SAARC Secretariat

25/09/2026

Press Release

New York | Kathmandu, 23rd September 2026:

The Secretariat of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) proudly co sponsored the High Level Event “Protecting Progress and Sustaining Global Resolve to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage” held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UNICEF Labouisse Hall, New York.

Convened under the theme of safeguarding global and regional milestones in ending child, early and forced marriage (CEFM), the session brought together intergovernmental organizations, UN agencies, Member States, and civil society partners.

Co hosts included the Governments of Canada and the Republic of Zambia, alongside UNFPA, UNICEF, the African Union, OPDAD, the League of Arab States, the Organization of American States (OAS), SAARC, Girls Not Brides, and Zonta International.

Representing South Asia, H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC, delivered a key address during Segment 2: High Level Intervention Reaffirming Continental Commitment. Moderated by Sheema Sen Gupta, UNICEF Global Director for Child Protection & Migration, the segment featured interventions from regional organizations including the African Union Commission, the League of Arab States, and OAFLAD.

In his remarks, Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar emphasized the importance of:
• Recognizing and safeguarding gains achieved since the first UNGA resolution on CEFM in 2014.
• Reaffirming political commitment to maintain momentum, protect hard won progress, and accelerate action toward achieving SDG target 5.3.

He highlighted South Asia’s continuous efforts and regional resolve, noting that ending child marriage is not only a moral imperative but also central to sustainable development and the empowerment of women and girls across the region.

To end the child marriage, we must now guarantee is sustained domestic and international financing, robust implementation, and uncompromising accountability, the Secretary General Stated.

23/09/2026

On the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, Secretary General of SAARC, H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar met with Ms. Sheema SenGupta, UNICEF Child Protection & Migration Director and Co-Chair of the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage, and Ms. Veronica Kamanga-Njikho, Coordinator of the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage, to accelerate regional efforts to end child marriage across South Asia. Asia’s girls deserve a bright future.

18/09/2026

Happy National Day Nepal

08/09/2026

01/09/2026

Press Release;

SAARC Training Workshop on Electric Vehicles and its Charging Infrastructure

SAARC Energy Centre, Islamabad successfully conducted a Training Workshop on ‘Electric Vehicle and its Charging Infrastructure’ from 27th–29th August, 2026 at the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan. The workshop was organized in collaboration with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Pakistan, as knowledge partner.

Delegates from Bhutan, Maldives, and Pakistan participated physically, while delegates from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka joined online. Experts and trainers engaged by the Centre delivered comprehensive training sessions covering the policy, infrastructure, standardization, and technology aspects of Electric Vehicles. Delegates also presented on the existing rules, policies, and current status of the EV sector in their respective Member States, offering valuable regional perspectives.

Interactive discussion segments encouraged the exchange of ideas and best practices, while dedicated question-and-answer sessions further enriched participants’ understanding of key concepts and challenges. Participants also undertook a field visit to the eZbike premises to gain hands-on exposure to electric vehicle manufacturing and technology. Over the three days, participants gained significant knowledge and practical insights from the presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions.

The workshop concluded successfully, meeting its objective of equipping participants with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of EV technology and infrastructure deployment across the region.

https://www.saarcenergy.org/saarc-training-workshop-on-electric-vehicles-and-its-charging-infrastructure/

24/08/2026

SAARC workshop on women-led agri-livestock entrepreneurship begins in Sri Lanka
A three-day SAARC regional workshop aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment through agri-livestock entrepreneurship and stronger market linkages began in Colombo, Sri Lanka, today (Monday), bringing together around 45 participants, including policymakers, professionals, government officials, technical experts and representatives of regional and international development organizations.

The inaugural program of the Regional Workshop on “Women Empowerment through Agri-Livestock Entrepreneurship Development and Market Linkage in South Asia”, being held on today (24th August 2026) jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), Sri Lanka, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Bangladesh and Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), Bangladesh.

Representatives from SAARC Member States like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka and leading development organizations, including CABI, Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), WAVE Foundation and Heifer International, are participating in the programme, creating a regional platform for sharing experiences, good practices and policy perspectives on women-led agri-livestock enterprises.

