UN Secretary-General Signals Enhanced Collaboration with SAARC

In a significant development indicative of strengthening ties between the United Nations (UN) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed a keenness to augment collaboration with the regional bloc.

During a recent courtesy meeting held at the UN Headquarters in New York on April 8, Secretary-General Guterres and SAARC Secretary-General Golam Sarwar deliberated on avenues to bolster cooperation between the two organizations. The meeting underscored the UN’s commitment to enhancing relations with SAARC, representing a substantial demographic swath of the global populace.

Sources from the SAARC Secretariat revealed that Ambassador Sarwar lauded the UN’s steadfast support for SAARC, an Observer Organization of the UN since 2004. Discussions between the dignitaries centered on reinforcing ties across various sectors of mutual interest, prominently including climate change, food security, and renewable energy collaborations.

Highlighting existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between SAARC and various UN agencies, Ambassador Sarwar emphasized the need to update these agreements to better align with contemporary contexts, thus fostering deeper collaboration.

Proposing a joint meeting between the SAARC Secretariat and UN agencies in Kathmandu, Ambassador Sarwar aimed to facilitate brainstorming sessions to identify future collaboration areas. Secretary-General Guterres welcomed this proposal, emphasizing the imperative for intensified cooperation between SAARC and the UN.

In a proactive move, Secretary-General Guterres directed his office to facilitate connections between the SAARC Secretariat and pertinent UN officials to ensure effective sectoral cooperation. Moreover, Ambassador Sarwar explored avenues for capacity-building opportunities for SAARC officials, further underlining efforts to bolster the Secretariat’s efficacy and sustainability.

Secretary-General Guterres affirmed the UN’s unwavering support and assistance to SAARC, signaling a commitment to fostering closer ties in the years ahead. Both dignitaries concluded the meeting with a shared determination to work closely in advancing the collaboration between SAARC and the UN for the mutual benefit of the region and the global community.