SAARC Calendar of Activities held from January to December 2018

News SAARC Headquarters, Kathmandu, Nepal - 25th March 2019

SAARC Secretariat’s Activities from January to December 2018

SAARC Secretariat’s Activities (from January to December 2018)
No.	Activity	Date	Venue	Highlights	Participants/Organizers
1.	“Owning Human Rights for a Better World”; First International Human Rights Conference with a National Perspective	19-21 February 2018	Islamabad	The Conference discussed and recommended measures to promote human rights and welfare of children and women.	At the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, Secretary General of SAARC delivered remarks at the Inaugural Session of the Conference.
2.	Expert Group Meeting to Review and Refine the Draft Regional Strategy on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation	19-21 February 2018	Islamabad	An event of South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children (SAIEVAC), an apex body of SAARC, held parallel with the 1^st International Human Rights Conference to review and refine the daft Regional Strategy on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation including online safety (CSAE&OS).	36 participants including SAIEVAC focal points & representatives from SAARC Member States and NGOs. Director (SA) & Desk Officer (SA)
3.	Second Regional Conference on Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)	20-22 March 2018	Dhaka	The Meeting was organized by SAARC Secretariat in collaboration with SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka, World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) and Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Meeting reviewed the progress made since its First Meeting in April 2016, set new targets and strategies to control the disease and free the region from PPR by 2028, the year the SAARC Chief Veterinary Officers’ (CVOs) Forum also agreed upon in May 2017 to free the region from PPR.	Chief Veterinary Officers/their representatives and PPR experts from Member States, FAO and OIE Director (ARD), Director and Livestock Specialist from SAARC Agriculture Centre
4.	First SAARC Annual Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases	31 March – 01 April 2018	Colombo	The Meeting discussed the incremental need of resources, multilateral funding and specialized funding for NCDs (including Mental Health) and Indoor Air Pollution as the tenth monitorable target in the NCD Monitoring Framework. The Meeting also considered draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for its future meetings.	Participants from Member States, delegates from Sri Lanka Director (SA) and Desk Officer (SA)
5.	i) Eleventh SAARC Conference on Cooperation in Police Matters ii) Sixth Meeting of Focal Points of SAARC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SDOMD) iii)Sixth Meeting of SAARC Terrorist Offences Monitoring Desk (STOMD)	10-11 April 2018	Kathmandu	Sixth SDOMD:The Meeting recommended measures to prevent/combat drug offences in the region. Sixth STOMD:The Meeting considered the matter pertaining to the Secure Database of SDOMD and STOMD to strengthen these mechanisms. Eleventh Police Conference: The Conference considered the concept papers on SAARCPOL and SAARC Institute of Criminology, and matters relating to networking among the Police Authorities and combating corruption, among others.	Mr. Prem Kumar Rai, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of Nepal, Mr. Prakash Aryal, Inspector General of Nepal Police Secretary General of SAARC and Director (ESC)
6.	Ninth Meeting of Heads of SAARC Statistical Organizations (SAARCSTAT)	11-13 April 2018	Dhaka	The Meeting discussed matters relating to enhancing cooperation among the Member States in statistics focusing on Gender.	Participants from SAARC Member States, Director (ENB) and Desk Officer (SA)
7.	Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in SAARC Region	26-27 April 2018	Kutch, Gujarat, India	Sharing of knowledge and skills on the disaster risk reduction in the SAARC Region	Participants from All Member States, Director (ENB) and Desk Officer (ENB)
8.	South Asia Platform of Parliamentarians for Children	2–3 May 2018	Dhaka	This was a follow-up meeting to the South Asian Parliamentarians’ Platform held in 2017, organized by UNICEF.	Participants from SAARC Member States, Members of Parliaments, Youth Parliament Members, UNICEF ROSA and HQ Officials and Director (SA)
9.	Twelfth Informal Meeting of the SAARC Finance Ministers	4 May 2018	Manila, the Philippines	The Finance Ministers/Heads of Delegation briefed the Meeting about the economic progress achieved in their countries, appreciated the cooperation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in economic growth and expected that SAARC would make further progress to achieve its full potential for the benefit of peoples of the region. The Meeting was held on the sidelines of the Fifty-first Annual Meeting of ADB.	Finance Ministers, Heads of Delegation, SG and Director (ARD)
10.	SAARC and UNICEF ROSA Regional Conference: Scaling Up the Nutrition Care of Women during Pregnancy in South Asia	7-9 May 2018	Kathmandu	In collaboration with UNICEF and for the second year, this meeting was held. Secretary General of SAARC was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural Session. Director (SA) moderated the keynote panel, and also delivered remarks at the closing session. The meeting called for regional action through SAARC to address the issue.	120 Participants from SAARC Member States, UNICEF ROSA and HQ Officials, NGOs. Attended by 4-8 member delegations from all SAARC Member States. SG, Director (SA) and Desk Officer (SA)
11.	SAARC-PTB Kick-off Workshop of the Project “Strengthening Regional Integration and Cooperation in the field of Quality Infrastructure in SAARC”	8-9 May 2018	Kathmandu	SAARC-PTB Workshop was organized under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2003 with the objective to implement technical cooperation projects in the area of metrology, standards, testing, quality management, accreditation and certification, collectively known as MSTQ, in the Member States of SAARC.	Inaugurated by Minister for Industry, Commerce & Supplies of Nepal; Head of Development Cooperation, PTB; South Asia Regional Representative of PTB, SG, Director (HRT/ETF), Desk Officer (ETF)
12.	Renewal of SAARC-UNICEF Cooperation Agreement	5 June 2018	SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu	The Cooperation Agreement focuses on the development, protection and participation of children, and raising awareness, understanding and action for children, through formulating frameworks, policies and programmes, and various other initiatives. SAARC and UNICEF ROSA work together on issues related to children, specifically focusing on education, early childhood development, maternal and adolescent nutrition, as well as on issues relating to child marriage, development of children and youth, gender equality, violence against children and health issues in South Asia.	The Agreement was signed by the Secretary General of SAARC and Regional Director, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (UNICEF ROSA)
13.	Eighth Meeting of the Regional Steering Committee for Asia and the Pacific for the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics	21-22 June 2018	Bangkok, Thailand	The Meeting discussed Strategies to improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS) to meet emerging data requirements, and address the needs to monitor cross-cutting development issues. During the Meeting, SAARC requested support for Member States on agricultural statistics as was discussed with the FAO Regional Office in 2017.	Government representatives from the Asia-Pacific region. Director (ENB), on behalf of Director (ARD)
14.	Fourteenth SAARCFINANCE Governors’ Symposium	27 June 2018	Kathmandu	The two-day Symposium was organized by Nepal Rastra Bank under the auspices of SAARCFINANCE with the theme, “Developing a Common Platform for Strengthening Digital Payment System in the SAARC Region”.	Governors of Central Banks of Member States of SAARC, SG and Director (SGO)
15.	Meeting of the Core Group of SAARC Immigration Authorities and Visa Experts	28 June 2018	SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu	The meeting discussed measures to streamline the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, including development of its security software for implementation across the region.	Heads of Immigration Authorities of South Asia, SG, Director (Admin) and Desk Officer (Admin)
16.	Fifty-fifth Session of the Programming Committee	6 July 2018	Kathmandu	The meeting considered the Secretariat’s Budget of 2018.	All National Focal Points, SG and all Directors
17.	Tenth Regional Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Framework for Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) for Asia and the Pacific	10-11 July 2018	Bangkok	The Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) is a joint FAO/OIE initiative that combines the strengths of both organisations in translating the GF-TADs objectives on the ground. The mechanism promotes collective action to support the control and eradication of transboundary animal diseases and has yielded several important institutional and operational gains. Members of the RSC use these meetings to share information and strengthen partnerships in the prevention and control of priority TADs. The 10^th RSC discussed the previous activities and achievements under GF-TADs and made recommendations on the way forward for GF-TADs in the region.	Chief Veterinary Officers/ Veterinary Officers/ Livestock Specialists of the Asia Pacific Region and the Experts of FAO and OIE. Director (ARD) from SAARC Secretariat
18.	Technical Meeting of Senior Officials of Education on SAARC Framework for Action: Education 2030	11 July 2018	Bangkok	The SAARC Secretariat, with collaboration of the UNICEF ROSA and UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, organized Technical Meeting of Senior Officials of Education in Bangkok on 11 July 2018 to consider the SAARC Action Plan to implement New Delhi Declaration on Education and the SAARC Framework for Action: Education 2030.	Delegations from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and representatives from UNESCO, UNICEF and Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Director (ESC) & DO (ESC)
19.	Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Sub-Regional Cooperation for Achieving SDG4-Education 2030	12-14 July 2018	Bangkok	Organized by the UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education (UNESCO Bangkok)	UNESCO, Bangkok Office UNESCO, New Delhi Office, UNICEF ROSA, Kathmandu, Director (ESC)
20.	First SAARC Agriculture Cooperative Business Forum-Organizing and Strengthening Family Farmers’ Cooperatives to attain SDG-1 and SDG-2 in South Asia	28-30 August 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), organized the programme with the facilitation of the SAARC Secretariat and SAC. The aim of the Forum was to recognise the potential of cooperatives in achieving inclusive, broad-based and sustainable economic growth and development. The Forum called for sharing of experience, expertise and best practices in this sector. This Forum, which brought together representatives of the Government, farms, NGOs and cooperatives shared experiences and made recommendations to strengthen family farmers’ agricultural cooperatives toward promoting sustainable incomes, livelihood and rural development.	SG, Director (ARD) and DO (ARD)
21.	Ninth Republic of Korea-SAARC Partnership Seminar on “Korea-SAARC Cooperation: Challenges and Opportunities”	20 September 2018	Seoul, Korea	The participants deliberated on the status of regional cooperation in South Asia vis-à-vis the ‘New Southern Policy’ of ROK. They also discussed possible collaboration between SAARC and ROK.	Director (IPA) attended as a panelist.
22.	International Conference on Doubling the Income of Farmers of SAARC Countries: Extension Strategies and Approaches	20-23 September 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	Organized by the Government of Nepal in association with International Society of Extension Education (INSEE). Inaugural session was attended by the Right Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal, and State Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Development of Nepal and SG.	Representatives of several Member States attended. Director (ARD) and DO (ARD)
23.	Fifteenth Meeting of the MFF Regional Steering Committee (RSC-15)	24-27 September 2018	Bali, Indonesia	The participants discussed the way forward for MFF.	Director (ENB)
24.	Second Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process	28 September 2018	New York (on the sidelines of UNGA).	The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process was established to provide a platform to provide security, political, and economic cooperation among Afghanistan and its neighbours. This process was launched in November 2011 to expand practical coordination between Afghanistan and its neighbours and regional partners in addressing common threats, including terrorism, narcotics, poverty and extremism. The United States and over 20 other nations and organizations serve as "supporting nations" to the Process.	H.E. Salahuddin Rabbani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan; H.E. Araz Azimov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan; the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan; Representatives of participating and Supporting Countries and Director (HRT) from SAARC Secretariat.
25.	Fifth Meeting of the SAARC Laboratory Directors’ Forum (SLDF)	1-3 October 2018	Bangkok	Earlier meetings of SLDF and EpiNet Forum were organized under the HPEDs (Highly Pathogenic and Emerging Diseases) project and later under TADs (Food Security through Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases) Project. On completion of the project in July 2017, due to absence of any Project/Fund, these meetings were not included in the SAARC Calendar of Activities of 2018. However, later these two meetings were organized in October 2018 with the support of FAO-RAP.	Representatives from the Member States of SAARC. Director (ARD)
26.	Second Meeting of the SAARC Epidemiology Network (EpiNet) Forum Meeting	1-3 October 2018	Bangkok
27.	South Asia Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals	4-5 October 2018	New Delhi, India	The event was jointly organized by UNESCAP and the NITI Aayog, Government of India. The Forum discussed, inter alia, key challenges and opportunities for implementation of the 2030 Development Agenda, mechanisms to garner regional coordination and support for the integrated implementation of the agenda in South Asia and regional/sub-regional cooperation and coordination to support and complement the efforts of national mechanisms for achieving SDGs in South Asia.	Director (IPA) attended the Forum as a panelist.

