As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prepares for its upcoming heads of government meeting in Islamabad, on 15-16 of this month, it presents an opportune moment to reflect on the significance of this regional organization and the leadership that has been pivotal in shaping its future. Xi Jinping, President of China, has consistently emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation, development, and peace in global governance. His leadership, particularly as outlined in his book The Governance of China IV, sheds light on China’s constructive role in the SCO and its contributions toward global stability and development.In his 2021 speech at the SCO’s 20th anniversary, Xi Jinping highlighted the organization’s growth and the core principles guiding its evolution. The past two decades have seen the SCO mature into a formidable alliance that promotes mutual trust, respect, and shared development among its member states. Under Xi’s guidance, the SCO has adhered to the “Shanghai Spirit,” which emphasizes mutual benefit, consultation, and respect for diversity—a model that contrasts sharply with the alliances built on confrontation or hegemony.
One of the most commendable aspects of Xi Jinping’s leadership in the SCO is his firm stance on global security. In his speech, Xi emphasized that the SCO was the first international organization to call for a concerted effort against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. This has been a cornerstone of the SCO’s strategy to maintain peace and stability in the region. The organization has undertaken joint counter-terrorism exercises, border control operations, and has established mechanisms to curb cybercrime, drug trafficking, and transnational organized crime.
Pakistan, as a key player in these initiatives, has benefited immensely from the SCO’s collective security framework. The upcoming meeting in Islamabad will undoubtedly reinforce these efforts, with discussions on enhancing security cooperation in the face of evolving threats. Xi’s leadership has ensured that the SCO remains steadfast in its commitment to a secure and stable region, where peace is maintained through multilateral cooperation and dialogue.
Xi Jinping’s vision for the SCO extends beyond security to economic prosperity. Under his leadership, the SCO has facilitated trade and investment among member states, contributing to an impressive 12 percent annual growth in GDP and foreign trade. This economic integration is a testament to the SCO’s efficiency and its focus on improving the lives of people in member states. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have further enhanced economic connectivity, providing infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and technological advancement across the region.As the world undergoes profound changes, from shifting geopolitical dynamics to the impacts of climate change, the role of the SCO in maintaining global stability has never been more important. Xi Jinping’s leadership within the SCO has been marked by a commitment to multilateralism and international justice. His speeches have consistently called for the rejection of hegemony and power politics, advocating instead for a system based on mutual respect and shared development.Pakistan, as a member of the SCO, stands to benefit from this multilateral approach. The SCO provides a platform for Pakistan to engage with regional powers on an equal footing, addressing common challenges and seizing opportunities for development. The upcoming meeting in Islamabad is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO’s values, and it highlights the country’s growing role in the region’s future.
As Pakistan prepares to host the SCO heads of government meeting, it is clear that the organization’s future is bright. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the SCO has become a beacon of regional cooperation, promoting peace, security, and development for its member states. The upcoming meeting will further strengthen these ties, offering new opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchanges, and collective security.Xi Jinping’s vision, as articulated in The Governance of China IV, is one of shared prosperity and mutual respect. His leadership has ensured that the SCO remains a key player in global governance, promoting a world order based on multilateralism and justice. As Pakistan takes its place at the forefront of the SCO, it is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of this important organization, working alongside China and other member states to build a more secure and prosperous world.
—The writer is an active Climate Youth Delegate for UNFCCC, UNEP and UNESCO.
