Sustainable development is new growth driver: SCO book

Despite significant differences among SCO member states in political systems, development stages and cultural traditions, they share common goals of national rejuvenation and modernization, as well as common challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, food security and energy security. Li emphasized that to sustain long-term growth, the SCO must seek the greatest common ground for cooperation under new circumstances. Against this backdrop, sustainable development — characterized by low political sensitivity and high alignment of interests — has emerged as one of the most promising areas for cooperation.

Li Yongquan, chair of the Academic Committee at the Institute of Eurasian Social Development, Development Research Center of the State Council; Xu Poling, head of the Russian Economic Research Section, Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; and Li Xin, director of the Eurasian Institute of the China-SCO Base for International Judicial Exchange and Cooperation Training, delivered in-depth comments on the Blue Book from multiple perspectives.

Participants agreed that green and sustainable development is an inevitable path for human progress. The SCO should further deepen cooperation in this area by advancing practical initiatives and projects, thereby supporting economic and social transformation in the region and promoting higher-quality development.