The 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Islamabad, Pakistan, and marked a significant milestone in regional cooperation and unity. Over the course of two days, leaders of SCO member states signed a joint communique, emphasizing the importance of implementing decisions following the SCO Astana Summit held in July. The communique reaffirmed the members’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in a rapidly changing global environment. As the SCO grows in both scope and influence, its potential for regional security and development has become more evident, particularly amid rising tensions in the Middle East and external global risks.
The Astana Summit earlier in 2024 set a new course for the future of the SCO. Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced an important initiative focusing on building a shared future through solidarity, peace, prosperity, and mutual trust among member states. This initiative, grounded in the values of good-neighborliness and fairness, reflects the SCO’s evolving role as an organization that seeks to unite rather than divide. President Xi’s vision of fostering cooperation and upholding international justice resonates well with the SCO’s objectives, especially as the organization continues to adapt to new global challenges. The consensus reached at Astana has now started to take shape, transitioning into actionable plans that aim to drive regional stability and progress.
Xi’s emphasis on the idea of a “common home” has set a clear agenda for future SCO initiatives. His call for solidarity and mutual trust speaks to the core of the SCO’s philosophy—strength in unity. As the world grapples with rising tensions in the Middle East, ongoing security challenges, and economic crises, the SCO offers a framework for cooperation that transcends geopolitical divisions. While global powers face escalating conflicts, the SCO stands as a beacon of multilateralism, offering a platform for dialogue and collaboration among its members.
Hosting this year’s meeting, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the chair of the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government, praised the body as a “beacon of multilateralism.” His remarks reflected the importance of cooperation within the SCO, especially for countries facing developmental challenges. Sharif’s optimism for the meeting’s outcomes underscores the tangible benefits that SCO membership brings, particularly in areas such as security, economic development, and diplomacy. His comments signal a collective commitment to strengthening regional bonds and leveraging the SCO as a vehicle for sustained cooperation.
Unlike many regional organizations that have struggled to find consensus, the SCO has continually worked toward maintaining regional stability while promoting the development of its member states. The successful overcoming of various differences and the implementation of agreements among its members demonstrate the SCO’s effectiveness. The SCO’s importance in this regard is magnified by the current global political climate, where conflicts are on the rise, and multilateral organizations are often criticized for failing to address pressing issues. What sets the SCO apart is its ability to turn dialogue into tangible results, with a particular focus on combating terrorism and enhancing economic cooperation.
While some critics, particularly from the West, view the SCO through the lens of outdated paradigms like NATO, this perspective fails to recognize the uniqueness of the organization. Unlike NATO, which operates primarily as a military alliance, the SCO’s guiding philosophy is rooted in the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, and respect for the diversity of civilizations. It is not designed to oppose or target any particular country or bloc but instead fosters dialogue based on inclusivity and shared goals. This principle of “one earth, one family, one future” underpins the SCO’s efforts to promote sustainable development and regional peace.
Since its inception 23 years ago, the SCO has expanded from six founding members to a broad coalition of 10 formal members, two observer states, and 14 dialogue partners. This rapid growth can largely be attributed to the appeal of the “Shanghai Spirit,” which emphasizes equality, consultation, and respect for diversity. The SCO’s ability to adapt and grow in the face of global challenges reflects the enduring relevance of these principles. More and more countries are expressing interest in joining the SCO due to its demonstrated capacity to foster cooperation and deliver concrete results.
In addition to its political and security cooperation, the SCO has become a major player in economic and trade cooperation. This economic dynamism is one of the key reasons why countries outside the region are increasingly eager to engage with the SCO. For example, bilateral trade between China and other SCO members reached nearly $200 billion in the first five months of this year, with numerous large-scale projects in development. The SCO+ initiative, which focuses on addressing global issues like climate change, food security, and technological development, further strengthens the organization’s role as a driver of multilateral solutions to global challenges.
The SCO’s practices also serve as a model for developing countries in the Global South. By supporting each other through regional cooperation, the member states have demonstrated how developing nations can work together to modernize their economies and improve the livelihoods of their citizens. The SCO’s focus on economic revitalization and the promotion of shared development goals is especially important as many of its members face significant national challenges. Unlike many Western-led organizations, which often focus on advancing specific political agendas, the SCO emphasizes mutual benefit and common development, making it a more attractive platform for countries looking to pursue growth through cooperation.
As China assumes the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024 to 2025, the focus will shift to deepening the organization’s pragmatic cooperation. President Xi has emphasized “action” as the guiding keyword for China’s presidency, signaling an intention to further strengthen the SCO’s role in regional and global affairs. China’s leadership, combined with the SCO’s proven track record of fostering cooperation, will likely see the organization take on an even greater role in shaping the future of international relations.
The 23rd SCO meeting in Islamabad reflects the organization’s continued momentum as a leading force for regional stability and cooperation. Through its commitment to multilateralism, economic development, and security, the SCO is not only addressing the challenges of today but also preparing its members for a more interconnected and prosperous future. As the world faces increasing divisions, the SCO’s emphasis on unity and mutual benefit offers a compelling alternative for countries seeking to build a better, more cooperative world.
Leave a Reply