Golam Sarwar, Secretary-General of SAARC, has underscored the historical significance of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and its unwavering commitment to fostering regional collaboration. 

Speaking at the 39th SAARC Charter Day reception in Kathmandu, Sarwar reflected on the pivotal moment of SAARC's inauguration during the First Summit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on December 8, 1985.

Highlighting SAARC's unique position as the largest regional organisation, representing over a quarter of the global population, Sarwar emphasised its core mission to promote the welfare of South Asian peoples and enhance their quality of life through social progress and economic development.

Acknowledging shared challenges, interests, and aspirations within the South Asian region, the Secretary-General stressed the imperative for joint action and enhanced cooperation among member states. On the occasion, he also said that SAARC's commitment to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was a central theme, showcasing the organisation's dedication to global efforts for sustainable development.

Sarwar delved into SAARC's people-centric approach, emphasising the organisation's commitment to improving the living standards of its citizens. Despite challenges posed by the global pandemic, he said, SAARC demonstrated resilience and conducted numerous virtual meetings throughout the year.

He also hailed unwavering support of member states, the host government of Nepal, and the current Chair of SAARC. He highlighted the crucial role played by these entities during challenging times, emphasising the resilience and collaborative spirit that allowed SAARC to navigate disruptions caused by the protracted pandemic.

Commending SAARC's specialised bodies and regional centres for their active engagement, Sarwar highlighted successful collaborative efforts with regional and international organisations. He expressed gratitude to entities such as the Asian Development Bank, UNESCAP, UNICEF, and Observer Countries Japan and the Republic of Korea for their support through the SAARC Secretariat.

Looking toward the future, Sarwar called for sustained efforts to achieve SAARC's objectives and the ambitious goal of the South Asian Economic Union (SAEU). He stressed the critical importance of strengthening intra-regional connectivity as a prerequisite for effective regional integration, promoting economic relations, people-to-people contacts, and tourism.

He also expressed optimism that with intense engagement and support, SAARC would emerge as one of the most vibrant regional organisations, and reiterated the shared vision of realising the dream of an integrated and prosperous South Asia in the near future.