Michael Croft, the Head of Office and UNESCO representative to Nepal, has been actively engaged in advancing the shared goals of Nepal and UNESCO since August 2021.

In an interview with the Post’s Aarati Ray, Croft shared his love for reading, his message for World Press Freedom Day and threats of AI.

How has your journey with reading been?

My parents were teachers, so books and reading were quite important in my house and I learned to read early on.

There was also a time in my thirties when I thought everything that I read had to be for work and reading wasn’t for pleasure. But when I turned forty, I started reading for pleasure again. I got my first Kindle around then, which was handy because I moved around a lot to different places and didn’t always have access to English books.

Now, I make sure to read as much as I can, especially in the evenings before bed. I especially read historical fiction and often literature about the new place I am in.

Before Nepal, you were in Vietnam as a UNESCO representative. What cultural differences have you noticed between Nepal and Vietnam?

I see more similarities than differences between the two countries. Vietnam and Nepal both value their rich cultures and diversity. Vietnam leverages its cultural strengths for development, while Nepal still needs to fully leverage its cultural richness for development, which is something we’re working on here.

In terms of society, both countries have strong social fabrics, but Vietnam is more homogeneous. Nepal’s diversity is one of the most magical things about Nepal. It’s not always possible in other countries, but Nepalis have this special space and freedom for creativity and embracing different identities and forms.

Do you think reading culture is declining globally?

I’m not sure if it's true that people are reading less, but I do think the way we read has changed. If reading is indeed declining, it worries me because understanding complex issues often requires reading about them thoroughly.

Reading allows us to inform ourselves about important topics, and it's hard to find a better way to do that. Plus, the act of reading itself improves our thinking process.

How important has reading been in your journey of developing diplomacy and negotiation skills?

Reading inspires my writing, and effective writing is essential for communicating ideas in diplomacy and development work. It's a skill that has served me well and even helped me deal with tricky situations.

While I don’t claim to be wise, organisations like UNESCO rely on my experiences to ensure that I make good decisions in Nepal. Reading is crucial for making informed decisions across various issues and levels. I often depend on reading material I engaged with years ago, but I also continually integrate new subjects and topics into my reading to ensure I can fulfil my professional responsibilities effectively.

Are libraries and books becoming irrelevant due to digitalisation and online sources?

I don’t think libraries are becoming irrelevant at all. While it’s true that we have easy access to information online, there’s a distinction between information, knowledge and wisdom. In today's world, where we're bombarded with misinformation and information overload, reading is more important than ever for critical observation.

Libraries, like museums, need to evolve in the 21st century, but they are still essential parts of society. While we may not go to libraries solely for information anymore, they still provide valuable knowledge, experiences and learning opportunities.

How do you view the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on freedom of expression (FoE) and speech?

AI presents both challenges and opportunities for institutions like developing agencies, governments and universities. However, the algorithms used in social media can shape what we see, potentially reinforcing stereotypes and narrow worldviews which is concerning as it limits exposure to diverse perspectives.

AI will continue to be a topic of discussion for some time, and it's hard to fully grasp how much it will change our lives in the near future.

What has been UNESCO doing to minimise the risks of AI and are there further plans for the future?

A few years ago, member states globally recognised the challenge of AI and requested UNESCO to develop an ethical framework for AI, which was signed by all the then 193 member states in November 2021.

UNESCO is one of the first entities to put some guardrails on the great highway of AI but we also have to look at the applications of AI. So, currently, UNESCO is exploring AI’s implications in science, education, and culture.

In Nepal, there are plans to launch an initiative this year focusing on integrating AI into education for its benefits while mitigating challenges.

What significant threats do you see in Nepal in terms of FoE and press freedom?

In Nepal, while significant strides have been made in the past to secure press freedom and FoE, new challenges have emerged in recent years.

One significant threat is the rise of social media and online platforms, which have facilitated the spread of misinformation, deep fakes and fake news. These pose challenges to maintaining an informed public discourse, increase hate speech and undermine trust in media sources.

Despite these challenges, Nepal benefits from a relatively open political space where societal debates can take place openly. However, it’s crucial for Nepal, like any other country, to reassess how it can reinforce and uphold press freedom and FoE in the face of evolving threats.

What message would you like to convey for this upcoming World Press Freedom Day?

I want to emphasise the critical role that journalists play in addressing the pressing issue of climate change which is UNESCO’s theme this year.

Climate change can often seem overwhelming and distant, filled with complex data and statistics. It’s the responsibility of journalists to break down these complexities, to make the issue relatable and understandable for the average person.

While physical violence against journalists may be less prevalent in places like Kathmandu, online harassment, especially targeting women, remains a significant issue. Journalists reporting on environmental issues are increasingly at risk of harm, with instances of violence and even fatalities occurring globally.

This World Press Freedom Day, we aim to reaffirm our commitment to defending press freedom, supporting journalists, and acknowledging their vital contribution to our understanding of the world and its challenges like Climate Change.

How can we encourage reading culture in the younger generation?

Every night before bed, I read to my six-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, just as my parents did for me when I was young. This tradition has instilled in me a lifelong passion for reading. Therefore, I believe that parents reading to their children is one of the most effective ways to cultivate a reading culture from a young age.

In what ways do books contribute to our understanding of culture and help mitigate differences?

Before travelling outside of North America for the first time at 28 for an internship at UNESCO in Paris, I read a book on cultural shock. Despite my initial confidence as a Canadian going to Paris, I quickly realised how different everything was—from groceries to navigating daily tasks like going to the post office.

The stress of adaptation made me initially dislike the place, but later thanks to that book, I grew to appreciate French culture as I embraced its differences.

That's just one instance of how a single book influenced me. It equipped me with a vital life skill that has proven instrumental in shaping both my personal and professional journey.

So, books offer insights into diverse cultures, developing empathy and appreciation for diversity. They serve as windows into unfamiliar worlds and help bridge the gap between people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Michael Croft’s book recommendations

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Publisher: Charles Scribner’s Sons

Year: 1940

This was the only book that ever made me cry. The narrative draws from Hemingway’s first-hand encounters during the Spanish Civil War while working as a correspondent for the North American Newspaper Alliance.

Manual of the Warrior of Light

Author: Paulo Coelho

Publisher: Harper Collins

Year: 1997

Coelho’s book is full of advice on how to deal with problems, face challenges and become a better person. Reading it during my youth served as a reminder of the kind of person I was and the kind of person I wanted to be in the future.

The Bullet and the Ballot Box

Author: Aditya Adhikari

Publisher: Verso

Year: 2014

This book is about Nepal’s Maoist revolution and social transformation. In this, we get to know that development work is like psychology; it involves understanding a country’s psyche and citizens’ needs which are essential for development.

The Energy of Slaves

Author: Leonard Cohen

Publisher: McClelland & Stewart

Year: 1972

Cohen’s work often explores the themes of religion, isolation, sexuality and complex interpersonal relationships. I have read a few of his other works but because of the complex and raw feelings reflected in poems, this is my favourite one.

The Lost Salt Gift of Blood

Author: Alistair MacLeod

Publisher: New Canadian Library

Year: 1989

This book features simple yet deep stories about family bonds, generational conflicts and personal loss. Penned by the most esteemed writer from my province, the book serves as a reminder of my roots and is a comfort read for me.