by Abdul Waheed Bhutto 8 October 2023
SAARC, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, holds the potential to be a pivotal force in fostering collaboration and addressing pressing challenges within its member nations. South Asia, renowned for its cultural diversity and stunning landscapes, faces urgent issues such as climate change, regional conflicts, and the critical need for coordinated resource management. This exploration will delve into the significance of SAARC’s cooperative efforts, examining its complexities, enduring regional disputes, shared resources, and the innovative vision of higher education embodied in the proposed “SAARC University.”
Established in Dhaka on December- 1985, SAARC represents about 3% of the world’s land area and is home to 21% of the global population, contributing 5.21% to the global economy as of 2021. SAARC’s core objectives are deeply rooted in promoting the welfare and development of South Asia’s people. It is dedicated to nurturing cooperation, mutual understanding, and self-reliance among its member nations, aiming to expedite economic growth, foster social progress, and encourage cultural development within the region. Through concerted collaborative efforts, SAARC aims to elevate the quality of life for the people of South Asia, securing their ability to enjoy prosperity and meaningful lives.
Geographical proximity within SAARC member countries is closely linked to the vital sharing of resources, encompassing a diverse spectrum, including water, agriculture, energy, cultural heritage, biodiversity, and more. Effective management and cooperative utilization of these resources are pivotal for achieving sustainable development and prosperity across South Asia. South Asia exemplifies the incredible diversity of cultures, languages, traditions, and histories, with member countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan showcasing a beautiful tapestry of unique cultural identities. Within this diversity, several common cultural threads bind the people of this region.
South Asia, the birthplace of major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, is also home to significant Muslim, Christian, and indigenous religious communities. This religious diversity has woven a rich tapestry of practices, festivals, and rituals that are cherished throughout the region. The vibrant and colorful festivals of South Asia, such as Diwali, Eid, Holi, Durga Puja, and Vesak, are celebrated with immense enthusiasm, often involving the illumination of lamps, the sharing of sweets, and communal gatherings. These celebrations highlight the unity found within the region’s diversity.
South Asian cuisine has garnered global acclaim for its diverse and delectable offerings. Staples like rice, wheat, lentils, and vegetables are common across the region, while the widespread use of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili creates a unique and flavorful culinary tradition. Mouthwatering dishes like biryani, curry, samosas, and momos are savored across borders.
The tradition of art and craft in South Asia is deeply rooted, encompassing intricate textile work, pottery, jewelry making, and wood carving. These traditional skills are often passed down through generations, sustaining the livelihoods of many communities. Music and dance are integral to the culture of South Asia, with each country boasting its unique musical traditions and dance forms. Classical music genres like Hindustani and Carnatic music, as well as traditional dance styles like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kathakali, have transcended national boundaries and are cherished throughout the region.
Linguistic diversity thrives in South Asia, yet several languages are spoken across multiple SAARC countries. Languages like Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Punjabi find speakers in more than one SAARC nation, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The region also boasts a rich literary tradition, with poets and writers making significant contributions to world literature. Works by renowned authors such as Rabindranath Tagore, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Rumi are celebrated across the region and beyond.
Traditional attire varies across SAARC countries, with styles like sarees, salwar kameez, dhotis, and turbans being commonly worn. These clothing choices reflect the cultural heritage and diversity of the region. South Asian societies often place a strong emphasis on family values and close-knit communities, where respect for elders, extended family structures, and hospitality are common cultural norms.
Despite the remarkable diversity within the SAARC region, these shared cultural elements have forged a profound sense of unity and interconnectedness among its people. They serve as the foundation for cultural exchange, cooperation, and mutual understanding among member nations, making SAARC a unique and culturally rich region globally.
One critical aspect of regional cooperation centers on the shared resources of South Asia, all of which are essential for the region’s advancement. For instance, water resources play a vital role, with major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Sutlej flowing through multiple SAARC nations, providing crucial support for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation. Collaborative agreements regarding water sharing and equitable management of transboundary river basins are imperative to meet growing demands and prevent conflicts.
Agricultural resources hold a central place in South Asia’s agrarian economies. Countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka produce staple crops like rice, wheat, and pulses, contributing significantly to regional food security. Collaborative efforts in agricultural research, crop diversification, and trade can ensure a more stable food supply for the region.
Energy resources, including coal, natural gas, and renewable energy potential, offer opportunities for energy security and sustainable development. Cross-border energy grids and the promotion of renewable energy sources are avenues for regional cooperation to meet the increasing energy demand and reduce carbon emissions.
Cultural and historical heritage serve as shared treasures fostering tourism and cultural exchange among SAARC nations. Ancient monuments, religious sites, and diverse traditions not only promote tourism but also strengthen bonds of mutual understanding and appreciation. Biodiversity in South Asia ranges from the Himalayan Mountain range to tropical forests and coastal ecosystems. Conservation efforts, sustainable forestry practices, and the establishment of a regional network of protected areas are vital for maintaining ecological balance and preserving endangered species.
Maritime resources, shared by coastal SAARC countries, include fish stocks and shipping lanes. Collaborative efforts in sustainable fisheries management and maritime security contribute to food security and economic growth. Tourism potential, driven by natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences, fuels economic growth. The shared appeal of tourist attractions can enhance regional tourism and economic development.
However, South Asia is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and more frequent and severe extreme weather events. These changes jeopardize agricultural productivity, food security, and water resources, affecting the livelihoods of millions. Rising sea levels pose a grave threat to coastal communities, exacerbating the risk of displacement and loss of critical infrastructure. Collaborative efforts to adapt to these changes and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions are vital for safeguarding the region’s future.
