28 August 2025

Kathmandu, Nepal

The SAARC Secretariat, in collaboration with the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) and Welthungerhilfe, organized the First Follow-up Meeting on the Way Forward of the Regional Workshop on “Promoting Agro-ecological Approaches for Sustainable Transformation of Agri-food Systems in South Asia” on 28 August 2025 at the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, in hybrid mode. The workshop was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 29 to 31 July 2025.

The objective of the Meeting was to determine concrete actions on Agro-ecological matter for advancing the welfare of the region, particularly for farmers and other stakeholders in the agri-food system.

The Meeting was attended by the Director (ARD & SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, the Director of SAC, the Country Director of Welthungerhilfe Nepal, representatives from some SAARC Member States, representatives from IFAD, agricultural experts, academicians, and think tanks, who attended the workshop in Thimphu, Bhutan. Participants shared valuable insights and perspectives to further strengthen collaboration in promoting agro-ecological approaches for the sustainable transformation of agri-food systems in South Asia.

The Meeting concluded with a set of recommendations and concrete action plans aimed at enhancing cooperation and ensuring sustainability in the region’s agriculture sector.

27 August 2025,

Kathmandu, Nepal

Inauguration of the SAARC Regional Workshop on Fostering Regional Agricultural Trade including Fortified Foods through Harmonized Food Safety Standards in South Asia

The inaugural session of the SAARC regional consultation workshop titled “Fostering Regional Agricultural Trade including Fortified Foods through Harmonized Food Safety Standards in South Asia” was held on 27 August 2025 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The three-day workshop is jointly organized by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal, and the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia. Delegates from six SAARC Member States namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are participating in the event.

The workshop aims to identify opportunities for regional harmonization of standards for fortified foods to enhance trade and effectively address micronutrient deficiencies in South Asia. It also seeks to develop a roadmap for regional harmonization to ensure the quality and scale of food fortification programmes. Over the course of three days, national and international experts, panellists, agricultural professionals, and academics will share their insights.

Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary (Agriculture Development), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal, graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF), SAARC Secretariat; Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre; Dr. Zivai Murira, Regional Nutrition Advisor, UNICEF ROSA and Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Programme Specialist (Livestock), SAC. Mr. Prakash Kumar Sanjel, Director General, Department of Agriculture, Nepal, chaired the session.

Around 45 participants from different SAARC Member States attended the event. As the keynote speaker, Dr. Jeevan Prabha Lama, Former Agriculture Secretary of Nepal, presented a paper on the Harmonization of Food Standards in South Asia for Agricultural Trade.

The workshop is expected to conclude with a set of policy recommendations and joint action plans aimed at fostering regional agricultural trade and strengthening food fortification initiatives across South Asia.

Thirteenth Governing Board Meeting of South Asian University Sets Course for Growth and Regional Cooperation

The South Asian University (SAU), a flagship initiative of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), convened its Thirteenth Governing Board Meeting virtually, with participation from Governing Board representatives of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, alongside a representative of the SAARC Secretariat and SAU office bearers.

Minister of State for Higher Education, Mr. Ahmed Shafeeu from the esteemed Government of Maldives, presided over the meeting and officially called it to order. The Governing Board undertook a detailed review of the proposed budget for the upcoming year, engaging in comprehensive deliberations on resource allocation and financial planning to support the University’s growth. Members also underscored the urgency of releasing outstanding contributions from Member States to ensure the smooth functioning of SAU.

Presenting his report, Prof. Aggarwal, President of SAU, outlined the initiatives undertaken since assuming office and shared his reform agenda for the years ahead. While acknowledging constraints that may affect implementation, he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the University’s academic profile, institutional resilience, and overall contribution to regional cooperation.

The Governing Board also discussed future priorities, placing particular emphasis on expanding academic programmes, and reinforcing SAU’s role as a hub for regional collaboration. It was further decided that the Chairmanship for the next Governing Board Meeting will pass on to the Government of Sri Lanka.

As SAARC’s Centre of Excellence, SAU continues to serve as a unique hub for learning, research, and creativity for the citizens of South Asia. With five faculties and seven departments, the University currently offers Master’s and PhD programmes to around 1500 students, supported by 70 distinguished faculty members from across the region and beyond. Since its establishment, SAU has educated nearly 2300 students and research fellows, making a significant contribution to knowledge generation and people-to-people connectivity in the region.

SAARC Secretariat
Kathmandu, 21 August 2025

 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