SAARC Summit 2008: The Colombo Declaration
The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment to the
principles and objectives enshrined in the SAARC Charter.
They renewed their resolve for collective regional efforts to
accelerate 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 Heads of State or Government recognized 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 Heads of State or Government 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/ sub-regional
SAARC project as the lead country.
The Leaders noted with satisfaction the considerable progress made in
various domains of partnership among SAARC Member States and emphasized
the need to consolidate and ensure effective implementation of all SAARC
programs and mechanisms by rationalization and performance evaluation on
a regular basis.
Partnership for Growth for the People
The Heads of State or Government were convinced that the process of
regional cooperation must be truly people-centred, 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 of 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.
The Heads of State or Government observed that an effective and
economical regional tele-communication 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.
Connectivity
The Heads of State or Government recognized the importance of
connectivity for realizing the objectives of SAARC.
They accordingly directed the SAARC mechanisms to continue to embody
in their programs 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.
Energy
The Heads of State or Government 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.
The Heads of State or Government 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-governmental 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.
Environment
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, the Heads of State or Government
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 at
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 Twenty-ninth Session of the
Council of Ministers.
The Heads of State or Government expressed deep concern over global
climate change and its impact on the lives and livelihoods in the
region.
They also noted the urgency of the immediate need for dealing with
the onslaught of climate change including sea level rise, on meeting
food, water and energy needs, and taking measures to ensure the
livelihood security of the peoples in the SAARC region.
They resolved to work together to prevent and address the threats to
the livelihoods of the peoples and to provide access to remedies when
these rights are violated and also to find an equitable distribution of
responsibilities and rights among the Member States.
They also emphasised the need for assessing and managing its risks
and impacts. In this regard, they called for an in-depth study on
“Climate Justice: The Human Dimension of Climate Change,” to come up
with a rights-based approach that would highlight the human impact when
responding to the impacts of climate change.
The Heads of State or Government 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 Heads of State or Government 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.
Water Resources
The Heads of State or Government expressing their deep concern at the
looming global water crisis, 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, combining conservation
practices such as rain water harvesting and river basin management, in
order to ensure sustainability of water resources in South Asia.
Poverty Alleviation
The Heads of State or Government while acknowledging the significant
steps taken to alleviate poverty in the region, 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-driven initiatives and the
raising of the consciousness of the poor on their right to resources and
development.
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.
SAARC Development Fund (SDF)
The Heads of State or Government 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 & 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.
In this regard, the Heads of State or Government accepted with
appreciation the offer of the Kingdom of Bhutan to host the SAARC
Development Fund Secretariat in Thimphu.
Transport
The Heads of State or Government 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 noted the progress made in the consideration of the draft Motor
Vehicle Agreement (MVA) by Member States. They also noted that technical
inputs related to Regional Transport and Transit Agreement and Regional
Multilateral Railway Agreement were being examined by the Member States.
In this context, they directed the next Transport Ministers Meeting
to expedite work in this regard. They appreciated the offer of Sri Lanka
to hold the Second Meeting of SAARC Ministers of Transport in Colombo in
2008.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Development
The Heads of State or Government 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.
Science and Technology
The Heads of State or Government acknowledged the ongoing
contribution of Science & 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 & Technology on September 15-16, 2008 for development of a
roadmap on identifying implementable focused regional and sub-regional
projects in SAARC.
Tourism
The Heads of State or Government 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.
Culture
The Heads of State or Government emphasized 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.
SAFTA
The Heads of State or Government emphasized 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 that
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 Heads of State or Government 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.
They directed the relevant SAARC bodies to expedite their work in
these areas. They also recognized the importance of development of
communication system and transport infrastructure and transit facilities
specially for the landlocked countries to promote intra-SAARC trade.
The Heads of State or Government observed that the SAARC legal
instruments on trade liberalization 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
enhancing 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 and a Working 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.
Trade in Services
The Heads of State or Government 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.
Social Charter
The Heads of State or Government 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 emphasized the need to implement the selected regional
and sub regional programs 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. 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.
Women and Children
Heads of State or Government 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 a regional cooperation for the
elimination of all forms of discrimination and abuse against women in
general and widows in particular and guarantee their rights to live in
the society in a dignified manner.
Education
The Heads of State or Government 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.
Combating Terrorism
The Heads of State or Government 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 by undertaking to implement all
international conventions relating to combating terrorism to which
Member 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.
The Head of States or Government while recalling United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) emphasized the importance of
criminalizing any act for the provision, collection and acquisition of
funds for the purpose of committing terrorist acts.
The Heads of State or Government recognized in this regard the value
of the proposed UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
They noted the progress made during recent rounds of negotiations and
called for an early conclusion of the Convention.
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 Heads of State or Government 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.
The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction on the
finalization of the text of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal
Assistance in Criminal Matters at the Fifteenth 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, the Heads of State or
Government urged for early ratification and implementation of the
Convention.
Observers
The Heads of State or Government 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 approved the guidelines for cooperation with
Observers and looked forward to working with them in the common pursuit
of the partnership for growth for our people.
Sixteenth Summit
The Heads of State or Government welcomed with appreciation the offer
of the Maldives to host the Sixteenth Summit Meeting of the Heads of
State or Government of the South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC).
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