Objectives of SAARC: List of countries, functions and principles

SAARC full form stands for South Asian Association for Regional Coorporation. SAARC is an important player in the dynamic terrain of international relations. This article thoroughly overviews SAARC, delving into the objectives of SAARC, member countries, full form, functions, and underlying philosophies. The objective of SAARC as a regional intergovernmental organization is to ease collaboration among South Asian nations. It is critical for addressing shared concerns and advancing regional development. Understanding the essence of SAARC countries is necessary to comprehend cooperative endeavors. It shapes the South Asian region’s socio-economic and political fabric.

What is SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is a worldwide organization comprising eight South Asian nations. These worldwide places are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAARC was established in 1985. The objective of SAARC is to elevate economic and regional integration and strengthen social and cultural cooperation. The objectives of SAARC address common concerns member countries face. The organization’s ideals of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference in domestic affairs guide its operations. SAARC is a forum for debate and collaboration among South Asian states. SAARC’s objective is to develop mutual understanding and unity to achieve sustainable development and regional prosperity

How was the SAARC name formed?

SAARC illustrates the organization’s regional orientation and cooperative goals. The state or government leaders of its seven founding members signed the SAARC Charter on December 8, 1985. It was to foster regional stability, economic development, and cultural interaction. It laid the foundation for SAARC.

The acronym “SAARC” was derived from the initialism of the organization’s entire term. It emphasizes the SAARC objectives for encouraging cooperation in South Asia. The formation of SAARC countries was an important step towards regional collaboration and its objectives. It provides a platform for member countries to discuss shared difficulties. They can strengthen diplomatic ties and explore joint efforts for the South Asian region’s socio-economic growth. Since then, the SAARC organization has encouraged communication and collaboration among its member countries to achieve its objectives.

How was SAARC established?

Leaders of seven South Asian countries signed the SAARC Charter, founding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or SAARC, on December 8, 1985. The objective of SAARC’s employer’s project is to foster regional collaboration, economic development, and cultural change. SAARC offered an organized venue for member countries to discuss mutual concerns and strengthen collaboration. The main objective of SAARC is to boost diplomatic connections and South Asian regional stability.

Historical Background

Historical Background of SAARC
Formation Year	SAARC was established on December 8, 1985.
Founding SAARC Members	Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Initial Summit	The first SAARC Summit took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1985.
Objectives	SAARC promotes economic and regional integration, cultural cooperation, and social development.
Principles	The company operates on sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference principles.
Expansion	Afghanistan became a member in 2007, and the Maldives joined in 1987.
Secretariat	SAARC’s secretariat is in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Observer Status	Several nations and international organizations hold observer status.

SAARC Member Countries

SAARC members comprise eight member countries that follow the objectives of SAARC. Each joined the organization in 1985, except Afghanistan, which joined in 2007.

Country	Year Joined
Afghanistan	2007
Bangladesh	1985
Bhutan	1985
India	1985
Maldives	1985
Nepal	1985
Pakistan	1985
Sri Lanka	1985

The Objectives of SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has the dream of promoting local cooperation and improvement among its member nations. SAARC, established on December 8, 1985, has the objective of expanding collaboration in several regions. It consists of the financial, social, and cultural sectors. SAARC objectives enhance the top-notch quality of life for South Asians.

One of SAARC’s primary objectives is to enhance economic cooperation among member countries. SAARC boosts alternate investment and technical cooperation. The organization stimulates nearby monetary growth and development. It aspires to create a more conducive environment for monetary pastime amongst its member international locations, which is its objective for SAARC. It is done by lowering exchange obstacles and promoting the sale of products and services.

Objectives of SAARC include social and cultural cooperation as well. The SAARC promotes relationships among South Asia’s cultures and societies. It fosters mutual knowledge and respect. This cultural alternative is seen as a way to foster local peace, harmony, and solidarity. SAARC’s objectives encompass solving comparable challenges that member international locations confront. It includes poverty, environmental problems, natural failures, and issues associated with public health. The organization’s objective is to establish sustainable solutions to these common concerns through the joint efforts of SAARC.

Principles of SAARC

SAARC has undertaken several notable initiatives and programs. SAARC’s ambition is to encourage regional cooperation and tackle shared difficulties among its member countries. The economic partnership has been an outstanding place of interest, with SAARC objectives seeking to enhance intra-regional alternatives and investment. South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) initiatives have decreased price lists and exchange obstacles. SAARC’s objectives ease economic integration among member nations.

Addressing shared social and environmental concerns is another critical component of SAARC objectives. SAARC objectives and projects have been launched with the corporation’s aid. They combat poverty, promote social development, and improve public health. SAARC has also established structures for disaster control cooperation. For example, the SAARC Disaster Management Centre enables coordination and collaborative efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and rehabilitation.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are encouraged through programs. It highlights the region’s unique variety. SAARC festivals, cultural activities, and educational exchanges help member countries better understand and appreciate their shared heritage. SAARC’s objectives cover many industries. It includes agriculture, transportation, and strength. The objectives of SAARC, Recognizing the significance of these regions for local improvement, the enterprise has launched projects to enhance connectivity and collaboration in these areas.

What are the main objectives of SAARC?

The SAARC Charter emphasizes core objectives that guide its operations and shape its culture, highlighting ideas such as sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference in domestic matters, peaceful cohabitation, and mutual benefit. The following section expands on these fundamental SAARC objectives:

SAARC Sovereign Equality objective

SAARC places great importance on all member countries’ sovereign equality. This notion emphasizes that each member has equal status within the organization, regardless of size or economic strength. The objectives of SAARC promote justice and also guarantee that all perspectives are heard and valued in SAARC decision-making processes.

