KATHMANDU, JUNE 16

As development practitioners, we habitually analyze South Asia's low levels of intraregional cooperation, trade, and connectivity.

But what we overlook are the small but significant ways in which people come together, with innovation and fortitude overcoming significant barriers.

For instance, about a hundred South Asian students gather annually at a one-of-its-kind event to present research papers on regional development issues. Friendships and professional contacts blossom during the week.

And the students are exposed to new points of view about managing transboundary rivers and air pollution.

Research evidence guides our work with the World Bank's South Asia Regional Integration, Cooperation and Engagement approach.

Today, we launch a Good Neighbours series that demonstrates how people-to-people activities advance regionalism in South Asia.

These unique case studies of cooperation have been identified through a long process of sifting through informal anecdotes, and documents, and meetings with a range of stakeholders.