The South Asia Foundation (SAF) is a secular, non-profit, and non-political organization founded in September 2000 with the primary goal of promoting regional cooperation and peace among the eight SAARC countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAF endeavors to improve access to education and enhance its quality across South Asia. This includes supporting educational institutions, providing scholarships, and facilitating academic exchanges among students and scholars. SAF recognizes the importance of cultural exchange in building bridges between communities. It organizes various cultural events, festivals, and initiatives to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the region and promote dialogue and understanding.