The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held in Islamabad on October 16, 2024, marked a significant moment in regional diplomacy and cooperation. Chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the summit brought together leaders and representatives from SCO member states to discuss a wide range of issues, from economic collaboration to regional security.

A Call for Regional Connectivity

In his opening address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for investing in the region’s collective capacity for connectivity. He highlighted flagship projects such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, calling for their expansion with a focus on developing road, rail, and digital infrastructure. The prime minister urged SCO members to view these projects not through a narrow political lens but as opportunities to advance the shared vision of an economically integrated region.

Addressing Shared Challenges

The SCO summit provided a platform for discussing common challenges faced by member states. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted poverty as a “moral imperative” demanding collective attention, with millions living in poverty within the SCO region. He also addressed the existential threat of climate change, recalling the devastating floods that hit Pakistan in 2022, causing losses of approximately $30 billion.

Economic Collaboration and Financial Architecture

Economic collaboration was at the heart of the SCO engagement, with PM Sharif calling for the endorsement of a strategy for Energy Cooperation 2030 and the establishment of an Association of Investors. He also voiced support for reforming the global financial architecture and trade regimes to foster equitable global development. The prime minister noted the growing consensus among member states on using mutual currencies for settlements, describing it as a promising development to shield against global financial disruptions.

India’s Participation and Regional Dynamics

A notable aspect of the summit was the participation of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. His presence in Islamabad marked a potential thaw in Pakistan-India relations, which have been strained in recent years. In his address, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of countering terrorism, extremism, and separatism, calling them the “three evils” that hinder regional cooperation.

The Indian minister stressed that cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, recognizing territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also highlighted the need for adhering to global practices, especially in trade and transit, and acknowledged the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and extreme climate events.

Afghanistan and Regional Stability

The situation in Afghanistan featured prominently in discussions, with PM Sharif describing a stable Afghanistan as essential for realizing regional opportunities. He called on the international community to provide urgent humanitarian support while urging the Afghan interim government to embrace political inclusivity and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against neighbors.

Gaza Conflict and International Responsibility

In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Sharif drew attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing it as a “genocide” that cannot be ignored. He called on the international community to ensure an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital.

The summit concluded with PM Shehbaz handing over the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government to Russia’s PM Mikhail Mishustin. The Pakistani premier assured full support to the Russian presidency, emphasizing the need for SCO members to prioritize collaboration over political differences and divisions.

Throughout the summit, the SCO was described as a “beacon of multilateralism” by PM Sharif. He expressed confidence in the collective potential of member states to forge a future that is more prosperous, stable, and secure for their people. The summit’s discussions and outcomes reflected a commitment to enhancing regional cooperation across various sectors, from trade and economy to security and cultural exchanges.

As the curtains fell on the 23rd SCO summit in Islamabad, the event stood as a testament to the organization’s growing influence and the shared aspirations of its member states. From calls for enhanced regional connectivity to addressing pressing global challenges, the summit highlighted the SCO’s potential as a platform for fostering cooperation and understanding in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. As the chairmanship passes to Russia, the outcomes of this summit are poised to shape the trajectory of regional collaboration in the years to come.