Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has said the South Asia region, which is one of the most populous area in the world, has immense potential for growth and development.<br/><br/>Speaking at the opening session of the South Asian Speakers' Summit at Dhaka in Bangladesh on Saturday, Ms. Mahajan, however, said the region has to face many challenges in realizing its goals. <br/><br/>According to an official release issued in New Delhi, she said it the duty of Parliamentarians to turn these challenges into opportunities for the people. <br/><br/>Observing that the agenda of the summit is a unique opportunity for the international community to redouble its commitment for ending poverty, she said the larger goals of sustainable development are intertwined with the issues of regional connectivity and regional cooperation. <br/><br/>She said the region's geographical and economic complementarities can be used to improve the lives of peoples in entire region.<br/><br/>Ms. Mahajan said India is determined in its commitment to promote sustainable development and do its fair share for global sustainability.<br/><br/>The Speaker also emphasized that the developed countries should take the lead in rapidly moving towards sustainable consumption and production patterns.<br/><br/>