D P Wickramasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Sri Lanka, graced the inaugural session as chief guest, while Dr S Piyasiri, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, chaired the session. Dr B S S Perera, Director General, DAPH, delivered the welcome address.

Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC, presented an overview of the regional workshop, while Dr G C S Kurugala, Director, Human Resource Development, DAPH, delivered the keynote presentation on sustainable agro-livestock entrepreneurship development and market linkage in South Asia.

The inaugural session was also addressed by Shahiya Ali Manik, Director (SA), SAARC Secretariat, Farhad Jamil, Executive Director, SAF; Dr Ashek Mahfuz, Portfolio Lead, GAIN; Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, who joined virtually.

Women play a vital role in South Asia’s agriculture and livestock sectors, yet many continue to face barriers in accessing finance, technology, skills, organized markets and business development services. The workshop seeks to identify promising agri-livestock enterprises, promote women-led entrepreneurship, strengthen market access and develop practical pathways for improving the livelihoods and economic empowerment of smallholder women farmers.

Technical discussions during the workshop focus on entrepreneurship and market linkage, climate-resilient production, safe food and nutrition, family farming, resilient livelihoods, capacity development, and research and policy gaps affecting women and youth in agriculture. Country experiences and successful models are also being shared to identify opportunities for wider regional application.

A major expected outcome is the development of regional strategies and an action-oriented framework for strengthening women-led agri-livestock enterprises and market connectivity across South Asia. The workshop will conclude on 26 August with a field visit showcasing good practices in women’s empowerment, agri-livestock entrepreneurship and market linkage in Sri Lanka.

23/08/2026

SAARC Secretary General Pays Farewell Call on the Prime Minister of Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh: The Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, paid a farewell courtesy call on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman, MP, on 23 August 2026.

During the meeting, the Secretary General expressed his deep appreciation to the Government and people of Bangladesh for the country’s historic leadership and steadfast commitment to the SAARC process and regional cooperation. He underscored the enduring significance of SAARC as the premier regional platform for promoting peace, stability, prosperity and shared development in South Asia.

The Secretary General recalled with profound respect the visionary initiative of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, whose statesmanship and foresights led to the establishment of SAARC. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s pioneering role in the creation of the regional organization and its continued constructive contribution to advancing regional cooperation.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized that regional cooperation remains vital for addressing the common challenges facing South Asia and advancing the shared interests and aspirations of its peoples. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening the SAARC process and emphasized the need to keep the spirit of regional cooperation alive through sustained engagement, dialogue and practical collaboration among Member States.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister also shared his vision for a more dynamic, effective and people-centred SAARC, with greater focus on areas of mutual interest and practical cooperation that can directly contribute to the welfare and prosperity of the peoples of South Asia.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister also commended the Secretary General for his efforts to maintain and advance the activities of SAARC during his tenure and expressed appreciation for his dedication to keeping the regional process active through continued programmes, institutional engagement and cooperation among Member States.

The Secretary General also acknowledged Bangladesh’s important contribution as the host of the SAARC Agriculture Center and the South Asian Regional Standards Organization, and expressed sincere appreciation for the country’s longstanding support to SAARC and its Specialized Bodies and Regional Centres.

The meeting underscored the importance of translating the shared vision of SAARC into practical, people-centred and result-oriented cooperation, with greater emphasis on economic integration, connectivity, food security, climate resilience, sustainable development and enhanced people-to-people contacts.

The Secretary General expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Government of Bangladesh for their continued support to SAARC. He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with all Member States to advance the objectives of SAARC and contribute to the revitalization of the regional process, in keeping with the vision of its founding leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of South Asia.

21/08/2026

Join us for the fifth session of the SAARC Talk Series 2026.

Topic: ‘From Pustaka to Pecha: Connecting Buddhist Civilizations through a Shared Manuscript Heritage’

Speaker: Yeshi Lhendup
Deputy Chief Research Librarian
National Library & Archives of Bhutan
Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development
Ministry of Home Affairs, Thimphu

Date: Tuesday, 25th August 2026

Time: 03:00 pm (Sri Lanka Standard Time)

Platform: ZOOM

Join via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84464234043
Meeting ID: 844 6423 4043