'South Asia can grow unitedly'

United efforts are the key to prosper together, according to an expert.

"Collaborative efforts are needed to maintain a development path that can rebuild natural capital as critical economic assets, especially for the poor, whose livelihoods and security depend largely on nature," said coordinator for South Asia Economic Students’ Meet (SAESM) 2012 Prof Dr Bishwambher Pyakurel at the inauguration of the ninth annual SAESM here yesterday.

"The goal is to create awareness among promising South Asian economics students that green economic development has the potential to reduce environmental risks and ecological scarcities," he added.

Top economic students from across South Asia are participating in the ninth annual SAESM that provides a unique platform for students to bring fresh perspectives and share innovative research to promote mutual understanding of common development challenges through cross-cultural exchange.

The theme this year, 'Towards a Green South Asia', is expected to unite budding economists from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to share and discuss creative solutions on sustainable development throughout the region.

The five-day meeting will last till December 22 and will include presentations, interactive competitions, and expert-led discussions on an array of topics on sustainable development in South Asia.

The World Bank, the primary partner for this year’s SAESM, has been a consistent supporter of the event due to its emphasis on regional cooperation and youth engagement.

"The World Bank is promoting regional integration in South Asia, connecting people across the region as a way of lowering barriers to greater integration and peaceful prosperity," said vice president of South Asia Region at the World Bank Isabel Guerrero. "The event taps into the creative ideas of young economists on how South Asia can grow economically without harming its environment that is a precious resource for so many of its people," she added.

Hosted this year by Tribhuwan University (TU), SAESM has been held in New Delhi, Lahore, Dhaka, and Colombo since 2004. The in-depth discussions in the distinctive Himalayan environment are expected to provide meaningful recommendations in establishing linkages between the environment, economy, and sustainable development.

"SAESM was an invaluable multicultural experience that provided the opportunity to be a part of a powerful network of like-minded youth," according to a former participant from Bangladesh Tashmina Rahman.south