The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized a roundtable titled “SAARC Nearing 50: Challenges and Way Forward” on December 3, 2024, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss the achievements and prospects of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as it approaches its 50th anniversary.

The event was graced by SAARC Secretary General Md. Golan Sarwar as the Guest of Honour. Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, chaired the session, while Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome remarks.

Dr. Razia Sultana, Senior Research Fellow at BIISS, presented on “SAARC Nearing 50: Strengthening Regional Unity for a Brighter Future”, emphasizing the potential for deeper cooperation among member states. Former Additional Foreign Secretary Md. Shamsul Haque shared insights on “Way Forward to Revitalising SAARC: Outlining the Direction”, focusing on strategies to reinvigorate the organization.

An open discussion followed, with contributions from experts on regional and sub-regional cooperation. Participants shared valuable suggestions and observations, highlighting the challenges SAARC faces and its potential role in fostering regional unity.

In his concluding remarks, Secretary General Md. Golam Sarwar underscored SAARC’s importance as a regional platform for improving the lives of South Asia’s people. He detailed SAARC’s current activities, including its Regional Centres and Specialized Bodies, while noting that no other sub-regional initiatives have matched SAARC’s achievements. He called for renewed prioritization of SAARC, emphasizing its potential to address shared regional challenges and promote collective well-being.

The event highlighted the need to reinforce SAARC's relevance and explore ways to strengthen cooperation among its member states as the organization marks a significant milestone in its history.