The Role and Relevance of
SAARC in Regional Cooperation
Introduction to SAARC
• The South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) aims to promote
regional cooperation and development among
South Asian nations.
History and Establishment
• Founded on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka,
Bangladesh, SAARC began with seven member
countries, later joined by Afghanistan in 2007.
Member Countries and Their
Contributions
• - Afghanistan: Bridging Central and South Asia
• - Bangladesh: SAARC Secretariat
• - Bhutan: Environmental policies
• - India: Major trade partner
• - Maldives: Climate change advocacy
• - Nepal: Regional peace facilitator
• - Pakistan: Economic growth initiatives
• - Sri Lanka: Cultural exchange leader
Objectives of SAARC
• - Promote economic growth
• - Foster cultural ties
• - Enhance social welfare
• - Encourage regional stability
• - Focus on sustainable development
Principles of SAARC
• - Sovereign equality
• - Territorial integrity
• - Political independence
• - Non-interference in internal affairs
• - Decisions by consensus
Structure of SAARC
• 1. Summit Meetings: Annual gatherings of
heads of state.
• 2. Council of Ministers: Oversees policies.
• 3. Standing Committee: Coordinates
initiatives.
• 4. Specialized Bodies: Includes SAARC
Development Fund, etc.
Summit Meetings and Key
Decisions
• Summits highlight mutual cooperation and
establish new frameworks for collaboration.
• Example: The 18th SAARC Summit emphasized
connectivity and trade.
Economic Cooperation (SAFTA)
• - Established in 2006 to reduce trade barriers.
• - Goal: Free trade area by eliminating tariffs.
• - Challenges: Political tension and poor
infrastructure.
Social Initiatives
• - Poverty alleviation programs
• - Educational exchange schemes
• - Regional health collaborations (HIV, COVID-
19)
Cultural and Educational Exchange
• - Promotes student exchange programs
• - Encourages joint cultural festivals
• - Strengthens regional understanding and
unity
Disaster Management and Climate
Change
• - Collaboration on disaster risk reduction
• - SAARC Natural Disaster Rapid Response
Mechanism
• - Climate change adaptation programs
Achievements of SAARC
• - South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)
• - Cultural and educational programs
• - Health and environmental initiatives
Challenges Facing SAARC
• - India-Pakistan conflicts
• - Economic disparity among members
• - Inefficient decision-making
• - Bilateral disputes hindering progress
Political Tensions (Case Studies)
• Example 1: India-Pakistan trade disputes
• Example 2: Border issues affecting
collaboration
Economic Disparities
• - High variation in GDP and development
levels.
• - Example: Maldives vs. India in economic
scale.
Comparison with Other
Organizations
• 1. ASEAN: Stronger intra-regional trade
• 2. EU: Economic and political integration
• SAARC lags in unity and efficiency.
Future Prospects
• - Revitalizing SAFTA
• - Enhancing connectivity
• - Encouraging dialogue for peace
• - Focusing on youth and technology
Potential Reforms
• - Empowering SAARC Secretariat
• - Implementing stricter decision timelines
• - Expanding collaborations with global
organizations
Importance of Regional
Cooperation
• Regional cooperation is essential to address
shared challenges like poverty, climate
change, and health crises.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
• SAARC has the potential to transform South
Asia into a region of peace and prosperity by
addressing its challenges and focusing on
unity.
Acknowledgments and References
• - Official SAARC Website
• - UNDP Reports
• - World Bank Publications
• - Academic Journals
