Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who also holds the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has emphasized the need for a new resolve to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), making it dynamic, inclusive, and action-oriented.

Expressing her best wishes to the governments and people of the member states on the occasion of the 41st Charter Day of SAARC, she noted that by uniting around a common purpose, we can face the challenges of the region, protect the common interest and fulfill the aspirations of the people.

'Almost four decades ago, our founding leaders envisioned a unified South Asia with peace, stability and shared prosperity. Their collective vision gave birth to SAARC, as a platform that aims to promote regional cooperation, strengthen friendly relations and enhance the well-being of our people,' the message said.

Prime Minister Karki said that over the past years, SAARC has succeeded in taking the form of an important platform to advance initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening mutual trust and improving living standards across the region. She mentioned that the SAARC Charter has been a constant guide in deepening collective self-reliance and nurturing a common regional identity to face the complex challenges of the times such as food and energy security, climate change, digital divide and poverty reduction.

As the current chairman, Nepal has reiterated its firm commitment to work closely with all member states in accordance with the principles enshrined in the SAARC Charter, in the spirit of friendship, unity and consensus. 

SAARC was established on 8 December 1985 with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka, Bangladesh. SAARC comprises eight member states, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The secretariat of this organization was established in Kathmandu on 17 January 1987.

The meeting of the heads of state or government of the member states is the highest decision-making body under SAARC. Summits are usually held at intervals of two years and are hosted by the member states in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the presidency of the organization during that period. 18 SAARC summits have been held so far. The 18th SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu on 26 and 27 November 2014. Since then, the SARB summit has not been held.