The drone technology ecosystem in South Asia has grown rapidly in recent years, with applications expanding across key sectors such as disaster response, healthcare delivery, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. While the progress is promising, challenges persist—especially in strengthening local expertise, refining regulatory frameworks, and developing cohesive policies. A more strategic and collaborative approach is critical to ensure the sustainability and impact of this growth.
In response to these challenges and to explore emerging opportunities, the Government of Nepal, in partnership with the World Bank and with funding support from the Korea-World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF), hosted the South Asian Regional Drone Forum from April 9–11, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
This three-day forum brought together a diverse array of stakeholders from across the region—including government officials, industry leaders, academic researchers, development partners, and young innovators—from countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and beyond. The event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration focused on shaping the future of drone technology in South Asia.
As part of the forum, a special retreat for Flying Labs from the region—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal—was organized. This gathering aimed to foster deeper collaboration, encourage knowledge sharing, and strengthen cross-border partnerships. Discussions centered on enhancing strategic communication, supporting grassroots innovation, and scaling drone-driven solutions for social good. Sonja Betschart, Co-founder of WeRobotics, joined the retreat to share global perspectives and guide meaningful conversations.
Nasir Khan Saikat, Director of Bangladesh Flying Labs (BFL), delivered a presentation titled “Robotics and Drones for Human Development,” highlighting BFL’s recent projects and initiatives. On the second day, he participated in a panel discussion titled “Drones for Development” alongside representatives from the World Bank (Bangladesh and Nepal), and drone ecosystem leaders from Nepal, Bhutan, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. BFL member Lafifa Jamal also contributed to the forum with a presentation showcasing additional work from the BFL.
One of the forum’s key highlights was a keynote address by Sonja Betschart, emphasizing the transformative role that drones can play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her talk underlined how inclusive and ethical drone technology can become a force for equity and resilience, especially when driven by local actors and grounded in community needs.
Together, the South Asian Regional Drone Forum and the Flying Labs Retreat marked a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward a more connected, capable, and responsible drone ecosystem. The event laid a strong foundation for future innovation, regulatory harmonization, and regional collaboration, paving the way for drones to serve as a powerful tool for sustainable development across South Asia.