Air pollution is a pressing issue in South Asia, with some of the world’s most polluted cities located in the region. Factors like rapid urbanization and industrialization have worsened air quality, posing significant health risks to residents. To combat air pollution, efforts must be made to reduce emissions, improve public transportation, and promote clean energy sources.
Furthermore, the rising demand for water in South Asia, driven by a growing population and industrial expansion, has led to increased water scarcity. This problem is exacerbated by inefficient water management practices, excessive groundwater extraction, and the impacts of climate change. Transboundary rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Sutlej, which flow through multiple South Asian countries, have become sources of disputes and conflicts. Addressing water scarcity requires sustainable water management practices, equitable resource sharing, and the development of drought-resistant crops.
In the midst of these challenges, several ongoing regional conflicts have endured over the years, creating substantial impediments to regional cooperation and stability. These conflicts, rooted in historical disputes, political complexities, and humanitarian crises, have posed formidable challenges to achieving the organization’s objectives of fostering collaboration and prosperity among its member countries.
The India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir is one of the longest-standing and intense global disputes. The sovereignty disagreement regarding the Kashmir region has led to multiple wars, conflicts, and enduring tensions. Despite occasional attempts at dialogue, a lasting solution remains elusive, casting a shadow over the entire region.
Border disputes between India and Nepal, particularly concerning areas like Kalapani and Lipulekh, have strained relations between these neighboring nations. Resolving these disputes requires delicate bilateral negotiations to find mutually acceptable solutions while preserving broader regional cooperation.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are complex, marked by allegations of cross-border terrorism, support for insurgencies, and geopolitical maneuvering. The evolving situation in Afghanistan adds further complexity, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement and cooperation to ensure regional stability and security.
While the Rohingya crisis involving Myanmar and Bangladesh is not directly under SAARC’s purview, it has had regional implications. Bangladesh has accommodated a significant population of Rohingya refugees, leading to humanitarian and socio-political challenges. SAARC could potentially play a role in advocating for peaceful resolutions and facilitating dialogue between Myanmar and Bangladesh, with international support to comprehensively address the crisis.
SAARC member states have made efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, with a significant achievement being the establishment of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). SAFTA aims to enhance economic integration among member countries by reducing trade barriers, customs duties, and tariffs. This initiative was aimed to promotes cross-border trade, economic growth, job creation, and overall prosperity in the region. A key goal of SAFTA was to eliminate customs duties on all traded goods by 2016, further promoting economic interdependence. Additionally, it aimed to reduce travel restrictions, fostering greater economic interconnectedness and promoting tourism and trade within the SAARC region.
Acknowledging the pressing need to tackle environmental challenges, SAARC member states have actively participated in environmental agreements and conservation initiatives. These endeavors encompass a diverse array of concerns, ranging from mitigating the effects of climate change to preserving biodiversity and advocating sustainable forestry practices. Yet, through cooperative strategies, SAARC nations have a greater potential to protect their natural heritage and confront shared environmental issues that extend beyond national borders.
SAARC holds substantial potential for fostering regional trade across various sectors. SAARC member countries, characterized by their geographical proximity and shared cultural ties, possess diverse trade opportunities. Food and agricultural products, including staple crops like rice and wheat, spices, tea, coffee, and fruits and vegetables, offer avenues for enhancing food security and catering to global demand.
The energy sector presents prospects for cross-border electricity trade and cooperation in oil and gas exploration. Pharmaceuticals, particularly India’s generic medicine production, can provide affordable healthcare solutions regionally and internationally. The automobile and two-wheeler industries, steel production, and the fertilizer sector offer significant trade potential for meeting infrastructure and agricultural needs. Additionally, textiles, handicrafts, information technology services, tourism, and educational exchanges contribute to economic growth and cultural exchange. Investment in transport infrastructure and environmental technologies can further boost regional trade and address shared challenges.
Historically, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges have played a pivotal role in fostering greater understanding and goodwill among member countries. Educational programs, scholarships, and cultural events facilitate cross-border interactions, enriching the lives of individuals and promoting appreciation for the diverse cultures within the SAARC region. Such exchanges go beyond diplomacy and politics, contributing to a sense of shared identity and a vision of a more harmonious South Asia.
In the era of globalization, the relaxation of travel barriers, as a component of wider regional collaboration, holds the promise of substantially enhancing tourism across the SAARC region. South Asia is rich in tourist destinations, encompassing historical landmarks and breathtaking natural marvels. Simplified travel for tourists not only facilitates deeper cultural interactions but also injects vitality into local economies and generates employment opportunities, thereby playing a pivotal role in the overall growth and affluence of the entire region.
The proposed “SAARC University,” with campuses in each of its member countries and a shared budget, emerges as a transformative idea within regional cooperation. This initiative promises to promote collaboration in higher education, advancing the overarching goal of fostering regional cooperation within SAARC. The SAARC University system could provide a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity-building, benefiting students and researchers across the region.
It would facilitate the sharing of academic resources, expertise, and research opportunities, contributing to the overall academic growth and innovation of member countries. Additionally, having campuses in each member country would promote cultural diversity and understanding. Students from different nations would interact, learn from each other, and develop a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of South Asian cultures. This cultural exchange can foster lasting friendships and promote regional harmony.
In summation, the SAARC holds the promise of addressing pressing challenges and fostering collaboration among its member nations. Despite enduring regional disputes and formidable obstacles, the remarkable cultural diversity and shared resources within South Asia offer a foundation for unity and cooperation. The proposed “SAARC University” exemplifies the potential for higher education to contribute to regional stability and innovative solutions. It is a testament to the enduring belief that, despite centuries of shared culture being fragmented by individual egos, the collective power of the people can bridge these divides and pave the way for a more harmonious and prosperous future for SAARC nations.