The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) commemorates its historic 40th anniversary of the adoption of the SAARC Charter on 8 December 2025. The SAARC was launched by the South Asian Heads of State/Government at their First Summit in Dhaka by adopting the Charter on 08 December 1985. Since then, 08 December is commemorated as the SAARC Charter Day every year.
The Heads of State/Government and Foreign Ministers of SAARC Member States have issued dedicatory special messages in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of SAARC Charter. In their special messages, the Heads of State/Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs have underscored the importance of SAARC as a shared platform to foster mutual understanding, collaboration and solidarity in order to build a peaceful, prosperous and integrated South Asia.
Reaffirming their commitment to the ideals and founding objectives as articulated in the Charter, the Leaders also acknowledged the imperatives of concerted efforts and meaningful action to harness economic potentials, achieve sustained and equitable development, and to address the shared challenges confronting the region bound by history, culture and destiny.
In addition, the Leaders have conveyed their felicitations and greetings to the peoples and Governments of the Member States on the occasion of the Charter Day. Copies of their messages are attached.
The Secretary General of SAARC, H.E. Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, has also issued a message to commemorate this momentous occasion. Extending gratitude to the esteemed Member States, Observer States, Development Partners, Diplomatic Missions, regional and international organizations for their invaluable cooperation and support to SAARC through all these years, he wished for their continued goodwill and steadfast support in the years to come as well.
SAARC has journeyed far, Secretary General said, recounting briefly the journey of SAARC from its focus on institutional strengthening and norm setting in priority areas to the implementation of programs across an array of sectors with a view to materialize the collective aspirations of the people of South Asia. He also hailed the Charter Day as an important occasion to reflect on the past accomplishments and to forge renewed commitment to reinvigorate the SAARC process.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the adoption of SAARC Charter, the Secretary General of SAARC and his spouse will host a diplomatic reception in Kathmandu in the evening of 9 December 2025.
Kathmandu, 08 December 2025
