SCO 2024 Summit: Strengthening multilateral dialogue for sustainable peace and prosperity

The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad on October 15 and 16, comes at a pivotal moment in regional and global geopolitics. Under the theme "Strengthening multilateral dialogue-striving towards sustainable peace and prosperity," the summit will provide a platform for member states to address critical issues such as cross-border terrorism, economic cooperation, climate change, and regional stability. As leaders from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and other member nations gather, the focus will be on enhancing collaboration in an increasingly multipolar and turbulent world.

Established in 2001, the SCO has evolved into a major multilateral body in Eurasia, concentrating on regional security, economic integration, and political dialogue. The founding members-China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan-were joined by India and Pakistan in 2017, and Iran became the ninth full member in 2023. The organization also includes three observer states-Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia-and six dialogue partners, including Turkey, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

Key regional leaders attending the 2024 summit include China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Central Asian leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will also participate.

Strengthening multilateral dialogue for sustainable peace and prosperity:

The central theme of the 2024 SCO summit, "Strengthening multilateral dialogue-striving towards sustainable peace and prosperity," reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering cooperation amidst growing global tensions. In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant shift towards multipolarity, with countries increasingly seeking to diversify their alliances and avoid over-reliance on any one power bloc.

The SCO, comprising major powers such as China, Russia, and India, as well as key regional players like Pakistan and Kazakhstan, is uniquely positioned to lead the way in promoting a more balanced and inclusive world order. By prioritising multilateral dialogue, the SCO aims to create a forum where diverse perspectives can be heard and cooperative solutions to global challenges can be developed.

With rising US-China tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continuing to dominate international headlines, the SCO summit provides an opportunity for member states to discuss these challenges and explore ways to maintain peace and stability in the region. The SCO’s position as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions like NATO gives it a critical role in ensuring that Eurasian nations can chart their own path toward sustainable peace and prosperity.

Key agenda of the 2024 SCO summit:

The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit will prioritise several key agendas, including:

Combating terrorism: A united front against extremism

One of the central agenda items at the 2024 SCO summit will be combating terrorism, a longstanding focus of the organization. The growing threat of cross-border terrorism and violent extremism in the region has prompted SCO members to take a more aggressive stance. As part of the summit’s discussions, member states will explore ways to enhance security cooperation and combat terrorism in all its forms.

The Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), based in Uzbekistan, is expected to play a crucial role in these efforts. RATS, which was established to facilitate intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation, will be further strengthened at the summit. Leaders will discuss the need for more effective counterterrorism operations, joint military exercises, and legal frameworks to tackle the evolving terrorist threat.

A key aspect of these discussions will be addressing the issue of state-sponsored terrorism. Several SCO members have long expressed concerns about countries that provide safe havens or support for terrorist groups. The summit is likely to push for greater collective action to isolate such countries diplomatically and economically, ensuring that terrorism is not used as a tool for political leverage.

Economic cooperation: A focus on trade and investment

Economic collaboration is another critical pillar of the SCO’s agenda. The summit will emphasise initiatives to boost trade, investment, and regional economic integration. Amid global economic challenges, such as inflation and supply chain disruptions, the SCO offers a platform for its members to strengthen economic ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

One of the key initiatives expected to be highlighted is India’s "Make in India" campaign, which has gained international recognition for its emphasis on boosting domestic manufacturing and fostering global economic partnerships. India, one of the key players in the SCO, will likely push for closer collaboration with member states, particularly those from the Global South, as part of a broader effort to support emerging economies.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will also be a focal point in discussions, as it plays a critical role in regional connectivity and trade. With Pakistan hosting the summit, CPEC is expected to be showcased as a model of cooperation that can be expanded to include other SCO members, particularly those in Central Asia.

Climate change and environmental protection:

As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent global issue, the SCO summit will dedicate significant attention to addressing environmental challenges. Member states will discuss strategies to promote sustainable practices, build climate-resilient infrastructure, and reduce carbon emissions. These efforts align with the SCO’s broader goals of environmental protection and sustainable development, both of which are essential for achieving long-term regional stability.

The summit will likely see the adoption of new initiatives aimed at combatting environmental degradation and fostering collaboration on clean energy projects. Several SCO members, including China and India, have made substantial investments in renewable energy technologies and will likely share their experiences at the summit.

Given the rising impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity, food security, and water availability in the region, the SCO will emphasize joint actions to mitigate these risks. Collaborative projects on water resource management, afforestation, and disaster preparedness could emerge as key takeaways from the summit’s environmental discussions.

Regional stability and security: A call for collective action

Regional stability will be a core issue at the 2024 summit, with leaders focusing on how to address ongoing conflicts and enhance security cooperation. From the situation in Afghanistan to the unresolved border tensions between India and Pakistan, the summit will offer a platform for member states to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes.

A notable feature of the discussions will be the SCO’s commitment to promoting a multipolar world order, where no single power dominates the global stage. In line with this, the summit will review the organization’s activities over the past two decades and strategise for future cooperation, particularly in areas such as peace building, conflict resolution, and counterterrorism.

The situation in Afghanistan, in particular, will be a major point of discussion. Afghanistan’s status as an SCO observer state and its proximity to several member countries make it a critical issue for regional security. The summit is expected to review the situation in the war-torn country and explore ways to support stability and reconstruction efforts, particularly in the wake of the US withdrawal and the Taliban’s return to power.

The 2024 SCO summit in Islamabad represents a significant opportunity for member states to come together and address the challenges facing the region. With a focus on strengthening multilateral dialogue and promoting sustainable peace and prosperity, the summit will seek to build on the successes of past meetings while charting a path forward for greater regional cooperation.

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The SCO Heads of State Council Meeting. Photo: Sergei Savostyanov, TASS