COLOMBO:The leaders of South Asian region on Sunday concluded the 15th SAARC summit here with the renewed resolve for collective regional efforts to accelerate economic growth and social progress for the benefit of its people. The leaders of the SAARC member states in a declaration at the end of the two day summit reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives enshrined in the SAARC Charter. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri lanka are members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The leaders pledged to continue efforts to boost economic growth, social progress and cultural development which would promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life, thereby contributing to peace, stability, amity and progress in the region. The leaders recognised that SAARC has been making steady and incremental progress over the years, in particular since the last Summit held in New Delhi in April 2007, towards realizing the objectives of the charter. They accordingly emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum, through clear links of continuity between the work already underway and future activities. The leaders recognized the need for SAARC to further strengthen its focus on developing and implementing regional and sub-regional projects in the agreed areas on a priority basis. Each member state may consider taking up at least one regional or sub-regional SAARC project as the lead country. Noting satisfaction at SAARC entering into implementation phase from declaratory phase, the leaders directed to rationalize SAARC mechanisms including regional centres and prioritise their activities on an ongoing basis to make SAARC mechanisms efficient in delivering tangible results on the ground. They said they were convinced that the process of regional cooperation must be truly people-centered, so that SAARC continues to strengthen in keeping with expectations as a robust partnership for growth for the peoples of South Asia. They accordingly directed all SAARC mechanisms to abide by the charter objective of promoting the welfare of the people and improving their quality for life. In this regard they directed the Council of Ministers to ensure that SAARC mechanisms identify further areas of cooperation where people-centric partnership projects could be initiated. They observed that an effective and economical regional telecommunication regime is an essential factor of connectivity, encouraging the growth of people-centric partnerships. They stressed the need for the member states to endeavour to move towards a uniformly applicable low tariff, for international direct dial calls within the region. The leaders recognized the importance of connectivity for realizing the objectives of SAARC. They accordingly directed the SAARC mechanisms to continue to embody in their programmes and projects a strong focus on better connectivity not only within South Asia, but also between the region and the rest of the world. They further stressed the necessity of fast-tracking projects for improving intra-regional connectivity and facilitating economic, social and people to people contacts. The SAARC leaders noted that increased access to energy is critical for fulfilling the legitimate expectations of growth and development in South Asia. They observed in this regard that the escalation of oil prices threatens both the energy security of the region, as well as the economic growth witnessed in South Asia. In this context, they recognized the need to expeditiously develop and conserve the conventional sources of energy and to build up renewable alternative energy resources including indigenous hydro power, solar, wind and bio, while introducing energy reforms, energy efficiency and the trade and sharing of technology and expertise. They also noted that there is tremendous potential for developing regional and sub-regional energy resources in an integrated manner and noted the efforts being made to strengthen regional cooperation in capacity development, technology transfer and the trade in energy. While expressing satisfaction at the progress over the recent years to strengthen energy cooperation, the leaders directed that the recommendations of the Energy Dialogue be implemented through an appropriate work plan. They stressed the urgent need to develop the regional hydro potential, grid connectivity and gas pipelines. They noted that the possibility of evolving an appropriate regional inter-government framework may be explored to facilitate such an endeavour. They welcomed Sri Lanka’s offer to host the third meeting of SAARC Energy Ministers in Colombo in 2009. Being increasingly aware of global warming, climate change and environmental challenges facing the region, which mainly include sea-level rise, deforestation, soil erosion, siltation, droughts, storms, cyclones, floods, glacier melt and resultant glacial lake outburst, floods and urban pollution, they reiterated the need to intensify cooperation within an expanded regional environmental protection framework, to deal in particular with climate change issues. They were of the view that SAARC should contribute to restoring harmony with nature, drawing on the ancient South Asian cultural values and traditions of environmental responsibility and sustainability. The leaders expressed satisfaction at the adoption of SAARC Action Plan and Dhaka Declaration on Climate Change by the SAARC Environment Ministers at the SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change held in Dhaka on 3 July 2008. In this context they stressed the need for close cooperation for capacity building, development of CDM projects and promotion of programs for advocacy and mass awareness raising on climate change. They also expressed satisfaction at the adoption of a SAARC Declaration on Climate Change for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by the 29th Session of the Council of Ministers. They also encouraged workshops and seminars promoting an awareness of environmental issues in general and in particular on the human dimension of climate change and its impact on economic and social right including specifically the right to development. They affirmed that every citizen of this planet must have an equal share of the planetary atmospheric space. In this context, they endorsed the convergence of per capita emissions of developing and developed countries on an equitable basis for tackling climate change. They were of the view that any effort at addressing climate change should take into account historical responsibility, per capita emissions and respective