The 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit will be held in Pakistan on October 15–16, 2024. This upcoming summit in Islamabad will be a significant occasion for Pakistan and the entire Eurasian area. Pakistan has steadily expanded its participation in this important regional organisation since gaining full membership in 2017. Its mission is to ensure peace and security across Eurasia while fostering stronger political, economic, and cultural ties among its member countries. Pakistan's strategic objectives are comparable to those of the SCO. It seeks to advance multilateral cooperation and create a more equitable and democratic global order. Pakistan has a significant opportunity at this summit to highlight its importance in the region. It can take advantage of the vast opportunities for political and economic cooperation.

History and Background of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was formed in 1996 under the name "Shanghai Five,". The members were the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. It was established with the goals of fostering regional cooperation, disarming border areas, and fostering mutual trust among Member States. The "Treaty on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions" and the "Treaty on Reduction of Military Forces in Border Regions" were signed in 1996 and 1997 in Shanghai and Moscow, respectively, by the heads of state of the five nations indicated above. Between 1998 and 2000, Member States hosted summit meetings in Almaty, Bishkek, and Dushanbe, respectively, to discuss political, economic, and security issues as well as strategies to improve border region security.

First Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit

It was decided at the Heads of State Meeting, which took place in Shanghai from June 14–15, 2001, to turn the Shanghai Five into a regional organisation to carry out more effective cooperation in fighting the threats of terrorism, separatism, and radicalism.

This decision was made in light of recent developments in the international arena as well as in Member States. In this regard, six Member Countries signed the Declaration on the Establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. They endorsed a Joint Declaration admitting Uzbekistan as a member of the Shanghai Five Mechanism. The meeting also saw the signing of the "Shanghai Convention on Combatting Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism."

A Memorandum of Understanding on Creating Better Conditions for Regional Economic Cooperation and Trade, as well as Investments, was signed during the first SCO Prime Minister's Conference, which took place in Almaty on September 14, 2001. Furthermore, it was announced that the meetings between the prime ministers of the member states have evolved into a routine procedure. The SCO heads of state summit and the SCO prime minister's council meetings, which are conducted once a year, are currently the highest level of these mechanisms, along with additional meeting mechanisms.

It is clear that, in contrast to the Heads of State Summit, the Prime Minister's meeting focuses primarily on economic cooperation and development problems while also presenting a summit preparation.  The SCO Charter, which was signed during the SCO Heads of State Summit in St. Petersburg on June 7, 2002, established the organisation's goals, guiding principles, structure, operations, areas of cooperation, and foreign policy.

Expansion of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

The expansion of the organisation was one of the top priorities of the 17th SCO Summit of Heads of State. It took place in Astana on June 8–9, 2017. In this context, the Council of Heads of State authorised India and Pakistan's full membership in the SCO. Iran is the ninth member of the SCO during the Dushanbe Summit on September 17, 2021. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar were named Dialogue Partners.

Uzbekistan assumed the role of SCO Chair following the 2021 Dushanbe Summit. 

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2023

India hosted the summit for the first time in 2023. It was held virtually and Iran became the ninth member of SCO. The agenda was to combat the actions of terrorist, separatist, and extremist organisations. There was a focus on the spread of xenophobia, aggressive nationalism, religious intolerance, racial and ethnic discrimination, and fascist, and chauvinist ideologies.

Agenda of 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

On October 15–16, 2024, the SCO Summit will be in Islamabad, Pakistan. Leaders from member states will come together for this meeting to talk about important topics. These include fighting terrorism, economic cooperation, and regional security. S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, will speak on behalf of the country. He will be highlighting programs like "Make in India" and tackling climate change. 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in 2024 will prioritise several important agenda items, including:

1 - Fighting Terrorism:

Addressing cross-border terrorism and strengthening security cooperation among member states will be a top priority. This includes efforts to fortify the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) and isolate nations that harbour terrorists.

2 - Economic Cooperation:

The focus of the summit will be on trade and investment projects as well as economic cooperation. It is anticipated that the "Make in India" campaign will be emphasised. It will be a possible catalyst for worldwide economic expansion, encouraging collaborations, especially with countries in the Global South.

3 - Climate Change and Environmental Protection:

A major emphasis is on addressing climate change through climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable practices. This is in line with the SCO's overarching objectives of sustainable development and environmental preservation.

4 - Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue:

The summit's main theme will be "Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue—Striving Towards a Sustainable Peace and Prosperity." In the face of escalating international tensions, this shows a dedication to promoting collaboration among member states.

5 - Enhancing Regional Stability:

Resolving ongoing conflicts, and advancing a multipolar global order will also be major topics of discussion. This entails assessing the organisation's operations during the previous 20 years and planning for future collaboration.

Visit of the Indian External Affairs Minister

The fact that S. Jaishankar, India's external affairs minister, is going to attend—the first time an Indian external affairs minister has visited Pakistan in nine years—makes this meeting especially notable. Sushma Swaraj's most recent visit took place in December 2015, right before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unannounced visit to Lahore.

Given the historically tense relations between India and Pakistan, which are marked by outspoken criticism of one another and a constant blame game over bilateral issues, Jaishankar's presence is noteworthy.

India's decision to send its foreign minister shows a well-thought-out plan and shows that, despite ongoing hostilities, New Delhi recognises the importance of engaging with Pakistan at regionally significant events. This could be an opportunity for both nations to initiate dialogue and even rebalance their diplomatic relations. According to sources, there may be ongoing discussions for a track-two proposal that seeks to relaunch the discussion later this year. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states are SCO 2024 observers?

Three nations are observers of the SCO: Belarus, Mongolia, and Afghanistan.

Which nation will host the 2025 SCO summit?

The People's Republic of China will host the Council of Heads of SCO Member States' next meeting in 2025.

What will be the focus of the 2024 SCO summit?

"Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue-Striving Towards a Sustainable Peace and Prosperity" was the main theme of the 24th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (CHS-SCO), which took place in Astana from July 3–4, 2024.

What is the number of members in SCO?

Ten member states and two observers from Eurasia make up the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an international organization.

Which nation recently joined the SCO?

During the virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Tuesday, July 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Iran as the organization's newest member.

Conclusion

Pakistan's foreign policy and regional strategy are at a crossroads as it gets ready to host the SCO Summit in 2024. The SCO gives Pakistan a vital opportunity to become a major player in the Eurasian landscape. In addition, it also offers a framework for future security cooperation and economic integration. Pakistan may play a bigger role in regional connectivity and trade. It can use its strategic location and fortify ties with China, Russia, and Central Asia. This would improve economic resilience in the face of international unpredictability. 

Even if the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) still faces internal challenges, Pakistan's proactive engagement and strategic thinking can help it overcome these issues. It can ensure its continuing participation in this important organisation. Beyond only marking a significant diplomatic milestone, the next meeting reflects Pakistan's longstanding dedication to advancing a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected Eurasian future.