ISLAMABAD: Amidst various challenges faced by countries in the region and across the globe, the member states of SCO are working together to promote the “Shanghai spirit.”

Speakers at a webinar on “SCO summit 2023: implications, challenges and future prospects” said the spirit aims to address urgent issues and foster regional security, economic prosperity and cultural exchange. It is not only valuable for the SCO as an international organisation but also has the potential to serve as a model for relations between countries worldwide.

They noted that before encouraging harmony and cooperation, it inspires collective progress and prosperity for everyone involved. The event was organised by the Pakistan-SCO Friendship Forum and the Center of SCO Studies, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS).

Academics and experts from SCO member states provided insights about the recent SCO 2023 summit and its implications for the future.

They emphasised the vital role of people-to-people collaboration and joint efforts in finding effective solutions to complex global challenges such as climate change, extremism, technological advancements, and economic stability. They expressed a shared belief that through collective action, the SCO member states can create a more interconnected and sustainable future.

Dr Farhat Asif, President IPDS, highlighted the importance of the webinar and the centre’s vision for promoting research, cooperation, and people-to-people ties in SCO.

The speakers analysed the challenges and prospects faced during the SCO summit and highlighted the importance of promoting the “Shanghai Spirit” by strengthening connections among people.

Dr Sakti Prasad Srichandan, assistant professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, spoke about India’s achievements as the chair of the SCO summit 2023. He mentioned India’s efforts in promoting soft sectors like medicine, culture and innovation as well as SCO’s progress toward expanding membership among member countries.

Kang Jie, associate research fellow from the Department for European-Central Asian Studies at the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS), stressed the need for field cooperation and enhanced community collaboration to address challenges. He also proposed building collaboration through joint research.

Kabuljon Sabirov, director SCO Centre for Public Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, advocated essential initiatives like a unified corridor map, climate change coordination, tourism development, and collaborative measures to counter regional challenges. He believed SCO’s initiatives and endeavors would foster regional connectivity, peace and stability.

Dr Lidiya Parkhomchik, an expert from the Institute of World Economics and Politics in Kazakhstan, highlighted the positive outcomes of the SCO summit and expressed enthusiasm about Kazakhstan’s hosting of SCO 2024. She described the SCO as a central force in international diplomacy.

Julia Melonikov, programme manager at the Russian International Affairs Council, said the SCO region served as a forum for resolving differences that may cause the region to prosper. She highlighted the organisation’s role in promoting peace, development and cooperation.

Mirsaid Rahmonov, a senior analyst at the Institute of Asian and European Studies in Tajikistan, shared his perspective on achieving lasting peace. He emphasised elements like economic activation, connectivity and eliminating threats as crucial components of a peaceful regional approach.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2023