The Shanghai Spirit: How the SCO is redefining regional cooperation

Editor's Note: The writer is a freelance columnist on international affairs based in Karachi, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of Gwadar Pro.

The 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Heads of Government took place this week in Islamabad, with leaders gathering to reinforce their commitment to regional cooperation. As tensions surge in the Middle East and global risks escalate, the SCO’s joint communique echoed a call for unity. Notably, it reaffirmed the decisions from July’s Astana Summit, underscoring the group’s shared resolve to implement their plans.

The gathering sent a message of solidarity, signaling that amidst external pressures, this organization remains committed to forging a cooperative future. The joint communique of the SCO summit asserted that “the member states intend to further develop cooperation in the spheres of politics and security, trade, economy, finance and investment, and cultural and humanitarian ties in order to build a peaceful, safe, prosperous and ecologically clean planet Earth to achieve harmonious coexistence of man and nature.”

At the recent Islamabad meeting, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, chairing the 23rd Council of Heads of Government, praised the SCO as a "beacon of multilateralism," reflecting the region’s deep investment in this collective vision. The gathering reinforced the leaders' consensus, signaling a collective intent to translate these high-level ambitions into concrete results, amidst growing global challenges. 

What sets the SCO apart is its inclusive approach. It was never designed to antagonize or alienate, nor does it serve the narrow interests of a select few. Instead, it’s guided by a vision that transcends borders. This principle of shared humanity resonates deeply in an era of escalating division. The SCO's achievements, though regional, offer broader lessons for a world in need of dialogue and cooperation over confrontation.

In just the first five months of this year, trade between China and other SCO member states surged to nearly $200 billion, a remarkable 4.6% increase from last year. This impressive growth is paired with large-scale projects that signal deeper cooperation. The "SCO+" initiative is drawing in new partners to tackle pressing global challenges like climate change, energy shortages, and technological disparities.

Importantly, despite rising regional security concerns, all 10 member states reaffirmed their commitment to counterterrorism efforts, demonstrating the SCO’s unparalleled cohesion and resilience. The SCO is often dismissed by some Western observers, who cling to outdated comparisons with NATO and other Western alliances. They assume that the challenges faced by NATO - an organization some view as past its prime - will similarly plague the SCO. But this line of thinking reflects the arrogance and narrow-mindedness that have long characterized Western elites. What they fail to grasp is that the SCO is fundamentally different. Comprising developing nations, each grappling with its own unique economic and national challenges, the SCO offers a model of cooperation tailored to the needs of the Global South.

For these nations, the primary goal isn’t maintaining old-world military power but fostering development and mutual support. The SCO’s framework emphasizes shared progress, offering lessons on modernization through regional solidarity. With China taking over the rotating presidency for 2024-2025, this mission of action-driven cooperation will only deepen. Beijing’s leadership promises to bring a new momentum to the SCO’s efforts, focusing on concrete initiatives that promote economic growth and regional integration.

This could mark a critical moment in strengthening the SCO's long-term relevance, positioning it as a key platform for shaping the future of regional and global development. By centering on “action,” China’s presidency reflects the growing influence of the SCO in creating a more unified and prosperous future for its member states.