SAARC Territorial Integrity objective

The objectives of SAARC consist of territorial integrity, which is critical to SAARC’s commitment to respecting its member states’ borders and boundaries. This idea protects each nation’s geographical integrity while encouraging confidence and collaboration. The objective of SAARC emphasizes the necessity of all member countries’ territorial sovereignty being recognized and upheld.

SAARC Non-interference in Domestic Affairs objective

SAARC strongly believes in non-interference in the domestic troubles of its member international locations. It means that each nation can expand its personal, political, financial, and social systems without intervention from outside assets. SAARC’s objective is to create trust and sustain cordial ties among nations by respecting member states’ sovereignty in their domestic affairs.

SAARC Peaceful Coexistence Objective

Peaceful cohabitation is a fundamental objective of SAARC’s commitment to regional peace and stability. Member countries commit to resolving issues peacefully via communication and talks rather than through conflict. The objective of SAARC is to emphasize the significance of diplomacy and teamwork in resolving disagreements. It helps in constructing a secure and cooperative South Asian area.

SAARC objective of Mutual Benefit

The SAARC and its objectives rely on the mutual benefit principle. It emphasizes that joint efforts should benefit all member countries. SAARC projects and objectives aim to contribute to the development and well-being of each member. It ensures that regional cooperation is a win-win situation.

The principles are the foundation for SAARC’s institutional framework. The principles of SAARC establish an atmosphere where member countries can communicate openly, mutually understand, and collaborate. It is done to improve the South Asian region. Adherence to principles is essential for SAARC’s objective of regional collaboration. Despite challenges, it remains committed to fostering development and solidarity among member nations.

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Functions of SAARC

• promoting economic cooperation amongst members through the relaxation of visa requirements, increased investment, and the removal of trade barriers. Preferential trade agreements and the start of regional economic initiatives showed this.
• establishing initiatives and programs centered on population control, farming, rural development, education, health, and reducing poverty.
• managing the agendas of technical alliances to support organizations, exchange information, and transfer technology in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
• enhancing regional connectivity through businesses focused on energy, contacts, transportation, and tourism infrastructure. Plans for fiber optic cables, power grids, regional train networks, and highways are included in SAARC objectives.
• joining forces through information exchange, collaborative action plans, and treaty adoption to address social issues such as drug and human trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering.
• promoting cross-cultural collaboration through initiatives, youth exchanges, literary festivals, film, music, and workshops on heritage preservation, among other things.
• Creating policy coordination and dialogue among fellows on global concerns like sustainable growth and climate change, as well as regional geopolitical issues.

Structure of SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or SAARC, functions under a defined framework. It includes political, economic, and social cooperation among its member countries. The organization operates on mutual respect, consensus, and sovereign equality. The following section describes how SAARC works:

Summit Meetings

SAARC has regular summit meetings. Here, leaders from member nations discuss and make decisions on regional concerns. These summits serve as a forum for high-level diplomacy and decision-making.

Councils and Mechanisms

SAARC has created several committees and mechanisms. It is done to address certain sectors and challenges. The Council of Ministers, the Standing Committee, and specialized groups focused on agriculture, trade, and the environment are all part of this.

Economic Integration

Through initiatives such as SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area), SAARC supports economic cooperation. SAFTA intends to lower tariffs and trade obstacles among member nations. It promotes economic cooperation and growth.

Sectoral Cooperation

SAARC works on projects and initiatives in various fields. It includes agriculture, energy, transportation, and health care. These initiatives seek to improve regional growth and connectivity.

Social and Cultural Programs

SAARC organizes cultural exchange programs, festivals, and educational initiatives. It is done to celebrate and promote the region’s unique diversity. SAARC’s objective is to promote mutual understanding and respect among members.

Disaster Management

SAARC has disaster management and preparedness measures in place. In reaction to natural disasters, the organization encourages coordination and cooperative efforts among member countries. It demonstrates a commitment to regional solidarity in times of distress.

Challenges with SAARC

1. SAARC’s prospects are seriously hampered by the intensifying tensions and conflicts in the relationship between India and Pakistan.
2. SAARC holds meetings infrequently. Biennial meetings should be replaced with more interactions among members. Every year, SAARC nations should convene.
3. The broad area of cooperation diverts energy and resources.
4. The implementation of the SAARC Free Trade Agreement has not been satisfactory.

Latest Development in SAARC

The adoption of the SAARC Declaration marked the end of the 18th SAARC Summit, which took place in Kathmandu in 2014. The Declaration acknowledges labor migration as a problem requiring group effort. According to Article 21, SAARC nations pledge to work together to guarantee the safety of South Asian migrant laborers. Leaders of the SAARC also urged authorities to combat and stop the trafficking of women and children during the summit. Participating nations seek to launch an intergovernmental process to suitably contextualize the Sustainable Development Goals at the regional level to the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Conclusion

SAARC full form stands for South Asian Association for Regional Coorporation. SAARC’s consistent commitment to regional collaboration is reflected in various economic, social, and cultural programs. Despite obstacles, the organization persists, adapting to changing regional dynamics. The objective of SAARC in fostering integration, resolving shared challenges, and promoting understanding remain critical, paving the way for a more linked and harmonious South Asia