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World Bank report highlights key achievements and challenges in South Asian regional cooperation in 2024

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Women construction workers, who are a part of the construction and maintenance of Western regional corridors in Bangladesh. Photo: WorldBank

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.


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Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, Northern and North- central provinces and in Monaragala district

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2026/03/27

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 26 March 2026, valid for 27 March 2026.

Thw Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, Northern and North-
central provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum
temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

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A strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills helping to innovate responsibly towards a greener and sustainable future – PM

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2026/03/26

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The Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the international conference on ’Transforming TVET Systems for climate resilience and green jobs’ organized by Colombo Plan Staff College, Philippines together with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Sri Lanka on 24 th of March at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Conference serves as the flagship event of the five-day Regional Programme on “Transforming TVET for a Digital, Green, and Inclusive Economy” (23-27 March 2026), which continues throughout the week, bringing together representatives from CPSC member countries including Bhutan, Fiji, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, fostering high-level dialogue and knowledge sharing on climate-resilient and green skills development.

The Conference features technical and plenary sessions on climate-responsive TVET systems, green skills development, national policy frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping industry transformation.

Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills in addressing climate change and shaping a sustainable future.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that this transformation remains a national priority for Sri Lanka. She stressed that education must go beyond knowledge dissemination to empower individuals with opportunities, dignity, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

She further emphasized the need to integrate environmental sustainability into education and training systems by embedding green skills in curricula, investing in modern training facilities, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration between training institutions and emerging green industries.

Highlighting the importance of ensuring equity the Prime Minister further stated, that opportunities arising from the green transition must be accessible to all, including youth, young women, people with special needs, and marginalized communities.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partnerships, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transforming them to actual benefits and partnerships.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education  Nalaka Kaluwewa, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) Ms. Samanthi Senanayake Director General Colombo Plan Staff College Prof. Dr. Suresh K. Dhameja , TVET administrators, institutional leaders, policymakers, instructors, industry representatives, and international delegates from across the region and seniors officials and officials from Ministries.

(Prime Minister’s Media division)

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PM reviews progress of the committee appointed for the establishment of a National Nursing University

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2026/03/26

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A discussion to review the current progress of the special committee appointed under the government’s policy proposals to establish a National Nursing University aimed at elevating the nursing profession in Sri Lanka to degree level was held on 23rd of March at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister inquired into the progress made by the committee in relation to the establishment of the Nursing University and paid attention to the issues and views presented by the committee members.

Emphasizing that establishing a university is a long-term and complex process, the Prime Minister pointed out the importance of advancing this project in line with higher education standards, without hasty decisions, while also taking into account the existing conflicts and challenges within the university system.

The meeting was attended by the Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara, representatives of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Association, and officials from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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