28.	Twelfth Meeting of the Governing Board of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC)	24-25 October 2018	Dhaka	The Governing Board reviewed the programmes/activities of 2018; and approved programmes/activities and Budget of SAC for 2019.	Governing Board Members of SAC, Director (ARD) and Director (SAC) attended.
29.	Third Meeting of SAARC Council of Experts of Energy Regulators (Electricity)	13-14 November 2018	Colombo, Sri Lanka	The meeting was attended by all Member States. The meeting considered the draft road map for implementation of SAARC Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation (Electricity).	Director (ETS) and DO (ETS)
30.	Fifth Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Colombo Process & Sixth Ministerial Consultation of the Colombo Process	15-16 November 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Government of Nepal, hosted the meetings as the Chair of the Colombo Process.	Director (IPA) attended both the meetings as an observer.
31.	Regional Training for SAARC Countries on Master Sampling Frames for Agricultural Statistics	19-23 November 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	Jointly organized by Regional Office of the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and SAARC Secretariat. The training provided details of the guidelines on Master Sampling Frames (MSFs) for Agricultural Statistics to facilitate transfer of knowledge to the personnel involved in the construction, use and maintenance of MSFs and to meet current and emerging data requirement for making evidence based policies.	Participants from all Member States attended the training. Inaugural Session was attended by Director (ARD), Director (ENB ) and DO (ARD).
32.	Seventh Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) & Sixth Meeting of Technical Management Board (TMB) of South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO)	21-23 November 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	The Seventh GB Meeting was held under the Chairpersonship of Smt. Surina Ranjan, Director-General, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi, India. The Meeting considered the budget of SARSO for the year 2019; endorsed the Report of Sixth Meeting of TMB of SARSO; approved the guidelines for adoption and implementation of SAARC Standards; considered the Report of the Regional Kick-off Workshop of the project; and considered the SARSO Calendar for 2019 and matters pertaining to Election of the Chairperson of GB of SARSO for a tenure of two years (02 March 2019 to 01 March 2021).	Director (ETF) and Desk Officer (ETF)
33.	Academic Field Trip by Graduate Students from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Washington D.C.	22 November 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	The graduates were briefed about the SAARC process and its various mechanisms by Director (IPA). The briefing was followed by question and answer session. The Associate Director and students were grateful and appreciative of the informative and enriching briefing about the SAARC process.	Director (IPA). Academic delegation of 11 persons from SAIS, Johns Hopkins University
34.	Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, preceded by Side Events	27-28 November 2018	Geneva, Palais des Nations	Co-hosted by the Afghan Government and the United Nations. The goal of the Conference was to show the solidarity of the international community with the Afghan people and the government in their efforts for peace and prosperity; and for the Afghan Government to renew its commitment to development and reform. This was a crucial moment for the Afghan Government and international community to demonstrate progress and commitment, and maintain the momentum for sustained collaboration.	H.E. Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President; H.E. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive; H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan; Foreign Minister of Russia, Foreign Minister of Iran, Foreign Minister of Switzerland, Foreign Minister of Finland, Foreign Minister of Norway, Foreign Minister of Germany, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Special Representative of UN Secretary General in Afghanistan; Ambassadors and Heads of supporting countries; Secretary General of SAARC and Director (HRT) from SAARC Secretariat
35.	Educational Tour to Secretariat by students of various schools in Kathmandu	25 November 2018 and 21 December 2018	SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu	SG met and interacted with the students. The students were also briefed about the activities and functioning of the Secretariat. The students were very curious and excited to get the knowledge about SAARC and functioning of the Secretariat. The Secretariat welcomes educational trips from educational institutions of the Member States and provides visiting students with an opportunity to interact and learn about SAARC. A chapter on SAARC is part of the Social Studies curriculum for classes six and seven of Nepali schools.	120 students from Triyogi High School and 59 students from Miniland High School, accompanied by their teacher
36.	Regional Workshop and Capacity Building Programme for Utilization of Space based and Geospatial Information for Achieving the Targets of the Sendai Framework	4–8 December 2018	SDMC (IU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India	Sharing of knowledge and experience for utilization of space based and geospatial information for achieving the targets of the Sendai Framework. A Panel Discussion on Disaster Management in South Asia was also organized to observe the Thirty-fourth SAARC Charter Day.	Director (ENB) and Desk Officer (ENB)
37.	Thirty-fourth SAARC Charter Day (08 December 2018)	7 December 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal.	SG hosted a Reception to commemorate the Thirty-fourth SAARC Charter Day (08/12/2018). Rt. Hon. Mr. Nanda Bahadur Pun, Vice President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, was the Chief Guest of the occasion.	Dignitaries and officials from the Govt. of Nepal, leaders of political parties, resident Ambassadors, heads of regional and international organizations, representatives from civil society and business community, as well as professionals from various fields attended the function.
38.	Annual Coordination Meeting with the SAARC Regional Centers	10 December 2018	SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu	The Meeting discussed administrative and financial issues of the SAARC Regional Centers and Specialized Bodies.	All Heads of Regional Centres and Specialized Bodies, SG and all Directors
39.	Fifty-sixth Session of the Programming Committee	11-12 December 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	The Meeting considered the Secretariat’s Budget for 2019.	All National Focal Points, SG and all Directors

