SAARC to evolve common position for climate talks

Bhutan has offered to host a meeting of an Inter-governmental Expert Group meeting in this regard.

The leaders emphasised that global negotiations on climate change should be guided by the principles of equity,and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities as enshrined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change,and should be conducted in an open,transparent and inclusive manner.

The leaders of Afghanistan,Pakistan,India,the Maldives,Bangladesh,Sri Lanka,Bhutan and Nepal also issued a joint statement on climate change in view of preserving and sustainably managing the rich,fragile and diverse ecosystems of the region.

They agreed to establish an Inter-governmental Expert Group on Climate Change to develop clear policy direction and guidance for regional cooperation as envisaged in the SAARC Plan of Action on Climate Change.

They directed the group to meet at least twice a year to periodically monitor and review the implementation of the Thimphu Statement on Climate Change.

The leaders decided to commission separate inter-governmental initiatives to strengthen the understanding about oceans,mountain ecosystems,the evolving pattern of monsoon and to integrate Climate Change Adaptation with Disaster Risk Reduction.

The statement emphasised the importance of reducing dependence on high-carbon technologies for economic growth,and that promotion of climate resilience will promote both development and poverty eradication in a sustainable manner.

The leaders also directed the SAARC Secretary General to commission a study for presentation in the next summit on climate risks in the region and ways to comprehensively address the related social,economic and environmental challenges.