KATHMANDU: A three-day long meeting of the SAARC-level inter-governmental steering committee on the establishment of South Asian University (SAU) kicked off in Kathmandu today.

This is the forth meeting held for the purpose. The first, second and third meetings were held in New Delhi, Dhaka and Mussorie, respectively.

Inaugurating the

meeting, Govinda Chaudhary, State Minister for Education, said the establishment of the SAU would create a better future in the region through gradual unfolding of new realms of mutuality, cooperation, collaborations for peace, prosperity and glory.

“The SAU will set examples of the core values of academic excellence, holistic education, critical awareness and sensitivity, harmony in diversity with justice and equity as well as civic responsibilities at global, regional and national levels,” he added.

RD Rajapakse, director, SAARC secretariat, said, SAU was a symbol of cooperation in higher education in the SAARC region targeted to contribute to the world of knowledge for the benefit of mankind.

“SAU is one of the most dreamed platform where we can exhibit our strength and desire. A lot has been achieved from the past meetings and this meeting will also come up with some significant conclusions,” she remarked.

Dr Kamal Krishna Joshi, president, University Grant Commission, said the meeting would be focused on ensuring the effective commencement of the first academic session in August 2010.