What is SAARC?
SAARC is the intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states.SAARC stands for SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION for REGIONAL COOPERATION . Organisation was formed with the primary objective of promoting economic and regional cooperation among South Asian countries.
SAARC organisation was founded in Dhaka (capital of Bangladesh )on 8 December 1985.Its secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The organization promotes economic development and regional integration.It launched the South Asian Free Trade Area in 2006.
How many member are there in SAARC organisation?
There are 8 member countries in SAARC organisation which are:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
SAARC initially had seven founding members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan joined as its eighth member in 2007.
SAARC member countries in total comprises 3% of the world's land area, 21% of the world's population and 5.21% of the global economy.
Where is the Headquarter of SAARC Organisation ?
Headquarter of SAARC is Kathmandu (Nepal)
Why there was need for formation of SAARC organisation?
The Political Motivation behind the formation of SAARC its geopolitical landscape of South Asia,with historical tensions and shared challenges such as poverty, underdevelopment, and political instability, provided a strong impetus for regional cooperation. Leaders recognized the potential benefits of cooperation in addressing common issues and promoting stability.Other reason of formation is to strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people contacts among member countries.
What are the objectives of SAARC organisation?
- Economic and Regional integration:To increase cooperation among member states in different fields such as investment,trade and infrastructure to promote or accelerate economic growth and development in the South Asian region.
- Social progress and collaboration:To overcome several social issues including poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges to improve the quality of life for people in the region by collaboration among member nation.It's also include the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life.
- Peace and stability:To promote mutual understanding and peaceful relations among member states to ensure regional stability and security
- Science and technology:This organisation is for Encouraging collaboration in fields such as science and technology, agriculture, and meteorology to use collective knowledge and resources for sustainable development.
- Environmental Protection: It's another objective is to Address environmental challenges collectively and promoting sustainable development practices across the entire south asian region.
Here is a list of all SAARC summits that have been held since its establishment in 1985:
1.)First Summit:
Host:Dhaka, Bangladesh
Date:(December 7-8, 1985).
2.)Second Summit:
Host: Bangalore, India
Date: (November 16-17, 1986).
3.)Third Summit:
Host:Kathmandu, Nepal
Date:(November 2-4, 1987)
4.)Fourth Summit:
Host: Islamabad, Pakistan
Date: (December 29-31, 1988)
5.)Fifth Summit:
Host:Male, Maldives
Date: (November 21-23, 1990)
6.)Sixth Summit:
Host:Colombo, Sri Lanka
Date: (December 21-23, 1991)
7.)Seventh Summit:
Host: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Date: (April 10-11, 1993)
8.)Eighth Summit:
Host:New Delhi, India
Date: (May 2-4, 1995)
9.)Ninth Summit:
Host:Male, Maldives
Date: (May 12-14, 1997)
10.)Tenth Summit:
Host:Colombo, Sri Lanka
Date: (July 29-31, 1998)
11.)Eleventh Summit:
Host:Kathmandu, Nepal
Date: (January 4-6, 2002)
12.)Twelfth Summit:
Host:Islamabad, Pakistan
Date:(January 2-6, 2004)
13.)Thirteenth Summit:
Host :Dhaka, Bangladesh
Date:(November 12-13, 2005)
14.)Fourteenth Summit:
Host: New Delhi, India
Date:(April 3-4, 2007)
15.)Fifteenth Summit:
Hist:Colombo, Sri Lanka
Date: (August 1-3, 2008)
16.)Sixteenth Summit:
Hist:Thimphu, Bhutan
Date: (April 28-29, 2010)
17.)Seventeenth Summit:
Hist: Addu City, Maldives
Date:(November 10-11, 2011)
18.)Eighteenth Summit:
Host:Kathmandu, Nepal
Date: (November 26-27, 2014)
Note: The 19th SAARC Summit, which was scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2016, was postponed indefinitely due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. As of the latest information available (up to January 2022), no subsequent summit has been held.
These summits are important gatherings where leaders of SAARC member nation discuss regional cooperation, economic integration, and other issues of mutual interest in South Asian region.
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