The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) marked its historic 40th anniversary of the adoption of its charter on Monday, commemorating four decades since South Asian leaders endorsed the document during the first SAARC Summit in Dhaka on December 8, 1985.
The day has since been observed annually as SAARC Charter Day.
On the occasion, the Heads of State/Government and Foreign Ministers of SAARC Member States issued dedicatory special messages highlighting the importance of SAARC as a shared platform to foster mutual understanding, collaboration and solidarity in order to build a peaceful, prosperous and integrated South Asia.
Reaffirming their commitment to the ideals and founding objectives as articulated in the Charter, the leaders also acknowledged the imperatives of concerted efforts and meaningful action to harness economic potentials, achieve sustained and equitable development, and to address the shared challenges confronting the region bound by history, culture and destiny.
In addition, the leaders conveyed their felicitations and greetings to the peoples and Governments of the Member States on the occasion of the Charter Day.
In his message, Secretary General of SAARC Md. Golam Sarwar, extended gratitude to the esteemed Member States, Observer States, Development Partners, Diplomatic Missions, regional and international organizations for their invaluable cooperation and support to SAARC through all these years. He also wished for their continued goodwill and steadfast support in the years to come as well.
SAARC has journeyed far, Secretary General said, recounting briefly the journey of SAARC from its focus on institutional strengthening and norm setting in priority areas to the implementation of programs across an array of sectors with a view to materialize the collective aspirations of the people of South Asia. He also hailed the Charter Day as an important occasion to reflect on the past accomplishments and to forge renewed commitment to reinvigorate the SAARC process.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the adoption of SAARC Charter, the Secretary General of SAARC and his spouse will host a diplomatic reception in Kathmandu in the evening of December 9, 2025.
