Written by: Aayusi Shrestha - 26002, Grade IX
Posted on: 14 March, 2023
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation also known as SAARC is made up of eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. On December 8, 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The purpose of this organization, which has many employees working for it in various nations, is to promote social progress, economic prosperity, and cultural development throughout the South Asian region. At the 18th Summit Conference, which took place in 2014 in Kathmandu, the SAARC Declaration was approved. Many Asians appreciate how SAARC operates and performs honestly. SAARC has been active for decades. This organization has been quite successful and helpful. In my opinion, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has done a great job maintaining peace and trust between the countries. This organization was built with a lot of objectives and most of them have been met as well. It has significantly contributed to the welfare of South Asians and the improvement of their standard of living. Most South Asians are happy by the fact that organizations like SAARC exist. I also think that it is beneficial to all the countries which are a part of SAARC as it strengthens connections with other countries. Not just that it also contributes to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation between the countries and the citizens. There are actually a lot of countries willing to be a member of SAARC. Countries like Indonesia, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Yemen, New Zealand, and The United Kingdom have expressed interest in joining The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. SAARC has contributed and still is in a lot of developing countries. It has played a huge role in conducting awareness campaigns in Nepal. Programs including eliminating poverty, trade, youth conferences, and raising awareness have all been made possible in Nepal with the help of SAARC. Additionally, the SAARC secretariat offers books and other supplies to schools of Nepal. SAARC is a significant institution for Nepal. SAARC has also been providing help to people who are in need. It also encourages and helps developing countries to make them developed. There are currently 9 observers in SAARC which are Australia, European Union (E.U), Iran, Japan, Mauritius, South Korea, United States of America (USA), China, Myanmar. Since the past few years South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has been trying to help develop different sectors of the countries. They have been focusing on transport, women, children, rural development, youth, environment, human resource development, etc. In my opinion SAARC has helped a lot of countries achieve their objectives and help them develop in some sectors. Problems including poverty, unemployment, starvation, natural disasters, internal conflicts, industrial and technological backwardness, low Economy, and poor socio-economic conditions are shared by the SAARC members. SAARC has the solution to most of these problems and they are working on it as well. SAARC is a significant organization and I believe that countries like Nepal which are developing need its help and support in order to be developed.
