The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) grew from a group of five Eurasian countries which, in 1996, recognized the need for a dynamic regional organization that promotes their shared political, economic, and security concerns.
The group was initially composed of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Meeting in Bishkek this year for their 25th anniversary, the SCO has become bigger with 10 members, with important countries such as India, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan attending.
The SCO therefore has become the world’s largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population, covering at least 25% of the world’s total area. They comprise 42 percent of humanity, one socmed analyst said.
As a regional group, therefore, the SCO can boast of a voice as resounding as the NATO, and even more relevant, even as it adheres to the official line of the United Nations on many issues.
While last year’s meeting of the SCO was more on economics and finance, such as the planned establishment of an SCO Bank, this summit in Bishkek underscored non-violence and condemnation of war, in favor of peace.
Key leaders like China President Xi Jinping, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkey President Erdogan led in signing 27 documents of cooperation and sentiment, particularly one that calls illegal the unprovoked war in Iran which was started by the United States and Israel last Feb. 28.
The SCO’s difference with NATO is that while the countries of North Atlantic are busy planning and executing military exercises and war concerns, this regional group led by China, Russia and Iran are into developmental issues, capping these with their promotion of world peace.
President Xi sums it up in his opening remarks at the SCO Summit:
“Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are resurging against historical trends. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of the world do not condone power politics, conflict and confrontation, or isolation and backwardness. What they want instead is to hold a place on the world stage through national development and international cooperation. In recent years, the rise of the Global South is driving a profound shift in the international balance of power. The trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible.
“What kind of multipolarity does the world need? How are countries going to take part in and promote it? The international community should build consensus and make the right choice that can stand the test of practice and history. As a responsible major country, China advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world.”
The Chinese leader has pitched 3 objectives for the SCO in the coming years. First, advance common prosperity in the vast continent straddling Asia and Europe with the SCO Strength.
Second, promote the development and rise of the Global South through the SCO Wisdom. The organization takes root in the Global South, its heart beats with the Global South, and it is an important pillar of South-South cooperation.
Third, guide the reform and improvement of global governance through the SCO Action. It is the mission and responsibility of the SCO to make the global governance system more just and equitable.
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