SCO leaders gather in Bishkek to advance global governance agenda

1 min read | Published on 01 Sept 2026, 12:27 PM |Updated on 01 Sept 2026, 12:27 PM

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Shraddha JScanX News Team

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Key Highlights

The 26th SCO Heads of State meeting began in Bishkek on Sept. 1, 2026
The Global Governance Initiative has gained support from nearly 160 countries
Over 60 nations joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance
Consultations on the SCO Development Bank charter are accelerating
Hundreds of livelihood projects cover agriculture, healthcare, and poverty reduction

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.

The 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) commenced in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Sept. 1, 2026. Marking the organization's 25th anniversary, the summit aims to inject new momentum into regional stability and global governance frameworks.

Global Governance Initiative

Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the previous SCO Tianjin Summit. The proposal has since gained support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations. More than 60 countries have joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance, transforming the concept from a Chinese proposal into international practice.

The SCO advocates for enhancing the representation of developing countries without replacing the existing international system. It emphasizes extensive consultation and shared benefits rather than bloc confrontation.

Economic and Security Cooperation

The SCO continues to oppose unilateral sanctions and trade protectionism. Major connectivity projects, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and cross-border energy pipelines, are progressing to ensure supply chain security.

Key Development	Status
SCO Development Bank	Multilateral consultations on charter and capital size
Connectivity Projects	China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, energy pipelines
Partnership Framework	Expansion of SCO Plus framework

The political decision to establish an SCO Development Bank was made at the Tianjin Summit. Parties have accelerated consultations on the bank's governance structure and capital size, with the Bishkek Summit expected to advance this multilateral financial institution.

People-Centered Governance

Cooperation in livelihoods and people-to-people ties has expanded through educational exchanges, tourism, and youth programs. Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata has been designated as the tourism and cultural capital of the SCO.

Member states have advanced hundreds of "small and beautiful" projects since the Tianjin Summit. These initiatives cover rural revitalization, smart agriculture, cross-border healthcare, and poverty reduction, directly addressing grassroots concerns.

Evolution of the SCO

The SCO has evolved from a mechanism focused on border confidence-building to a comprehensive platform encompassing security, economy, and global governance. It adapts its cooperation models based on member needs and international circumstances, maintaining vitality through practical cooperation.

How might the establishment of the SCO Development Bank impact the global balance of power between existing multilateral financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank?

What specific regulatory or geopolitical hurdles could delay the completion of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, and how would its opening alter Central Asian supply chain dynamics?

In what ways could the Global Governance Initiative's growing support from 160 countries influence ongoing negotiations at the United Nations regarding voting rights and representation for developing nations?

SCO Media Summit Opens in Bishkek, Calls for Cooperation

2 min read | Published on 29 Jul 2026, 12:22 AM |Updated on 29 Jul 2026, 12:22 AM

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Shriram SScanX News Team

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Key Highlights

The 2026 SCO Media and Think Tank Summit convened in Bishkek with 260 attendees from 150 organizations. Key themes included combating disinformation, enhancing information security, and promoting the Shanghai Spirit. Reports on party building and global governance were released to support deeper regional cooperation.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.

The 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit opened in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on July 28, 2026. The event, themed "The Shanghai Spirit in the New Era: From Shared Values to Practical Cooperation," gathered approximately 260 representatives from nearly 150 mainstream media organizations, leading think tanks, government departments, and the SCO Secretariat across member countries. The summit aims to strengthen information security within the SCO, deepen academic cooperation, and build bridges of friendship among member states.

Keynote Addresses and Strategic Focus

Daiyrbek Orunbekov, head of the Information Policy Service of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the critical role of media and think tanks in guiding public opinion and safeguarding trust among nations. He stated that coordination between these entities provides a reliable shield against disinformation. Orunbekov expressed confidence that the summit would serve as a platform for generating new ideas and initiatives to enhance regional stability.

Xi Yanchun, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, called for media organizations and think tanks to act as bridges, seeking common ground while respecting differences. She urged participants to promote solidarity, mutual trust, and multilateralism. Yanchun highlighted the need for practical, efficient, and action-oriented cooperation to drive development and revitalization within the SCO framework.

Addressing Digital Risks and Governance

Mederbek Shermetaliev, director of the Kabar News Agency of Kyrgyzstan, noted that while digital technologies facilitate information exchange, they also introduce risks such as cybersecurity threats and disinformation. He proposed that SCO member states establish regular dialogue mechanisms among think tanks, conduct joint research, and cultivate young experts to deepen intellectual and people-to-people cooperation.

Liu Jiangping, Chinese ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, described media and think tanks as chroniclers of the times and advocates of cooperation. He stressed the global need for objective, truthful, and comprehensive reporting to overcome prejudice and bridge differences. Liu added that such cooperation is a vital way to put the Shanghai Spirit into practice amid profound changes in information dissemination methods.

Publications and Outcomes

During the summit, two key think tank reports were released:

Report Title	Languages	Focus Area
Contemporary Features and Global Significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building	Kyrgyz, Russian	Party building principles
Upholding Fairness and Justice and Improving Global Governance -- Achievements, Opportunities, and Prospects for SCO Cooperation	Multiple languages	Global governance and SCO prospects

Kadyrbek Sarbayev, a senior expert with the SCO Secretariat, stated that the summit would help deepen exchanges and contribute to the organization’s long-term development. Mirzokhid Rakhimov, head of the Department of Contemporary History at the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, advocated for building on the Silk Road’s legacy to promote regional connectivity and sustainable development through deeper think tank exchanges.

What the Numbers Show

The participation of approximately 260 representatives from nearly 150 organizations underscores the SCO’s prioritization of soft power and narrative alignment. The joint hosting by Xinhua News Agency and Kabar News Agency highlights a strategic effort to integrate Chinese and Central Asian media perspectives. The release of reports in multiple languages indicates a focus on broadening the reach of SCO-aligned narratives beyond traditional diplomatic channels.

How might the SCO's new focus on coordinating media narratives impact the organization's diplomatic leverage in countering Western disinformation campaigns?

What specific cybersecurity protocols or joint task forces could emerge from the summit's emphasis on information security among member states?

Will the release of multilingual think tank reports lead to tangible policy shifts in global governance frameworks beyond the SCO region?