The 17th Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) began today (13 October 2025) at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, bringing together senior policymakers, agricultural experts and representatives from SAARC member states to strengthen regional cooperation in agricultural research and development.

Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC); Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) from the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu (representing H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC); Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker, former Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre; representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh; High Commissioners of Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Pakistan; embassy delegates from India and Nepal; Director Generals, directors from the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Bangladesh; representatives from international and national agricultural organizations were present at the event.

In his welcome address, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, highlighted the Centre’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security and facilitating regional knowledge exchange. He emphasized SAC’s pivotal role in advancing agricultural innovation and resilience in the face of climate change and emerging challenges.

The inaugural session also featured a virtual address by Mr. Ali Amir, Chairperson of the SAC 16^th Governing Board and Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Maldives. In his remarks, Amir underscored the importance of regional solidarity in tackling shared agricultural challenges and steering South Asia toward a more food-secure future. He praised SAC’s efforts in fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable farming practices across the region. He emphasized the need to strengthen agricultural research, cooperation, technology transfer and regional collaboration.

Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Former Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh stated, “It is truly inspiring to see SAC’s progress in strengthening regional ties through research and knowledge exchange. South Asia’s agricultural future depends on our willingness to share expertise and act together. I am confident that the outcomes of this meeting will pave the way for greater harmony, innovation and sustainable food systems in our region.”

Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, said, “Agriculture is the backbone of South Asia. The region faces challenges related to urbanization, nutrition, food security and resilience. In the context of climate change, SAC plays a vital role. A series of programs have been initiated to promote sustainable development and harmonize agricultural knowledge dissemination across SAARC member states. This 17^th Governing Board Meeting is a symbol of unity and shared purpose among the SAARC member countries. Agriculture remains at the heart of our regional economy, and through SAC’s initiatives, we are building stronger partnerships for sustainable growth. The SAARC Secretariat remains committed to supporting policies that enhance productivity, innovation and cross-border collaboration. Regional cooperation is key to overcoming the challenges of climate change, food insecurity and resource constraints. We appreciate SAC’s continued efforts in promoting collective action for agricultural advancement in South Asia.” 

In technical session, the Chairpersonship of the Governing Board was formally transferred from the outgoing Chair, Maldives to Nepal. Accordingly, Ms. Sabnam Shivakoti, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal assumed the role of Chair and presided over the meeting. The 17^th Governing board member from Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka were present physically and from India, Bhutan, Maldives and Pakistan joined virtually.  The two-day meeting serves as a key platform for member countries to review progress, share knowledge and adopt strategies to advance agricultural development in the south Asia region.

SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)

Dhaka, 13 October 2025

Press Release

Fourteenth  Governing Board Meeting of the SAARC Arbitration Council

The Fourteenth Governing Board Meeting of the SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO) was held on 29-30 September 2025 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Representatives from the esteemed Governments of the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Republic of Maldives and  the Islamic Republic of Pakistan attended the meeting in person, while representatives from People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of India, the Republic of Nepal, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka participated virtually. The Meeting was also attended  by the Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country, Pakistan, and the SAARC Secretariat officials.

The Chairpersonship of the Governing Board was formally transferred from the outgoing Chair, Bangladesh, to Bhutan. Accordingly, Mr. Karma Yeshey, Chief Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of Bhutan, assumed the role of Chair and presided over the meeting.

Addressing on behalf of H.E. the Secretary General of SAARC, Mr. Waseem Shahzad, Director, SAARC Secretariat, stated that the Governing Board serves the critical responsibility of providing strategic oversight for the Council’s programme of activities, thus ensuring its full alignment with the Council’s mandate and objectives.

The Chair of the Governing Board, Mr. Karma Yeshey, in his address, reaffirmed the mandate entrusted to the SAARC Arbitration Council and called upon the Member States for their continued cooperation in navigating this crucial process.

