SCO Tianjin Declaration

How the SCO navigates India-China tensions, Middle East crises, and the echoes of 1930s protectionism

As the SCO summit concluded, I’d like to focus on the text of the joint statement, the Tianjin Declaration.

Here are some points worth noticing

1. History and present

   The declaration opens by highlighting "the 80th anniversary of World War II victory and the founding of the United Nations" and specifically references commemorative statements already issued. This creates both temporal and symbolic alignment with China's September 3rd commemoration of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, reinforcing the discursive chain of "anti-fascist tradition—peace and justice—UN authority" while connecting to the upcoming September 3rd military parade.

   While the declaration doesn't explicitly mention the "Great Depression," it constructs a contemporary parallel to the "beggar-thy-neighbor" policies of the 1930s through phrases like "serious disruption to the global economy, particularly trade and financial markets," "opposition to unilateral coercive measures," and "support for an open, transparent, inclusive, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system." The underlying logic suggests that protectionism and financial disorder erode employment and growth, fuel political polarization and rising nationalism, and ultimately breed confrontational security dynamics.

2. Counter-terrorism
   The declaration strongly condemns the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, as well as the March 11 "Jaffar Express" and May 21 Khuzdar attacks. Geographically, these three incidents span India's tourist destination of Pahalgam (a famous pilgrimage and tourism site in the Kashmir Valley, located in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir), Pakistan's iconic "Jaffar Express" (an inter-provincial railway passenger line that has repeatedly been targeted), and Khuzdar in Pakistan's Balochistan province (a region long plagued by insurgency and terrorist activities). The SCO's multilateral condemnation of these specific locations and cases is primarily to provide a balanced response that accommodates both Indian and Pakistani concerns, avoiding any perception of "double standards" regarding terrorism.

3. India:

   All other countries except India have expressed support for the BRI, suggesting that the resumption of China-India ties still has a long way to go.

4. Middle East:

   Strongly condemns Israeli and American military actions against Iran; emphasizes the mandatory nature of UN Resolution 2231; calls for nuclear facility security and diplomatic solutions. The direct naming of the United States and Israel is relatively rare, strong language.

5. Palestine-Israel:

   Demands immediate ceasefire and humanitarian corridors; emphasizes that "comprehensive and just resolution of the Palestinian question" is the only path forward, but the "two-state solution" was not mentioned.

6. Afghanistan:

   Emphasizes that an inclusive government is “the priority”; continues to support stability with Central Asia as the core region.

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Below is the full text translation I made:

Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States at Tianjin

The leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereinafter referred to as "SCO" or "the Organization") member states held a Council of Heads of State meeting in Tianjin, China, on September 1, 2025, and issued the following declaration:

I

The world's political and economic situation and other fields of international relations are undergoing profound historical changes. The international system is evolving toward a more just, equal, and representative multipolar direction, opening new prospects for countries' own development and mutually beneficial cooperation.

At the same time, geopolitical confrontation is intensifying, posing threats and challenges to the security and stability of the world and the SCO region. The global economy, particularly international trade and financial markets, has suffered severe impacts.

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II and the establishment of the United Nations. The great victory of peace-loving countries uniting to defeat Nazism, fascism, and militarism determined the course of world historical development and created conditions for establishing a stable international relations system that ensures peaceful human development. Member states call for remembering the heroic deeds of peoples of all countries and the historical lessons of World War II.

The United Nations, as a unique intergovernmental organization, has carried out effective work in maintaining peace and security, promoting economic and social development, and safeguarding human rights, advancing necessary cooperation. Member states reaffirm their commitment to building a more representative, democratic, and just multipolar world based on the UN Charter and other recognized principles of international law, respect for civilizational diversity, and equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, with the UN playing a central coordinating role.

A "Statement by the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States on the 80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II and the Establishment of the United Nations" was issued.

Member states believe it is necessary to carry out corresponding reforms of the United Nations to ensure the representation of developing countries in UN governance institutions and adapt the UN to the needs of today's political and economic realities.

Member states reaffirm that in developing relations among SCO member states, they will equally and comprehensively observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, as well as other recognized principles and norms of international law.

Member states advocate respect for the right of peoples of all countries to independently choose their political, economic, and social development paths, emphasizing that mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality and mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use or threat of use of force are the foundation for stable development of international relations.

