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The 15th SAARC Summit: 'Partnerships for Our People'

Archive» SAARC: Partnership for Our People Photos courtesy: Saarc-sec.Org, Dailynews.ik. Illustration: eEyeCam

New York, August 2, 2008- The 15th South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit 2008 (27 July - 3 August) will conclude tomorrow in Colombo, Sri Lanka under the theme 'Partnerships for Our People'.

SAARC has eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The main event of the Summit is slated for August 2-3 when all nine heads of the states will deliver official addresses.

SAARC was established on Dec. 8, 1985 by seven South Asian countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan was granted 8th member state in April 2007 by the 14th SAARC summit.

This year the European Union, United States, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius and Iran are participating as observer nations.

Last year, at the 14th SAARC Summit held in New Delhi, India on April 3-4, 2007, the 30-point "Declaration of the Fourteenth SAARC Summit", was passed and thus established the guidelines for the SAARC nations.

-Pradeep Thapa Magar, New York.

Declaration of the Fourteenth SAARC Summit
04/04/2007

The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Hamid Karzai; the
Chief Adviser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency Dr.
Fakhruddin Ahmed; the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, His Excellency Lyonpo
Khandu Wangchuk; the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr.
Manmohan Singh; the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Maumoon
Abdul Gayoom; the Prime Minister of Nepal, Rt. Hon’ble Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala; the Prime
Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Shaukat Aziz; and the
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Mahinda
Rajapaksa, met at the Fourteenth Summit meeting of the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) held in New Delhi, India on April 3-4, 2007.

2. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the entry of the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan into SAARC. This was a historic moment as Afghanistan assumed its rightful
place as a valued member of the SAARC fraternity.

3. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their commitment to the principles and
objectives enshrined in the SAARC Charter. With the welfare of the peoples of South Asia
uppermost in their mind, they agreed to build a Partnership for Prosperity and work towards
shared economic cooperation, regional prosperity, a better life for the people of South Asia,
and equitable distribution of benefits and opportunities of integration among the peoples
and the nations.

4. The Heads of State or Government recognised the importance of connectivity in fulfilling
these objectives. It was vital to first have better connectivity within South Asia and then
with the rest of the world. They agreed to improve intra-regional connectivity, particularly
physical, economic and people-to-people connectivity. They agreed to the vision of a South
Asian community, where there was smooth flow of goods, services, peoples, technologies,
knowledge, capital, culture and ideas in the region. The SAARC Car Rally, in the run-up to
the Fourteenth SAARC Summit, had vividly symbolized this connectivity.

5. The Heads of State or Government recognised that the remarkable growth of the
economies of SAARC countries has opened new opportunities to pursue the fight against
poverty with firm resolve. They called for deepening of pro-poor orientation of growth
process, including through enhancing investment in human capital and infrastructure,
increasing budgetary allocations for relevant sectors and improved delivery of services.
They reiterated their commitment towards project-based cooperation to strengthen
collective efforts in the region.

6. The Heads of State or Government acknowledged that there is a wide range of
homegrown best practices and innovative solutions for transforming the lives of peoples in
South Asia. They decided to earmark one rural community as SAARC Village in each
Member State to showcase these innovative models of development in order to further
replicate these across the region.

7. The Heads of State or Government recognised that the implementation of the Social
Charter needs focused attention and directed the National Coordination Committees (NCCs)
to formulate concrete programmes and projects to complement national implementation
efforts. They underscored that civil society organizations have a vital role to play in driving
forward the implementation of the Social Charter and directed the NCCs to mobilize civil
society organizations to achieve this end.

8. The Heads of State or Government appreciated the Independent South Asian Commission
on Poverty Alleviation (ISACPA) for its elaboration of the SAARC Development Goals
(SDGs), which reflect the regional determination to make faster progress towards attaining
the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They agreed that the national plans for poverty
alleviation should appropriately mirror the regional consensus reached in the form of the
SDGs and the Plan of Action on Poverty Alleviation. Deciding that resource mobilization for
achieving the SDGs would remain a high priority in the Decade of Poverty Alleviation, the
Leaders directed translation of the highest regional level political commitment into action for
creating opportunities for productive employment and greater access to resources for the
poor that are essential for them to enhance their livelihood and realize their potentials. They
entrusted the Two-tier Mechanism on Poverty Alleviation to monitor the progress and finetune
the approaches towards pro-poor growth process.

