SCO Celebrates 25 Years Amidst Geopolitical Complexities
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SCO Celebrates 25 Years Amidst Geopolitical Complexities
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is marking its 25th anniversary in 2026, having expanded from six founding members in 2001 to ten member states, two observer states, and fifteen dialogue partners.
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Leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are set to gather in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 1, 2026, for the SCO summit.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is commemorating its 25th anniversary in 2026, with a summit scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 1. This milestone event brings together leaders from its ten member states: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, the SCO includes two observer states, Afghanistan and Mongolia, and fifteen dialogue partners, extending its reach across Eurasia.
The 2026 Bishkek Summit, hosted by Kyrgyzstan during its 2025-2026 chairmanship, is expected to culminate in the adoption of a Bishkek Declaration, along with other thematic statements and decisions. The agenda for the summit will cover crucial areas such as security, regional issues, trade, connectivity, energy, and digital cooperation. A significant focus will be on strengthening regional stability and economic development, with discussions around establishing an SCO Development Bank and improving transportation links.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the summit and conduct a state visit to Kyrgyzstan, which will include discussions on bilateral relations and key cooperation areas like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are also confirmed attendees, highlighting the high-level engagement at the event. The summit provides a platform for these diverse nations to address shared challenges and opportunities, even amidst existing geopolitical complexities and regional conflicts.
The SCO, which originated from the “Shanghai Five” in 1996, has evolved into a major regional organization. Its combined economic output reached nearly $30 trillion by September 2025, representing approximately one-third of the global economy. The organization’s core principles, often referred to as the “Shanghai Spirit,” emphasize mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, and respect for cultural diversity.