Inaugural Address by Foreign Secretary Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai at the Sixtieth Session of Programming Committee of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at the Secretariat, Kathmandu
His Excellency Md. Golam Sarwar; Secretary General of SAARC,
Distinguished delegates,
Heads of SAARC Entities,
Ladies and gentlemen!
I feel honoured to be invited today to address this Sixtieth Session of SAARC Programming Committee at the Secretariat.
Let me commend the Secretary General His Excellency Md. Golam Sarwar for his able leadership of the Secretariat and his capable team for their professional services.
I wish to acknowledge a vital role and contribution of the Programming Committee Members and Heads of SAARC bodies in keeping the SAARC process active amidst various challenges.
There are roadblocks. We see them. But let’s be clear: roadblocks may dot our path, but as we persist in progress, we know - roadblocks are merely milestones awaiting conquest.
We are not oblivious to reality, nor are we pessimistic. Rather, we are persistent and optimistic—because even the Himalayas weren’t built in a day!
This Programming Committee meeting itself is a testament to our shared hope to reinvigorate SAARC.
Let’s turn this optimism into action, one resolution at a time.
I wish for a productive outcome of this Session.
Distinguished Delegates,
Four decades ago, SAARC was established as a regional platform for promoting peace, stability, amity and progress in the region through strict adherence to the principles of the UNITED NATIONS CHARTER and NON- ALIGNMENT, particularly respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, national independence, non-use of force and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and peaceful settlement of all disputes.
In its journey, SAARC has come a long way and achieved some progress.
We still need to make a long journey.
Today, SAARC stands at a crossroads.
The choices we make will shape the future of SAARC and our people in South Asia.
We must not fail to work for:
-enduring peace that fosters progress,
-deeper integration that spurs innovation,
-resilient regional economy, and
-meaningful partnerships that drive prosperity.
The founding leaders of SAARC envisioned these ideals behind its creation.
Given abundant resources, geographical contiguity, rich civilizational and cultural linkages and closer people-to-people relations, we have the potential to unlock opportunities for our shared growth.
Contrarily, another path takes us to:
- instability and mutual distrust,
- suspicion and cynicism,
- social and economic stagnation.
Let us be clear: the destiny of a quarter of humanity who reside in this region hinges on the choices we make.
It is therefore incumbent upon us to choose the right pathway for a promising future of our generations and posterity to come.
We must nurture mutual understanding, good neighbourly relations and meaningful cooperation among the Member States which are bound by ties of history and culture.
We must leave historical baggage behind and move forward with fresh vigor of friendship and fraternity.
Dear friends,
The world grapples with cascading crises—climate chaos, inequality, and fractured geopolitics. Yet, in adversity lies opportunity. SAARC’s strength lies not in avoiding storms, but in weathering them together.
In this light, let me underscore the following course of actions for revitalizing SAARC to our mutual benefits:
First, as peace and development are mutually reinforcing, we must go extra miles for fostering enduring peace, combatting cross-border terrorism through dialogue and diplomacy.
For much-needed political wisdom and guidance from our leaders, it is imperative to convene the Meetings of SAARC Core mechanisms including the 19th SAARC Summit through mutual consensus.
Second, it is crucial to realize the vision of South Asian Economic Union sooner than later.
In the history of human civilization, we have learned a lesson of positive correlation between regional integration and common prosperity.
Third, we need to prioritize investing in human resource development through quality education, upskilling, resilient health services, women empowerment initiatives, and fostering an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Harnessing abundant natural resources, youth populations and emerging technologies can bring transformative changes in the region’s development landscape.
Fourth, we should undertake collective initiatives to effectively implement plans of action in priority areas of cooperation within SAARC framework. Similarly, bolstering regional resilience against economic, political and environmental challenges facing the region is equally vital.
Fifth, we must be mindful to prevent the next decade from becoming another decade of missed opportunities.
We must build trust; we must build mutual understanding.
It is not too late to revitalize SAARC to achieve its founding vision and goals.
Dear Friends,
Let me avail this important occasion to reaffirm that as a founding member and current Chair, Nepal remains firmly committed to the vision, objectives and principles of SAARC.
It is, however, painful to note that
-Nineteenth SAARC Summit has long been overdue since 2014- a decade of delays is a decade of dreams deferred.
Clearly, we are not delivering on our commitments.
In this context, the critical importance of regular Sessions of SAARC Programming Committee like today’s cannot be overemphasized.
This meeting is vital to maintain the flicker of SAARC flame in the time of uncertainty.
In closing,
I would like to stress that SAARC can only flourish through our unity, solidarity and robust collaboration.
Let me conclude my remarks with positive note that – over time - wisdom will prevail in the region and SAARC will revitalize for enduring peace and prosperity of our people.
We are neither blind to challenges nor prisoners of pessimism.
Ours is a resolve—forged by patience yet fueled by urgency to make this region peaceful and prosperous.
Let us remind ourselves - when South Asia thrives, the world takes notice—because a quarter of humanity doesn’t whisper, it roars!
As ever, Nepal stands steadfast to play its constructive role.
Thank you for your kind attention.
