The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a regional intergovernmental organisation comprising eight member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. The SCO was founded in 2001 to promote cooperation in security, economy, and culture among its members.
The SCO holds an annual summit where leaders from member states gather to discuss issues of mutual interest and importance. In recent years, the SCO has been gaining importance as a regional forum, and its member states have been working towards deepening their cooperation on various issues.
The first SCO summit was held on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China. The summit was attended by the leaders of six countries: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. At the summit, the member states signed the “Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism”, which addressed the growing threat of terrorism in the region.
The leaders also discussed various issues, including regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. They agreed to establish the SCO as a regional organisation that promotes peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
In addition to the six member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit began a new era of regional cooperation in Central Asia and set the stage for future SCO summits and initiatives.
The second SCO summit was held on June 7, 2002, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit was focused on enhancing regional security, promoting economic cooperation, and deepening cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation”, which laid out a framework for bilateral relations among the member states. The leaders also discussed ways to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, a significant threat to regional stability.
In addition to the member states, three countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, and Pakistan. The summit marked an important milestone in the development of the SCO and demonstrated the growing importance of regional cooperation in Central Asia. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional development.
The third SCO summit was held on June 19-20, 2003, in Moscow, Russia. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Charter”, which laid out the legal framework for the organisation. The leaders also discussed ways to promote regional security and stability and agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, border security, and disaster relief.
In addition to the member states, three countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for its emphasis on enhancing regional integration and cooperation and for establishing the SCO Secretariat in Beijing, China. The member states agreed to continue working together to promote regional development and address common challenges.
The fourth SCO summit was held on August 28-29, 2004, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Convention on Counter-Terrorism”, which outlined a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism in the region. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Interbank Association.
In addition to the member states, three countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation.
The fifth SCO summit was held on June 16-17, 2006, in Shanghai, China. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism”, which built upon the previous counter-terrorism convention and provided a framework for regional cooperation in addressing these challenges. The leaders also discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Business Council and the SCO Energy Club.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the expansion of the SCO’s observer status, highlighting the growing importance of the organisation in the region.
The sixth SCO summit was held on June 15-16, 2007, in Qingdao, China. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, ” providing a legal framework for cross-border cooperation in criminal investigations. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Fund and the SCO Interbank Consortium.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the tenth anniversary of the SCO’s establishment, highlighting the organisation’s achievements over the previous decade.
The seventh SCO summit was held on August 28-29, 2008, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Convention on Energy Security”, which outlined a framework for regional cooperation in addressing energy security challenges. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Business Forum and the SCO Interbank Association.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the first time that the SCO formally discussed the issue of Afghanistan, highlighting the organisation’s growing role in addressing regional security challenges.
The eighth SCO summit was held on June 15-16, 2009, in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Convention on the Fight against Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism”, further strengthening regional cooperation in countering these challenges. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Interbank Consortium.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the SCO Charter, highlighting the organisation’s progress over the previous decade.
The ninth SCO summit was held on June 14-15, 2010, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Development Strategy until 2025”, which outlined a long-term vision for the organisation’s development and cooperation. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the first time that the SCO discussed the issue of international drug trafficking, highlighting the organisation’s growing role in addressing transnational security challenges.
The tenth SCO summit was held on June 6-7, 2011, in Astana, Kazakhstan. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Transport”, which aimed to enhance regional connectivity and infrastructure development. The leaders also discussed improving economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Energy Club and the SCO Business Council.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the first time that the SCO discussed the issue of food security, highlighting the organisation’s recognition of the importance of ensuring access to safe and affordable food for all.
The eleventh SCO summit was held on June 6-7, 2012, in Beijing, China. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Agreement on Environmental Protection”, which aimed to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in the region. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Interbank Consortium.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the first time that the SCO discussed the issue of information security, highlighting the organisation’s recognition of the importance of ensuring cybersecurity and protecting against cyber threats.
The twelfth SCO summit was held on September 12-13, 2013, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Agreement on Fighting the Spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction”, which aimed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons in the region. The leaders also discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Fund and the SCO Business Council.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the first time that the SCO discussed the issue of regional water resources, highlighting the organisation’s recognition of the importance of managing water resources sustainably and equitably.
The thirteenth SCO summit was held on September 11-12, 2014, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Development Strategy Until 2025”, which outlined the organisation’s goals and priorities for the next decade. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Interbank Consortium.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the first time that the SCO discussed the issue of combating terrorism, extremism and separatism in the region, highlighting the organisation’s recognition of the importance of ensuring peace and stability.
