The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established when its Charter was formally adopted on December 8, 1985 by the Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
SAARC provides a platform for the peoples of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding. It aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development in Member States.

DESIGNATED SAARC YEARS
1989 ---- SAARC Year of Combating Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking
1990 ---- SAARC Year of Girl Child
1991 ---- SAARC Year of Shelter
1992 ---- SAARC Year of Environment
1993 ---- SAARC Year of Disabled Persons
1994 ---- SAARC Year of the Youth
1995 ---- SAARC Year of Poverty Eradication
1996 ---- SAARC Year of Literacy
1997 ---- SAARC Year of Participatory Governance
1999 ---- SAARC Year of Biodiversity
2002 ---- SAARC Year of Contribution of Youth to Environment
2003 ---- SAARC Year of Contribution of Youth to Environment
2004 ---- SAARC Awareness Year for TB and HIV/AIDS
2006 ---- South Asia Tourism Year
2007 ---- Year of Green South Asia

SAARC DECADES
1991-2000 ---- SAARC Decade of the Girl Child
2001-2010 ---- SAARC Decade of the Rights of the Child