SAARC Specialized Bodies’ Activities (from January to December 2018)
No.	Activity	Date	Venue	Highlights	Participants/Organizers
1.	First Meeting of Board Project Appraisal Committee	29 January 2018	SDF Secretariat, Thimphu	The Board Project Appraisal Committee appraised the projects under the three funding windows and recommended to SDF Board for approval.	Members of the Project Appraisal Committee and CEO of SDF
2.	Sixth Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of SARSO and Fifth TMB Meeting of SARSO	8-9 March 2018	New Delhi	The GB Meeting approved the Budget and the Calendar of Activities of SARSO for the year 2018. The GB also formed a Selection Committee for the appointment of DG SARSO.	Member States; South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO); and Director (SA&ETF)
3.	Second Meeting of Board Project Appraisal Committee of SDF	16 March 2018	SDF Secretariat, Thimphu	The Board Project Appraisal Committee appraised the projects under the three funding windows and recommended to SDF Board for approval.	Members of the Project Appraisal Committee and CEO of SDF
4.	Eighth Meeting of Finance & Audit Committee (FAC) of SDF	17 March 2018	SDF Secretariat, Thimphu	FAC recommended SDF Secretariat’s budget for approval of the Board and also took decisions on other financial and administrative issues related to SDF.	Members of the FAC and CEO of SDF
5.	Twenty Ninth Meeting of SDF Board of Directors	18-19 March 2018	SDF Secretariat, Thimphu	The Board, in principle, approved two projects under the Infrastructure Window. The Board also approved the SDF Secretariat’s budget for 2018 as per the recommendation of FAC.	Members of the SDF Board of Directors, Director (ARD) and CEO, SDF
6.	Third Convocation of the South Asian University (SAU)	7 June 2018	New Delhi, India	During the Third Convocation, the University awarded 160 students with Masters, 10 with M.Phil. and 06 with PhD degrees.	Mr. Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Minister for Education, Science and Technology; Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR & Member of Rajya Sabha as the Chief Guest; SG of SAARC; and other members of SAU’s statutory bodies from the South Asian region; and Director (ESC)

