SAARC History, Objectives and Functions

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and geopolitical organization established to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development within the South Asia region. Founded in Dhaka on December 8, 1985, by seven countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—with Afghanistan joining as the eighth member in 2007, SAARC aims to foster mutual understanding, amity, and collaboration among the member states. The association focuses on areas such as agriculture, rural development, science and technology, culture, health, population activities, and drug trafficking to accelerate the pace of sustainable development. SAARC provides a platform for its members to work collectively towards achieving peace, liberty, social justice, and economic prosperity for the people of South Asia.

History of SAARC:

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded to promote economic and regional integration among its member countries in South Asia. The idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first raised in May 1980. The Foreign Secretaries of the seven initial member countries met for the first time in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in April 1981. This meeting led to a series of diplomatic consultations that culminated in the adoption of the charter establishing SAARC during a summit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 8, 1985.

The founding members of SAARC are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan became the eighth member in 2007. The establishment of SAARC was driven by the recognition that regional cooperation could play a crucial role in promoting economic progress and social development in South Asia, a region marked by significant cultural, geographical, and economic diversity but also characterized by shared challenges and interests.

Since its inception, SAARC has focused on a wide range of areas for regional cooperation, including agriculture, rural development, environmental protection, trade, education, and health. Over the years, SAARC has faced challenges in achieving its objectives due to political tensions among member states, particularly between India and Pakistan. Despite these challenges, SAARC continues to serve as an important platform for discussing and addressing regional issues.

Objectives of SAARC:

• Promoting Welfare:

To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life through accelerated economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.

• Strengthening Collective Self-Reliance:

To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia.

• Collaborating for Economic Growth:

To contribute to mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation of one another’s problems by increasing collaboration and cooperation in economic, technological, social, and cultural fields.

• Strengthening Cooperation with Other Developing Countries:

To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries.

• Strengthening Cooperation Among Themselves in International Forums:

To strengthen cooperation among member states in international forums on matters of common interests.

• Cooperating with International and Regional Organizations:

To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

Functions of SAARC:

• Promoting Economic and Regional Integration:

SAARC aims to enhance economic cooperation within South Asia, including trade, investment, and movement of goods and services, to foster regional integration.

• Facilitating Collaboration in Agriculture and Rural Development:

The organization works on initiatives to boost agricultural production and rural development, aiming to ensure food security and improve livelihoods in member countries.

• Encouraging Scientific and Technological Cooperation:

SAARC promotes collaboration in science and technology to foster innovation and address common challenges related to health, environment, and development.

• Strengthening Cooperation in Education and Culture:

It facilitates educational exchanges and cultural cooperation to enhance mutual understanding and shared heritage among the member states.

• Addressing Social Issues:

SAARC undertakes initiatives to address social issues like poverty, malnutrition, and gender inequality, aiming to improve the overall quality of life in the region.

• Enhancing Connectivity:

It focuses on improving physical connectivity through transport and infrastructure development and digital connectivity to facilitate easier communication and trade.

• Environment and Energy Cooperation:

SAARC works on collaborative projects related to environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and energy security to ensure sustainable development in the region.

• Promoting Regional Peace and Security:

The organization also aims to foster peace and security in South Asia through dialogue and cooperation on cross-border issues like terrorism, transnational crime, and drug trafficking.

• Coordinating with Other International and Regional Organizations:

SAARC interacts and coordinates with other international and regional bodies to leverage global best practices and resources for regional development.