Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, since its establishment in 1987. The secretariat, located in the heart of the capital, serves as the central coordinating body for the eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The SAARC Secretariat monitors and coordinates the implementation of regional agreements, organizes summit meetings and ministerial conferences, and acts as a liaison between member states and international partners. It also maintains documentation and serves as an information hub for South Asian cooperation initiatives.
Choosing Kathmandu underscored Nepal's role as a neutral, landlocked bridge between the subcontinent's giants. The headquarters building, provided by the Nepali government, stands in the Babarmahal district—a physical reminder of the region's aspiration for collective progress despite persistent political challenges.