South Asia Peace Initiatives

The South Asia Peace Initiative (SAPI) aims to promote peace and cooperation through leadership consultations and grassroots activities in South Asian nations. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an association aiming to promote friendly relations among regional countries from South Asia. It was established in Dhaka on 8 December 1985, and currently is made up of 8 states; Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Its Secretariat was established in Kathmandu, and the primary objective of this association is to develop peace and harmony among member states through cultural exchange and business. It is a civil society initiative with, to date, a record of 17 series of SAPI conferences, organized in Nepal, India, and Afghanistan. This initiative is set to continue further. Former Minister of the Ministry of Co-operatives and Poverty Alleviation (Nepal) of the Government of Nepal, and member of the Nepalese Constituent Assembly, Ek Nath Dhakal are conveners of South Asia Peace Initiative.

Ek Nath Dhakal speaking at 15th South Asia Peace Initiatives (SAPI) conference in Kathmandu in November 2014.

Activities

Nepal: The program focuses on reconciling political divisions, addressing conflicts, and cultivating the spirit of one family under God, in this nation. High-level consultations are of special importance, as the country is undergoing drafting of a new constitution and restructuring of the state. Local activities such as service, education, and health care programs for youth, along with various community development projects are in progress in Nepal.

Afghanistan: Bringing together people from various sectors of society to discuss common values, build friendships, and help the less fortunate while working together for peace to a war-ravaged land. Programs are supported by Ambassadors for Peace from all levels of society.

Bangladesh: Promoting interreligious dialogue and strengthening marriage and family are on-going programs. Peacebuilding also means investing in the education and health of the next generation.

India: As the world's largest democracy seeks to manage its new-found economic prosperity, leadership consultations promote interreligious cooperation and encourage good governance. In addition, young people are brought together from diverse backgrounds to build mutual understanding and to teach basic values that will ensure a bright future.

Pakistan: Young people are brought together from diverse backgrounds to build bridges of understanding and help local communities supported by leadership that embraces the values of both Pakistani and Indian cultures.

Sri Lanka: Overcoming religious prejudice among the youth while learning the value of living for others has been a hallmark of the projects of this island nation. This naturally leads to serving local communities, promoting good sportsmanship, and character education initiatives. Leadership consultations likewise promote principles of good governance.

History of South Asia Peace Initiatives

14th South Asia Peace Initiatives (SAPI) held in Kathmandu, Nepal on August 7, 2013

• SAPI -1: (22 July 2005), Lumbini, Nepal Innovative Approaches to Peace through Responsible Leadership and Good Governance
• SAPI-2: (12 November 2005), Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal South Asian Conflicts: The Non-Violent Option
• SAPI-3: (15 March 2006), Peace Embassy Building, Kathmandu, Nepal Regional Conflicts in South Asia: The Human Dimension
• SAPI -4: (26 June 2006) Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu, Nepal Human Rights and Human Responsibilities: In Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations
• SAPI – 5: (6 December 2006), Hotel Le Meridien, Gokarna, Kathmandu, Nepal In Support of the Peace Process: The Role of National and International Civil Society
• SAPI – 6: (1 December 2007), Peace Embassy Building, Kathmandu, Nepal Supporting the Peace Process at the Civil Society Level: National and International Perspective
• SAPI -7: (23 December 2008), Peace Embassy Building, Kathmandu, Nepal The Challenges of Governance for Sustainable Peace
• SAPI – 8: (20 May 2009), Hotel de l’Annapurna, Kathmandu, Nepal Rebuilding Trust and Reconciliation in the ongoing Peace Process
• SAPI – 9: (23 June 2009), Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal Innovative Approaches to Unity and Peace in Asia
• SAPI – 10: (30 April 2011), Peace Embassy Building, Kathmandu, Nepal Promoting Human Security through Transformational Leadership: Common Challenge of South Asia
• SAPI – 11: (December 15, 2012), Safi Landmark Hotel, Kabul, Afghanistan Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Peace and Development
• SAPI-12: (January 24, 2013) Civil Services Officers Institute, New Delhi, India India's Perspective on Nepal's Peace Process
• SAPI-13: (April 14, 2013), Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal Achieving Meaningful Democracy in South Asia: Challenges and Prospects
• SAPI-14 (August 7, 2013), Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal) Realizing South Asian Dream : Democracy, Peace and Development.
• SAPI-15 (November 8, 2014), Hotel De'l Annapurna, Kathmandu, Nepal) Sustainable Peace in South Asia : New Strategies for A Better Tomorrow.
• SAPI -16 (February 20, 2015), The Malla Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal) The Increasing Challenges from Extremism to Democracy: Issues and Responses.

• SAPI -17 (October 4, 2015), (The Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi, India )'Recent Developments in Nepal and India-Nepal Relations'.