This is the climate change declaration from the SAARC Summit at Thimpu, in 2010. For the first time SAARC laid out a roadmap on climate change through this statement emphasising regional cooperation and the implications of climate change for South Asia. The statement emphasises the overriding importance of socio-economic development and poverty eradication in the region, and expresses the conviction of its Member states that reducing dependence on carbon in economic growth and promoting climate resilience will promote both development and poverty eradication in a sustainable manner. It also pledges to establish an Inter-governmental Expert Group on Climate Change to develop clear policy direction and guidance for regional cooperation as envisaged in the SAARC Plan of Action on Climate Change.