🌏 Thimphu, 08 December 2025 — The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) joined the Royal Government of Bhutan in commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the SAARC Charter at a ceremony held at the sacred Tara Lhaden Zhingkham Lhakhang in Pangrizampa, Thimphu, Bhutan.
To honour four decades of regional cooperation under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a thousand butter lamps were lit and special prayers were offered for continued peace, unity and prosperity across the region.
The commemorative event was graced by the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel as Chief Guest, and attended by representatives of the SAARC Member States, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and representatives of the SAARC Development Fund.
The SAARC Charter was adopted on 8 December 1985 during the First SAARC Summit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking the formal establishment of SAARC and setting the foundation for cooperation in economic, cultural, social, and technical spheres across South Asia. Since then, SAARC Charter Day has been observed annually on 8 December by all Member States to reaffirm the shared vision of fostering regional integration, strengthening bonds of friendship, and promoting sustainable development.
As the umbrella financing mechanism of SAARC, the SAARC Development Fund continues to play a central role in advancing regional projects that improve the quality of life in South Asia. Through its Social, Economic, and Infrastructure Windows, SDF has been supporting initiatives that enhance regional connectivity, social protection, livelihood opportunities, trade facilitation, agriculture, environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.
Marking the SAARC Charter serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to deepen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to the people of South Asia. SDF remains committed to strengthening regional collaboration and accelerating progress through impactful, cross-border projects.