Member states reaffirm their adherence to the purposes and principles of the SCO Charter and continue to follow the "Shanghai Spirit" of "mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development," continuously deepening cooperation and promoting security, stability, and sustainable development in the SCO region.

Member states reaffirm their opposition to resolving international and regional hotspot issues with bloc-based and confrontational thinking.

Member states emphasize that cooperation within the SCO framework will lay the foundation for forming an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia.

Member states note the initiative to develop a "Charter on Eurasian Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century," which aims to consolidate the development process of the Eurasian continent.

Member states reaffirm that promoting the construction of a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, as well as a community with a shared future for mankind, and conducting dialogue based on the concept of "One Earth, One Home, One Future" has important practical significance. Member states call on the international community to jointly participate in the "SCO Initiative on Unity of Countries for World Justice, Harmony, and Development."

Member states note the initiative regarding the UN General Assembly's adoption of a special resolution on the "Decade of Building Peace for Future Generations."

Member states reaffirm that Central Asia is the core region of the SCO and support Central Asian countries' efforts to maintain peace, security, and stability in their countries and the region. They note the outcomes of the international conference "Central Asia-Core of SCO: 25 Years of Cooperation for Common Development" (June 19, 2025, Dushanbe) and the initiative to hold this event annually.

Member states reaffirm the universality, indivisibility, interdependence, and interconnectedness of human rights, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, oppose double standards on human rights issues, and oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of protecting human rights.

To further improve SCO construction and ensure peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the SCO region, member states approved the "SCO Development Strategy for the Next 10 Years (2026-2035)," determining priority tasks and main directions for deepening comprehensive cooperation.

II

Member states advocate building a world of lasting peace and call for coordinated responses to traditional and non-traditional security threats and challenges.

Member states reaffirm their commitment to continuing to deepen cooperation in jointly combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, as well as other transnational organized crimes such as illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, and arms smuggling.

Member states signed the "Agreement among SCO Member States on the Comprehensive Center for Responding to Security Threats and Challenges" and the "Agreement among SCO Member States on the SCO Anti-Drug Center."

Member states note the proposal to establish a Strategic Security Research Center.

Member states will continue to actively implement the "SCO Member States Cooperation Program for Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism (2025-2027)" (July 4, 2024, Astana).

Member states strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, firmly oppose double standards in counter-terrorism, and call on the international community to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the "UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy" under the central coordinating role of the UN, in accordance with the UN Charter and principles of international law, to jointly combat terrorism including cross-border terrorist activities, and work together to fight all terrorist organizations. Member states emphasize the importance of adopting the "Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism" through consensus.

Member states strongly condemn the terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.

Member states strongly condemn the terrorist attacks on the "Jaffar Express" on March 11, 2025, and the attack launched in Khuzdar on May 21, 2025.

Member states express deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and the injured, believing that perpetrators, organizers, and financiers should be held accountable.

Member states reaffirm their determination to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and will not allow terrorist, separatist, and extremist organizations to be used for personal gain. Member states recognize the key role of sovereign states and their competent authorities in responding to threats of terrorism and extremism.

Member states emphasize the importance of multilateral cooperation in combating terrorism and cutting off terrorist financing channels, noting the outcomes of the high-level meeting "Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Establishing Flexible Border Security Mechanisms - Kuwait Stage of the Dushanbe Process" (November 4-5, 2024, Kuwait).

Member states note the proposal to hold the next round of high-level meetings on border security and management under the "Dushanbe Process" in New York in 2026.

Member states highly appreciate the role of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in organizing joint counter-terrorism exercises and command staff exercises, tracking regional situations through concrete measures such as intelligence exchange and counter-propaganda actions. They note the achievements of the "Counter-Terrorism Cooperation-2024" joint counter-terrorism exercise (July 19, 2024, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China) and reaffirm their commitment to continuing joint actions aimed at strengthening SCO cooperation in counter-terrorism.

Member states will continue to work together to prevent the spread of radical ideologies, religious intolerance, xenophobia, violent nationalism, and racial and ethnic discrimination. To implement the "SCO Convention on Combating Extremism" (June 9, 2017, Astana), member states adopted the "SCO Member States Cooperation Program for Combating Extremist Ideology 2026-2030."

Member states welcome the annual adoption by the UN General Assembly of resolutions on "Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance."

