On January 11, 2025, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster regional cooperation in the domain of sustainable energy.

The document, signed by SAARC Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, and IRENA Director-General, His Excellency Mr. Francesco La Camera, in Abu Dhabi, formalizes a collaborative framework for promoting the widespread and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy across the South Asian region.

The MoU will establish a structured framework for cooperative endeavors between SAARC and IRENA, with a primary focus on facilitating knowledge exchange, capacity development, and the execution of joint projects that promote renewable energy deployment. By leveraging the respective strengths of each organization, this partnership strives to expedite the transition towards sustainable energy systems within the SAARC Member States.

This partnership aligns with the vision of the leaders of the SAARC Member States and commensurate with the burgeoning global commitment to transition to sustainable energy. Through collaborative efforts, SAARC and IRENA seek to unlock the full potential of renewable energy in South Asia, thereby fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region.

SAARC Secretariat
Kathmandu
11 January 2025

The South Asian University (SAU), a key initiative of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), convened its Twelfth Governing Board Meeting on January 7, 2024, at its New Delhi campus. The meeting was attended in person by Governing Board representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, as well as a representative from the SAARC Secretariat and SAU office bearers.

His Excellency Ambassador Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC, delivered the inaugural address. He expressed appreciation to the Government of India for hosting the University in New Delhi and for its continued support since the University’s establishment. Ambassador Sarwar conveyed his optimism for SAU's future and for regional cooperation under SAARC’s guidance, especially with the new President leading the University. He highlighted the challenges facing SAU, including the issues of country contributions, student enrollment and recruitment which need to be addressed to achieve the goals and aspirations envisioned by the founding members. He also commended the University for introducing new programmes, such as online courses in Artificial Intelligence, to address the evolving demands of the contemporary world.

Prof. Aggarwal, the incumbent President of South Asian University, outlined the initiatives he has undertaken since assuming office. He also presented the reforms he envisions for the upcoming years, while acknowledging the constraints that may affect their implementation.

Prof. Mukhtar Ahmed, the Chairman, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, presided over the meeting and officially called it to order, setting the stage for the discussions that followed.

As the meeting progressed, there was an in-depth and comprehensive examination of the proposed budget for the upcoming year. The Governing Board members thoroughly debated the allocation of resources and the financial plans needed to support the University’s growth and development. It was also deliberated on the importance of releasing fund contributions to ensure the smooth functioning of SAU. Additionally, the meeting focused on the future activities envisioned for South Asian University, with particular attention given to strategic initiatives aimed at expanding its academic offerings, improving infrastructure, and fostering regional cooperation. This discussion was crucial for ensuring that the University remains on track to achieve its goals while navigating any challenges that may arise in the coming years.

As SAARC’s Centre of Excellence, South Asian University stands as a distinctive hub for learning, research, and creativity for the region's citizens. It provides cutting-edge educational and research facilities, supported by a world-class faculty from both within the region and globally. The University currently has five faculties with seven departments, offering Master's and PhD programmes to approximately 600 students, guided by 55 faculty members. To date, the University has educated around 2,000 students and research fellows.

SAARC Secretariat
Kathmandu, 08 January 2025

The Secretary General of SAARC H.E. Md. Golam Sarwar received at his office today the Secretary General of BIMSTEC H.E. Indra Mani Pandey. During the meeting, the two dignitaries shared with each other about the activities of the respective regional organization and exchanged views on promoting cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

On the occasion of the historic 40th Charter Day of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar and Madam Taslima Sarwar hosted a Diplomatic Reception in Kathmandu today Rt. Hon'ble Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Vice President of Nepal, graced the function with his presence as the Chief Guest. Among the esteemed guests present at the commemorative event were Office-Bearers of the Constitutional Bodies of Nepal, Members of Parliament, Former Ministers, Secretaries of the Government of Nepal, high-ranking officials, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations in Kathmandu, representatives of business community and civil society, editors and reporters of media houses and people from all walks of life.

Heads of States/Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as well as the Foreign Ministers of Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka issued special messages on 08 December 2024 to commemorate this momentous day. In their messages, the Heads of State/Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs have underlined the important role of SAARC as a shared platform to its Member States for fostering mutual understanding, regional cooperation and solidarity.

The SAARC Leaders have also re-committed in realizing the collective vision of a peaceful, prosperous and more integrated South Asia. Addressing today’s function, Ambassador Sarwar stated that over the past four decades, SAARC has made valuable progress in consolidating and streamlining institutional structure, norm setting and programme implementation in priority areas of regional cooperation which are crucial to promoting the welfare of the peoples and improving their quality of life.
Looking back, our journey over the past four decades has been remarkable, the Secretary General said, we are deeply grateful for the commitments and contributions made by our Member States, SAARC Specialized Bodies, Regional Centers, Observers of SAARC, and our regional and international partners.

The Secretary General further stated that SAARC represented more than one-fourth of the world’s population and, endowed with vast human and natural resources, South Asia had immense potential to grow and prosper together as a region, With sustained endeavours, we will surely be able to realize the region’s vast possibilities through effective regional cooperation and integration, he added Today’s function also featured a live cultural performance representing the rich cultural traditions of all eight SAARC Member States. The guests in attendance were also treated with delicious cuisines of all SAARC Countries.

It may be mentioned that the Heads of State/Government of seven South Asian countries launched SAARC by adopting its Charter at the First Summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 08 December 1985. Since then, 08 December is observed as the SAARC Charter Day every year across the South Asia region.