The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in its Kathmandu Declaration stated that it was looking towards achieving universal health coverage among all its member nations, adding that it was targeting the elimination of poverty.
In a statement released by the association, the leaders of the SAARC nations reaffirmed that they were determined to deepen regional integration for peace and prosperity by promoting mutual trust, amity, understanding, cooperation and partnership amongst each other.
"The leaders recognized the importance of achieving universal health coverage (UHC), improving health regulatory systems, preparedness for emerging and remerging diseases, and the challenges posed by anti-microbial resistance and non-communicable diseases. They endorsed the Male' Resolution on Regional Health Issues adopted at the Fourth Meeting of the SAARC Health Ministers," the statement read.
"The leaders urged to continue the remarkable progress by SAARC countries in the last decade in response to AIDS with the aim to end AIDS epidemic in the region by 2030. They also directed to complete all necessary processes for upgrading the SAARC TB Reference Laboratory at SAARC TB and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC), Kathmandu to Supra-national Reference Laboratory with necessary funding from SDF," it added.
The member nations also stated that their aim of eliminating poverty would involve the reformation of curricula, teaching methods and evaluation systems.
"The Heads of State or Government expressed their resolve to eliminating illiteracy from the region in line with the global goal of education for all and ensuring quality education in all institutions by reforming curricula, teaching methods and evaluation systems adequately supported by physical, technical and other facilities. The leaders agreed to promote regional cooperation in the field of vocational education and training," the statement read
"They directed their Education Ministers to develop a regional strategy for enhancing the quality of education in order to raise the standards of South Asian educational institutions in order to better serve the youth in the region. The Leaders welcomed the progress with regard to the South Asian University," it added.
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In matters of environmental disasters, the member nations also welcomed the decision to establish the SAARC Environment and Disaster Management Centre.
"The leaders directed the relevant bodies/mechanisms for effective implementation of SAARC Agreement on Rapid Response to Natural Disasters, SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment and Thimphu Statement on Climate Change, including taking into account the existential threats posed by climate change to some SAARC Member States. They welcomed the decision to establish the SAARC Environment and Disaster Management Centre," the statement read.
"The leaders underlined the urgency for the global community to arrive at a Protocol, another legal instrument, or an agreed outcome with legal force applicable to all by the end of 2015, based on the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR), Respective Capabilities and Equity under the UNFCCC," it added.
"The leaders also recognized the manifold contributions of ocean-based Blue Economy in the SAARC Region and the need for collaboration and partnership in this area," the statement further stated.
The 18th SAARC Summit concluded with all participating leaders agreeing to a 36-point Kathmandu Declaration Letter.
The next SAARC Summit is scheduled to be held in Islamabad in 2016.