Published: 08:01 AM, 06 November 2025
SAARC reaffirms inclusive, equitable South Asia
SAARC Secretary General Md. Golam Sarwar addresses a high-level roundtable at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday. - Agency
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar on Wednesday reaffirmed the region's shared resolve to build a South Asia where every child is nourished, every woman respected, and every individual lives with dignity and equal opportunity.
He made the remarks while addressing a high-level roundtable at the Second World Summit for Social Development being held in Doha, Qatar from November 4 to 6, according to a SAARC Secretariat press release, reports BSS.
Over 8,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, UN representatives, civil society leaders, academics, private sector actors, and youth delegates, are attending the World Social Summit 2025.
Secretary General Sarwar highlighted SAARC's continued commitment to social progress through regional cooperation and shared development.
He said SAARC's Plan of Action on the 2030 Agenda closely aligns regional priorities with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SAARC Secretary General also underlined the contributions of the organisation's specialized centres and working groups in advancing data sharing, policy dialogue, and capacity building among the eight Member States.
Ambassador Sarwar further emphasized SAARC's collaboration with major UN agencies, including UNDP, FAO, WHO, UNFPA, and UNICEF, in fostering evidence-based policymaking and strengthening regional mechanisms for inclusive
development.
"The people of South Asia-one-fourth of humanity-stand united in this vision," he said adding "Through SAARC, we reaffirm our determination to build a region where every child is nourished, every adolescent is empowered, every woman is respected, and every individual can live with equality and hope."
On the sidelines of the Summit, the Secretary General is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Heads of Delegation from UNICEF and Plan International Asia Pacific to explore enhanced regional cooperation on child and youth development initiatives.