Member states note the importance of further implementing the "SCO Member States Agreement on Border Cooperation" (July 10, 2015, Ufa) and note the achievements of the joint border operation "Unity and Cooperation-2024" by border departments of competent authorities of SCO member states.

Member states reaffirm their deep concern over the continued escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and strongly condemn actions that have led to numerous civilian casualties and humanitarian disasters in Gaza.

Member states emphasize the need to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and intensify efforts to ensure that regional residents enjoy peace, stability, and security.

Member states point out that the only way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian question.

Member states strongly condemn the military aggression launched by Israel and the United States against Iran in June 2025. Such aggressive actions against civilian facilities including basic nuclear infrastructure have caused civilian casualties, seriously violate international law norms and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, violate Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, undermine regional and international security, and cause serious consequences for global peace and stability.

Member states point out that nuclear safety must be ensured and nuclear facilities protected at all times, including during military conflicts, to ensure that people and the environment are protected from harm. To this end, member states reaffirm their commitment to peacefully resolving current issues through diplomatic efforts.

Member states reaffirm the importance and mandatory nature of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015), which should be fully implemented according to its provisions. Any attempt to arbitrarily misinterpret this resolution will undermine the authority of the UN Security Council.

Member states call on relevant parties to restore constructive dialogue and jointly find solutions to avoid further deterioration of the situation.

Member states reaffirm their commitment to helping Afghanistan become an independent, neutral, peaceful country free from terrorism, war, and drugs, and support international community efforts for Afghanistan's peace and development.

Member states reaffirm that forming a truly inclusive government that absorbs broad participation of representatives from all ethnic groups and political factions of Afghan society is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Member states note the work of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan based in Almaty.

Member states express their willingness to continue strengthening effective cooperation in the defense sector and note the proposal to develop and sign an "Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures in the Military Field among SCO Member States."

Member states support further deepening practical cooperation in anti-drug activities, including combating crimes using information and communication technologies and the spread of new psychoactive substances, emphasizing the importance of implementing the three UN international drug control conventions and relevant SCO legal documents in the anti-drug field.

Member states will continue to coordinate positions on drug issues within the framework of competent UN bodies and other international organizations and institutions. In this context, member states welcome the outcomes of the special meeting "UN and SCO: Improving Forensic Investigation of Combating Illegal Drug Trafficking Using the Internet" jointly organized by the SCO and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (March 10, 2025, Vienna).

Member states express concern over the increasingly serious problems of illegal manufacture, trafficking, and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, advocate joint efforts to reduce drug demand, and support regular activities such as "Web" anti-drug operations and "Drug-Free World" drug prevention operations.

A "Statement by the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States on Effectively Addressing and Responding to the World Drug Problem" was issued.

Member states note that against the backdrop of increasing security threats and challenges, Uzbekistan plans to hold an "SCO+" security dialogue.

Member states support the SCO Secretariat's signing of a memorandum with the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors, and believe it is important for the SCO Anti-Drug Center under construction to take measures to strengthen cooperation with this center.

Member states reaffirm that unilateral and unlimited strengthening of global missile defense systems by individual countries or groups of countries will endanger international security and stability, and believe it is unacceptable to seek one's own security at the expense of other countries' security.

SCO member states that are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (July 1, 1968) advocate adhering to the treaty's provisions, comprehensively and balancedly promoting the implementation of all the treaty's purposes and principles, consolidating the global nuclear non-proliferation system, advancing the nuclear disarmament process, and emphasizing that research, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is an inalienable right of all countries, and equal, sustainable international mutually beneficial cooperation should be conducted without discrimination. Member states emphasize that implementing unilateral restrictive measures in this field violates international law and is unacceptable.

Member states support preventing the weaponization of outer space, believe it is crucial to strictly follow the existing legal system for peaceful use of outer space, and emphasize the need to sign international instruments with mandatory legal effect to increase transparency and provide strong guarantees for preventing an arms race in outer space.

Member states call on all parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention to fully fulfill the convention and make it an effective legal instrument in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. Member states reaffirm their support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and support the organization in resolving internal differences through consultative decision-making to ensure the organization operates effectively according to the convention. Given that the work of destroying declared chemical weapons stockpiles has been completed, all parties emphasize the importance of continuing to advance the organization's work, which serves the interests of all parties to the convention and has important practical significance. All parties support expanding the number of parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Member states note the important role of the Biological Weapons Convention signed in 1972, advocate adhering to the convention, strengthening international cooperation, and reaching a legally binding protocol with effective verification mechanisms to improve global biosafety governance. Member states oppose establishing any mechanisms that duplicate the convention's functions.