7.	Orientation programme for the new patrons of the SAU Library	3 August 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	A discussion on different library services and using online resources by the Assistant Librarian.	Prof. G. K. Chadha, Library, SAU
8.	Workshop on "Importance of SARCO as a Regional Arbitration Centre for Development of Trade & Investment & the Context of Arbitration in Sri Lanka"	3 August 2018	Colombo, Sri Lanka	The Regional Workshop was held in Colombo with partners in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka National Arbitration Center (SLNAC) and trading community (FCCISL) have been engaged to address important arbitral issues in Sri Lanka. The Workshop was organized to assist SLNAC by holding a collaborative event in Colombo. FCCISL provided the necessary highlight within the traders of Sri Lanka.	SARCO in collaboration with FCCISL and SLNAC
9.	One-day Young Scholars’ Workshop on “Borders and Regionalism in South Asia”	25 August 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Victoria, Canada. He highlighted the importance of continuing research on borders under globalization, as well as the issue of connectivity in South Asia. There were 12 sessions for presentation of research papers.	Dept. of International Relations (IR), SAU
10.	Internal Audit of SDF Funded Projects	August- October 2018	Projects in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives & Nepal	The Internal Auditor of SDF conducted field Internal Audit for 13 projects.	SDF Internal Auditor
11.	Monitoring & Evaluation Field Visits to SDF Funded Projects in Afghanistan, India & Pakistan	27 August –5 September 2019	Afghanistan, India & Pakistan	In order to get an independent review of SDF funded projects, M&E Office arranged field visits to SDF funded projects. Six projects and three countries were selected as the sites of the field visits. The overall impression gleaned from field visits is that the SDF support has helped communities, particularly women to improve their livelihood. The involvement of the SDF in helping the people and the Member states to eradicate poverty and to contribute to human development was regarded as highly valuable by all stakeholders in project countries. Bearing in mind the complexity and challenges faced at the implementation level, the programs implemented by the SDF can be considered successful. Project implementation status and progress made by implementing agencies (IAs), were noted.	SDF Team
12.	SDF's E&I Team visited Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives for Projects	August 2018	Sri Lanka and Maldives	As a follow up to the SDF Conclave 2018, and interest expressed by various participants and broad concepts shared during/post SDF Conclave 2018, SDF officials, comprising Director E&I, Assistant Director Credit, Risk/Investment, Assistant Director, Legal and Assistant Director E&I visited Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives to: i. Carry out due diligence on in-principle approved projects under the Infrastructure Window; ii. Solicit Cross-Border Project co-financing under the Economic & Infrastructure Windows of SDF in Member States; and iii. Build partnerships with various organizations for Fund Mobilization and Investments in Member States.	SDF Team
13.	A panel discussion on “US in a Multi-Polar World”	30 August 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	Three speakers from the USAF Air War College participated: Professor David S. Sorenson and Dr. Amit Gupta from the Department of International Security Studies; and Professor Xiaoming Zhang from the Department of Strategy.	Dept. of International Relations (IR), SAU
14.	MEA Distinguished Lectures Series by Former Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Shyam Saran, titled “The Emergence of Eurasia”	3 September 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	Chaired by Dr. Kavita Sharma, President, SAU.	The Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU along with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
15.	Round-table discussion on "Law and Liberal Democracy"	4 September 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	Chaired by Professor Sanjay Chaturvedi, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU. Panelists included Professor Neera Chandhoke, a renowned political scientist and former Professor of Political Science, Delhi University; Dr. Anup Surenedranath of the National Law University Delhi; Dr. Prabhash Ranjan; and Dr. Soumita Basu of the SAU.	Faculty of Legal Studies (FLS) & Dept. of International Relations (IR), SAU
16.	MEA Distinguished Lectures Series by Ambassador Swashpawan Singh, former Permanent Representative of India to the UN in Geneva. The title of his talk was “The Politics of Multilateralism: The View from Geneva”	6 September 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	Chaired by Dr. Kavita Sharma, President, SAU.	The Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU along with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India
17.	Interactive workshop consisting of representatives of the South Asia Program, Stimson Center, Washington DC and faculty members and students of the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU	11 September 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	The Workshop sought to examine the research and initiatives being taken by the two institutions, and identify areas of collaboration and interaction.	Dept. of Sociology, SAU
18.	Special lecture by Professor Prabhat Patnaik and Professor Emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University, on the theme "Imperialism, Third World and Unequal Development: Reflections on the Life and Works of Samir Amin"	11 September 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	Professor Patnaik highlighted the centrality of imperialism in Samir Amin's work, and elaborated on how Amin integrated the idea of imperialism within the Marxian labour theory of value through his work on unequal exchange.	Development Study Group (DSG), the student chapter of the Faculty of Economics, SAU
19.	Lecture on the topic ‘The International Relations of South Asia’	13 September 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	Mr. Shivshankar Menon, India’s former National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary, delivered the Lecture. The event was chaired by Dr. Kavita A. Sharma, President of SAU.	SAU
20.	One-day symposium titled “A Genetic Approach to Blood Disorders”	15 September 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	The objective was to strengthen the National Sickle Cell Disease Control within the framework of Nepal National Program for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, and also to spread awareness on screening, management and prevention of hemoglobinopathies.	Faculty of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, SAU
21.	Cambridge Core User Awareness Workshop	17 September 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	An instructor from the Cambridge University presented a live demonstration on the Cambridge Core Platform, current subscription package of SAU, how to use the new platform, faceted search functionalities, downloads, etc.	Prof. G. K. Chadha, Library, SAU
22.	Book unveiling and panel discussion on two recent publications of the Calcutta Research Group (CRG)	26 September 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	‘Political Ecology of Survival: Life and Labour in the River Lands of East and North East India’ edited by Madhurlata Basu, Rajat Roy and Ranabir Samaddar and ‘Migrants in the Neoliberal City’, edited by Ranabir Samaddar	Faculty of Social Sciences, in collaboration with the Calcutta Research Group (CRG)
23.	Independent Evaluation of SDF funded projects	October-December 2018	SDF	Independent Evaluation of SDF funded projects (a) Strengthening the livelihood initiative for home-based workers in SAARC Region (SABAH) (Phase 2); (b) Post-Harvest Management and Value addition of Fruits in Production catchments in SAARC Countries; and (c) Strengthening of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Services in selected areas of SAARC countries, was conducted through third party (KPMG) with an overall objective to assess the relevance, impact, sustainability, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the projects in accordance with the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) Evaluation Norms as well as OECD-DAC evaluation principles and guidelines.	SDF
24.	Celebration of World Standards Day 2018	15 October 2018	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Awareness programme with the Embassies/High Commissions of SAARC Member States in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Representatives of the Embassies/ High Commissions of SAARC Member States in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) participated. The Meeting was held under the Chairpersonship of Mr. Anil Jauhri, Chief Executive Officer of National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies, India.	SARSO Secretariat
25.	Training on Project Finance	27-28 October 2018	Thimphu, Bhutan	Eight SDF officials benefited from the training and gained a broader understanding of Project Financing.	SDF Officials attended the training.
26.	Ninth Governing Board Meeting of SARCO	30-31 October 2018	Male, Maldives	Progress of 2018 was reviewed and Governing Board expressed its satisfaction. Guidelines for 2018 and recommendations for the Programming Committee meeting were formulated.	SARCO Director (HRT)
27.	SARCO Seminar on "Arbitration: An Effective Dispute Settlement Tool; Regional Experience and implications for Maldives"	1 November 2018	Male, Maldives	Regional Seminar was held in Maldives with local partners. The office of Attorney General for Maldives and trading community, SCWEC (Maldives), have been engaged to promote institutional arbitration in Maldives. Collaboration from the Attorney General Office was sought to promote reliance on Alternate Dispute Resolution by the governmental and trading quarters of Maldives.	SARCO in collaboration with Attorney General's Office of Maldives and SCWEC (Maldives)
28.	Hands-on Workshop on “Transcript profiling using Real Time PCR”	2-3 November 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	The Workshop was conducted by Dr. Ananda Mustafiz and Dr. Ritu Gaur.	Faculty of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, SAU
29.	A panel discussion on the book “Sociology and Social Anthropology in South Asia: Histories and Practices”	5 November 2018	India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi	The book was edited by three members of the Department of Sociology, Dr. Ravi Kumar, Dr. Dev Nath Pathak and Prof. Sasanka Perera and published by Orient Blackswan.	Orient Blackswan and SAU
30.	Sixth Peradeniya International Economic Research Symposium (PIERS) on “Towards Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development within the Globalised Economy”	8-9 November 2018	University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka	The Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transylvania University of Brasov, Romania, provided collaborative support for the Symposium.	The Faculty of Economics, SAU and the Department of Statistics and Economics, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
31.	Panel discussion titled “Contemporary Left Politics and the Tribal Question”	12 November 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	The Panel consisted of Professor Nandini Sundar, Delhi University; Professor Archana Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Professor Ramdas Rupavath, Hyderabad University; and Kotesh Devulapally, Independent Researcher. Dr. Ravi Kumar, Department of Sociology of the SAU, chaired the lecture.	Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU in collaboration with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (South Asia)
32.	Authors’ Workshop Titled ‘Recasting Norms: Critical Hydro Diplomacy in South Asia’	12 November 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	The Authors' Workshop discussed issues such as the role of culture, community, gender and critical communication in hydro-diplomacy.	Department of International Relations, SAU in collaboration with Indian Environment Law Organisation (IELO)
33.	UN-ESCAP Summit	14-15 November 2018	Bangkok, Thailand	CEO SDF attended Expert Group Meeting on Investment Needs for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific. The two-day Expert Group Meeting brought together experts from the UN and other international organizations as well as leading think-tanks and universities in the Asia-Pacific region, with a view to developing a comprehensive assessment of investment requirements for achieving the SDGs by 2030. CEO SDF delivered a presentation on investment needs in economic and infrastructure sectors of South Asia.	CEO of SDF attended.
34.	Panel Discussion on Gender, Populism and Rise of Extremism: Perspectives from Scandinavia and South Asia	19 November 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	The objective of the panel discussions was to explore the intersecting boundaries of populism, nationalism and extremism, both theoretically and empirically, using feminist methodologies.	Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU
35.	Workshop on ‘The Role of Civilians in Civil-Military Operations’	20 November 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	The resource person for the Workshop was Prof. Gunhild Hoogensen Gjorv, The Arctic University of Norway. The Workshop was chaired by Prof. Sanjay Chaturvedi, Dean and Chairperson, Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU.	Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, SAU.
36.	Training on “Accounting and Finance for Working Executives”	21-23 November 2018	Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, India (Kochi Campus)	SDF officials participated in the 3-day Training, which imparted hands-on practical exposure on analysis of financial statements, management accounting for decision making, investment appraisal and simulation.	SDF officials.
37.	International Workshop on the measurement of efficiency and productivity using data envelopment analysis (DEA).	27-29 November 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	The three-day classroom-based Workshop was attended by more than 50 participants from India. It was conducted by Dr. Sunil Kumar, Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics, SAU, along with Dr. Charles Vincent, Professor of Management Science and Director of Research, Buckingham Business School, the University of Buckingham, UK.	Faculty of Economics, SAU, in technical collaboration with Buckingham Business School, The University of Buckingham, UK.
38.	Project Inception Meeting	26-27 November 2018	SDF Secretariat, Thimphu, Bhutan	Project Inception Meeting was held for the Implementing Agencies and Coordinating Agency for the project “Livelihood Enhancement of the small farmers in SAARC Region through small scale agro business focusing on value chain”. In this project of SAARC Member States, SAC is the Coordinating Agency (CA). The project was approved by the SDF Board during the 28^th Board Meeting.	Representatives of the Member States of SAARC, and officials of SAC and SDF attended.
39.	Third Meeting of Project Appraisal Committee of SDF	29 November 2018	SDF Secretariat, Thimphu, Bhutan	The Committee concluded with recommendations to the Board for final approval of three projects under the E&I Windows and two projects under the Social Window.	Members of the Project Appraisal Committee of SDF Board of Directors.
40.	Training on Projects Appraisal	1-2 December 2018	Thimphu, Bhutan	Eight SDF officials benefited from the training and gained a broader understanding of Project Appraisal.	SDF officials.
41.	SAARC Expert Group on Accreditation (SEGA) Meeting and Training on Cooperation of Accreditation Bodies and Regulatory Bodies	4-7 December 2018	Goa, India	The SEGA noted the latest updates and developments of the Accreditation/NAFP activities in the Member States, agreed on the objectives of SEGA, and recommended to hold its annual Meeting in the month of August every year in the Member States in alphabetical order. It also prioritized recommended activities under SEGA.	Representatives from the SAARC Member States Director (ETF)
42.	Thirty-fourth SAARC Charter Day	7 December 20 l 8	Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad	Foreign Secretary to Government of Pakistan was the Chief Guest. Ambassadors and representatives of all SAARC Member Countries and Observers attended the ceremony.	SARCO in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan & SAARC Energy Centre
43.	Thirty-fourth SAARC Charter Day	7 December 2018	SAU Akbar Bhawan Campus	Dr. Kavita A. Sharma, President, SAU delivered the welcome address. A panel discussion on the topic “Mathematics Spans All Directions” that followed had the participation of professors of mathematics and statistics, historians, musicians and content head of an entertainment channel, which include Prof. BK Dass, Prof. Sat Gupta, Dr. Haneet Gandhi, Dr. Shankar Kumar, Dr. Chandrima Majumdar and Mr. Akul Tripathi.	SAU
44.	Thirty-fourth SAARC Charter Day	8 December 2018	Thimphu, Bhutan	To commemorate the 34^th SAARC Charter Day, SDF hosted a program, reiterating their unwavering support and commitment to the SAARC process. The event brought together Ministers, high-ranking government officials, heads of international organizations, and civil society representatives. H.E. Mr. Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, Finance Minister, Royal Government of Bhutan and Member of the SDF Governing Council graced the occasion.	SDF
45.	Celebration of SAARC Charter Day	8 December 2018	Dhaka, Bangladesh	SARSO and SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) jointly organized the event. The senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; stakeholders of SAC and SARSO in Bangladesh and staff of both the organizations participated in the event. Presentations were delivered by both the organizations.	SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) and SARSO jointly organized the event
46.	Fourth Meeting of Project Appraisal Committee of SDF Board	17-20 December 2018	New Delhi, India	The Committee concluded with recommendations to the Board for final approval of three projects under the E&I Windows & two projects under the Social Window.	Members of Project Appraisal Committee of SDF Board & SDF officials.
47.	Second Meeting of Human Resource Committee of SDF Board	17-20 December 2018	New Delhi, India	The Committee considered draft anti-harassment policy and salary issues for SDF Secretariat.	Members of Human Resource Committee of SDF Board & SDF officials.
48.	Ninth Meeting of Finance & Audit Committee of SDF Board	18 December 2018	New Delhi, India	SDF budget for FY 2019 was recommended to the Board for approval.	Members of Finance & Audit Committee of SDF Board & SDF officials.
49.	Thirtieth Meeting of SDF Board of Directors	19-20 December 2018	New Delhi, India	The 30^th Meeting of SDF Board of Directors approved three projects under the Economic and Infrastructure Windows of SDF. It also approved the activities/ programmes and Budget of SDF for 2019.	SDF Board of Directors, Director (ARD) and CEO of SDF attended.
50.	Fifth Meeting of Counterpart Agencies of SDF	21 December 2018	New Delhi, India	The meeting discussed various issues regarding the existing projects and forthcoming projects.	Members of the Counterpart Agencies and CEO of SDF
51.	Training on Loan and Grant Management Information System	24-25 December 2018	SDF Secretariat, Thimphu, Bhutan	SDF officials were trained on available MIS technologies and the effective management of grant and loan through MIS, including collection, assimilation, aggregation, calculation, and analysis of data, and generating customized reports.	SDF

