Role of SAARC in regional cooperation
The idea of regional cooperation in South Asia began to take shape in the early 1980s when
leaders of South Asian countries recognized the potential benefits of closer ties and cooperation.
The South Asian Regional Cooperation (SARC) conference held in Colombo in 1981 laid the
groundwork for what would become SAARC. However, it was not until 1985 that SAARC was
officially established with the signing of the SAARC Charter by the heads of state or government
of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The primary objectives outlined in the SAARC Charter were to promote the welfare of the
peoples of South Asia, to improve their quality of life, to accelerate economic growth, social
progress, and cultural development in the region, and to provide all individuals the opportunity to
live in dignity and to realize their full potential.
Structure of SAARC:
SAARC operates through various organs and mechanisms:
1. Summit: The highest authority of SAARC is the Summit, held annually. It provides
direction and guidance for the organization's activities and initiatives.
2. Council of Ministers: Comprising the foreign ministers of member states, the Council of
Ministers is responsible for formulating policies, reviewing progress, and making
decisions on the recommendations of the Standing Committee.
3. Standing Committee: The Standing Committee, consisting of Foreign Secretaries,
oversees the implementation of SAARC's activities and initiatives between Summits.
4. Secretariat: SAARC's Secretariat, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, serves as the
administrative hub of the organization, facilitating communication and coordination
among member states.
5. Specialized Bodies: SAARC has established specialized bodies to focus on specific areas
of cooperation, such as the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), the SAARC Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and the SAARC Cultural Centre, among others.
Function of SAARC:
SAARC's functions and activities cover a wide range of areas, including:
1. Trade and Economic Cooperation: SAARC aims to promote trade liberalization and
economic integration among member states. The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)
is one of its key initiatives in this regard.
2. Agriculture and Rural Development: SAARC works to enhance agricultural
productivity and rural development in the region through various programs and
initiatives.
3. Environment and Climate Change: SAARC addresses environmental challenges and
climate change by promoting cooperation and exchange of best practices among member
states.
4. Human Resource Development: SAARC focuses on improving the quality of human
resources in the region through education, skill development, and capacity-building
initiatives.
5. Social Welfare: SAARC promotes cooperation in social welfare issues such as health,
poverty alleviation, and social protection.
Challenges
SAARC faces several challenges, including political differences, bilateral tensions, and security
concerns among member states, hindering cooperation and consensus-building. Slow progress on
economic integration, inadequate infrastructure, and development disparities within the region
further impede SAARC's ability to achieve its objectives. Institutional capacity constraints,
limited people-to-people contact, and broader regional and global geopolitical dynamics also
pose significant challenges. Addressing these challenges requires greater political will,
commitment, and cooperation among member states, along with a focus on building trust,
enhancing connectivity, promoting economic integration, and fostering greater people-to-people
contact within the region. Despite these challenges, SAARC remains an important forum for
promoting regional cooperation, dialogue, and understanding in South Asia.
Relevance of SAARC:
Despite facing several challenges, including political differences, security concerns, and bilateral
tensions among member states, SAARC remains the only regional organization representing the
entire South Asian region. Its relevance lies in several key aspects:
1. Promotion of Regional Integration: SAARC provides a platform for member states to
discuss and address common issues and challenges, fostering greater understanding and
cooperation among them.
2. Economic Development: SAARC's initiatives, such as SAFTA and the SAARC
Development Fund, aim to promote economic growth, trade, and investment in the
region.
3. Peace and Stability: By facilitating dialogue and cooperation among member states,
SAARC plays a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and security in South Asia.
4. People-to-People Contact: SAARC promotes people-to-people contact and cultural
exchange among member states, fostering greater understanding and cooperation at the
grassroots level.
In conclusion, SAARC has evolved into an important regional organization in South Asia since
its establishment in 1985. Despite facing challenges, it continues to play a significant role in
promoting economic development, regional integration, and peace and stability in the region.
With its focus on fostering greater cooperation and understanding among member states,
SAARC remains relevant in addressing the common challenges facing South Asia and promoting
the welfare and prosperity of its peoples.
