AS the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prepares for its upcoming heads of government meeting in Islamabad, from the 15th to 16th 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.
Xi’s leadership, as documented in The Governance of China IV, has prioritized regional peace and development through mechanisms such as the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship, and Cooperation. This treaty exemplifies the SCO’s commitment to peaceful relations and dialogue over conflict, a principle that has garnered widespread support from its member states. As Pakistan prepares to host this significant event, the upcoming meeting is expected to further strengthen these commitments and explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in economic and cultural exchanges.
Pakistan’s participation in the SCO has been marked by a commitment to regional security and development. The upcoming SCO heads of government meeting in Islamabad demonstrates Pakistan’s dedication to enhancing multilateral cooperation within the region. The SCO platform provides a unique opportunity for Pakistan to engage with regional powers, including China, Russia, and Central Asian countries, on critical issues such as security, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Xi Jinping’s vision for the SCO is one that promotes inclusive growth and collective security. Pakistan, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, will preside over the meeting, focusing on economic cooperation, environmental sustainability, and social-cultural linkages. This reflects Pakistan’s growing role in the SCO as a country committed to fostering regional stability and development. The SCO’s focus on counter-terrorism, economic integration, and people-to-people exchanges aligns with Pakistan’s national priorities, and the country is well-positioned to contribute to the SCO’s future growth.
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 encompass economic prosperity. Under his leadership, the SCO has facilitated trade and investment among member states, leading to an impressive 12% annual growth in GDP and foreign trade. This economic integration underscores the SCO’s efficiency and its focus on improving the lives of people in member countries. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have further strengthened regional connectivity, infrastructure, and technological advancement. For Pakistan, both the BRI and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) represent significant opportunities for growth. The SCO meeting in Islamabad is expected to explore ways to align national development strategies with the organization’s broader goals, promoting trade, investment, and digital cooperation.
In his leadership of the SCO, Xi Jinping has placed a strong emphasis on cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections. This aspect of the SCO’s work is vital for fostering mutual understanding and friendship among its diverse member states. Initiatives like SCO University, the SCO Youth Forum, and cultural exchanges have helped bridge cultural divides and strengthen ties among the people of these nations. Pakistan, with its rich cultural heritage and long-standing friendship with China, is well-positioned to benefit from these initiatives. The upcoming SCO meeting offers an opportunity to further expand these people-to-people programs, ensuring stronger bonds between member states.
Amidst shifting global dynamics and challenges like climate change, the SCO’s role in maintaining global stability has never been more crucial. Xi Jinping’s leadership is defined by a commitment to multilateralism and international justice. His consistent calls for rejecting hegemony and power politics, in favor of mutual respect and shared development, have resonated with many member states. As a member of the SCO, Pakistan benefits from this multilateral approach, providing the country with a platform to engage with regional powers on an equal footing. The Islamabad meeting serves as a testament to Pakistan’s growing role in the organization and its commitment to the SCO’s values.
Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the SCO has become a beacon of regional cooperation, promoting peace, security, and development. The upcoming meeting in Islamabad will further strengthen these ties, offering new opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchanges, and collective security. Xi’s vision, as detailed in The Governance of China IV, promotes shared prosperity and mutual respect, ensuring that the SCO continues to play a key role in global governance. As Pakistan takes its place at the forefront of the SCO, it is well-positioned to help shape the future of this important organization, working with China and other member states to build a more secure and prosperous world.
—The writer is an international expert on multilateralism and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