The fourteenth SCO summit was held on July 9-10, 2015, in Ufa, Russia. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Convention on Combating Extremism”, which aimed to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. The leaders also discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Fund and the SCO Business Council.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the first time that the SCO discussed the issue of environmental protection and collaboration, highlighting the organisation’s recognition of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the region.
The fifteenth SCO summit was held on June 23-24, 2016, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The summit was attended by the leaders of the six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
At the summit, the member states signed several important agreements, including the “SCO Strategy for Youth Cooperation”, which aimed to promote youth exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, and sports. The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Interbank Consortium.
In addition to the member states, four countries were granted observer status at the summit: India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The summit was notable for emphasising regional security and promoting economic development. The member states agreed to continue working together to address common challenges and promote regional integration and cooperation. The summit also marked the first time that the SCO discussed the issue of the Afghanistan situation, highlighting the organisation’s recognition of the importance of promoting regional stability and security.
The sixteenth SCO summit was held on June 8-9, 2018, in Qingdao, China. The summit was attended by the leaders of the eight-member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. This was the first summit after India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017.
The summit focused on deepening regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges. The member states signed several important agreements at the summit, including the “Qingdao Declaration, ” reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to promoting regional stability, security, and economic development.
The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Interbank Consortium. In addition, the summit marked the launch of the SCO’s first joint military exercises, which involved troops from all member states.
The summit was notable for emphasising cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts between member states. The member states agreed to deepen cultural cooperation and promote tourism and educational exchanges between the countries.
Overall, the sixteenth SCO summit successfully promoted regional integration and cooperation and strengthened the organisation’s role as a critical player in regional and global affairs.
The seventeenth SCO summit was held on June 9-10, 2019, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit was attended by the leaders of the eight-member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.
The summit was focused on enhancing regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. The member states signed several important agreements at the summit, including the “Bishkek Declaration, ” reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to promoting regional stability, security, and economic development.
The leaders also discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation, including promoting trade, investment, and regional infrastructure development. The member states agreed to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and energy.
In addition, the summit was notable for its emphasis on promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts between member states. The member states agreed to promote tourism and educational exchanges between the countries and strengthen cooperation in sports, culture, and media.
The summit also marked the first meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan since the 2017 SCO summit. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and reduce tensions between the two countries.
Overall, the seventeenth SCO summit successfully promoted regional integration and cooperation and strengthened the organisation’s role as a critical player in regional and global affairs.
The eighteenth SCO summit was held on November 30-December 1, 2020, in a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The summit was attended by the leaders of the eight-member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.
The summit focused on enhancing regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges. The member states signed several important agreements at the summit, including the “Moscow Declaration, ” reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to promoting regional stability, security, and economic development.
The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including promoting trade, investment, and regional infrastructure development. The member states agreed to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including energy, transportation, and agriculture.
In addition, the summit was notable for its emphasis on promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts between member states. The member states agreed to strengthen cooperation in culture, education, and sports and encourage tourism and exchange between the countries.
The summit also addressed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the member states agreeing to enhance cooperation in healthcare and to work together to address the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.
Overall, the eighteenth SCO summit was seen as successful in promoting regional integration and cooperation, despite being held in a virtual format due to the pandemic. The member states reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address common challenges and to promote regional stability and development.
The nineteenth SCO summit was held on September 17-18, 2021, in a hybrid format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The summit was attended by the leaders of the eight-member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.
The summit focused on enhancing regional cooperation in various areas, including security, economic development, and cultural exchanges. The member states signed several important agreements at the summit, including the “Dushanbe Declaration, ” reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to promoting regional stability, security, and economic development.
The leaders also discussed enhancing economic cooperation, including promoting trade, investment, and regional infrastructure development. The member states agreed to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including energy, transportation, and agriculture.
In addition, the summit was notable for its emphasis on promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts between member states. The member states agreed to strengthen culture, education, and tourism cooperation.
The summit also addressed the issue of Afghanistan, with the member states expressing concern over the situation in the country and calling for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. The leaders emphasised the importance of cooperation and coordination among the member states and with Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries to promote the region’s peace, stability, and development.
Overall, the nineteenth SCO summit was seen as a success in promoting regional integration and cooperation, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation in Afghanistan. The member states reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address common challenges and to promote regional stability and development.
As of May 4, 2023, the 20th SCO summit has yet to occur. It is typically held annually, but various factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the region’s political events, may impact the summit’s timing and format. When more information becomes available about the 20th SCO summit, it will be possible to provide a detailed explanation.