SCO builds path to stability, prosperity

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has emerged as a critical platform for constructing a route to peace and prosperity, as the globe struggles with growing uncertainties and complexity.

The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, held on July 4, was an important step toward developing regional cooperation and tackling the problems facing global governance.

The "Shanghai Spirit", which is defined by values such as equality, consultation, tolerance for cultural variety, mutual trust and mutual benefit, is at the core of the SCO's founding. For the past 22 years, the organization has been guided by these ideals, which have fueled its efforts to improve member-state political, economic and security cooperation.

China, as a founding member of the organization, has played a crucial role in shaping the development and influence of the SCO. China's strong participation and unwavering dedication to the organization's goals have helped to advance regional connectivity, trade and infrastructure development. The objectives of the SCO and the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, which has significantly increased connectivity and spurred economic growth in the SCO region, are quite similar. By exploiting its resources and strengths, China has fostered regional integration and created opportunities for shared prosperity among member nations.

Since becoming a full member in 2017, Pakistan has actively taken part in SCO cooperation and projects. The country's dedication to fostering trade, economic cooperation and investment-friendly settings based on egalitarianism, rivalry and mutual gain has bolstered the SCO's initiatives. Furthermore, Pakistan's support for the BRI and joint measures tying it to the Eurasian Economic Union has strengthened its position inside the union.

However, the SCO does face internal and external challenges that can undermine its efficiency and impact. The capacity of the organization to come to agreement and work cooperatively has been hampered by rising geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. To overcome these challenges and assure the organization's smooth operation, member states must engage in diplomatic activities and promote confidence.

Understandably, it is a hard endeavor to strike a balance between conflicting interests and objectives while contending with outside influences and geopolitical conflicts. To manage these difficulties and keep a consistent approach to regional cooperation, skillful diplomacy and consensus building are essential.

The SCO's cohesion is also hampered by the economic differences among its members. Between countries with different degrees of development and resource availability, coordinated actions are required to close the economic gaps and encourage equitable growth. The SCO can establish lasting regional cooperation and make sure that all of its members receive fair benefits by resolving these disparities through collaborative initiatives and common development objectives.

The SCO has demonstrated resilience and dedication to adapting in the face of these challenges. It must uphold its fundamental values of mutually beneficial, cooperative and sustainable security and refrain from being a pawn in geopolitical disputes. The SCO can enhance people's lives and promote social and political stability by tackling both traditional and novel security concerns and fostering economic relations.

Moreover, the New Delhi Declaration at the SCO meeting, which was hosted in a virtual format by India, and statements on fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism offer guidelines on upholding equal, common, indivisible, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Leaders warned against "color revolutions" due to external inference that would hamper governance and international order.

To create a regional order based on respect and collaboration and contribute more to global governance, the SCO is moving in a promising direction to broaden its network of partners and cooperate with the international community. Iran's formal membership and Belarus' expected membership offer other countries a chance to advance social change and world prosperity due to the organization's increasing geographic influence, which includes observer states and discussion partners.

The SCO can achieve its full potential in fostering peace, security and prosperity in the area and beyond by resolving geopolitical issues, controlling outside pressures, bridging economic gaps and addressing security concerns. The organization must give sustainable development a top priority, enhance economic cooperation and bolster security cooperation to do this. The SCO can unlock the economic potential of the area and support global growth by putting in place measures that improve connectivity, ease trade and investment, and foster cultural interactions.

The SCO must masterfully negotiate complexity while remaining steadfastly committed to shared objectives if it is to provide a path to peace and prosperity. Their leaders' commitment to helping Afghanistan, alleviating the world of dollar weaponization, and safeguarding weapon-free outer space all point to a more just and rational global order.

The SCO may become a symbol of stability, cooperation and advancement in a world that is becoming more linked, as member states work together to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. The organization has the power to help define a better future for its member countries and the larger international community via collective efforts and commitment to regional cooperation.

The author is CEO of Observer Diplomat magazine, based in Islamabad, Pakistan.