The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) recently hosted a high-level roundtable discussion on “SCO: A Catalyst for Regional Integration and Connectivity.” This forum, which drew prominent experts, diplomats, and scholars, delved into the multifaceted roles the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) plays in promoting regional cooperation, security, and economic integration. As the SCO approaches its 2024 Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit in Pakistan, it’s critical to examine its evolving significance in the global landscape.
SCO’s Growth and Global Significance
Since its inception in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has undergone substantial growth, both in terms of membership and influence. Initially founded by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO has expanded to include India and Pakistan, making it one of the largest transregional platforms today. The organization now represents nearly half the world’s population and accounts for about a quarter of global GDP. As highlighted during the ISSI roundtable, the trade volume among SCO members has grown exponentially, increasing from $667 billion in 2001 to a staggering $6 trillion in 2022.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, emphasized the SCO’s evolving role within a multipolar global order. He pointed out that while perfect outcomes from multilateral platforms are desirable, they are not always feasible. However, the SCO’s incremental progress in fostering economic and security cooperation deserves acknowledgment. Pakistan, as the host of the upcoming CHG summit in October 2024, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the summit yields meaningful outcomes in terms of regional integration.
The SCO’s Role in Economic Integration
Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the SCO’s agenda. With the global economy undergoing seismic shifts, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, the importance of regional economic blocs like the SCO has grown. The SCO provides a unique platform for member states to enhance their economic partnerships and trade routes.
One of the critical discussions at the ISSI roundtable revolved around leveraging the SCO to advance Pakistan’s economic partnerships, particularly with Central Asian and South Asian nations. Professor Amna Masood from the International Islamic University Islamabad pointed out the untapped potential for Pakistan to enhance its trade and technological partnerships within the SCO framework. As the global economy shifts towards digitalization, the SCO provides a viable platform for regional cooperation in technology, which can help boost Pakistan’s standing in the global digital economy.
Connectivity and Infrastructure: A Path to Regional Cooperation
Connectivity forms another vital aspect of the SCO’s mission. The organization aims to strengthen infrastructure ties among member countries, from transport to digital connectivity. Ambassador Babar Amin, Pakistan’s First National Coordinator for SCO, underscored Pakistan’s efforts to advance regional connectivity through the SCO. He emphasized the strategic importance of transport links, which are essential for enhancing trade and security within the region.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), serves as a vital artery connecting China to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe via Pakistan. With CPEC running through Pakistan, the country is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between Central Asia, South Asia, and the rest of the world. The upcoming SCO summit in 2024 presents a critical opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its role in this regional connectivity push.
Dr. Uzma Siraj from the Federal Urdu University also highlighted the importance of accelerating projects related to digital infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and educational exchanges to promote further regional cooperation within the SCO framework. In an increasingly interconnected world, digital infrastructure will be critical for fostering not only economic growth but also cultural and educational ties among SCO members.
Countering Regional Threats
While economic cooperation is a primary focus of the SCO, security collaboration also plays a critical role in the organization’s mandate. Given the complex regional dynamics, particularly the presence of extremist groups like ISIS and ISKP, the SCO offers a robust platform for member states to cooperate in counter-terrorism efforts. Dr. Saif Malik, Director of the Army Institute of Military History, discussed the crucial role of the SCO in countering terrorism and ensuring regional stability.
Pakistan, which has been at the frontline in the war against terrorism, stands to benefit significantly from deeper security collaboration within the SCO. The organization has a strong mandate to combat the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which continue to pose significant challenges to the stability of the broader region. The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), headquartered in Uzbekistan, serves as a key instrument in facilitating intelligence-sharing and coordinating counter-terrorism operations among member states. As regional threats evolve, particularly with the rise of non-state actors, the importance of the SCO’s security mandate is only likely to grow.
Geopolitical Complexities:
One of the significant challenges faced by the SCO is navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of its member states. Pakistan, India, China, and Russia—key players within the SCO—each have their own strategic priorities and regional interests, which at times can be at odds with one another. Dr. Saif Malik emphasized that these complexities make it difficult to achieve uniformity in policies and initiatives, particularly when it comes to security cooperation.
Nonetheless, the SCO provides a rare multilateral platform where rival nations, such as India and Pakistan, can engage in dialogue, helping to mitigate tensions and foster greater cooperation. The upcoming 2024 summit offers an opportunity for these nations to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions aimed at advancing regional peace and stability.
The Role of Pakistan in the SCO:
As Pakistan prepares to host the SCO-CHG summit in October 2024, its role within the organization takes on heightened importance. During Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, the country has actively pushed for initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security, economic cooperation, and connectivity. Ambassador Babar Amin, in his keynote address, outlined Pakistan’s strategic efforts to foster greater economic integration and security collaboration through the SCO framework.
Hosting the 2024 CHG summit is a distinct honor for Pakistan and presents a critical opportunity to showcase its role as a responsible regional actor. As Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, noted in his concluding remarks at the roundtable, the upcoming summit is a chance for SCO members to further their coordination and realize the full potential of the organization.
The Future of the SCO in an Evolving Global Landscape
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has emerged as a critical force for regional cooperation, security, and economic integration. As the world shifts towards a multipolar global order, the SCO’s role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among its member states is more important than ever. The discussions at the ISSI roundtable highlighted the organization’s potential in areas such as trade, connectivity, and security, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by regional geopolitics.
Pakistan’s role as the host of the 2024 SCO-CHG summit places it at the center of these discussions, offering a unique opportunity to influence the direction of the organization. As the SCO continues to evolve, it will be essential for member states to work together in addressing both regional challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the organization remains a catalyst for integration and stability in the years to come.
References:
- Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Roundtable Discussion on SCO. (2024).
- Mahmood, Sohail. “The Role of SCO in a Multipolar World.” ISSI Roundtable, 2024.
- Saif Malik, Dr. “Countering Terrorism through SCO Cooperation.” Army Institute of Military History, 2024.
- Amna Masood. “Leveraging SCO for Economic and Technological Partnerships.” International Islamic University Islamabad, 2024.
- Siraj, Uzma. “Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Connectivity through SCO.” Federal Urdu University, 2024.
- Babar Amin. “Pakistan’s Role in SCO: Achievements and Future Directions.” 2024.