Photo: SAARC

DHAKA, Nov 5, 2025 (BSS) - South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation 
(SAARC) Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar today reaffirmed the 
region's shared resolve to build a South Asia where every child is nourished, 
every woman respected, and every individual lives with dignity and equal 
opportunity.

He made the remarks while addressing a high-level roundtable at the Second 
World Summit for Social Development being held in Doha, Qatar from November 4 
to 6, according to a SAARC Secretariat press release received here today. 

Over 8,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, UN 
representatives, civil society leaders, academics, private sector actors, and 
youth delegates, are attending the World Social Summit 2025.

Secretary General Sarwar highlighted SAARC's continued commitment to social 
progress through regional cooperation and shared development.

He said SAARC's Plan of Action on the 2030 Agenda closely aligns regional 
priorities with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The SAARC Secretary General also underlined the contributions of the 
organisation's specialized centres and working groups in advancing data 
sharing, policy dialogue, and capacity building among the eight Member 
States.

Ambassador Sarwar further emphasized SAARC's collaboration with major UN 
agencies, including UNDP, FAO, WHO, UNFPA, and UNICEF, in fostering evidence-
based policymaking and strengthening regional mechanisms for inclusive 
development.

"The people of South Asia-one-fourth of humanity-stand united in this 
vision," he said adding "Through SAARC, we reaffirm our determination to 
build a region where every child is nourished, every adolescent is empowered, 
every woman is respected, and every individual can live with equality and 
hope."

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Secretary General is scheduled to hold 
bilateral meetings with the Heads of Delegation from UNICEF and Plan 
International Asia Pacific to explore enhanced regional cooperation on child 
and youth development initiatives.