country capabilities. The leaders expressed concern at the human loss suffered through natural disasters in the region and stressed the need for the timely provision of relief in humanitarian emergencies. In this regard they directed that a Natural Disaster Rapid Response Mechanism be created to adopt a coordinated and planned approach to meet such emergencies under the aegis of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre. Expressing their deep concern at the looming global water crisis, the leaders recognized that South Asia must be at the forefront of bringing a new focus to the conservation of water resources. For this purpose they directed initiation of processes of capacity building and the encouragement of research and partnerships, combining traditional regional conservation practices such as rain water harvesting and river basin management, in order to ensure sustainability of water resources in South Asia. While acknowledging the significant steps taken to alleviate poverty in the region, they resolved to continue to combat poverty through all available means, including especially through people’s empowerment. They committed themselves to continuing to share each other’s experiences and success stories of pro-poor poverty reduction strategies such as micro-credit systems, community-credit systems, community-driven initiatives and the raising of the consciousness of the poor on their right to resources and development. In this respect, they emphasized on undertaking sustained efforts, including developing and implementing regional and sub-regional projects towards the attainment of SAARC Development Goals (SDGs). They noted the decision by the Ministers on Poverty Alleviation to obtain an inter-governmental mid-term review of the attainment of the SDGs to be completed by 2009. The SAARC leaders welcomed the offer of Nepal to host next Ministerial Meeting on Poverty Alleviation. They expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Charter of the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), and finalization of its bye-laws, and called for an early ratification of the SDF Charter. They also welcomed early operationalization of the Fund from the available funds. They expressed satisfaction at the launching and identification of the projects on women empowerment, maternal and child health and teachers’ training under the social window of the SDF, as directed by the Finance Ministers. They reiterated their commitment to expedite their financial contributions to the fund. They expressed satisfaction at the progress through the Meetings of the Ministers of Transport. They reiterated the critical importance of an efficient multi-modal transport system in the region for integration and for sustaining the region’s economic growth and competitiveness. They urged early implementation in a gradual and phased manner of the proposals of the SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport Study (SRMTS). They directed the Inter-Governmental Group on Transport to examine and finalize the draft text of the Motor Vehicle Agreement for the Regulation of Passenger and Cargo Vehicular Traffic amongst SAARC member states, while developing the drafts of a Regional Transport and Transit Agreement as well as of a Regional/Multilateral Railway Agreement. They appreciated the offer of Sri Lanka to hold the Second Meeting of SAARC Ministers of Transport in Colombo in 2008. The leaders urged the need for even more expeditious and close regional cooperation in information and communication technology. They welcomed the enhanced digital connectivity among the member states and the ongoing work to upgrade the regional telecommunication infrastructure. They directed that the arrangements needed to implement the proposed collaborative tele-projects such as those for health care and education, be expedited. They acknowledged the ongoing contribution of science and technology including cutting edge technology in information and bio-technology in improving the quality of life of the peoples of South Asia. They noted the offer of India to host the Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology on September 15-16, 2008 for development of a roadmap on identifying implementable focused regional and sub-regional projects in SAARC. They underscored the vital contribution that tourism could afford to the economic development of the SAARC region. They agreed to make every effort to implement the comprehensive action plan adopted by the Second Ministerial Meeting held at Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh. These efforts would include facilitating the movement of people through improved travel infrastructure and air, sea and land connectivity among the SAARC countries, collaboration in human resource development and the promotion of SAARC as a common destination through public-private partnerships and joint campaigns. They emphasised the role of cultural connectivity in bringing the peoples of South Asia closer, while reinforcing and projecting a distinct South Asian identity. They directed that the Agenda for Culture be implemented in full. They also emphasised their commitment to implement SAFTA in letter and in spirit, thereby enabling SAARC to contribute as well to the dynamic process of Asia’s emergence as the power house of the world. Recognizing the need to continue to address the major barriers hindering effective trade liberalization in the region, which include sensitive lists of items and Non-Trade Barriers (NTBs), they directed that the decision to revise the sensitive lists by the SAFTA Ministerial Council (SMC) be implemented early. They also recommended that while revising the sensitive lists, special consideration be given to the LDCs. The leaders directed the SAFTA Committee of Experts (SCoE) to expeditiously resolve the issue of Non Tariff Measures (NTMs) and Para Tariff Measures (PTMs) in order to facilitate and enhance the trade under SAFTA. The SAARC leaders underlined the need for taking concrete measures to improve trade facilitation in terms of the mutual recognition of standards, the adoption of common tariff nomenclatures, the harmonisation of customs procedures and the provision of adequate transport and transit facilities. They directed the relevant SAARC bodies to expedite their work in these areas. They observed that the SAARC legal instruments on trade liberalisation and the measures and initiatives for trade facilitation are increasingly affording significant openings for mutually beneficial trade, investments and economic co-operation within South Asia. These openings