To this end, according to UN General Assembly Resolution 79/79 (2024) on "Strengthening and Institutionalizing the Biological Weapons Convention," member states emphasize the importance of strengthening cooperation to implement this resolution, including studying the establishment of an international biosafety agency.

Member states express concern over growing threats in the field of information security and firmly oppose militarization in the field of information and communication technologies and actions that endanger the security of critical information infrastructure.

Member states believe it is important to ensure that all countries enjoy equal rights in internet governance and possess cyber sovereignty.

Member states reaffirm their commitment to deepening international cooperation in information security, jointly combating cybercrime and cyberterrorism, and emphasize the UN's key role in responding to security threats in information space. To this end, member states support continuing to develop universally accepted international information security rules on a voluntary basis within the UN framework and call for joint efforts to promote the signing of the "UN Convention against Cybercrime" and improve mechanisms for combating cybercrime.

Member states reaffirm their willingness to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in legal and judicial fields and support further implementation of the "Agreement on Cooperation among Justice Ministries of SCO Member States" (August 18, 2015, Dushanbe).

Member states will continue to collaborate on anti-corruption work and call on the international community to refuse to provide shelter for corrupt criminals.

III

The Republic of Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirm their support for the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by the People's Republic of China and appreciate the work done by all parties to jointly implement the Belt and Road Initiative, including promoting the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Member states believe that utilizing the potential of regional countries, international organizations, and multilateral mechanisms to build a broad, open, mutually beneficial, and equal cooperation space in the SCO region according to principles of international law and taking into account national interests is of great significance. To this end, member states note the initiative to establish a "Greater Eurasian Partnership" and express their willingness to promote dialogue among the SCO, the Eurasian Economic Union, ASEAN, and other relevant countries and multilateral mechanisms.

Member states note the role of the SCO region in promoting world economic recovery, maintaining the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and promoting sustainable development.

Member states support further improving and reforming the global economic governance system and will firmly maintain and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on internationally recognized principles and rules, promote the development of an open world economy, and ensure fair market access and special and differential treatment for developing countries.

The meeting adopted the "Statement by the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States on Supporting the Multilateral Trading System."

Member states oppose unilateral coercive measures, including economic measures that violate the UN Charter and other international law norms and World Trade Organization principles and rules, which harm food security, energy security, and other international security interests, negatively impact the global economy, undermine fair competition, and hinder international cooperation and the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Member states note the initiative to develop a trade facilitation agreement within the SCO framework.

Member states support people-centered further deepening of cooperation to enhance the well-being of people in the SCO region and improve people's living standards, and will continue to implement the "Multilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation Program of SCO Member States" and the "Action Plan for Implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy to 2030" adopted by relevant countries.

Member states note the important contributions of the SCO Member States Local Leaders Forum and the SCO Business Council to promoting the organization's economic and trade cooperation.

Member states will conduct special economic zone cooperation according to their respective domestic laws and regulations and on a voluntary basis, including relevant countries leveraging the potential of Qingdao "China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone."

Member states are committed to promoting e-commerce cooperation, developing digital trade infrastructure, bridging the digital divide between developed and developing countries, and note the proposal to develop a "Cooperation Program for E-commerce Development among Authorized Agencies of SCO Member States."

The meeting adopted the "Statement by the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States on Strengthening Digital Economy Development."

Member states note the initiative to establish an SCO export credit and investment mechanism.

Member states note the role of innovation and creative economy in ensuring sustainable economic growth in countries of the region and emphasize that supporting innovation and creative industries helps enhance economic competitiveness, promote small and medium enterprise development, and expand employment markets in SCO member states, especially in remote and rural areas.

Member states support strengthening the work of the SCO science and technology parks database and innovation clusters, and note proposals to develop a "Future Technology Program of the SCO" and leverage the potential of the "Alem.AI" International Artificial Intelligence Center to promote innovation.

Member states believe it is important to further promote cooperation within the framework of the SCO Investors' Alliance, note the outcomes of the alliance's first meeting (March 18, 2025, Astana), and advocate expanding the SCO member states' economic preferential policy database and deepening investment and economic cooperation.

