The Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Md. Golam Sarwar, welcomed the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, Ted Chaiban, today at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu. During the meeting, both the Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director acknowledged the strong and enduring partnership between UNICEF and SAARC and discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas such as child protection, nutrition, education, health, and climate resilience. The discussion highlighted the importance of a coordinated regional approach to address common challenges affecting children, particularly in the aftermath of global crises, and socio-economic disparities. The Deputy Executive Director commended SAARC’s commitment to regional integration and its efforts to prioritize the needs of children and young people through various initiatives and frameworks. The Secretary General welcomed UNICEF’s continued engagement and expressed appreciation for its technical expertise and support in advancing the SAARC Social Charter and other regional goals related to children and youth. This high-level engagement reaffirms the shared commitment of both organizations to work collaboratively in addressing regional priorities and ensuring that no child is left behind.
 

Kathmandu, 21 August 2025