SAARC Regional Centers’ Activities (from January to December 2018)
No.	Activity	Date	Venue	Highlights	Participants/Organizers
1.	Review of Article for SAARC Journals of TB Lung Disease and HIV/AIDS	January-December 2018	STAC, Kathmandu	Articles were reviewed by external reviewers for 1^st issue of Journal.	SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre.
2.	SAARC Epidemiological Response on HIV/AIDS Control 2018 -E-circulation	January-April 2018	STAC, Kathmandu	The Document has been prepared and circulated electronically.	SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre.
3.	Training Programme on “Mainstreaming Disaster Management in Infrastructure Sector"	8-12 January 2018	SDMC IU, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India	Sharing of knowledge and experience for integrating risk reduction in infrastructure sector.	Attended by all Member States; Organized by the Interim Unit of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC).
4.	Joint SAARC Monitoring Missions for appraisal of TB and HIV/AIDS Control Programmes in the Region by STAC	22-24 January 2018	Member States	The Director and Training Officer conducted the monitoring of NTP and NACP in Maldives on 22-24 January 2018.	SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre.
5.	SAARC Literary Award and Ceremony	26 January 2018	Galle World Heritage City, Sri Lanka	Award recipient – Mr. Najibulla Manalai of Afghanistan.	SAARC Cultural Centre
6.	Dissemination Webinar on the Study Report to “Assess the Resource Potential and Planning for a Demonstration Project using Run-of-River Submersible Water Turbines”	8 February 2018	Islamabad	Through the Webinar, national and international experts shared their experiences regarding technical, design, installation, modeling, financial, policy, market management and business development aspects of the hydrokinetic turbines.	SAARC Energy Centre
7.	Workshop on “Emergency Services Reform and SAARC Rescue Challenge"	20-22 February 2018	Emergency Services Headquarters and Academy, Lahore, Pakistan	Improve coordination and ensure uniform standards of emergency services in the Member States of SAARC with the aim to help capacity building and skill enhancement in emergency services.	Attended by all Member States; Organized by the Punjab Emergency Service, Government of Punjab (Pakistan)
8.	SAARC Epidemiological Response on Tuberculosis & TB/HIV Co-infection 2018- E-circulation	March 2018	STAC, Kathmandu	Document prepared and circulated electronically.	SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre

