Amid global geopolitical upheavals, including those that have led to armed conflicts, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) remains resilient and continues to serve as a stable space where, unlike in many other parts of the world, moderate economic growth is still being observed. The SCO is opening new trade routes, strengthening mutually beneficial ties, and advancing logistics across Eurasia. Interconnected transport corridors, supported by efficient interchanges and logistics centers, form a solid framework that enables the fast and cost-effective movement of large volumes of goods to any part of the continent.
The SCO region is well endowed with energy and other natural resources, possesses the technologies needed for modern industrial development, and is capable of ensuring food security through sufficient reserves. Trade within the organization is increasingly being structured according to new rules based on mutual benefit and the integration of value chains. In other words, economically more advanced countries help bring less developed members forward, creating conditions for the SCO region to develop in a more balanced manner under clear and fair principles.
"This year, Kyrgyzstan is chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Bishkek is becoming the center of global politics, as a multipolar world replaces the deteriorating old rules," the country former Foreign Minister Alikbek Dzhekshenkulov told Kabar.
"Based on the events we are witnessing now, and previously, given the confrontation in the Middle East, we can say that the SCO plays a significant stabilizing role in the greater Eurasian region, including Central Asia.
Our chairmanship at this challenging time is a very important moment, but at the same time it provides a good opportunity to pursue an active policy. Kyrgyzstan is a peace-loving country that advocates resolving any disagreements in the international arena exclusively through diplomatic means and remains committed to constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The emergence of a multipolar world is already an objective reality. In this context, Kyrgyzstan’s role in these processes is of particular importance, as is the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit, which will be held in Bishkek this fall. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an important factor in stability and joint economic development; we must first and foremost proceed from this," Alikbek Dzhekshenkulov concluded.
Judging by the analysis of the chairmanship priorities and expert assessments, it can be said that the SCO’s stability and economic resilience are systemic in nature and represent one of the organization’s key advantages. The ability to remain resilient during periods of global turbulence is, among other things, an indicator of effective interaction among the organization’s member states, as well as the result of coordinated governance mechanisms capable of responding to changing circumstances.
Ulugbek Eresheev, head of the SCO Research Center at Kyrgyz State University noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has learned to cope with external shocks. According to him, these are not merely one-time response measures but a comprehensive system designed to protect the SCO’s area of cooperation from crises. Moreover, these mechanisms continue to be improved, including at the initiative of Kyrgyzstan.
"Bishkek proposes concrete steps necessary to strengthen the security and development architecture. First, the creation of a Center for Combating Transnational Organized Crime; second, the activation of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group to stabilize the region. Economic resilience is the path to global peace. Amid sanctions wars and disruptions to global supply chains, SCO countries are focusing on internal cooperation. This minimizes dependence on unstable external markets.
Today, SCO countries account for approximately 47% of the world's population and 30% of global GDP. This makes the organization self-sufficient, capable of supporting sustainable growth.
The transition to settlements in national currencies and the creation of an independent financial infrastructure are key trends. This reduces the risks associated with exchange rate volatility and sanctions pressure.
Kyrgyzstan is actively involved in the development of new financial institutions, such as the SCO Development Bank, the Development Fund, and the Investment Fund. These are the levers that can ensure investment in critical projects at the development stage.
I would like to add that Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship is being held under the motto "25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity." Now we can say that this is not just a catchy slogan, but a collectively implemented action program," said Ulugbek Eresheev.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is becoming not only a center of strength and stability, but also a pole of attraction. The SCO comprises 10 member states, and approximately 20 more countries are observers and dialogue partners.
Experts note that interest in the greater Eurasian space of interaction is steadily growing, and this trend is gaining momentum, as many see the SCO as a reasonable and fair alternative to the degraded world order.