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

The Fifteenth Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of the SAARC Cultural Centre was held at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 19 to 20 August 2025. Representatives from the esteemed Governments of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Republic of Nepal, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka attended the meeting in person, while representatives from the Republic of India, the Republic of Maldives, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan participated virtually.

The Chairmanship of the Governing Board was formally transferred from the outgoing Chair, Bangladesh, to Bhutan. Accordingly, Ms. Nagtsho Dorji, Director, Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, Royal Government of Bhutan, presided over the meeting as Chair. Representing His Excellency, the Secretary General of SAARC, Director Ms. Irosha Cooray attended the meeting on his behalf.

Addressing the Meeting on behalf of the Secretary General, Ms. Irosha Cooray emphasized the importance of continuing to empower and guide the Centre through the insights and vision of the esteemed Governing Board Members. She noted that their collective wisdom and strategic direction are vital in steering the Centre towards the full realization of its mission.

In her statement, the Chair reiterated the mandate entrusted to the SAARC Cultural Centre and sought the assistance of the Member States in navigating this process. Presenting the anticipated budget for 2026, Dr. Kaushalya Kumarasinghe, Director of the SCC, briefed the Meeting on the progress of the 2025 Agenda, highlighted the challenges encountered, and sought the Board’s guidance and approval for the programme activities proposed for 2026.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of the directives of the Fourteenth Governing Board to ensure that the Centre’s activities were in alignment with the objectives set in the previous year. Following comprehensive deliberations, the Governing Board finalized the proposed programmes and budget for 2026, with a focus on strengthening the Centre’s role in fostering cultural exchange and cooperation among SAARC Member States.

The Board also reviewed all administrative and financial matters of the Centre, including the audit report, thereby reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability in the Centre’s operations.

The two days of deliberations concluded successfully with several constructive recommendations, which will be submitted to the forthcoming Programming Committee Meeting in Kathmandu for consideration and approval. These recommendations are aimed at further strengthening the Centre’s initiatives and ensuring the effective implementation of its programmes in the year ahead.

SAARC Secretariat
20 August  2025

Joint Press Release

SAARC and the Embassy of Japan sign the Addendum of Renewed Memorandum on Guidelines for the SAARC-Japan Special Fund for the Purpose of JENESYS 2025

On 14 August 2025, the Embassy of Japan, Kathmandu and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) signed the Addendum of Revised Memorandum on Guidelines for the SAARC-Japan Special Fund for the Purpose of JENESYS 2025 programme. The Government of Japan has decided to contribute JPY 21,288,000 for JENESYS 2025.

The document was signed in Kathmandu today by the Secretary-General of SAARC, His Excellency Mr. Md Golam Sarwar, and the Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, His Excellency Mr. MAEDA Toru. The addendum builds upon the long-standing JENESYS Youth Exchange Programme conducted under the fund provided by the Government of Japan.

JENESYS is a youth exchange initiative between Japan and SAARC member states which is funded and implemented by the Government of Japan with the support of SAARC Secretariat. The programme offers young participants from SAARC countries the opportunity to visit Japan and gain first-hand insights into the nation’s development model, economic progress, advanced technologies, rich traditional culture, and societal values. Nearly 50 participants are scheduled to visit Japan during FY2025. Over the years, JENESYS has played a vital role in promoting mutual understanding between the youth of Japan and South Asia, while also equipping participants with knowledge and experiences that can contribute to the region’s development.

SAARC Secretariat                                                     

Kathmandu        

Embassy of Japan in Nepal

Kathmandu

14 August 2025