Islamabad: In a significant stride toward global cooperation, member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened in Islamabad to pledge their collective commitment to fostering a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. The declarations were made at the recent SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, where leaders emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation across various domains including security, economy, trade, and cultural exchanges.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Joint Communiqué adopted at the meeting outlines a comprehensive agenda for the SCO regions. The SCO member states expressed a unified intention to pursue sustainable and inclusive economic growth, tapping into regional potentials in sectors such as green development, the digital economy, trade, investment, and climate change mitigation.
The communiqué also reiterated the fundamental principles guiding the SCO’s efforts, including mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In addition to addressing traditional areas of cooperation, the SCO leaders agreed to focus on new initiatives like the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
Highlighting the collaborative spirit of the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their support for China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, acknowledging ongoing projects that bridge the Eurasian Economic Union and this ambitious infrastructure network. The meeting also resulted in crucial directives to intensify efforts toward establishing the SCO Development Bank, the SCO Development Fund, and the SCO Investment Fund, aiming to enhance the financial architecture supporting regional cooperation.
The session not only focused on economic and political issues but also delved into humanitarian and social aspects, advocating for increased cooperation in health, food security, and cultural exchanges. The leaders instructed the relevant ministries to enhance collaborations in combating climate change, improving global food security, and fostering educational and cultural links among the SCO states.
In sports, the proposal to hold a “Silk Road” mini-football tournament in Tehran reflects the growing cultural and youth engagement within the SCO framework. The establishment of the Association of SCO Sports Organizations and the planning of SCO Sports Games are steps toward increasing people-to-people connections and cultural diplomacy among the member states.
The Islamabad meeting marks a milestone in the SCO’s mission to foster a stable and thriving Eurasian region through enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding among its member states.