9. The Heads of State or Government recognized the full benefits of an integrated
multimodal transport system in the region. They emphasized that this would not be realized
unless physical infrastructure and matters relating to customs clearance and other
facilitation measures, including multimodal transport operations, were addressed
comprehensively. They called for an extension of the SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport
Study (SRMTS) to include Afghanistan as well. They also called for early implementation of
the recommendations contained in the Study in a phased manner. In this context, the
Heads of State or Government directed the Inter-Governmental Group on Transport to
identify and develop sub-regional and regional projects based on the prioritised
recommendations of the SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport Study (SRMTS) and to
develop appropriate regional agreements. They noted the offer of India to hold the Meeting
of SAARC Ministers of Transport in New Delhi in 2007. They also directed that pilot projects
for improving connectivity be identified and implemented through mutual consultations
among the Member States.

10. The Heads of State or Government emphasized that in its third decade of existence,
there was an urgent need to move SAARC from declaratory to implementation phase. They
directed that the focus of SAARC should be on implementing collaborative projects that are
concrete and effective. The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) is an important pillar that
would bring concrete benefits to the people of the region. They directed that the SDF be
made operational at the earliest. They agreed that the resources for SDF would be
mobilised both from within and outside the region. They stressed the importance of decision
making and working of the SDF being consistent with the SAARC Charter. They called for
early identification and implementation of regional and sub-regional projects under the SDF.

11. The Heads of States or Governments recognized the region’s rapidly increasing energy
demands for meeting the developmental needs of SAARC countries. They also
acknowledged the need of expediting development of conventional sources of energy in a
sustainable manner and for strengthening renewable energy development such as in
hydropower, bio-fuel, solar and wind. They welcomed the organizing of the first ever South
Asia Energy Dialogue in March 2007 in Delhi. They called for early implementation of the
recommendations of the Second SAARC Energy Ministers’ Meeting to enhance regional
cooperation.

12. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their deep concern at the continued
degradation of environment and reaffirmed the need to further strengthen cooperation
towards protection and conservation of the environment as a priority area. In this regard,
while noting the progress in the implementation of the SAARC Plan of Action on
Environment, they called for concerted efforts to implement various initiatives under the
Plan in a timely manner.

13. The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction at the launching of 2007 as
the 'Year of Green South Asia'. They reiterated that collaboration in addressing the problem
of arsenic contamination of groundwater, desertification and melting of glaciers and
assistance to affected peoples should be deepened. They expressed deep concern over
global climate change and the consequent rise in sea level and its impact on the lives and
livelihoods in the region. They emphasised the need for assessing and managing its risks
and impacts. They called for adaptation of initiatives and programmes; cooperation in early
forecasting, warning and monitoring; and sharing of knowledge on consequences of climate
change for pursuing a climate resilient development in South Asia. They agreed to
commission a team of regional experts to identify collective actions in this regard.

14. The Heads of State or Government stressed the need for closer regional cooperation in
the field of information and communication technology. They noted with appreciation the
establishment of a collaborative health care project involving a regional telemedicinenetwork.
They directed that steps be taken to extend it to other ICT enabled fields such as
education. They agreed to take steps to facilitate rationalization of telecom tariff on a
reciprocal basis. They also agreed that national and regional telecom infrastructure should
be upgraded to boost people-to-people connectivity in the region.

15. The Heads of State or Government noted with satisfaction timely ratification of SAFTA
Agreement by all member countries. They stressed the need for ensuring effective market
access through smooth implementation of trade liberalization programme and directed the
SAFTA bodies to review the progress on a regular basis. They emphasized that SAFTA
should be implemented in letter and spirit. Successful implementation of SAFTA will catalyse
other areas of regional economic cooperation. They stressed that to realize its full potential,
SAFTA should integrate trade in services. They called for a finalisation of an Agreement in
the services sector at the earliest. They also directed that the Agreement on Investment
Promotion and Protection be finalized.

