KEY POINTS
- SCO Summit in Beijing calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
- Declaration reaffirms sovereignty, territorial integrity, and opposition to unilateral sanctions.
- SCO pledges stronger economic cooperation, transport corridors, digital trade, and energy security.
- Member states commit to tackling climate change, food security, and renewable energy partnerships.
ISLAMABAD: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Beijing concluded with a wide-ranging declaration that not only emphasised multipolarity, sovereignty, and economic connectivity but also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The declaration adopted at the end of the two-day high-profile meeting also endorsed new institutional mechanisms within the bloc. Officials in Islamabad noted that the declaration’s thrust directly aligns with Pakistan’s diplomatic priorities in both regional and global arenas.
The declaration condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for urgent steps to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid, and pave the way for a just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question. For Pakistan, which has consistently pressed for an end to Israeli aggression and reaffirmation of Palestinian rights, the SCO’s collective stance was described as “a critical reinforcement of international calls for justice in Gaza.”
Politics and Security
The first chapter reaffirmed respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, and opposition to unilateral sanctions. It also stressed the central role of the United Nations and called for a more representative international order. On Afghanistan, it urged inclusive political dialogue in Kabul, action against terrorism and narcotics, and prevention of instability spilling into the region. The declaration further pledged to enhance cooperation under the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) to counter extremism, separatism, and cybercrime.
Economics and Connectivity
The second chapter emphasised deepening financial cooperation, promoting local currency settlements, and safeguarding supply chains. The SCO resolved to accelerate work on transport and logistics corridors, expand digital trade, and strengthen energy security through joint projects. Officials in Islamabad saw this as reinforcing Pakistan’s ambition to serve as a regional connectivity hub, particularly via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Humanitarian and Cultural Cooperation
The third chapter highlighted expanded cooperation in education, health, tourism, and culture. The declaration endorsed people-to-people exchanges, academic mobility, and joint efforts to safeguard public health. It also underscored the need for youth engagement and initiatives to combat drug abuse, reflecting a growing recognition of social dimensions of security and development.
Global Challenges
The fourth chapter addressed climate change, food security, and sustainable development. The SCO members pledged to increase joint responses to natural disasters. The member states vowed to expand renewable energy cooperation while ensuring food stability through agricultural partnerships. This was welcomed in Islamabad as an acknowledgement of challenges Pakistan has acutely faced, particularly in the wake of floods and global food price shocks.
International and Institutional Architecture
The final chapter focused on strengthening SCO’s institutional architecture. It endorsed the creation of new mechanisms for financial coordination, technology transfer, cultural platforms, and inclusive governance. The declaration also reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and called for reforms of global financial institutions to reflect the realities of emerging economies.
By explicitly addressing Gaza, proposing new institutional frameworks, and reinforcing principles of sovereignty, economic connectivity, and global justice, the SCO declaration was seen in Islamabad as not only aligning with Pakistan’s foreign policy but also opening new avenues for active engagement within the bloc. Officials underlined that the summit outcome strengthens Pakistan’s ability to project its positions on international justice, regional security, and sustainable development.
