While working with different rural development organizations in Pakistan, need was realized to establish a regional level NGO network in South Asia to benefit from each other’s experiences and to learn from one another. During the Geneva Seminar on NGOs Management Network in 1986 while discussing the role of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), RDF presented the idea of the establishment of NGO network in South Asia. The forum appreciated and supported the idea and finally in 1987 the group of leading NGOs of SAARC countries decided to establish South Asian Association of NGOs (SANGO). After consultation meetings SANGO formally got registered in 1988 under Societies Act XXI of 1860 in Pakistan. Formal inauguration of SANGO was held on 9th July 1989 and its secretariat was located at RDF Centre.
The aims and objectives of SANGO were:
❖ To provide a forum where NGOs may exchange views and information on
matters and questions of common interest.
❖ To serve as an instrument for the development, growth and improvement of
NGOs and their activities
❖ To serve as a source of information for governments, particularly the member governments of South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and inter-government agencies regarding the role NGOs can play in support of governments.