Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), attends the Second World Summit for Social Development

Doha, Qatar | 6 November 2025 - Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) delivered a compelling address at the Plenary Meeting of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held from 4-6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The Summit convened under the theme: "Questions Relating to the World Social Situation and to Youth, Ageing, Persons with Disabilities and the Family."

Representing the collective voice of South Asia, the Secretary General extended warm greetings and expressed deep appreciation to the State of Qatar and the United Nations for convening the Summit after three decades under a theme that places human dignity and inclusivity at its core.

In his address, the Secretary General emphasized South Asia's demographic significance, being home to nearly one-fourth of humanity. He acknowledged both the region's rich cultural heritage and the pressing social challenges it faces, including poverty, inequality, ageing populations, and the exclusion of marginalized groups.

Highlighting SAARC's commitment to inclusive development, the Secretary General underscored the role of the SAARC Charter and the SAARC Social Charter (2004) in guiding regional cooperation across key social sectors. He noted tangible progress in areas such as poverty reduction, gender equality, literacy, and life expectancy, attributing these gains to shared experiences and collaborative policy frameworks among SAARC Member States.

The Secretary General spotlighted youth as South Asia's greatest asset, with nearly half the population under the age of twenty-five. Through initiatives like the SAARC Youth Charter and Youth Awards, the region is nurturing leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The Secretary General also reaffirmed SAARC's commitment to supporting ageing populations through a forthcoming Plan of Action on the Elderly, aimed at promoting healthcare, income security, and intergenerational solidarity.

On the inclusion of persons with disabilities, the Secretary General noted that Member States are aligning national policies with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, advancing accessibility, inclusive education, and technology-driven empowerment.

Concluding his remarks, the Secretary General reaffirmed SAARC's unwavering commitment to building societies that are inclusive, compassionate, and just. He called upon the international community to work in solidarity to ensure that every individual regardless of age, ability, or background can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.

SAARC Secretariat
Kathmandu, 06 November 2025