The IATS Board described the government’s action as “unexpected and unwarranted interference” in what it characterised as a purely academic event. It warned that the cancellation could have wider repercussions for Nepal’s reputation as a venue for international academic gatherings. Following the government’s intervention, the two Kathmandu University centres handed responsibility for the seminar to the IATS Advisory Board. On August 7, the IATS Board convened an emergency online meeting to determine the future of the conference. It subsequently voted to assume the role of conference convenor and move the entire seminar online from August 23 to 29.