9.	Dissemination Webinar on "Study to Investigate the Difficulties for Household Solar Systems in SAARC Region".	6 March 2018	Islamabad	The Webinar presented the difficulties, problems and social issues faced by the Solar Home Systems programmes in South Asia & suggested solutions and recommendations for effective implementation of Solar PV technology in off-grid electricity supply.	SAARC Energy Centre
10.	SAARC International Women’s Day	8 March 2018	Auditorium of the Kalutara District Secretariat, Kalutara, Sri Lanka	Theme of the Programme was “A Mother’s Song: An aesthetic journey through South Asia in search of the Rhythms of Love”.	SAARC Cultural Centre
11.	Training Programme on “Heat Wave Preparedness and Response in SAARC Region”	8-10 March 2018	Gandhinagar, India	Development of action plan and capacity building for heat preparedness.	Attended by all Member States; Organized by Interim Unit of SDMC
12.	SAARC Seminar on Management of TB Control Programme in Urban/ Slums in the SAARC Member States	12-14 March 2018	Dhaka	Made recommendations on Management of TB Control Programme in Urban/Slums in the SAARC Member States.	SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre
13.	Commemoration of World TB Day- 2018	22 and 24 March 2018	STAC, Kathmandu	Interaction Programme conducted on 22 March and Joint Programme conducted on 24 March 2018.	SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre
14.	Exposure visit on Conservation Agriculture, Commercial Vegetable Production & Rural Development in Bangladesh	26-30 March 2018	Bangladesh	Exchange of experiences and technologies among the SAARC Member States. Develop concept/proposal to up-scale the successful technologies in SAARC Member States.	Member States of SAARC and SAC experts attended. Organized by SAC
15.	Fifteenth Round Proficiency Testing of SSM for NRLs of SAARC Member States	April 2018	Identified National TB Reference Laboratories in Member States	Testing SSM for NRLs of the Member States of SAARC was conducted successfully.	SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre
16.	SAC-Donor Coordination Meeting on SAARC Regional Agricultural Projects	5-6 April 2018	Kathmandu	SAC presented seven project proposals for consideration of the development partners. IFAD agreed to develop a US $ 3.5 million regional grant project on Consortium for Scaling-Up Climate Smart Agriculture in South Asia and several other development partners also expressed their willingness to participate in some of the projects presented by SAC during the Meeting.	Representatives of all the Member States, along with FAO, ADB, WB, Winrock, IFAD, JICA, SDC, IFPRI, IRRI & CCAFS. SG & Director (ARD) & SAC experts. Organized by SAC
17.	SAARC Regional Policy Dialogue on Good Agriculture Practices (GAP)	8-10 April 2018	Kathmandu	Recommended SAC to formulate SAARC-GAP in collaboration with FAO-RAP.	Member States of SAARC & SAC expert. Organized by SAC
18.	Dissemination Webinar on “Study for Deployment of Electric Road Transportation in South Asia".	11 April 2018	Islamabad	The Webinar presented an overall view of Electric Road Transportation initiatives in South Asia, and the Challenges & Opportunities in deploying Electric Road Transportation in SAARC Region.	SAARC Energy Centre
19.	Strengthening of digital access of Library resources to the visitors	12 April 2018	STAC, Kathmandu	The Centre has digitalized the Library resources to facilitate online access to the readers. The upgraded library and video conferencing facility at STAC was inaugurated by the SG of SAARC.	SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre
20.	Regional consultation on policies and strategies for the genetic improvement of indigenous livestock	11-13 April 2018	Kathmandu	Comprehensive animal breeding policies and strategies have been proposed for the Member States. Existing animal breeding policies and strategies have been included in the Report for mutual benefit.	Member States of SAARC and SAC expert. Organized by SAC
21.	Regional expert consultation on climate smart agricultural policies, strategies	17-19 April 2018	India	The consultation came up with a couple of key recommendations such as establishment of Working Group and piloting of CSA technologies among member countries through a bigger project.	Member States of SAARC & SAC expert. Organized by SAC
22.	SAARC Regional Training on Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric TB	23-27 April 2018	Colombo, Sri Lanka	Participants acquired knowledge/skill on diagnosis and treatment of Pediatric TB.	Member States. SAARC HIV/AIDS & Tuberculosis Centre
23.	Workshop on “Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in SAARC Region"	26-27 April 2018	Kutch, Gujarat, India	1. To take stock of DRR Initiatives taken up by the Member States and share the best practices amongst each other. 2. Understand the needs of the Member States to be addressed in the coming years by the SDMC (IU). 3. Develop some kind of monitoring mechanism for implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Member States.	Member States, ADB, Director, BIMSTEC, Director (ENB) & DO (ENB) & NIDM. Organized by SDMC Interim Unit.
24.	Regional Training on Animal Disease Informatics and Biostatistics	3-8 May 2018	Bengaluru, India	The Training addressed the issue of outbreak of emerging and zoonotic livestock diseases. It also considered measures to eradicate economically important livestock diseases.	Member States of SAARC & SAC expert. Organized by SAC.
25.	Webinar on the Study “Review of Existing Feasibility Study of Karnali Chissapani Hydropower Project Dissemination Development (10,800 MW) for Defining the Way Forward to Materialize it as a Regional Hydro Power Project”	8 May 2018	Islamabad	The objective of the Webinar was to disseminate the findings and recommendations of the study report (conducted by SEC in 2017) among the stakeholders for adding value and making consensus of the terms of reference for updating the existing feasibility study.	SAARC Energy Centre
26.	Knowledge Sharing Workshop on “Modern Techniques Including Renewable Energy Auctions for Economizing Renewable Energy Tariff”.	9-10 May 2018	Colombo	Participants of the Workshop discussed the importance of renewable energy, shared their experiences and committed themselves to work for optimal utilization of renewable energy resources for South Asia.	Member States. SAARC Energy Centre
27.	Regional Training on “Animal Feed and Nutrient Analysis”	9-14 May 2018	India	The Training imparted knowledge on new innovative techniques and technologies on animal feed and nutrient analysis as well as on cost effective and quality feed formulation.	Member States of SAARC and SAC expert. Organized by SAC
28.	SAARC Regional Meeting of Programme Managers on TB and HIV/AIDS Control Programmes and cross border issues	13-15 May 2018	Maldives	The Meeting adopted following Strategies: i) Draft Revised SAARC Regional Strategy on ACSM (2018-2023). ii) Draft Revised SAARC Regional Strategy on HIV/AIDS (2018-2023). iii)Draft Revised SAARC Regional Strategy on Elimination of Tuberculosis (2018-2023). iv) Draft SAARC Regional Strategy on Migrant Health/Cross border issues in the SAARC Member States (2018-2023). v) Draft Revised Vision Document of STAC.	Member States SAARC HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Centre. Director (SA) and DO (SA)
29.	Exposure visit of farmers on community engagement of seed sovereignty in South Asia	19-21 May 2018	Bangladesh	Participants recommended formulation of multi-country project on community seed development.	Member States of SAARC and SAC expert. Organized by SAC
30.	SAARC Film Festival	22-27 May 2018	Colombo	Films from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were screened with participants from Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.	SAARC Cultural Centre
31.	SAARC Regional Training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in SAARC Member States	27-31 May 2018	Gazipur, Bangladesh	The Training was attended by all the Member States except Afghanistan. The trainees were provided hands-on training on mass rearing bio-control agents, their release in laboratories and usage, monitoring and evaluation in fields, IPM technologies and bio-pesticides.	Member States of SAARC and SAC expert. Organized by SAC
32.	SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarship -2018	27 May 2018	University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka	The second PhD Scholarship has been awarded to Ms. Sara Shahibzada of Afghanistan.	Member States of SAARC. Organized by SAC
33.	SAARC Cultural Capital Thimphu (Inauguration ceremony)	31 May 2018	Thimphu, Bhutan	The Second SAARC Cultural Capital programme was conducted in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 31 May 2018. The objective of the SAARC Cultural Capital programme is to promote cultural values of the selected ancient cities of the Member States of SAARC.	Organized by SCC. Attended by Chairperson of the National Council, Foreign Minister, SG, Director (ESC) & Director (ENB)
34.	SAARC Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop	31 May-1 June 2018	Thimphu, Bhutan	Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka sent nominations for the programme. However, participants from India and Maldives were unable to join.	India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh Organized by SCC
35.	SAARC Exhibition of Paintings	10–13 July 2018	University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.	Paintings representing all SAARC Member States were displayed, particularly those from the SAARC Artists Camp and Exhibition of Paintings held in Nepal in 2017. (Non-participatory Programme)	SAARC Cultural Centre
36.	Training on Energy Statistics and Publishing of National Energy Data.	6-7 August 2018	Maldives	It was a two-day hands-on practice over a specially made software for compilation of national energy data. Trainees also printed a sample National Energy Data Book, using the software. 20 participants successfully completed the training. Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister for Environment & Energy, Maldives, was the chief guest of the inaugural session. The software tool was handed over to the participants (free of cost) for their use and further training to others.	SEC and Ministry of Environment and Energy, Maldives

37.	Regional Consultative Meeting for Exchange of Rice Based Production & Value Chain Development Technologies in SAARC Member States	13-19 August 2018	IRRI, India	A comprehensive book on the country status report will be published.	Jointly organized by SAC and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
38.	SAARC Regional Training on Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric TB	3-5 September 2018	Sri Lanka	Training on Child TB	STAC & NTP
39.	Four-day Capacity Building Program on “Care, Protection and Participation of Children in Disasters”	4-7 September 2018	Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India	· Identify the importance of emergency preparedness and disaster-risk reduction with children · Discuss best practices and lessons learnt in and around the Member States to reduce the vulnerabilities of children in disasters · Describe various structural and non-structural measures as a tool to prevent and mitigate the risks of disasters · Facilitate development of children voluntary commitments for Sendai Framework implementation	Member States Organized by SDMC Interim Unit
40.	Regional Expert Consultation Meeting on “Women’s Empowerment for Agriculture Development in South Asia: enabling policies”	5-7 September 2018	ICAR- Central Institute of Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, India	A comprehensive book on the country status report will be published.	Jointly organized by SAC, Asian Farmer Association (AFA) & Action Aid Bangladesh (AAB)
41.	Regional Training on Integrated Nutrient Management for Improving Soil Health & Crop Productivity	5-10 September 2018	ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India	A comprehensive report on the said training has been published.	Jointly organized by SAC and Institute of Soil Science
42.	Regional Training Program on Proven Production Technology, Value Chain Development and Nutrition Security through Pulses in South Asia	12-15 September 2018	ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India	A comprehensive report on the said training has been published.	Jointly organized by SAC and ICRISAT

