Bhutan proposes Topgay as next SAARC secretary general
Summary
Bhutan has proposed Dasho Sonam Topgay as the next secretary general of SAARC, with member states now seeking concurrence ahead of a possible decision in September. The move comes as incumbent secretary general Golam Sarwar nears the end of his term and SAARC remains stalled without a summit since 2016.
Key Points
- Bhutan has nominated Dasho Sonam Topgay to become the 16th secretary general of SAARC.
- The proposal is being circulated among member states for concurrence and may be discussed at a September 25 meeting in New York.
- Topgay is a former chief election commissioner of Bhutan with more than 38 years of government service.
- SAARC has not held a summit since 2016, and reviving the bloc is expected to be a major challenge for the next chief.
