SAARC Declaration on Climate Change

The SAARC Declaration on Climate Change, adopted in December 2007 by the Foreign Ministers of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), expresses deep concern about the detrimental impact of climate change on human lives, livelihoods, and sustainable development, particularly in South Asia.

The document highlights the specific threats faced by SAARC nations, such as sea-level rise affecting low-lying regions, displacement due to various climate-related events, and the catastrophic consequences of accelerated glacier melt in the Himalayan regions.

The declaration recognizes climate change as a global challenge and underscores the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. SAARC member states commit to contributing to the global effort to address climate change, emphasizing the need for rapid social and economic development to make the region climate-resilient.

They advocate for developed countries to assume greater commitments, including binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets with effective timeframes and equitable burden-sharing.

The document outlines key elements for the way forward, including the provision of adequate resources for climate change initiatives without detracting from development funds, ensuring effective access to funding and technology transfer for adaptation, and calling for the international community to honor commitments made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.

As the SAARC Foreign Ministers meet in New Delhi, the declaration coincides with the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC in Bali, Indonesia.

The document emphasizes adopting an integrated approach to sustainable development and urges the international community to uphold its commitments to address the challenges of climate change within the multilateral frameworks provided by the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.