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The role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in enhancing regional cooperation

Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), founded in 2001, has evolved into a major regional intergovernmental body addressing political, economic, defense, and security issues across Eurasia. Initially established by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO now includes India and Pakistan, which joined in 2017, and Iran, which became the ninth full member in 2023. This growing membership reflects the organization’s increasing influence in global and regional geopolitics.

As Pakistan prepares to host the 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad on October 15 and 16, the event will be closely watched, especially against the backdrop of ongoing global and regional geopolitical shifts. This summit presents an opportunity for SCO members to come together, address challenges, and explore avenues for collaboration that will enhance regional stability and cooperation.

A growing regional powerhouse

The SCO’s founding objectives centered on promoting regional security, combating terrorism, and fostering cooperation among its member states. These goals remain central, but the organization’s scope has expanded significantly in the past two decades. Today, the SCO’s influence spans areas such as trade, investment, energy cooperation, environmental protection, and digital connectivity. The organization has grown into a robust platform for collaboration, often seen as a counterweight to Western alliances like NATO or the European Union.

One of the SCO’s most important achievements has been its role in promoting security cooperation among its members. The organization’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), based in Uzbekistan, serves as a critical hub for intelligence sharing and joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism. This security dimension of the SCO has become increasingly significant, particularly given the continuing instability in Afghanistan and the threat posed by transnational extremist groups operating in the region.

In addition to its security focus, the SCO also plays an essential role in fostering economic cooperation across Eurasia. With the establishment of multilateral trade agreements, the organization has worked to promote free trade, investment, and connectivity among its members. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) both align with the SCO’s vision of a more interconnected and cooperative Eurasia.

The 2024 SCO summit: A critical moment

The 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad is taking place at a pivotal time for the region and the world. Global geopolitical shifts, from the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict to escalating US-China tensions, have created an environment in which regional cooperation is more critical than ever. Eurasian countries, particularly those in Central Asia, face both internal and external pressures, and the SCO provides a platform for addressing these challenges collectively.

The participation of notable leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, highlights the significance of the 2024 summit. With Pakistan’s

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosting the event, the summit is poised to address pressing global issues, enhance economic ties, and further solidify the SCO’s role as a key player in the international arena.

The summit also holds particular importance for Central Asian republics like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, which are keen to balance relations between global powers like China and Russia while maintaining their sovereignty. The discussions at the summit could have a lasting impact on how these nations position themselves in an increasingly multipolar world.

Key outcomes from previous summits and expectations for 2024

Over the years, the SCO has achieved several notable milestones in promoting regional cooperation. The 2022 summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, focused heavily on expanding economic ties and energy cooperation, with several agreements signed to boost trade and infrastructure development across the region. In 2023, the organization marked another historic moment with the inclusion of Iran as a full member, further expanding its reach and influence in the Middle East and beyond.

At the 2024 summit, expectations are high for further economic and security agreements. There is a strong possibility of new initiatives aimed at enhancing digital innovation, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth. As the global economy faces headwinds from inflation, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions, the SCO can provide a platform for its members to collaborate on solutions that enhance resilience and stability.

Pakistan’s role in the SCO

As the host nation, Pakistan is set to play a critical role in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the 2024 summit. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is expected to focus on enhancing economic cooperation, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). A flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC has transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure and positioned it as a key player in regional connectivity.

Given Pakistan’s strategic location as a gateway to Central Asia, the country has a unique opportunity to facilitate regional trade, energy flows, and transportation networks. The 2024 summit is likely to see discussions around enhancing connectivity through Pakistan, including potential extensions of CPEC into Central Asian countries, which would create new trade routes and economic opportunities.

In addition to its economic role, Pakistan’s expertise in counterterrorism and regional security will be another critical aspect of the summit. Pakistan has long been a key player in counterterrorism efforts in South Asia, and its experience in addressing extremist threats will be valuable in the SCO’s ongoing efforts to promote regional security and stability.

Future prospects for SCO members and observer states

Looking ahead, the SCO is likely to continue expanding its influence both within the region and on the global stage. The inclusion of new members and dialogue partners could further strengthen the organization, allowing it to take on a greater role in global governance. The 2024 summit could see discussions on expanding the SCO’s membership, with potential candidates including Afghanistan, a country whose stability is critical to the region.

As the SCO continues to evolve, its ability to foster collaboration among diverse nations will be instrumental in shaping the future of the region and ensuring that Eurasia remains a vital player in the global arena.