16. The Heads of State or Government underlined the importance of implementing trade
facilitation measures, especially standardization of basic customs nomenclature,
documentation and clearing procedures. They directed that a comprehensive agreement on
harmonizing customs procedures be finalised. They also noted that harmonization of
technical and phyto-sanitary standards and their implementation in a trade-friendly manner
is important in boosting intra-regional trade. They appreciated the establishment of the
SAARC Standards Coordination Board that would function as a precursor to the SAARC
Regional Standards Body.

17. The Heads of State or Government complimented the SAARC Finance Ministers for
finalising the framework of cooperation on financial issues in the region. They expressed
satisfaction at the work of the Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Financial Issues.
18. The Heads of State or Government emphasized the need to develop, at an early date, a
roadmap for a South Asian Customs Union and a South Asian Economic Union in a planned
and phased manner.

19. The Heads of State or Government noted the cultural and social ties among the SAARC
countries, based on common history and geography, and reiterated that the future of
peoples of South Asia is interlinked. They stressed the importance of people-to-people
contact as a key constituent in regional connectivity. They acknowledged the importance of
intra-regional tourism and increased exchanges, particularly among the youth, civil society,
and parliamentarians. They launched the SAARC Agenda for Culture and directed that
annual SAARC Festivals for cultural exchange be institutionalized. They agreed to take
measures to charge nationals of SAARC Member States fees for entry into archeological and
heritage sites as applicable to their own nationals. They also directed that an enlarged
SAARC Scholarship Scheme in ICT and related areas be instituted. They welcomed the offer
of Bangladesh to host the First SAARC Youth Camp in 2007.

20. The Heads of State or Government decided to establish the South Asian University in
India. They welcomed the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the
University. They further directed that the Intergovernmental Steering Committee be set up
at the earliest to complete its tasks relating to the Charter, bye laws, rules and regulations,
curriculum development, business plans and other issues. They also decided to strengthen
cooperation and dialogue on educational matters through development of exchanges
between academics, experts, policymakers, students and teachers. They called for interinstitutional
cooperation, partnerships, and other regional initiatives in the field of
education.

21. The Heads of State or Government acknowledged that women's full participation in all
spheres of society, including participation in the decision-making process are fundamental
for the achievement of equality and development. They noted that many sections of women
and children continue to be in disadvantaged positions and lack equal opportunities for
economic and social development. They emphasized that women's empowerment should be
a major objective of regional cooperation. Regional projects should focus on addressing
issues relating to women and children.

22. The Heads of State or Government stressed the need to collectively overcome the
challenges of poverty, disease, natural disasters and terrorism. They confirmed that
countries of South Asia must work together to deal with these challenges in order to secure
the region’s collective prosperity.

23. The Heads of State or Government acknowledged that countries of South Asia face
challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition. In order to manage emergencies caused by
natural and manmade calamities and food shortages, they welcomed the signing of the
Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the SAARC Food Bank with the participation of
all the SAARC countries. The Food Bank will supplement national efforts to provide food
security to the people of the region.

24. The Heads of State or Government noted the challenges confronted by the countries of
South Asia in ensuring food and nutritional security as well as in maintaining vibrant rural
economy for agricultural development. They underscored the need for enhancing
productivity and real wage in rural sectors, and for creating adequate non-farm employment
to sustain the progress made in reducing poverty. Noting the constant decline in land
availability and biodiversity, depleting soil and natural resources, lowering ground water
levels, shrinking farm holdings as well as low and stagnating productivity, they recognized
the imperative of reducing the wide gap between yields at the research and the farm level.
They stressed, in particular, that South Asian agriculture must benefit from collaborative
efforts within and among SAARC countries in developing an effective agriculture research,
extension and farmers’ linkages, and exchange of farm technology.