Member states note the adoption of the "Statement by Leaders of Relevant Departments of SCO Member States on Strengthening Investment Cooperation in Sustainable Development" and the proposal to adopt "Comprehensive Measures for Promoting Mutual Investment among SCO Member States."

Member states believe it is important to conduct cooperation in the anti-monopoly field and will strengthen practical cooperation among anti-monopoly agencies.

Member states support reforming international financial institutions to increase the representation and voice of developing countries in the management of international financial institutions such as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Monetary Fund.

Member states emphasize the important role of financial cooperation in promoting economic growth in the SCO region, and it is important for relevant member states to continue implementing the "Roadmap for Expanding the Share of Local Currency Settlements among SCO Member States" (September 16, 2022, Samarkand).

Relevant member states reaffirm the importance of establishing an SCO Development Bank and decide to establish the development bank and accelerate consultations on a series of issues regarding the operation of this financial institution.

Member states emphasize the important role of the SCO Banking Consortium and note that after 20 years of development, the SCO Banking Consortium has become a favored mechanism in the financial field, advocating for accelerated resolution of the issue of authorized banks of the Islamic Republic of Iran joining the consortium.

Member states note the fruitful activities of the SCO Economic Think Tank Alliance and the proposal to establish an SCO Financial Think Tank Network.

Member states note the outcomes of the 20th SCO Forum meeting (May 21-22, 2025, New Delhi) and the first participation of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies in this meeting.

Member states are committed to developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the industrial field, including exchanging data on industrial investment projects and organizing exhibition activities, and note the outcomes of the SCO member states' industrial ministers' meeting held during the Yekaterinburg International Innovation and Industry Exhibition (July 7, 2025, Yekaterinburg).

The meeting adopted the "Statement by the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States on Green Industrial Cooperation."

Member states support expanding inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy field, continuously enhancing the resilience of energy industry and supply chains, and promoting sustainable, stable, and balanced development of the non-discriminatory global energy market.

The meeting adopted the "Statement by the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States on Energy Sustainable Development" and approved the "Roadmap for Implementing the SCO Member States Energy Cooperation Development Strategy to 2030."

Member states emphasize the importance of strengthening cooperation in energy security, energy infrastructure protection, and other fields under unstable conditions in international energy markets, promoting investment cooperation and energy just transition to achieve regional energy sustainable development, and will study, develop, and adopt a comprehensive plan for promoting comprehensive cooperation in renewable energy.

Member states advocate strengthening energy dialogue with SCO partners and support holding the SCO-Arab League high-level meeting on "Climate Change and Sustainable Energy" (October 3, 2025, Astana).

Member states appreciate the international community's desire to strengthen connectivity and advocate further deepening cooperation in the transportation field on a just and balanced basis according to international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and SCO Charter, emphasizing the importance of building new and upgrading existing international transport corridors, including advancing the construction of "North-South" and "East-West" corridors, fully leveraging the transit transport potential of SCO member states, noting initiatives proposed by SCO countries in transportation infrastructure, and measures taken to ensure stable and smooth supply chains through digital logistics, exchange of electronic cargo data, and technological innovation.

Member states note that construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway has begun.

Member states will continue to implement the "Agreement among Governments of SCO Member States on Facilitation of International Road Transport" (September 12, 2014, Dushanbe) and the "Concept for Developing Connectivity and Establishing Efficient Transport Corridors among SCO Member States" (September 16, 2022, Samarkand), and the "Cooperation Concept among SCO Member States on Transport Decarbonization, Promoting Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation Cooperation for More Efficient and Sustainable Development" (July 4, 2023, New Delhi).

Member states note the outcomes of the meeting of the Joint Committee on International Road Transport Facilitation (November 20, 2024, Moscow), the meeting of heads of railway departments of SCO member states (November 29, 2024, Moscow), the meeting of transport ministers of SCO member states (July 2, 2025, Tianjin), and the proposal to hold a meeting of heads of ports and logistics centers of SCO member states (November 2025, Aktau).

Member states note the leading role of the Customs Special Working Group in strengthening customs cooperation, including continuously improving customs governance systems, strengthening law enforcement mutual assistance, promoting mutual recognition of "Authorized Economic Operators" and electronic certificate networking, strengthening customs digitalization and construction of international trade "single windows," and building "smart customs."

