As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prepares for its pivotal Tianjin summit, global attention turns to how this 24-year-old alliance is redefining collaboration among emerging economies. With the Global South accounting for over 40% of the world's population and 35% of global GDP, the SCO's role in fostering equitable development has never been more crucial.
In a recent panel discussion hosted by CGTN's Huang Jiyuan and AnewZ presenter Anastasia Lavrina, experts highlighted the SCO's unique approach to multilateralism. 'The Shanghai Spirit – mutual trust, mutual benefit, and equality – isn't just diplomatic rhetoric,' noted Central Asian analyst Dr. Aisha Rahman. 'It's becoming the operational manual for South-South cooperation in critical areas from infrastructure to digital security.'
The upcoming summit is expected to address three key priorities:
Enhancing connectivity through alignment with Belt and Road Initiative projects
Developing joint solutions to food and energy security challenges
Establishing new financial mechanisms to reduce dependency on Western-dominated systems
With six new dialogue partners joining since 2021, including Middle Eastern states, the SCO's expanding influence reflects shifting global power dynamics. As African delegate Kwame Nkrumah observed during the panel: 'When we speak of multipolarity, we're not just describing a world order – we're witnessing its construction in real time.'
