Former SCO's Secretary General:The SCO’s future shines in a multipolar world|SFC Markets and Finance

Core Points - The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is evolving as a significant entity in the global landscape, focusing on sustainable development, digitalization, and connectivity among its member states [1][4][11] - The Tianjin Declaration serves as a strategic framework for the SCO's development over the next decade, emphasizing comprehensive cooperation in various sectors [3][12] Group 1: Sustainable Development - 2025 has been designated as the "Year of SCO Sustainable Development," marking a commitment to systemic cooperation in sustainability initiatives [4][10] - The SCO is prioritizing the "green" economy, with recent agreements including a Joint Declarative Document on sustainable development signed at the 6th Meeting of SCO Environment Ministers [5][6] - A total of 18 projects worth approximately five billion yuan were signed at the Sustainable Development Forum in April 2025, showcasing tangible commitments to ecological principles [6] Group 2: Digital Economy - The digital economy is identified as a key driver for sustainability, with agreements made to enhance cooperation in areas such as data circulation, digital infrastructure, and AI solutions [7][8] - Cross-border e-commerce among SCO countries has seen double-digit growth, indicating successful digital and logistics integration [8] Group 3: Connectivity and Infrastructure - The SCO is advancing both "hard" and "soft" infrastructure projects, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and trade [9][10] - Efforts to modernize border crossings and simplify visa procedures are underway to eliminate logistical bottlenecks, fostering trade diversification and economic growth [9] Group 4: Financial Mechanisms - The establishment of an SCO Development Bank is under discussion, which would complement existing financial mechanisms and support sustainable projects [13] - The SCO Interbank Consortium has already backed over 500 projects valued at more than $20 billion, indicating a strong foundation for future financial initiatives [13] Group 5: Future Directions - The SCO aims to align closely with the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on digital transformation, green finance, and logistics integration to enhance cooperation [16][21] - China's experience in poverty alleviation, technological leadership, and governance is seen as a model for other SCO member states, promoting shared learning and collaboration [22][23][24]