UNI finance unions pave way for dialogue on the circular economy in South Asia

A UNI Asia & Pacific (UNI Apro) Finance delegation led by Regional Secretary Rajendra Acharya and UNI Apro Finance President Mr Kitamuara Sato, visited the secretariat office of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 5 April 2023.

SAARC is an economic and political regional organization of eight countries in South Asia set up in 1985 to promote economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region.

His Excellency, Mr Esala Ruwan Weerakoon, Secretary General of the SAARC Secretariat, warmly received the delegation which included leaders of finance sector unions from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.  

The UNI Apro delegation shared with the SAARC Secretary General their views and hope to engage with SAARC on the circular economy for sustainable development, which was a keynote topic at the recent 6^th South Asian Finance Sector Unions Council (SAFSUC) Meeting as well as the 9^th National Congress of the UNI affiliate, Financial Institute Employees Union Nepal (FIEUN).  

H.E. Mr Esala Ruwan Weerakoon welcomed the suggestions and provided positive feedback and advice on the way forward on engaging with SAARC.

UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary, Rajendra Acharya, said: 

“I am delighted we have this opportunity to meet the SAARC secretariat. This has been a good and first positive exchange, and we look forward to building on this engagement to promote better social dialogue on common concerns in the near future.”