Thimphu, Bhutan – April 29, 2025
In a historic move to address the escalating climate crisis, member states of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) have adopted sweeping amendments to their foundational charter. Convening in Thimphu, Bhutan, over a two-day summit, delegates reaffirmed their shared commitment to environmental sustainability and enhanced regional collaboration.
The pivotal gathering, chaired by Lyonpo Gyem Tshering, Bhutan's Minister for Energy and Natural Resources and Chairperson of the SACEP Governing Council, focused on updating the Articles of Association (AoA). These revisions represent the most significant overhaul since SACEP’s inception in 1982, signaling a bold expansion of its mandate to tackle climate change with greater agility, innovation, and unity.
Lyonpo Gyem Tshering highlighted the urgency of the moment:
"Our region stands at a crossroads. By strengthening SACEP, we are not only safeguarding our shared environment but also charting a resilient path forward for future generations."
Ministers and representatives from member countries brought a wealth of perspectives and commitments to the table. Thoriq Ibrahim, Maldives’ Minister for Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, emphasized the existential threat posed by rising sea levels to island nations like his. He outlined Maldives’ ambitious national initiatives, including planting five million trees to combat deforestation and promote carbon sequestration.
The revised charter empowers SACEP to:
Coordinate region-wide climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Enhance its role in international environmental negotiations.
Prioritize emerging issues like climate-induced migration and renewable energy transition.
Established to foster cooperation on biodiversity conservation, pollution management, and sustainable development, SACEP has evolved into a linchpin for environmental governance in South Asia. The revised AoA reflects the urgency of aligning with global climate goals while addressing regional vulnerabilities.
This landmark decision underscores South Asia’s unified resolve to lead by example in global environmental stewardship. As the impacts of climate change intensify, SACEP’s renewed vision offers a beacon of hope for regional resilience and a sustainable future.
