Kathmandu: The SAARC Cultural Centre, with the support of the Government of Sri Lanka, will host the first Annual SAARC Heritage Forum from 30 September to 2 October 2025. The event aims to strengthen regional cooperation on cultural heritage.
Delegates from all SAARC member states are expected to take part in the Forum, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Harini Amarasuriya.
The Forum follows commitments made by SAARC leaders in past summits, including the preservation of South Asian cultural property, the creation of a SAARC Heritage List, and the development of cultural trails connecting Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Christian, and other sacred sites.
South Asia is home to iconic cultural landmarks such as Buddhist stupas, Hindu shrines, mosques, Mughal gardens, and sacred landscapes. The Forum will recognize these treasures and promote them for regional and global appreciation.
Key objectives of the inaugural event include formalizing the structure of the Forum, launching the SAARC Heritage List, advancing the proposal for a “SAARC Year of Cultural Heritage,” and mapping cross-border pilgrimage routes to support both tourism and spiritual journeys.
