The Meetings of the Heads of State or Government of Member States is the highest decision making authority under SAARC. Summits are usually held biennially hosted by a Member State in alphabetical order. The Member State hosting the Summit assumes the Chair of the Association.

The key outcome of a SAARC Summit is a Declaration.The Summit Declaration contains decisions and directives of the Leaders to strengthen and consolidate regional cooperation in different areas being pursued under the auspices of SAARC.

The Declaration is adopted by the Leaders at the concluding session of a Summit.

The Summit also considers and approves reports of the Council of Ministers and Ministerial Meetings. During the Summit, policy statements on regional cooperation under SAARC are made by the Leaders. The Summit is also addressed by Heads of Observer delegations and by the Secretary General.