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International

Issues

COMPENDIUM

FUTURE OF SAARC

SAARC Charter Day is observed annually on 8th December. It marks the signing of the SAARC Charter in
1985 by the Leaders of SAARC Countries, Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the First SAARC Summit held in Dhaka.
f The Charter recognises the region's shared history and the determination of the Member States.
f The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) Board has also approved funding of USD 7.75 M to support COVID-
19 projects of the SAARC Member State Governments through their ministries of health.
About SAARC

f It is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia.
f The SAARC was founded in Dhaka on 8th December 1985.
f Its secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

f The objective of SAARC is to accelerate the process of social, economic and cultural development in the
region.
f Member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
f It also has nine Observers, namely China, EU, Iran, Republic of Korea, Australia, Japan, Mauritius,
Myanmar and USA.
f The SAARC maintains permanent diplomatic relations at the United Nations as an observer and has
developed links with multilateral entities, including the European Union.
SAARC Specialized Bodies

f SAARC Development Fund (SDF) South Asian University South Asian Regional Standards Organization
SAARC Arbitration Council

Role and achievements of SAARC:
f Promoting peace and overall growth: The underlying idea behind SAARC was to promote peace,
accelerate economic growth, social advancement and ensure better standard of living of the people of
South Asia.
f Promoting regional cooperation: Despite numerous problems, SAARC has made remarkable
achievements and played a vital role in realizing its aims and objectives to promote The 36th South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter Day was observed in Thimphu on 8th December.
regional cooperation. This cooperation may be witnessed in the establishment and initiation of various
programs and forums for mutual benefits.
f Scope and Sectors: SAARC agenda has expanded considerably, exhibiting the intent and capacity to
work collectively on issues of agriculture, rural development, health, population, women empowerment

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