Kathmandu — South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) marked a historic milestone on Monday, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the adoption of its Charter. It was on December 8, 1985, during the first SAARC Summit in Dhaka, that the leaders of South Asia endorsed the founding document, laying the groundwork for regional cooperation among member nations. Since then, December 8 has been observed annually as SAARC Charter Day, a moment for reflection, renewal, and recommitment.

To commemorate the occasion, Heads of State, Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers from the eight SAARC Member States issued special messages underlining the enduring importance of SAARC as a common platform. The leaders highlighted that the association—rooted in shared history, culture and values—continues to play a vital role in promoting mutual trust, collaboration and solidarity across the region. They reaffirmed their dedication to the Charter’s founding principles, emphasizing the need for collective action to tap into South Asia’s vast economic potential, promote sustainable and equitable development, and tackle common challenges.

In their messages, the leaders also extended warm greetings and felicitations to the peoples and governments of all SAARC countries, noting that the progress of the association is inseparable from the goodwill and aspirations of over a quarter of the world’s population residing in South Asia.

SAARC Secretary General Md. Golam Sarwar, in his special message for the 40th Charter Day, expressed deep gratitude to Member States, Observer States, Development Partners, Diplomatic Missions, and regional and international organizations for their invaluable support over the decades. He acknowledged the collective efforts that have helped strengthen SAARC’s institutional framework and expand its areas of cooperation.

Reflecting on the association’s evolution, the Secretary General noted that SAARC has come a long way—from initial efforts focused on institutional building and norm setting, to the implementation of wide-ranging programs aimed at advancing the shared development goals of the region. He emphasized that Charter Day is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a call to reinvigorate regional cooperation for the future.

To mark the anniversary, the Secretary General and his spouse will host a diplomatic reception in Kathmandu on the evening of December 9, 2025, bringing together representatives from across the region and beyond to honour SAARC’s four decades of unity and collective vision.