South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

SAARC Secretariat at Kathmandu

SAARC

Recipants of SAARC Literary Award 2013

Hibatullah Akhundzada OCS wordmark

Sheikh Hasina 2018 (cropped)

Tshering Tobgay

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and geopolitical organization of eight countries that are primarily located in South Asia. The member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAARC was founded in Dhaka on 8 December 1985 with the signing of the SAARC Charter by the leaders of the seven founding countries. Afghanistan joined the organization as its eighth member in 2007. The primary objective of SAARC is to promote economic and regional integration. It serves as a platform for the people of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust, and understanding. It aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development in member states, through joint action in the agreed areas of cooperation.

History

The concept of SAARC was first adopted by Bangladesh during the late 1970s, with the proposal aimed at increasing cooperation among the South Asian countries against the backdrop of the Cold War. The founding of SAARC was a manifestation of the desire of the South Asian countries to work together towards finding solutions to their common problems in a spirit of friendship, trust, and understanding and to create an order based on mutual respect, equity, and shared benefits.

Objectives

The main objectives of SAARC as outlined in its charter include promoting the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improving their quality of life; accelerating economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region; and promoting and strengthening collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia. Other objectives include contributing to mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation of one another's problems; promoting active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields; strengthening cooperation with other developing countries; and cooperating with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

Areas of Cooperation

SAARC has identified several key areas for cooperation, including agriculture and rural development, health and population activities, women, youth, and children, environment and forestry, science and technology, human resource development, and tourism. Over the years, SAARC has initiated various projects and activities in these areas to achieve its objectives.

Challenges

Despite its objectives, SAARC has faced several challenges that have hindered its progress, including political rivalry and conflict among its member states, particularly between India and Pakistan. These conflicts have often overshadowed the organization's efforts to foster regional integration and cooperation. Additionally, economic disparities and uneven development among member states have also posed significant challenges to SAARC's goals of regional integration.

Meetings

The highest level of the decision-making structure of SAARC is the summit of the heads of state or government, which is held biennially. The Council of Ministers, which consists of the foreign ministers of the member states, meets at least twice a year. The Standing Committee, comprising the foreign secretaries, prepares the agenda for the Council of Ministers and reviews the progress of cooperation.

Significance

Despite its challenges, SAARC remains a significant platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. It has played a crucial role in promoting understanding and cooperation among its member states in various fields. The organization's efforts in areas such as poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and regional connectivity have contributed to the socio-economic development of the South Asian region.