43.	Skill development of GSS by attending field related Trainings/ Workshops/Conference, etc.	September 2018	Nepal	Regular Activity.	STAC
44.	Training on Energy Statistics and Publishing of National Energy Data	1- 2 October2018	Afghanistan	It was a two-day hands-on practice over a specially made software for compilation of national energy data. 37 participants successfully completed the training. Engineer Mohammad Gui Khulmi, Acting Minister for Energy & Water was the chief guest in the inaugural session of the training.	SEC and Ministry of Energy & Water (MEW),Afghanistan
45.	SAARC Training of Trainers on Infection Control for TB /HIV	1-5 October 2018	Nepal	Training on the Infection Control	STAC & NTP Nepal
46.	SAARC Non-Violence Day Children’s Art Competition	2 October 2018	Sri Lanka	This Art competition received over 500 entries from schools across Sri Lanka.	SCC
47.	SAARC Research Seminar, Research Grant and Publications on Hindu Cultural Trails	8-10October 2018	India	Five Member States participated in the event where 44 research papers were presented.	SCC and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi, India.
48.	Training Programme on “Hospital Emergency Preparedness and Response for Disasters”	23-26 October 2018	SDMC IU, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India	Imparted training on the best practices and lessons learnt in and around the Member States to reduce the vulnerabilities during disasters and hands-on emergency preparedness and responses for disasters.	Member States. Organized by SDMC Interim Unit
49.	Forty-ninthUnion World Conference on Lung Health- Netherlands	24-27 October 2018		Participation in International Conference	Director, STAC
50.	Regional Consultation on ICT for Development of Rural Agriculture in South Asia: Issues, Challenges, Opportunities & Policy Concerns	29-31 October 2018	RDA, Bogura, Bangladesh	A comprehensive book on the country status report will be published.	Jointly organized by SAC and CIRDAP
51.	Regional Consultation for Formulation of Enabling Policy Recommendations for Popularization of Innovative Agricultural Technologies in South Asia	29-31 October 2018	IPS, Sri Lanka	A comprehensive book on the country status report will be published.	Jointly organized by SAC, Winrock International and Access to Agriculture
52.	Tenth Governing Board Meeting of SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC)	30-31 October 2019	Sri Lanka	The Meeting approved the budget and tentative programmes for 2019.	SCC

53.	Fifteenth Round Proficiency Testing of SSM for NRLs of SAARC Member States	October 2018	STAC	Regular activity.	STAC
54.	Regional Consultation on Trans-boundary fish diseases in the SAARC region: threats, their therapeutic and prophylactic measures and policy briefing	7-9 November 2018	Bhutan	A comprehensive book on the country status report will be published.	Organized by SAC
55.	Third Meeting of SAARC Council of Experts of Energy Regulators (Electricity)	13-14 November 2018	Colombo	The Council of Experts, sponsored by ADB, is a spearhead body to advance cross-border trade of power between SAARC Member States. Attended by Research Fellow (Power), Mr. Bilal Hussain of SEC.
56.	Training Workshop on Disaster Loss Databases and Sendai Framework Monitoring	13-16 November 2018	GIDM, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India	This Workshop helped enhance disaster risk understanding in the participating countries and states. Participants learnt about the benefits of systematically collecting disaster information and reinforcing capacities to develop and maintain disaster loss databases (DLD); and report on Sendai targets.	Member States. Organized by SDMC Interim Unit
57.	Project Inception Meeting on “Livelihood Enhancement of the Small Farmers in SAARC Region through Small Scale Agro-business Focusing on Value Chain Development”	26-27 November 2018	Bhutan	The Project Inception Meeting was held for the Implementing Agencies and Coordinating Agency for the project “Livelihood Enhancement of the small farmers in SAARC Region through small scale agro business focusing on value chain”. In this project of SAARC Member States, SAC is the Coordinating Agency (CA). The project was approved by the SDF Board during the 28th Board Meeting.	Representatives of Member States, officials of SAC and of SDF attended.
58.	Regional Consultation on Small-scale fisheries in South Asia	27-29 November 2018	PARC, Islamabad	A comprehensive book on the country status report will be published.	Organized by SAC
59.	SAARC Regional Fourth Meeting of Heads/Chiefs of Identified National TB and HIV/AIDS Laboratories	28-30 November 2018	India	Meeting with the heads of laboratories.	STAC, RNTCP India
60.	Regional Workshop and Capacity Building Programme for Utilization of Space based and Geospatial Information for Achieving the targets of the Sendai Framework	4-8 December 2018	GIDM, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India	· To support early efforts and to help ensure that they succeed in achieving both the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals and targets relating to disaster risk reduction · Demonstrate the best practices, ways to implement and chalk out future programmes in the region · Discuss the need of preparing procedural guidelines and standard operating procedure in utilization of space based and geospatial information in disaster management · Offer hands-on training programme to disaster management officials on flood and drought risk assessment and response · Awareness event dedicated for enhancing women participation in the field of space technology and associated fields of disaster management.	Member States. Organized by SDMC Interim Unit
61.	SAARC Artist Camp and Exhibition	4-6 December 2018	Sri Lanka	The themes of the 2018 Artists Camp were "South Asian Splendour” and "Vibrant Tranquillity”.	SCC
62.	SAARC Charter Day	8 December 2018	Sri Lanka	The event included a presentation on the role and activities of SCC over the past eight years, and a performance by the State dance troupe. Secretary to the Ministry of Culture attended as Chief Guest of the event.	SCC
63.	Celebration of SAARC Charter Day 2018	8 December 2018	Dhaka, Bangladesh	To commemorate the 34^th SAARC Charter Day, SAC and SARSO jointly organized the programme, attended by around 200 participants.	Jointly organized by SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) and South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO)
64.	SAARC Charter Day	8 December 2018	Pakistan	The Thirty-fourth Charter Day was commemorated in collaboration with MoFA, Pakistan, and SAARC Arbitration Council and SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industries. H.E. Ms. Tehmina Janjua, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, was the Guest of Honor. Ambassadors, diplomats, dignitaries & officials of SAARC countries & other regional organizations attended the function.	SEC & MoFA, Pakistan
65.	SAARC Cultural Festival on Traditional Dance	11-14 December 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	The event included discussions and technical presentations by experts in the field of traditional dance.	SCC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal.
66.	SAARC Regional Workshop on Structured Operational Research (SOR) in TB and HIV/AIDS in Region	19-21 December 2018	Islamabad, Pakistan	Training On Research	STAC & NTP Pakistan
67.	Rapid Response in Epidemic/disaster urgency in the SAARC Member States	January-December 2018	Two countries	Disaster management manual (under development)	STAC
68.	Joint SAARC Monitoring Missions for appraisal of TB and HIV/AIDS Control Programs in the Region by STAC	August-December 2018	6 Member States	Programme review of NTP & NACP of Member States	STAC & NTP of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan & Sri Lanka
69.	Additional yield of activities case finding through house survey in selected district of Afghanistan with lower case notification rate	November 2018	Afghanistan	Household Survey	STAC & NTP, Afghanistan
70.	Comparative evaluation of treatment for MDR TB with and without co-morbidity a retrospective analysis in Bangladesh	November 2018	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Hospital Based Survey	STAC & NTP, Bangladesh
71.	Study to determine causality of EPTB in Bhutan	November 2018	Thimphu, Bhutan	Household Survey	STAC & NTP, Bhutan
72.	Study on Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus in Nepal by STAC	2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	Hospital Based Survey Data collection of one site is on-going.	STAC
73.	World AIDS Day-2018	9December 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	Sensitization meeting with Parliamentarians	STAC
74.	SAARC Charter day- 2018	9December 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	To commemorate the 34^th SAARC Charter Day, STAC organized the programme	STAC

75.	Review of Article for SAARC Journals of TB Lung Disease and HIV/AIDS	August–December 2018		Regular Activity for SAARC Journal	STAC
76.	Development of Curriculum of different level of Trainings organized by STAC (Desk/correspondence method) & circulation to National Programmes/ Managers’ Meeting	December 2018		Training curriculum to be developed by experts	STAC
77.	Study on "Mobilizing International and Regional Finances/Funding for Implementation of Renewable Energy Projects in the Member States"	December 2018	Islamabad	The Study has been carried out by international research house, M/S Pricewaterhouse Coopers Private Limited, India, which was selected after competitive bidding process. The Study deliberates upon various much needed funding options for renewable energy projects, which are crucial for increasing energy access/availability in the SAARC region. In 2019, the contents of the Study shall be shared/ disseminated with relevant professionals and stakeholders, to have their inputs incorporated in the final draft. Thereafter, it shall be made available, free of cost, through SEC website and SAARC Secretariat official documents portal.	SEC
78.	Study on "Roadmap for Implementation of Smart Grid: Concepts, Practices and Technologies in SAARC Region"	December 2018	Islamabad	The Study discusses how smart grid technology can be introduced in the SAARC countries, and elaborates its usefulness to power sector of the SAARC countries as well as benefits to the people of SAARC. In 2019, the contents of the Study shall be shared/ disseminated with relevant professionals and stakeholders, to have their inputs incorporated in the final draft. Thereafter, it shall be made available free of cost through SEC website and SAARC Secretariat official documents portal.	SEC

79.

