SAARC is an economic and political organization established in 1985 between 8 South Asian nations with over 2 billion people. Its secretariat is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. SAARC aims to promote cooperation in areas like poverty reduction, education, culture, sports, arts, and critical issues. It has 8 member countries and several observer countries. The goals of SAARC include economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and allowing people to live with dignity in the region.

1. Saarc
SAARC Is an eco_political organization of eight south Asian nations, which was establish on 8 December 1985 for friendship and cooperation among themselves and with
other developing countries. Saarc is covering a population of more than 2 Billion, SAARC is the largest regional organization in the world.
Headquarter of saarc secretariat are in Kathmandu, Nepal…. Dr. Sheel Kant Sharma.
Idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was discussed in at least three conferences:
1-the Asian Relation Conference in New Delhi in April 1947.
2- The Baguio Conference in Philippines in May 1950.
3-The Colombo Powers Conference in April 1954.
The first concrete proposal for establishing a framework for regional cooperation in South Asia was made by the late president of Bangladesh, Zia-Ur-Rehman, on 2
May 1980. SAARC Established on 8 December 1985. Its eight founding members are Sri Lanka , Bhutan, India , Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Afghanistan
(joined the organization in 2007). The principle of SAARC Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political equality, independence of all member states and,
Non-interference in the internal matters. Cooperation for mutual benefit.. All decision to be taken unanimously. All bilateral issues to be kept aside and only
multilateral issues to be discussed. The aims and objectives of the SAARC are Welfare of the people of South Asia, Economic growth, social progress and cultural
development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full potential, Strength selective self-reliance among the
countries of South Asia. Understanding and appreciation of one another’s problems. Strength cooperation among themselves as well as with other developing
countries and international and regional organizations. Maintain peace in the region. Cooperate on issues like water resources.
SAARC also looks in critical areas like poverty, Education, Culture, Sport’s & Arts. Observer countries areAustralia, china, European union,japan, iran,
Mauritius, Myanmar, s. korea ,and U.S.A. the potential futute members are, Myanmar has expressed interestin upgrading it’s status froman
observer to a full member of SAARC. Russia has expressed interestin becoming an observer of SAARC. South Africahas participated in meetings.
The reasons for formation of saarc are
1- Central location of Asia.
2- Common features of Indian subcontinent.
3- All countries gained independence after second world war.
4-All countries have some cultural background & history.
5-The region is poor & over populated.
6-Predominance of agriculture
7- Dependence of the economy on southwest monsoon.
The visions of SAARC is The Centre is envisioned as a catalyst for the economic growth and development of South Asia region by initiating, coordinating and
facilitating regional as well as joint and collective activities on energy.
The SAARC Disaster Management Centre would be a vibrant centre of excellence for knowledge, research and capacity building on disaster management.

2. The mission of SAARC is the Centre will provide technical inputs to the SAARC Working Group (and other) meetings on Energy, and will facilitate accelerating the
integration of energy strategies within the region by providing relevant information, state-of-the-art technology and expertise.
The SAARC Disaster Management Centre would serve the Member Countries by providing policy advice and facilitating capacity building services including strategic
learning, research, training, system development, expertise promotion and exchange of information for effective disaster risk reduction and management.
•
•