2024 was a year marked by political change across South Asia, with elections and political upheavals dominating the headlines in countries such as Bangladesh. Amidst this political backdrop, regional cooperation saw both progress and setbacks, according to a new report by the World Bank.

The report described regional connectivity and cooperation as a “marathon”—with some areas moving ahead swiftly while others progressed more slowly. However, the overarching trend was the growing recognition among South Asian countries that certain challenges, such as air pollution and climate change, require collective action.

One of the standout achievements of 2024 was the strengthened regional consensus on tackling air pollution. Countries in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills—namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Pakistan—have come together to combat air pollution as a cross-border issue. In June, the second Science Policy Dialogue on Air Quality Management in Bhutan reaffirmed the need for multisectoral and transboundary collaboration. These efforts are proving to be not only more cost-effective but also faster, delivering results at 45% lower costs compared to ad hoc measures. The group set an ambitious goal of reducing annual PM2.5 concentrations to less than 35 µg/m³ by 2035.

In addition to air pollution, there is growing momentum to tackle plastic pollution, particularly marine plastic. Regional efforts are also focused on innovation in plastic usage and production to reduce waste and pollution.

Addressing climate risks continues to be a priority, with increased regional cooperation in meteorological and hydrological services. The World Bank-supported South Asia Hydromet Forum has fostered collaboration across the region, enhancing consensus forecasting and early warning systems. This cooperation is already saving lives, with improved marine forecasting helping Sri Lanka’s fishing community prepare for extreme wave heights. This example highlights the effectiveness of collaboration in mitigating climate risks.

The report also spotlighted women’s increasing participation in regional development, particularly in traditionally male-dominated sectors like trade, transport, and infrastructure. Women’s inclusion in these sectors is vital to the region’s economic growth, and initiatives such as providing on-site childcare, access to separate restrooms, and well-lit spaces are helping to break down barriers. For example, women like Halima Begum in Bangladesh, employed in the construction and maintenance of regional transport corridors, and Runu Hazarika in Assam, who operates an inland water transport business, are exemplars of the region’s growing focus on gender inclusivity.

The WePower network, which supports women in the energy sector, also made significant strides in 2024, with 101 South Asian women engineers completing a leadership training program in the power sector.

A significant milestone in regional cooperation came in November 2024, when Nepal began exporting 40MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via India’s grid. This historic power-sharing agreement marks the beginning of a broader energy trade between Nepal and Bangladesh, with future expansion expected. Additionally, Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation signed an agreement with Tata Power in India to develop 5,000 MW of clean energy. These collaborations illustrate the critical role of private sector involvement in the clean energy transition.

The World Bank’s analysis predicts that South Asia’s energy demand will double by 2050, with emissions rising by 30%. However, the region could cut its emissions by up to 40% by leveraging cross-border electricity markets, renewable energy, and energy efficiency measures.

The South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) marked its 20th anniversary in 2024, further emphasizing the importance of engaging the region’s youth in shaping the future of South Asia. The network brings together undergraduate economics students from across the region to foster academic exchange and strengthen regional ties. Over 90% of the SAESM alumni reported that the meet facilitated their first visit to a neighboring South Asian country, and more than 80% have maintained lasting relationships through the network.

With South Asia having the largest youth population globally, tapping into the collective energy and innovation of young people is seen as key to sustainable development and regional cooperation. These young voices are considered critical drivers of progress in the region, contributing to the vision of a unified #OneSouthAsia.

The report concludes by acknowledging that while significant progress has been made in 2024, much work remains to be done. The challenges and opportunities for collaboration will evolve, but the trajectory of regional cooperation remains positive. “This is not a sprint, but a marathon, with a long-term vision,” the report stated, reflecting the slow yet steady pace of progress that defines South Asia’s path to greater regional cooperation.