Study on "SAARC Energy Outlook 2030"

December 2018

Islamabad

The Study has been carried out by international research house, M/S CRISIL of India, which was selected after competitive bidding process. The Study examines energy requirements of each SAARC nation and thoroughly analyzes the underlying demand drivers and corresponding supplies available to match the demand.

In 2019, the contents of the Study shall be shared/ disseminated with relevant professionals and stakeholders, to have their inputs incorporated in the final draft. Thereafter, it shall be made available free of cost through SEC website and SAARC Secretariat official documents portal.

SEC

80.

Study on "Infrastructure and Enabling Environment for Road Electric Transport in SAARC Member States"

December 2018

Islamabad

The Study has been carried out by international research firm M/S India Smart Grid Forum, India, which was selected after competitive bidding process. The Study deliberates upon various infrastructure and other requirements needed by each SAARC Member State for smooth transition to the electric transportation.

In 2019, the contents of the Study shall be shared/ disseminated with relevant professionals and stakeholders to have their inputs incorporated in the final draft. Thereafter, it shall be made available free of cost through SEC website and SAARC Secretariat official documents portal.

SEC

81.

Study on "Promotion of Trans-Border Business of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products in SAARC Region"

December 2018

Islamabad

The Study discusses the country-wise business of petroleum products and showcases the existing and future balance for POL trade across SAARC region.

SEC

82.

Study on 'Development of SEC 5-year Strategic Plan 2018 - 2022'

December 2018

Islamabad

This in-house Study elaborates upon the need and rationale to steer the direction of the efforts to be undertaken by SEC in the next five years. It briefly discusses all such important areas of energy, as well as their usefulness to the people of SAARC. It is a strategic guideline for the future working of SEC.

SEC

83.

Development of SAARC Energy Data Book (2006-2016)

December 2018

Islamabad

This fifth annual issue of SAARC Energy Data Book has been compiled for SEC by Dr. Sahibzada Ali Mahmood from Pakistan. The book provides statistics on different sources of energy in SAARC Region as a whole, as well as of individual member states for the years, 2006 to 2016. The book contains important data on various aspects of energy in SAARC for regional and international professionals, researchers and planners.

The book is available free of cost through SEC website and SAARC Secretariat official documents portal.

SEC

84.

SAARC Cultural Centre Calendar 2019

December 2018

Sri Lanka

Publication of New Year Calendar for 2019

SCC

SAARC Apex Bodies’ Activities (from January to December 2018^{^[1]})
No.	Activity	Date	Venue	Highlights	Participants/Organizer
1.	Sixth SAARC Business Leaders’ Conclave (SLBC)	16-18 March 2018	Kathmandu	The Sixth Edition of SLBC was organized on 16-18 March in Kathmandu, Nepal by SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in collaboration with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI) and Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) and with the support of Government of Nepal, under the theme “Unleashing Shared Prosperity through Economic Integration”. The Conclave hosted business delegates and high-level government officials, including Ministers from the Member States of SAARC.	Organized by SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). Attended by Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal; Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply of Nepal; and Secretary General of SAARC and Director (HRT)
2.	Third Regional Convention on Using Law to Promote Accountability To End Child Marriage in South Asia & Regional Validation Workshop on the Draft Regional Strategy on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation including Online Safety (CSAE&OS)	10-11 September 2018 & 12-14 September 2018	Colombo, Sri Lanka	The Regional Convention and Workshop provided a good opportunity for fruitful discussions on means and ways to address the issue, concerning Child Marriage and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation and made valuable recommendations.	Organized by SAIEVAC Regional Secretariat (SRS), hosted by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka, led by the Department of Child Care and Probation Services, supported by the National Child Protection Authority and NACG, Sri Lanka. Director (SA)
3.	Fifty-fourth SAFA Board Meeting	25 September 2018	Karachi, Pakistan	Coinciding with the SAFA meetings, SAFA-World Bank FRED Conference was hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP) on 23-24 September 2018 at Hotel Marriott, Karachi, Pakistan.	South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA)
4.	Fifty-sixth SAFA Board Meeting	10 December 2018	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Coinciding with the SAFA meetings, the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMA Bangladesh) hosted the SAFA International CFO Conference under the themes “The Future of Finance: Digitize, Drive and Transform” on December 8, 2018 at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, Bangladesh.	South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA)

SAARC Recognized Bodies’ Activities (from January to December 2018^{^[2]})
No.	Activity	Date	Venue	Highlights	Participants/Organizer
1.	International Conference of Women Entrepreneurs	17-19 January 2018	Visakhapatnam, India	The Conference brought together eminent speakers from the manufacturing community, technology experts & innovation specialists to share their experiences and views on sustainability of startups and focus on emerging developments in the MSME sector with a special reference to women entrepreneurship. Government of India allocated five acres of land in Visakhapatnam for establishing women entrepreneurship International Trade & Technology Hub.	Organized by SAWDF, a Recognized Body of SAARC and (ALEAP-INDIA) Attended by Hon’ble N. Chandrababu Naidu Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Secretary General of SAARC
2.	XIV SAARC Academy of Ophthalmology Conference	21-24 June 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	Ophthalmologists and experts involved in eye health from different Member States discussed challenges pertaining to eye health. The theme of the Conference was “From Darkness to Light”.	Organized by SAO (a Recognized Body of SAARC) with Nepal Ophthalmic Society. Attended by Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, former President of Nepal; Health Secretary, Government of Nepal; President and General Secretary of SAARC Academy of Ophthalmology; and Director (IPA) from SAARC Secretariat
3.	International Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit-2018: “Equality begins with Economic Empowerment”.	3-5 September 2018	Kathmandu, Nepal	This annual summit aimed at addressing challenges associated with gender parity in the economic sphere and advancement of gender responsive trade facilitation policies. The event was attended by delegates from over 27 countries representing women leaders and professionals from various sectors.	South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF) Secretary General of SAARC and Director (SA) attended the event

4.	"Delivering Innovative Business Strategies: The Quest for Managerial Excellence"	4-5 September 2018	Sri Lanka	The Association of Management and Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA), a SAARC Recognised Body organized the event through networking with its Members within the SAARC Region and encouraging participation in this program, which was attended by the leading academicians and Deans and Directors of Management Schools from the SAARC Member Countries. Alongside this event, AMDISA’s 74^th Executive Board Meeting was held on 4^th September 2018.	The Institute of Certified Professional Managers of Sri Lanka (CPM Sri Lanka), an AMDISA Member Institution, in association with AMDISA
5.	Fifth SAARC Teachers’ Federation Conference	17-18 September 2018	Colombo, Sri Lanka	The Conference elected an Executive Board. Further, the Conference passed a resolution to work together with SAARC bodies in the areas of mutual interest.	SAARC Teachers’ Federation (STF)
6.	FAPSS Meeting and Forty-fourth Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Pediatric surgeons	25-28 October 2018	Chandigarh, India	FAPSS participated in both the IAPS inaugural functions held during the CME program and the main inauguration of the Conference on October 25^th and 26^th respectively. The IAPS Conference was also held on 25-28 October 2018 at Chandigarh with 375 delegates attending. FAPSS President, secretary and other members participated.	Federation of Association of Pediatric Surgeons of SAARC Countries (FAPSS)
7.	Commemoration of Thirty-fourth Charter Day of SAARC	08 December 2018	Hyderabad, India	Topic of event: “Strengthening SAARC Through Responsible Management Education: The Role of Accreditation”.	Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA) & its Member Institutions.
8.	Annual Conference of the SAARC Surgical Care Society and Seventy-ninth Annual Conference of the Association of Surgeons of India	28 December 2018	Chennai Trade Center, Chennai, India	Message of the Secretary General of SAARC was read in the meeting and was well received by the house. The Executive Committee Meeting of SAARC Surgical Care Society was attended by Presidents of All National Surgical Societies of Member States.	SAARC Surgical Care Society (SSCS)

^{^[1]}All activities of the bodies are not included since their complete ‘Annual Progress Reports’ for 2018 are yet to be received.