The Future of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the World: A Strong Economy, New Markets, and Innovation
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is entering a new phase of its development where technological sovereignty, innovation, and cultural diplomacy are becoming the keys to building a sustainable future — from artificial intelligence and space to startups and the green economy. This was the conclusion reached by participants of the SCO Heads of Government Council, which took place on 18 November at the National Centre RUSSIA.
"Interaction within the SCO covers the most promising areas, including innovation, artificial intelligence, space technologies, the platform economy, and the climate agenda. And during the period of Russia's chairmanship, we paid special attention to strengthening technological sovereignty and, of course, deepening our industrial cooperation," stated Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Government of Russia.
Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, noted that it is important for the SCO countries to continue developing their innovative potential to achieve the favourable development of both the Organisation itself and the entire world. He highlighted digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and "green" development as crucial directions for shaping tomorrow. He stated that it is necessary to coordinate efforts in these areas and share results within the SCO. A foundation of 50 cooperation mechanisms in politics, economics, security, culture, and other fields has already been established for this purpose.
"What do we need for this? First, the formation of an open and inclusive world economy, reducing barriers, expanding openness, the uninterrupted functioning of the trade and economic cycle, and the restoration of economic growth — this is the universal aspiration of the world community. Second, ensuring common security and lasting peace. In the face of international turbulence, the SCO must continue strengthening its security cooperation mechanism. Third, reaching innovative potential for the sake of joint development. Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and 'green' development are important directions for future progress," said Li Qiang.
Mohammad Reza Aref, First Vice-President of Iran, explained that the SCO countries need collective resilience against future shocks and threats, such as energy and food instability, as well as climate change. According to him, one cannot ignore the challenges associated with the development of new technologies, whose risks are growing every day. This includes problems stemming from monopoly and dominance in global financial and credit systems.
"We need to jointly move towards closer economic interdependence and the formation of resilient regional and national economies. Under these conditions, the SCO should become one of the driving forces of economic integration in the region," continued Mohammad Reza Aref. "We are convinced that deepening trade, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation among members, as well as among observer states and dialogue partners, should become the main core and foundation of our organisation's future activities. On this path, employing the capabilities of observer states and dialogue partners could be decisive for expanding the common market, technology transfer, and increasing exchanges in scientific and cultural spheres."
Furthermore, the innovative role of the private sector is among the important factors which ensure the success of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, believes the First Vice-President of Iran. He stated that it is important to continue developing the SCO Business Council and Consortium to strengthen operational activities. All this can become an important basis for expanding direct links between private sector entities in each of the SCO countries, and for developing trade and investment between the countries, especially in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and green technologies, he added.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, expressed confidence that interaction between academic circles, creative groups, and athletes can pave the way to better mutual understanding within the SCO. He stated that India advocates for more active cultural exchanges, including Buddhist expositions in the Organisation's member countries. He also noted that India has extensive experience in preserving cultural legacy in East Asia.
"The SCO must respond to modern challenges, which means putting forward new initiatives and developing cooperation. India has already proposed steps such as a special working group and an SCO Startup Forum, which promote innovation and creative approaches, especially among the young people. The recent forum of young authors within the Organisation is another example of this. India believes that the SCO needs to adapt to a changing world, update its agenda, and carry out reforms. We are ready to actively contribute in a positive way," added Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
The chairmanship of the SCO Heads of Government Council has passed to the Republic of Tajikistan. Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of Russia, congratulated his colleague from Tajikistan, Kokhir Rasulzoda, on this important and honourable mission.
"The global landscape is characterised by numerous challenges, such as geopolitical tensions, instability of the world economy, technological competition, and the climate crisis. Under these conditions, the need for regional unity and joint solutions to the most pressing problems is steadily growing. As the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, has repeatedly emphasised, the SCO is an effective mechanism for joint countering new challenges and threats, as well as a platform for formulating strategic initiatives to ensure long-term stability and economic development," noted Kokhir Rasulzoda.
The Prime Minister of Tajikistan named the implementation of the SCO's fundamental documents, including the Economic Development Strategy until 2030, as the main condition for further interaction to build a sustainable future. A key step to achieve this, he said, is the establishment of the SCO Development Bank. Tajikistan is counting on constructive interaction with all member states of the Organisation and is committed to contribute to shaping the future of the SCO countries, he added.
The SCO comprises ten permanent members: Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Furthermore, a number of countries hold the status of observer or dialogue partner.
During the inspection, the Governor visited the main areas of the future venue.
The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) have made a leap in development.
The event’s aim was to give a new momentum to cooperation within the organisation and to formalise decisions taken by the leaders of the states at the high level.
