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Question

The SAARC Secretariat is located at:

The correct answer is

Kathmandu

Understanding the SAARC Secretariat Location 

The question asks about the location of the SAARC Secretariat. SAARC stands for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It is a regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia. The organization promotes development and regional integration among its member states.

The permanent Secretariat of SAARC was established to support the functioning of the association. This central office serves as the administrative hub, coordinating activities and implementing decisions made by the member states.

Locating the SAARC Secretariat Headquarters

The SAARC Secretariat is located in the capital city of one of its member countries. The options provided are New Delhi, Colombo, Kathmandu, and Karachi.

  • New Delhi is the capital of India, a SAARC member.
  • Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, a SAARC member.
  • Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, a SAARC member.
  • Karachi is a major city in Pakistan, a SAARC member, but not the capital.

Among these options, the official headquarters, the SAARC Secretariat, is situated in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Secretariat was established on 16 January 1987, and it was inaugurated by King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal.

Role of the SAARC Secretariat

The SAARC Secretariat plays a crucial role in facilitating the work of the association. Its primary functions include:

  • Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of SAARC activities.
  • Servicing the meetings of the association's bodies.
  • Acting as a channel of communication between SAARC and other international organizations.
  • Managing the finances of the Secretariat.

SAARC Member Countries

SAARC comprises eight member states located in South Asia. Understanding the members helps place the organization geographically. The member countries are:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Bhutan
  • India
  • Maldives
  • Nepal
  • Pakistan
  • Sri Lanka

Nepal, being a member country, hosts the Secretariat in its capital, Kathmandu.

Revision Table: Key SAARC Facts

AspectDetail
Full FormSouth Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
TypeRegional Intergovernmental Organization
Established8 December 1985 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Secretariat LocationKathmandu, Nepal
Secretariat Established16 January 1987
Member States8 (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)


 

Additional Information: SAARC's Objectives and Scope

SAARC was founded with the aim of promoting regional integration and cooperation among South Asian countries. Its main objectives include:

  • To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life.
  • To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
  • To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia.
  • To contribute to mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation of one another's problems.
  • To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields.
  • To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries.
  • To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interest.
  • To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

The organization addresses a wide range of areas for cooperation, including agriculture and rural development, health and population activities, environment, science and technology, tourism, and more.

The location of the Secretariat in Kathmandu serves as a central point for the ongoing efforts to achieve these objectives through coordinated regional initiatives.

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Important Questions from World Organisations and Headquarters

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    1. Their total number is now 10, but was originally only 6.

    2. They are elected for a term of two years only.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  2. Where was the United Nations Charter signed by 51 original members of the United Nations?

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    1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    2. Convention on the Elimination of Al Forms of Discrimination Against Women

    3. International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

    4. Convention on Refugees

    Which one of the following is the correct chronological order (starting with the earliest) of the above?

  4. Which of the following statements about the aims of the United Nations is/are true?

    1. To foster a mutual appreciation of each other’s culture and literature among nations.

    2. To achieve international co-operation in solving problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character

    3. To foster relations between scholars and academics in different countries

    4. To organize international conferences

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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