“We saw very little evidence that the work DFID is doing to combat corruption is successfully addressing the impact of corruption as experienced by the poor” These words come from an official evaluation on DFID’s work to fight corruption. But can donors be successful in fighting corruption in developing countries? They can but only if they receive “cover” from their capitals.

Only a joint alliance between political leaders and regional non-state actors can point the region towards new horizons. For this reason I hope the SAARC Charter will not be amended. It is high time for civil society members from SAARC nations to speak up, helping the leaders remember why regional integration is worth an annual meeting.