are complemented by the uniformly sound levels of national economic growth being attained by the member states of SAARC. The leaders accordingly noted the growing and urgent need for a capacity within SAARC dedicated to encouraging national and regional strategies that would further maximize the positive trade, investments and economic cooperation climate in South Asia. In this regard they welcomed the offer of Sri Lanka to prepare a concept paper on the subject and directed that the paper be discussed at a session of the Standing Committee specially convened for this purpose to enable the adoption of appropriate follow up measures. They welcomed the signing of the text of the agreement on the Establishment of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization. The leaders welcomed the signing of the Protocol on Afghanistan for Accession to SAFTA. They expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the Study on Trade in Services and welcomed the decision of SAFTA Ministerial Council to commence negotiation on the Framework Agreement on Trade in Services. Towards achieving further economic integration, they directed that the Draft Agreement on Investment Promotion and Protection be finalized early and the SAARC Arbitration Council be operationalized. They underscored the imperative to make steady progress in the implementation of the SAARC Social Charter and directed the member states to complete the National Plans of Action with a perspective of seeking to transform current challenges into opportunities. They further directed the National Coordination Committees (NCCs) to recommend activities in conformity with the Social Charter and to introduce an efficient and effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism for reviewing the progress in the implementation of the Social Charter. The leaders emphasised the need to implement the selected regional and sub regional programmes and projects to complement national implementation efforts. They urged that such activities be suitably accommodated in the SAARC Calendar. They called for people’s participation in strategy initiatives, planning and implementation to ensure people’s responsibility and ownership. Since ageing is an inevitable biological process in life and senior persons are respected in our society, the leaders directed to develop a policy on the protection of rights of the senior citizens for their geriatric care taking into account existing national policies of the member states. They noted with satisfaction the increased cooperation in the region towards achieving the all important goal of bringing women fully into the mainstream of development, on the basis of gender equality. They called for focused attention on women’s economic empowerment and skills development, while addressing key health issues and violence against women. The leaders directed to work for regional cooperation for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and abuse against women in general and widows in particular and guarantee of rights of single woman to live in the society in a dignified manner. They welcomed the substantial progress made in the establishment of the South Asian University in New Delhi and directed that the university should begin its session from 2010. They also directed that increased interaction between students should be encouraged through institutionalization of students, academics, teachers and youth exchange programs. They further directed early institutionalization of an elaborate SAARC Scholarship Scheme in ICT and related areas. They strongly condemned all forms of terrorist violence and expressed deep concern over the serious threat posed by terrorism to the peace, stability and security of the region. They further recognized the growing linkages between the phenomenon of terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic and psychotropic substances, illegal trafficking of persons and firearms and underscored the need to address the problem in a comprehensive manner. They reiterated their commitment to strengthen the legal regime against terrorism, including implementation of all international conventions relating to combating terrorism to which members states are parties, as well as the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and the Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism. While recalling United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001), they emphasized the importance of criminalizing any act for the provision, collection and acquisition of funds for the purpose of committing terrorist acts. They emphasized the need for strongest possible cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime amongst the relevant agencies of the member states especially in the area of information exchange. The SAARC leaders further emphasized the importance of completing all legislative and other relevant measures to implement within member states, the provisions of the Regional Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The leaders noted the considerable work done to promote cooperation in police matters. They appreciated the offer of Pakistan to host the Third Meeting of SAARC Ministers of Interior/Home in Islamabad during 2008. They expressed satisfaction on the finalization of the text of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters at the 15th Summit and its signing. They expressed appreciation at the accommodating manner in which the negotiations were conducted by the member states to provide each other the widest measures of mutual assistance in criminal matters to ensure a greater sense of security within the region to go hand in hand with regional development. They urged for early ratification and implementation of the convention. They resolved to encourage consultation among delegations of SAARC member states at the appropriate international forums and agreed to cooperate accordingly, They welcomed the observers namely the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mauritius, the United States of America and the European Union and appreciated their participation in the summit. They also welcomed Australia and Myanmar to be associated as observers to SAARC. They welcomed the interest of some observers to participate in the SAARC projects and activities as per the SAARC guidelines on cooperation with observers. The SAARC leaders welcomed with appreciation the offer of Maldives to host the 16th Summit Meeting of the Heads of States or Government of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
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