On October 15-16, 2024, the twenty-third meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened in Islamabad, Pakistan. Prime Minister of Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting. During the summit, the SCO member states reiterated their commitment to expand cooperation in several areas, such as trade, economics, investment, security, and cultural and humanitarian links, to make the planet Earth secure, prosperous, peaceful, and environmentally clean. Below are some brief highlights of the event:
Agenda
The summit’s agenda centered on improving regional cooperation in various areas, including economics, commerce, the environment, culture, and security. Important conversations were held about regional security, economic integration, and counterterrorism. Moreover, Leaders evaluated the SCO’s performance and made critical organizational choices to improve collaboration among member nations.
Participants
The meeting brought together leaders and representatives from the SCO member states, observer states, and guests, including:
Member States
- PAKISTAN Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif (Chair)
- CHINA Premier of the State Council, Li Qiang
- RUSSIA Prime Minister of Russia, Mikhail Mishustin
- INDIA Â Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar
- IRAN Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, Mohammad Atabek
- KAZAKHSTAN Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Oljhas Bektenov
- BELARUS Â Prime Minister of Belarus,
- Roman Golovchenko
- KYRGYZSTAN Ministers Cabinet
- Chairman, Akylbek Zhaparov
- TAJIKISTAN Prime Minister of
- Tajikistan, Kokhir Rasulzoda
- UZBEKISTAN Prime Minister of
- Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov
Observer state
- MONGOLIA Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai
Invited guests
- TURKMENISTAN Â Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers, Rashid Meredov
- SCO Secretary-General, Zhang Ming
- SCO RATS Executive Committee Director, Ruslan Mirzayev
- SCO Business Council Chairman of the Board, Atif Ikram Shaikh
- SCO Interbank Union Chairman of the Council, Marat Yelibayev
- Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, R.E. Mirzaev.
- Other distinguished observers from Regional organizations like the CIS and CICA.
Key outcomes
- Acknowledgment of previous chairmanship and current leadership:
The delegations commended Kazakhstan’s leadership of the SCO in 2023-2024 and expressed support for China’s chairmanship for 2024-2025. They emphasized the importance of implementing decisions from the CHS meeting in Astana on July 4, 2024.
- Principles and values of the SCO:
The leaders underscored the principles of respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, advocating for non-interference in internal affairs and peaceful dispute resolution. They reaffirmed the right of nations to choose their developmental paths and emphasized dialogue for resolving differences.
- Global unity and sustainable development:
The leaders reiterated their commitment to the SCO’s “World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony, and Development” initiative, proposing its adoption by the UN General Assembly. They emphasized the need for cooperation in creating a harmonious global order and advancing the vision of “One Earth. One Family. One Future.”
4.Economic and trade cooperation:
The heads of delegations expressed concerns over global economic challenges, including reduced investments, disrupted supply chains, and protectionist measures. They stressed the importance of:
OÂ Joint efforts against protectionist trade practices.
OÂ Strengthening a rules-based, non-discriminatory, and transparent multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
OÂ Opposing unilateral sanctions that undermine international law and economic stability.
- SUPPORT FOR CHINA’S OBOR INITIATIVE:
Member states, including Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, reaffirmed their support for China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, aiming to enhance connectivity between the Eurasian Economic Union and OBOR projects.
- Promoting regional integration:
The leaders highlighted the potential for creating a Greater Eurasian Partnership involving the SCO, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and other regional players, promoting regional cooperation in trade, energy, and sustainable development.
7.Digital economy and technological innovation:
The delegations emphasized the role of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and innovation in driving economic growth. They advocated for:
OÂ Â Bridging the digital divide and fostering digital inclusion.
OÂ Establishing mechanisms for cross-border data exchange and cooperation in digital infrastructure.
OÂ Holding regular meetings on e-commerce, with the next meeting scheduled in China in early 2025.
- Energy cooperation and security:
The heads of delegations focused on energy security and sustainable energy cooperation. They discussed:
o The SCO Development Strategy for Energy Cooperation up to 2030.
o Efforts to develop renewable energy and cross-border energy infrastructure.
o Preparation of a comprehensive plan to attract investment in renewable energy.
- Investment and financial mechanisms:
Emphasizing the need for financial cooperation, the heads of delegations instructed relevant bodies to accelerate the establishment of the SCO Development Bank, SCO Development Fund, and a potential SCO Investment Fund.
- Environmental protection and climate change:
The heads of delegations reaffirmed their commitment to addressing climate change and environmental protection. They instructed relevant agencies to implement the SCO Green Belt Program and focus on sustainable mountain development and glacier conservation. They also discussed the creation of a database on innovative environmental technologies and cooperation with international institutions for financing green projects.
- Health cooperation:
In response to global health challenges, the heads of delegations prioritized cooperation in public health, digital healthcare, access to quality medicines, and the development of medical tourism. They also advocated for the establishment of the SCO Medical Association and noted progress in traditional medicine and infectious disease control.
- Poverty alleviation and agriculture:
The delegations stressed the importance of reducing poverty through practical cooperation within the SCO framework, highlighting initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises and boost trade in agricultural products.
- Culture, Education, and Youth Engagement:
The meeting emphasized the role of cultural exchanges, educational cooperation, and youth diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding among SCO member states. The leaders highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the SCO University and the promotion of youth entrepreneurship through the SCO Youth Council.
- Sports and Humanitarian cooperation:
The heads of delegations underscored the importance of sports diplomacy and cultural cooperation in building goodwill among member states. They highlighted the success of events like the annual SCO marathon and proposed the organization of the “Silk Road” mini-football tournament in Tehran in December 2024.
- Looking ahead:
The heads of delegations expressed gratitude to Pakistan for hosting the meeting and announced that the next CHG meeting would take place in 2025 in Russia.
Conclusion
The 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO member states reflected the organization’s continued emphasis on promoting regional stability, economic growth, and international cooperation amidst evolving global challenges. With a focus on mutual respect, sovereignty, and collaboration across various sectors, the meeting underscored the SCO’s role as a crucial platform for fostering unity, dialogue, and sustainable development in a multipolar world. The delegates’ commitment to addressing issues like climate change, economic disparities, digital inclusion, and regional security indicates the SCO’s proactive approach in shaping a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future.
