – Co-founder, NAXA
👉 Ms. Saadia Habib – Director, Robotics & STEM, Pakistan
👉 Er. Bikash Gurung – President, Robotics Association of Nepal
👉 Mr. Edward Anderson – Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, World Bank
👉 Prof. Lafifa Jamal – Robotics & Mechatronics, University of Dhaka
👉 Mr. Mrinal Pai – Co-Founder, Skylark Drones
👉 Ms. Nishara Thathsarani Jayasinghe – Senior Surveyor, Suleco Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka
🎙️ Moderated by Ms. Nhasala Joshi – Co-Founder, Women Leaders in Technology

📺 Watch the full recording here: https://youtu.be/6N__5V30bS8?si=dd3m5WAld0yIOVPl

26/04/2025

🚁 Recording Available: Plenary 1 – Evolving Global Drone Regulations & Implications in South Asia 🌍🎥

Missed the live session? Catch up now!
📺 Watch here: https://youtu.be/baziQpStpmE?si=AqbgOSlajC8hHvie

As part of the South Asia Drone Forum 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal, this plenary brought together top civil aviation officials and regulatory experts from , , , , , , , and beyond to discuss the future of drone regulations in the region.

Highlights from the session:
✅ Keynote by Mr. Hiroyuki Takata (ICAO) on global regulatory trends
✅ Insights on successful drone policies & challenges in South Asia
✅ The push for regional coordination & harmonized policies
✅ Discussions on aviation safety, innovation, and cross-border collaboration

🎤 Panelists:
🔹 Mr. Praveen Wijesinghe – Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
🔹 Engr. Arsalan Shafiq – Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
🔹 Mr. Gyanendra Bhul – Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
🔹 Mr. Pelden Wangchuk – Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority
🔹 Ms. Kavita Singh – Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India
🔹 Mr. Ashraful Alam – Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh
🔹 Mr. Mohamed Aflah – Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation, Maldives

🎙 Moderated by: Ms. Keren Asaba, Technology & Social Impact Consultant (UNICEF & World Bank)

🚀 If you're working on drone regulations, UTM, BVLOS operations, or aviation governance, this session is a must-watch!

25/04/2025

🚁 Recording Available: Plenary 1 – Evolving Global Drone Regulations & Implications in South Asia 🌍🎥

Missed the live session? Catch up now! 📺

Watch here: https://youtu.be/baziQpStpmE?si=y0YHvC6W-0JelE5w

As part of the South Asia Drone Forum 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal, this plenary brought together top civil aviation officials and regulatory experts from , , , , , , , and beyond to discuss the future of drone regulations in the region.

Highlights from the session:
✅ Keynote by Mr. Hiroyuki Takata Regional Officer, Air Traffic Management, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
✅ Insights on successful drone policies & challenges in South Asia
✅ The push for regional coordination & harmonized policies
✅ Discussions on aviation safety, innovation, and cross-border collaboration

🎤 Panelists:
🔹 Mr. Praveen Wijesinghe – Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
🔹 Engr. Arsalan Shafiq – Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
🔹 Mr. Gyanendra Bhul – Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
🔹 Mr. Pelden Wangchuk – Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority
🔹 Ms. Kavita Singh – Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India
🔹 Mr. Ashraful Alam – Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh
🔹 Mr. Mohamed Aflah – Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation, Maldives

🎙 Moderated by: Ms. Keren Asaba, Technology & Social Impact Consultant (UNICEF & World Bank)

🚀 If you're working on drone regulations, UTM, BVLOS operations, or aviation governance, this session is a must-watch!

22/02/2025

🚀 Announcing the South Asia Drone Forum 2025! 9th - 11th April 2025

We are excited to invite you to the South Asia Drone Forum, taking place this April in Kathmandu, Nepal! 🌏

This groundbreaking event will bring together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to explore how drone technology can drive transformation and collaboration in the region.

📅 Event Highlights:
- Regional Collaboration: Discussions tailored to South Asia's unique challenges and opportunities.
- Expert Keynotes & Panels: Insights from global and regional leaders shaping the drone industry.
- Live Flight Demonstrations: Witness cutting-edge drones in action
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with regulators, businesses, and innovators driving drone advancements across South Asia.

Whether you're a policymaker, an entrepreneur, or a tech enthusiast, the South Asia Drone Forum is the ideal platform to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of drones in the region.

💻 Learn more and to register, please go to https://southasiadroneforum.info/

Let’s unite for a stronger, smarter, and more connected South Asia through drones!

Nepal's drone technology ecosystem has rapidly expanded, initially driven by anti-poaching efforts and now impacting sectors such as disaster management, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. However, there are gaps in local expertise, regulatory frameworks, and policies which highl...