On the anniversary: what are the main priorities of Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship this year?
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) celebrates its 25th anniversary, having evolved from an association of six countries to the largest transregional organization in the world. Each year, the influence of the SCO becomes increasingly noticeable on the global stage, shaping a unique model of international partnership.
The organization does not intend to rest on its laurels, considering modern challenges. In this regard, the heads of state have voiced the task of comprehensive modernization of the SCO's activities, which implies both improving the work of the organization itself and updating its legal framework.
Starting in 2025, the chairmanship of the SCO will pass to the Kyrgyz Republic, and the motto "25 years of SCO: together for a sustainable world, development, and prosperity" reflects continuity and the aspiration for future achievements.
The main priorities of Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship in 2025-2026 are as follows:
Long-term stability. Without it, economic development and humanitarian cooperation are impossible. SCO countries will continue to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, as well as new challenges such as cybercrime and drug trafficking. Economic cooperation. Consultations are planned soon to create an effective financial mechanism within the SCO (SCO Development Bank), which will ensure funding for relevant projects in the economy. Development of international transport routes. An important direction will be the creation of new logistics pathways and effective use of the transit potential of the member states. Digitalization. Digital technologies should unite, creating a common space of trust and cooperation within the SCO. During its chairmanship, Kyrgyzstan intends to focus on digital transformation. Bishkek has proposed to hold a Youth Digital Forum of the SCO, which will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and implementing joint projects among young professionals.
However, digitalization is also associated with cyber threats, so the exchange of experience in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence is becoming relevant.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The SCO emphasizes trade-economic and cultural ties. The city of Cholpon-Ata has become the cultural capital of the SCO during Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship, where the anniversary Issyk-Kul Intellectual Forum will take place.
Environmental issues and sustainable development. Climate change poses a serious challenge to the SCO region, affecting energy, agriculture, and water resources. Kyrgyzstan proposes to create an Emergency Response Assistance Fund.
- What goals does the SCO have for 2026 and what is planned?
- In accordance with the SCO Development Strategy until 2035, member states strive to strengthen trust, jointly address security challenges, develop cultural cooperation, and enhance the organization's authority on the international stage.
Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship combines the implementation of the Tianjin Summit decisions and new initiatives. The priorities remain long-term stability and the establishment of specialized bodies, such as the Universal Center for Countering Security Threats in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe.
Events are planned for 2026, including meetings of the Council of Heads of State and Ministers, as well as meetings within the framework of the SCO Youth Council and other structures.
A key event will be the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government, which will be held under the chairmanship of Tajikistan. Meetings of ministers responsible for foreign economic activities are also planned.
On the international stage, efforts will continue to strengthen SCO ties with partners and observers, including joint events with the UN and other regional organizations.
- What are the prospects for deepening coordination among SCO member states in the context of global instability?
- Significant changes are occurring in the world, creating opportunities for a more just multipolar order. However, alongside this, conflicts and violations of international law are observed, which threaten stability in the SCO region.
The SCO has already become an important player on the international stage, and member states understand the need to strengthen its role in ensuring peace and security.
The organization adheres to the principle of respecting the rights of peoples to choose their own development path and believes that sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs are the foundation of international relations.
The SCO advocates for resolving disputes peacefully, supporting dialogue and consultations, and opposing confrontation on international issues.
Member states actively develop cooperation, contributing to peace and stability both in the region and globally.
The main tool for responding to threats remains political statements, and in 2025-2026, nine such statements were adopted on behalf of the SCO.
Today, the organization is working on modernizing mechanisms for countering security threats and expanding cooperation in combating crime and terrorism.
We are confident that increasing the effectiveness of the SCO's work will contribute to deepening coordination among states and strengthening regional security.
