Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Experts have suggested that everyone join hands for the security and development of South Asian countries.
Speaking at the 4th International Workshop for Leadership & Security conducted by the Institute for Strategic Studies, Research & Analysis (ISSRA), National Defence University (NDU) of Pakistan, they said cooperation among the countries of this region is inevitable considering the aspirations of their citizens for development.
They also mentioned that if all the countries follow the commitments to make the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) active, this region will remain a peaceful region in the world. They said that Nepal, as the chair of SAARC, should take the initiative to advance the SAARC process.
Since the inception of SAARC, relations between India and Pakistan have not been good. Although both India and Pakistan are members of SAARC, experts also suggest that SAARC should not be sidelined due to relations. They said that SAARC is the only alternative to SAARC, but the future of SAARC is bright even if they can only implement the commitments made in it.
The conference, which started on March 26, will continue until March 2.
Issues like the impact of climate change, ongoing wars in the world, relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, relations with Pakistan and SAARC member countries, women’s rights, human rights, education, technology development and challenges, artificial intelligence, relations with bordering countries, and the country’s responsibilities, etc. are being discussed during the workshop.