Mr. Choining Dorji, Director General of SARCO, presented the proposed budget for 2026 and briefed the Meeting on the programme activities undertaken during 2025. He also outlined the key challenges encountered and sought the Board’s guidance and endorsement for the proposed programme activities for 2026.

The Meeting undertook a thorough review of the programme activities conducted over the previous year and the activities proposed for the Calendar Year 2026. Additionally, the participants reviewed both the Reports of the Council’s audit accounts, as prepared by the Joint Audit Team, and the proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026.

The two days of productive deliberations concluded successfully, resulting in several constructive recommendations, which are set to be presented at the upcoming Programming Committee meeting for further consideration and approval. These recommendations aim to strengthen the Council’s initiatives and ensure the effective implementation of its programs in the year ahead.

SAARC Arbitration Council

Islamabad, 30 September 2025

Press Release

Eighteenth Governing Board Meeting of the SAARC Energy Centre

The Eighteenth Governing Board Meeting of the SAARC Energy Centre (SEC) was held on 25-26 September 2025 in Islamabad, Pakistan. The Meeting, held in hybrid mode, was attended by the Governing Board Members and Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country, Pakistan, and the SAARC Secretariat officials.

The Chairpersonship of the Governing Board was formally transferred from the outgoing Chair, Bangladesh, to Bhutan. Accordingly, Mr. Sonam Tshering, Principal Engineer, Department of Energy, Ministry of Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan, assumed the role of Chair and presided over the meeting.

Addressing on behalf of H.E. the Secretary General of SAARC, Mr.Waseem Shahzad, Director ETS, SAARC Secretariat emphasized the critical importance of the Governing Board’s continued empowerment and guidance for the Centre. He underscored that the Members’ collective wisdom and strategic vision are absolutely vital to successfully steer the Centre toward the full realization of its mission.

The Chair of the Governing Board, Mr. Sonam Tshering, in his address, reaffirmed the mandate entrusted to the SAARC Energy Centre and requested the cooperation of the Member States in navigating this process.

Mr. Abdul Rasheed Jokhio, Director of the SEC, presented the budget for 2026, and briefed the Meeting on the programme activities undertaken during 2025. He further outlined key challenges encountered and sought the Board’s guidance and endorsement for the proposed programme activities for 2026.

The Meeting reviewed the program activities undertaken by the Centre over the past year and proposed activities for the Calendar Year 2026. It also reviewed the Reports of the Centre’s audited accounts, prepared by the Joint Audit Team and the proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026.

The Governing Board provided comprehensive recommendations concerning the Centre’s Calendar of Activities, Budget, and other essential operational matters. These recommendations will be duly presented for consideration at the next Programming Committee Meeting. The recommendations are aimed to further enhance the Centre’s strategic initiatives and ensure optimal efficacy in programme implementation over the next year.

SAARC Energy Centre

Islamabad, 26 September 2025

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) was held on 23rd September in New York, USA.

The event was graced by H.E. Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Johan Swinnen, Director General of IFPRI, Washington, attended as a Special Guest.

The ceremony was also attended by distinguished delegates, including Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of SAC, Dhaka; Dr. Shahidur Rashid, Director of IFPRI South Asia Office, New Delhi; Dr. Purnima Menon, Senior Director, IFPRI, Washington; and Dr. Teunis Van Rheenen, Director of Business Development and External Relations, IFPRI, Washington.

This collaboration is aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas such as agricultural research, extension services, nutrition, and policy development. The Secretary General of SAARC emphasized that the MoU between SAC and IFPRI would be highly beneficial in strengthening collaborative efforts, playing a vital role in advancing technology development and its effective dissemination in agriculture and allied disciplines across the region.

The Director General of IFPRI highlighted that cooperation in knowledge generation and management, agricultural trade, policy innovation, and capacity building would be further strengthened through this partnership.

The ceremony concluded with a joint commitment to building a food-secure, resilient, and prosperous South Asia.