BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

SOCIO-CULTURAL VISION OF SAARC IN THE TIDRD DECADE

Author: Niaz A. Naik

DOI Link: DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2004v25n4a5

ABSTRACT

SAARC has recently entered its third decade. On the eve of the third decade there are new imperatives in socio-cultural areas for combating social problems in the region. The Social Charter signed in the 12th SAARC Summit must be fully linked with the UN Millennium Development Goals (MOGs). Some major institutional reforms within SAARC are essential for attaining the socio-cultural development goals. Suggestion for a Summit Group comprising of the current, outgoing and the forthcoming chairs of SAARC to ensure implementation of the Summit decisions may be made in this context, Secondly, status, function and power of Secretary General should be raised to that of Minister and the position should have adequate flexibility to take initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and resource mobilisation for SAARC programmes. Thirdly, highly professional experts should e appointed in the Secretariat from within the region to give it a truly regional character and enhance its institutional capacity.