Platform for practical actions

Shared multilateral principles drive sustained Eurasian prosperity and stability

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization marks its silver jubilee in 2026, completing 25 years since its establishment. What began as a regional mechanism for confidence-building and security cooperation among six countries has evolved into one of the world's most significant trans-regional organizations. Today, the SCO brings together a diverse group of states across Eurasia and provides a platform for dialogue on peace and security, economic cooperation, connectivity, counter-terrorism, energy, culture, digital development and people-to-people exchanges. Its 25th anniversary is, therefore, not merely a celebration of long-term viability; it is an opportunity to reflect on what the organization has achieved and to envision what it can accomplish during the next quarter century.

The defining strength of the SCO has been the Shanghai Spirit — mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for the diversity of civilizations and the pursuit of common development. Over the past 25 years, these principles have allowed countries with different political systems, economic structures, histories and strategic priorities to work within a common framework. At a time when the international system is undergoing profound transformation, the SCO has increasingly emerged as a platform for dialogue among major Eurasian and Global South countries. The statement of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the SCO Member States similarly emphasized the changing international environment, the growing importance of the Global South, increased connectivity and digitalization, and the need for a more representative and inclusive international order based on international law and multilateralism.

One of the SCO's most important achievements has been the institutionalization of regional security cooperation. The establishment of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure provided member states with a mechanism for exchanging information, coordinating efforts and developing joint responses to terrorism, extremism and separatism. Over the years, the organization has expanded cooperation against organized crime, drug trafficking, terrorist financing and emerging security threats, including those associated with cyberspace. Joint exercises and capacity-building initiatives have helped translate political commitments into practical cooperation.

Also, the SCO has gradually expanded its agenda beyond traditional security concerns. Economic cooperation, trade, investment, transport, energy, agriculture, food security and digital transformation have become increasingly important components of its work. The organization's geographic reach gives it considerable potential to serve as a bridge between major economic centers and emerging markets. Enhanced transport corridors, cross-border connectivity, digital links and cooperation in energy and logistics can contribute to making the vast Eurasian region a more integrated economic space.

For Pakistan, the SCO represents a natural and strategically important platform. Pakistan became an SCO observer state in 2005 and acquired full membership in June 2017. Its participation reflects its long-standing historical, cultural, geographical and economic links with the countries of the Eurasian region. Pakistan views the SCO as an important forum for advancing regional peace, stability and socioeconomic development, while promoting cooperation in trade, investment, energy, innovation, entrepreneurship, transport and connectivity.

Pakistan's contribution to the organization has grown considerably since its accession. It has actively participated in the SCO's political, economic, security and humanitarian mechanisms and has undertaken important institutional responsibilities. Pakistan hosted the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the SCO in Islamabad in October 2024, demonstrating its capacity to convene and facilitate high-level regional dialogue. It has also contributed to SCO connectivity discussions and promoted practical cooperation in poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development.

A significant Pakistani initiative has been the establishment of a special working group on poverty reduction at the SCO. Pakistan serves as the permanent chair of this working group, reflecting its emphasis on placing human development and poverty reduction alongside security and economic priorities.

Pakistan's geographical position gives it another important role in the SCO's future. Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and the Arabian Sea, Pakistan can contribute to connecting landlocked Eurasian economies with international maritime routes. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, in this context, demonstrates the potential of infrastructure and connectivity to promote wider regional economic integration. Pakistan's ports, road and rail networks, and emerging logistics infrastructure can complement broader SCO efforts to strengthen regional connectivity.

The next 25 years should therefore be about making the SCO a more effective platform for practical cooperation. Economic integration should be at the heart of this agenda. Member states should work toward increasing intra-SCO trade, facilitating investment, improving customs procedures, developing reliable transport corridors and promoting greater use of digital platforms and national currencies for trade and payments.

Connectivity should become another defining priority. The next generation of SCO cooperation should connect roads, railways, ports, energy grids and digital networks. The objective should not simply be infrastructure development, but the creation of an integrated Eurasian economic ecosystem capable of generating employment, investment and sustainable growth.

The SCO must also prepare for emerging challenges. Climate change, food insecurity, pandemics, artificial intelligence, cyber threats and energy transitions will increasingly shape regional security. Cooperation in disaster management, climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water management, public health and digital governance should consequently receive greater institutional attention.

Finally, the SCO's future success will depend on maintaining its inclusive character. Its strength lies in its diversity. The organization should remain a platform where differences are managed through dialogue rather than confrontation, and where sovereignty, equality and mutual respect remain central principles.

The 25th anniversary is thus both a milestone and a starting point. The first quarter century has established the SCO as an important pillar of Eurasian cooperation. The next 25 years can transform it into an even more effective engine of regional peace, connectivity, economic development and human welfare. Pakistan, with its strategic location, experience in counter-terrorism, commitment to poverty alleviation and role as a bridge between regions, is well placed to contribute to this vision.

As Pakistan prepares to assume the SCO's chairmanship for 2026-27, it has an opportunity to advance a forward-looking and action-oriented agenda focused on economic collaboration, regional connectivity and people-to-people understanding. The coming years should reaffirm a simple but powerful proposition: the future of Eurasia lies not in isolation, but in cooperation. The SCO's next 25 years can make that principle a lasting reality.

The author is a journalist at Abb Takk News Channel, Pakistan.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.