Context
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter Day is observed annually on 8 December to commemorate the adoption of the SAARC Charter.
- This year marks the 37th anniversary of the regional group.
About
- On 8 December 1985, the SAARC Charter was adopted, in Dhaka, during the first summit of the group.
- The Charter was signed by the leaders of eight South Asian nations- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- As per the charter, the prime focus of SAARC is to work collectively to promote the welfare of people in the region and to improve their standard of living through social progress and economic development.
Objectives
- The aim of SAARC members is to promote stability, peace, and progress in the region.
- It is currently focusing on regional cooperation in all fields of development activity which impact the livelihood of people.
- SAARC has organised 18 summits since 1985.
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
- South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985.
- It is a geopolitical and economic body of eight countries located in South Asia.
- Afghanistan became the newest member of SAARC at the 13th annual summit in 2005.
- The Headquarters and Secretariat of the Association are at Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Members: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Maldives and Pakistan.
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