South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC)
History
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and political
organization of eight countries in South Asia. It was established in 1985 when the Heads of State of
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka formally adopted the charter.
Afghanistan joined as the 8th member of SAARC in 2007. To date, 18th Summits have been held
and Nepal’s former Foreign Secretary is the current Secretary General of SAARC. The 19th Summit
will be hosted by Pakistan in 2016.
Objectives
SAARC aims to promote economic growth, social progress and cultural development within the
South Asia region. The objectives of SAARC, as defined in its charter, are as follows:
Promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life
Accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region by
providing all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and realise their full potential
Promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia
Contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another’s problems
Promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural,
technical and scientific fields
Strengthen co-operation with other developing countries
Strengthen co-operation among themselves in international forms on matters of common
interest; and
Cooperate with international and regional organisation with similar aims and purposes.
Structure and Process
Cooperation in SAARC is based on respect for the five principles of sovereign equality, territorial
integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of the Member States and mutual
benefit. Regional cooperation is seen as a complement to the bilateral and multilateral relations of
SAARC Member States. SAARC Summits are held annually and the country hosting the Summit
holds the Chair of the Association. Decisions are made on an unanimity basis while bilateral and
contentious issues are excluded from the deliberations of SAARC. In addition to the eight Member
States, nine Observer States join SAARC Summits: China, the US, Myanmar, Iran, Japan, South
Korea, Australia, Mauritius and the European Union.
Areas of Cooperation
The Member States agreed on the following areas of cooperation:
Agriculture and rural development
Education and culture
Biotechnology
Economic, trade and finance
Energy
Environment
Tourism
Science and Technology
Information, Communication and Media
Poverty alleviation
Security aspects
People-to-People Contacts
Funding mechanism
Social development
Latest Developments
The 18th SAARC Summit held in Kathmandu in 2014 concluded with the adoption of the SAARC
Declaration. The Declaration recognizes labour migration as an issue in need of collective action.
Article 21 states that SAARC countries agree to collaborate to ensure the protection of migrant
workers from South Asia. During the Summit, SAARC leaders also called for authorities to tackle
and prevent the trafficking in women and children.
In regards to the Post-2015 Development Agenda, participating countries aim to initiate an inter-
governmental process to appropriately contextualize the Sustainable Development Goals at the
regional level.
SAARC The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
Organization the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union
of states in South Asia.
Foundation Dhaka on 8 December 1985
Secretariat Kathmandu, Nepal
Members Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan,
and Sri Lanka
purpose
Historical Background The idea of co-operation among South Asian Countries was
discussed in three conferences: the Asian Relations Conference held
in New Delhi in April 1947; the Baguio Conference in
the Philippines in May 1950; and the Colombo Powers Conference
held in Sri Lanka in April 1954
In the ending years of the 1970s, the seven inner South Asian
nations that included Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, agreed upon the creation of a trade
block and to provide a platform for the people of South Asia to
work together in a spirit of friendship, trust, and understanding.
Organizational
structure
