ABSTRACT
The responsibilities of the Council include formulation of policies, assessing progress, confirming new areas of co-operation, and appointing the Secretary-General. In November 2014 the 18th summit meeting adopted the Kathmandu Declaration on Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity, in which leaders determined to intensify co-operation, and to expedite the SAEU. In June 2019 the CVOs issued a Statement on SAARC's Co-operation on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and endorsed an accompanying action plan for eliminating AMR. In January 2004 the SAARC leaders adopted a SAARC Social Charter that incorporated objectives in areas including poverty alleviation, promotion of health and nutrition, food security, water supply and sanitation, children's development and rights, participation by women, and human resources development. SAARC's Secretary-General participates in regular consultative meetings of executive heads of sub-regional organizations. The national budgets of member countries provide the resources to finance SAARC activities.
