Exploring South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

Uniting South Asia for Progress and Harmony

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a prominent geopolitical union and regional intergovernmental organization in South Asia. Established on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, SAARC aims to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development within the South Asia region. The member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These countries encompass a significant portion of the world’s population and a considerable part of the global economy.

The Secretariat of SAARC, headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, coordinates and monitors the implementation of activities, serves as a channel of communication between the Association and its Member States as well as other regional organizations, and organizes meetings. The official language of the organization is English.

SAARC has several specialized bodies and regional centers across its member countries to enhance regional integration and cooperation in specific areas. These include the SAARC Development Fund, South Asian University, SAARC Disaster Management Centre, and SAARC Cultural Centre, among others.