Member states will strengthen international cooperation in animal and plant quarantine inspection and agricultural product and food safety, promote agricultural product and food trade, and prevent the spread of epidemics and diseases.

Member states support conducting international cooperation in standardization to promote economic and social development of SCO countries.

Member states will continue to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and food security, promote construction in agricultural science and education, including leveraging the role of SCO agricultural technology exchange and training demonstration bases, note the successful holding of the SCO Agricultural Forum and Expo (June 3-6, 2025, Minsk), and the initiative to establish an electronic platform for the "SCO Food Security Atlas."

IV

Member states note that further deepening cooperation in education and working to bridge the digital divide is of great significance, support the effective operation of SCO University, increase investment in digital skills training, and strengthen cooperation in vocational and technical education.

Member states emphasize the great significance of deepening scientific and technological innovation cooperation and implementing multilateral joint projects, advocate deepening cooperation in the application and transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and welcome the outcomes of the Fifth SCO Entrepreneurship Forum (April 3-5, 2025, New Delhi).

The meeting adopted the "Statement by the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States on Further Strengthening Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation." Member states believe that scientific and technological innovation plays an important role in achieving sustainable development and solving global problems, and advocate equal participation of Global South countries in open and fair international cooperation to build an innovative world economy.

Member states emphasize that according to the UN General Assembly resolution on "Strengthening International Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building," all countries enjoy equal rights to develop and utilize artificial intelligence.

Member states point out that they will adhere to the people-centered and AI-for-good concepts, jointly guard against risks of artificial intelligence technology, and continuously improve the safety, controllability, reliability, transparency, inclusiveness, trustworthiness, and fairness of artificial intelligence technology. To this end, member states advocate implementing the "Roadmap for Implementing the SCO Member States Cooperation Development Plan in the Field of Artificial Intelligence" (June 12, 2025, Chengdu).

Member states welcome the adoption by the UN General Assembly on July 25, 2025, of the resolution on "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in the Central Asian Region" and note the initiative to establish a Central Asian Artificial Intelligence Center in Dushanbe.

Member states note the initiatives to establish SCO artificial intelligence cooperation mechanisms and cutting-edge technology cooperation mechanisms.

Member states highly appreciate the contributions of Qingdao, People's Republic of China, as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2024-2025, in exploring the tourism cooperation potential of the region and further strengthening cultural cooperation among member states.

Member states welcome the designation of Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2025-2026 and note the proposal to hold the SCO Chingiz Aitmatov Issyk-Kul Forum in Cholpon-Ata.

Member states will work to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in tourism, develop tourism infrastructure, and promote growth in tourist flows.

Member states emphasize the importance of conducting global civilizational dialogue, enhancing mutual understanding among peoples of all countries, and conducting international cooperation in education, science, culture, and protection and promotion of rich material and intangible cultural heritage. To this end, member states highly appreciate the outcomes of the SCO Member States Arts Festival (July 7, 2025, Qingdao) and note the upcoming "International Perspectives" International Music Competition (September 20, 2025, Moscow), the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference (October 30-November 13, 2025, Samarkand), and the 20th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (December 8-13, 2025, New Delhi).

Member states support the World Health Organization's coordinating role in global health governance and will promote the establishment of fair, effective, and sustainable public health systems, strengthen capacity building, improve cooperation levels in emergency medicine, telemedicine, traditional medicine, primary healthcare, and other fields, and prevent and respond to possible future infectious disease pandemics.

Member states highly appreciate the outcomes of the SCO Member States Health Ministers' Meeting (April 28, 2025, Xi'an) and the Eighth Meeting of Health and Epidemic Prevention Department Leaders (December 12, 2024, St. Petersburg), and note initiatives by relevant parties regarding establishing a Global Primary Healthcare Alliance, the SCO Medical Association, and the formation of an SCO Emergency Medical Relief Supplies Guarantee Working Group.

Member states are committed to deepening cooperation in sports, point out the importance of eliminating obstacles to participating in sports events, emphasize that major international sports events should embody the spirit of peace, mutual understanding, international cooperation, friendship, and inclusiveness, and oppose any form of discrimination.

