South Asia stands as one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, threatening its peace, security, and sustainable development prospects.

In a statement released yesterday, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted the considerable challenges the region faces concerning health, the rule of law, and human security amid emerging global threats.

With over 1.6 billion people—more than 20% of the global population—South Asia has a youthful demographic, with individuals under 24 making up over 40%. While the region has made commendable strides in development goals and navigating conflicts, it continues to contend with instabilities influenced by global dynamics.

In light of these challenges, the UNODC has launched its new Regional Programme for South Asia (RPSA) for 2024-2028—a five-year strategic framework aimed at enhancing justice, health, peace, and the rule of law across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Last week, senior representatives from these nations convened at the UN House in New Delhi to formally launch the initiative. The framework delineates the UNODC’s programmatic focus, which includes five sub-programmes: addressing the world drug problem, countering organized crime, combating corruption and economic crime, preventing terrorism, and enhancing criminal justice.

At the launch, Bo Mathiasen, UNODC Deputy Director of Operations, along with other officials, called for collective efforts to tackle emerging challenges. UNODC Regional Representative Marco Teixeira and Deputy Representative Suruchi Pant outlined key areas of cooperation under the new RPSA, emphasizing the importance of unified action against shared threats.

Mathiasen reiterated the need for collaboration in addressing security challenges, a sentiment echoed by UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp, who emphasized the pivotal role of the Regional Programme in fostering cooperation among South Asian nations.

Developed through extensive consultations and assessments, the RPSA aims to reinforce the rule of law, bolster regional cooperation, and protect vulnerable communities from the threats posed by drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism. The initiative aligns with the UNODC’s corporate strategy and the broader UN approach to promote sustainable development in the region.