25. The Heads of State or Government underlined that terrorism is a threat to peace and
security in the region. They condemned the targeted killing of civilians and terrorist
violence, in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and against whomsoever committed.
The Heads of States or Government affirmed that terrorism violates the principles of the
Charters of the United Nations and SAARC and is a clear and present threat to international
peace and security. They reaffirmed their commitment to implement all international
conventions relating to combating terrorism, to which SAARC Member States were
respectively parties, as well as the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism
and the Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention dealing with the prevention
and suppression of financing of terrorism. While urging continued efforts to combat
terrorism, the Heads of State or Government also called for urgent conclusion of a
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

26. The Heads of State or Government agreed to work on the modalities to implement the
provisions of the existing SAARC Conventions to combat terrorism, narcotics and
psychotropic substances, trafficking in women and children and other trans-national crimes.
They expressed their commitment to take every possible measure to prevent and suppress,
in particular, financing of terrorist acts by criminalizing the provision, acquisition and
collection of funds for such acts, including through front organizations and also to counter
illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, trafficking in persons and illicit arms. They reiterated the
need for law enforcement authorities of Member States to enhance cooperation in the
prevention, suppression and prosecution of offences under these Instruments. They noted
the initiative of India to prepare a draft of SAARC Convention on Mutual Assistance in
Criminal Matters and welcomed the offer of Sri Lanka to hold a meeting of Legal Advisers to
examine the idea of a draft convention, before the Second Meeting of SAARC Interior/Home
Ministers scheduled to be held in October 2007 in India. They also directed them to ensure
regular follow-up and implementation of the decisions taken.

27. The Heads of State or Government recognised that corruption was an issue of serious
concern and agreed to exchange information on national experience in combating corruption
to effectively address this problem.

28. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment to a rule-based
multilateral trading system. They recalled that the Doha Round was premised on the
centrality of development. They directed the Commerce Ministers to work closely to coordinate
their positions to ensure that the centrality of the development dimension in all
areas of negotiations for creating new opportunities and economic growth for developing
countries was fully realized. They called upon all members of WTO to show commitment for
a successful conclusion of the Doha Round.

29. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the People’s Republic of China, Japan,
European Union, Republic of Korea and the United States of America, to be associated as
Observers to SAARC. The region would benefit from these external linkages and help its
economic integration with the international community. The Heads of State or Government
also welcomed the Islamic Republic of Iran to be associated as Observer to SAARC.
30. The Heads of State or Government welcomed with appreciation the offer of the Maldives
to host the 15th Summit Meeting of the Heads of States or Governments of the South Asian
Association for the Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Source, courtesy: SAARC Secretariat, www.saarc-sec.org

SAARC: Facts & Figures

DESIGNATED SAARC YEARS
1989 SAARC Year of Combating Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking
1990 SAARC Year of Girl Child
1991 SAARC Year of Shelter
1992 SAARC Year of Environment
1993 SAARC Year of Disabled Persons
1994 SAARC Year of the Youth
1995 SAARC Year of Poverty Eradication
1996 SAARC Year of Literacy
1997 SAARC Year of Participatory Governance
1999 SAARC Year of Biodiversity
2002-2003 SAARC Year of Contribution of Youth to Environment
2004 SAARC Awareness Year for TB and HIV/AIDS
2006 South Asia Tourism Year
2007 N/A
2008 Partnership for Our People

SAARC DECADES
1991-2000 SAARC Decade of the Girl Child
2001-2010 SAARC Decade of the Rights of the Child

SAARC Summits, its Dates and Places:
1st SAARC Summit 7 - 8 December 1985, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2nd SAARC Summit 16 - 17 November 1986, Bangalore, India
3rd SAARC Summit 2 - 4 November 1987, Kathmandu, Nepal
4th SAARC Summit 29 - 31 December 1988, Islamabad, Pakistan
5th SAARC Summit 21 - 23 November 1990, Male', Maldives
6th SAARC Summit 21 December 1991, Colombo, Sri Lanka
7th SAARC Summit 10 - 11 April 1993, Dhaka, Bangladesh
8th SAARC Summit 2 - 4 May 1995, New Delhi, India
9th SAARC Summit 12 - 14 May 1997, Male', Maldives
10th SAARC Summit 29 - 31 July 1998, Colombo, Sri Lanka
11th SAARC Summit 4 - 6 January 2002, Kathmandu, Nepal
12th SAARC Summit 2 - 6 January 2004, Islamabad, Pakistan
13th SAARC Summit 12 - 13 November 2005, Dhaka, Bangladesh
14th SAARC Summit 3 - 4 April, 2007, New Delhi, India
15th SAARC Summit 27 Jul - 3 Aug,2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Source, courtesy: SAARC Secretariat, www.saarc-sec.org

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