Member states welcome the holding of the SCO Kunming Marathon (December 29, 2024) and the Issyk-Kul Marathon (May 3, 2025, Cholpon-Ata). These activities will strengthen international cooperation in sports, culture, and tourism.

Member states note the proposal to hold international sports events with SCO member states' participation such as the "SCO Cup" in Russia in 2026, agree to continue studying the establishment of an SCO Sports Organizations Association and SCO Sports Working Group, and emphasize the importance of building the China-SCO Ice and Snow Sports Demonstration Zone (Heilongjiang).

Member states will strengthen exchanges and cooperation in sustainable development with environmental protection and energy conservation principles, including conducting industrial cooperation, effective management of waste products, efficient resource utilization, energy conservation and carbon reduction, development of clean energy, etc., to contribute SCO strength to promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Member states point out the necessity of continuing cooperation in environmental protection, biodiversity restoration and protection, combating desertification, land degradation and sandstorms, and mountain ecosystem protection.

Member states highly appreciate the work of the "SCO Sustainable Development Year" and reaffirm their commitment to deepening practical cooperation to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals. They note the outcomes of the SCO Sustainable Development Forum (April 16, 2025, Omsk) and the Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development Forum (May 20, 2025, Xi'an), and point out the importance of developing a "Roadmap for Cooperation in Social Development and Security among SCO Member States."

Member states welcome the outcomes of the International High-Level Conference on Glacier Preservation held within the framework of the "2025 International Year of Glacier Preservation" (May 29-31, 2025, Dushanbe).

Member states support holding a regional climate summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 with UN support.

Member states positively evaluate the achievements of cooperation in emergency disaster relief and are willing to strengthen cooperation in early warning and response to emergencies and elimination of disaster consequences.

Member states emphasize the importance of creating conditions for the healthy development of the younger generation and reducing their risk of participation in illegal activities, support further strengthening youth cooperation, highly appreciate the continuing work of the SCO Youth Committee in addressing these issues, and will continue to promote exchanges among youth organizations of various countries.

Member states welcome the outcomes of the SCO Youth Leaders and Talents Conference (July 31-August 2, 2025, East Kazakhstan Region) and successful activities held under the 2024-2025 "SCO Youth Entrepreneurship International Incubator" project framework.

Member states welcome the UN General Assembly's adoption of a resolution on December 17, 2024, declaring 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

Member states reaffirm their commitment to protecting women's and children's rights in education, health, social and legal security, maintaining and consolidating family stability, opposing discrimination, advocating strengthening connections among women's organizations as an important direction of SCO activities, believing that women's forums and congresses should be held regularly, and establishing cooperation mechanisms among women's competent departments of SCO member states.

Member states will continue to strengthen local cooperation through civil diplomacy institutions and social friendship organizations, sister cities and local governments, continuously enhance mutual understanding and traditional friendship among peoples, and note the contributions of China's SCO Committee for Good-Neighborly Friendship and Cooperation, Uzbekistan's SCO Center for Civil Diplomacy, Kyrgyzstan's SCO Center for Cultural Integration, Tajikistan's SCO Center for Friendship and Cooperation, Russia's National Center for SCO Civil Diplomacy, and India's SCO Research Center of the World Affairs Council to strengthening SCO people-to-people exchanges.

V

Member states advocate following the principles of the UN Charter and SCO Charter to continue expanding cooperation with relevant countries, partner organizations, and other international institutions.

Member states emphasize that expanding exchanges and cooperation with the UN and its specialized agencies is a priority direction for SCO international engagement, will continue high-level dialogue with the UN and its specialized agencies, enhance capabilities to address various new threats and challenges, and jointly achieve world peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Member states reaffirm their commitment to deepening collaboration and dialogue on hot issues in the global agenda such as international law.

Member states decide to merge the organization's observers and dialogue partners into SCO partners.

Member states welcome the decision to grant the Lao People's Democratic Republic dialogue partner status in the organization.

Member states highly appreciate the achievements made during the People's Republic of China's tenure as rotating chair of the SCO from 2024 to 2025, believing these achievements have consolidated understanding and trust, friendship and cooperation among the peoples of SCO member states and enhanced the prestige of the organization.

The next rotating chair of the SCO will be held by the Kyrgyz Republic, with the slogan "25th Anniversary of SCO Establishment: Moving Together Toward Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity." The next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of SCO Member States will be held in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2026.