2024 marked a significant year for Open Knowledge Nepal (OKN) as we strengthened data-driven governance and fostered a culture of open data and collaboration across Nepal. As the year comes to a close, we reflect on our major initiatives and achievements that paved the way for a more transparent and innovative data ecosystem.

Integrated Data Management System (IDMS)

This year, OKN addressed the persistent challenges of data silos and fragmented datasets in Nepal’s local governments through the Integrated Data Management System (IDMS) for Local Government project. Supported by The Asia Foundation’s Data for Development (D4D) Programme, this initiative provided comprehensive technical and non-technical support to enhance data utilization at the local level.

In its fourth phase, the project emphasized data-driven decision-making, empowering municipalities with localized data management systems and knowledge. It is currently implemented in five municipalities – Birgunj Metropolitan City, Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City, Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City, Lekbeshi Municipality, and Suddhodhan Rural Municipality – laying a strong foundation for sustainable data practices and improved governance.

Data Hackdays

As part of the Women in Data Conference 2024, OKN and The Algorithm organized Data Hackdays in Tulsipur and Birgunj on August 25 and September 1. These events brought together local governments and community members to explore the potential of data through the lens of the IDMS. Participants developed data stories addressing critical themes like Women’s Statistics, Health, Environment, and Education.

These hackdays highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making while fostering collaboration between local governments and communities. They showcased the growing involvement of women in data, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to enhance data literacy and public engagement.

Open Data Nepal

Since its launch in 2018, Open Data Nepal has worked to make Nepal’s data permanently accessible online. In 2024, OKN initiated a comprehensive revamp of the portal to address fragmented and non-machine-readable datasets. The updated version, set to launch in 2025, will feature improved accessibility, user-friendly design, and advanced tools for data visualization and exploration, further empowering citizens, researchers, and developers.

Local Government Data Profile

In 2024, OKN leveraged the IDMS to develop a sustainable Local Government Data Profile (LG Profile). This initiative aims to streamline data processes, enhance decision-making, and set a benchmark for data-driven governance. Addressing challenges like capacity gaps and vendor-locked systems, the LG Profile emphasizes scalability, interoperability, and greater data ownership by local governments.

Currently being implemented at Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City, the LG Profile showcases how municipalities can adopt innovative, sustainable data practices to strengthen governance and resource allocation.

Events and Engagements

2024 was a vibrant year for OKN, filled with impactful events and collaborations aimed at promoting open data, inclusivity, and capacity building.

• Local Government Capacity Building: Conducted workshops to enhance data management, IDMS implementation, and inter-governmental data-sharing practices, empowering municipalities to adopt better governance strategies.
• Open Data Day 2024: Partnered with the Open Knowledge Network to host global celebrations of open data, including a Data Expedition in Janakpurdham, which advocated for open data utilization and built local capacity.
• Women in Data Conference: Held on March 5 with the theme “Ctrl+Z: Rewriting Gender Paradigms in Data and Tech,” this conference spotlighted gender disparities in the tech sector and offered skill-based workshops to empower participants.
• OKFN Network Meeting and Wikimania: Despite challenges like visa restrictions, the network meeting in Katowice, Poland, fostered global connections within the open knowledge community.
• Global Voices Summit 2024: Demonstrated the Open Data Editor (ODE), equipping participants with tools and techniques to produce high-quality, reusable datasets.

Collaborations and Partnerships

In 2024, OKN collaborated with leading organizations, including the Open Knowledge Foundation, The Asia Foundation’s D4D Programme, the Women in Data Steering Committee, Accountability Lab Nepal, and local governments. These partnerships strengthened Nepal’s open data ecosystem, fostering innovation and transparency.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we close 2024, we extend heartfelt gratitude to our partners, collaborators, and the community for their unwavering support.

2025 promises to be a year of growth and impact, with key events like the PublicBodies Datathon, Women in Data Conference, and Open Data Day(s) on the horizon. We will also continue advancing projects like IDMS, Open Data Nepal, and the LG Profile, driving innovation in Nepal’s data ecosystem.

Expanding our reach, we look forward to launching regional projects focusing on the Asia region, aligning with the Open Knowledge Foundation’s strategic focus on The Tech We Want.

Here’s to a collaborative, sustainable, and open 2025!