ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2024, set to take place in Islamabad from October 15-16, will serve as a crucial platform for fostering multilateral collaboration among member states. As Pakistan steps into the spotlight as the host nation, the event carries immense diplomatic and economic significance, promising to address key regional challenges while offering opportunities for enhanced cooperation in various domains.
Pakistan’s focus on regional security, stability at the SCO
One of the cornerstone themes of the SCO Summit 2024 is regional security. Member states, including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan, will engage in discussions aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism. The summit will build on the organisation’s longstanding commitment to countering these threats through its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), headquartered in Uzbekistan. In light of evolving security dynamics, particularly with the ongoing challenges posed by non-state actors like ISIS and ISKP, this summit aims to strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms and coordinated military strategies.
As Pakistan has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, the country’s leadership is expected to emphasise the importance of collective regional security efforts, further advancing the SCO’s role in maintaining peace and stability. The discussions will likely expand to address broader geopolitical tensions within the region, including the implications of the ongoing conflicts and their impact on regional security architecture.
Economic cooperation, trade initiatives
Economic collaboration is another crucial pillar of the SCO, and the 2024 summit is set to prioritise fostering trade and investment among member nations. As global economies continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and navigate the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, regional trade routes and economic integration are more important than ever. The SCO provides a unique platform to deepen these ties, especially between Central Asia, South Asia, and beyond.
In particular, Pakistan stands to benefit from increased economic partnerships with other SCO nations, leveraging initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This major infrastructure project, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), plays a pivotal role in enhancing regional connectivity, linking Central Asia with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Discussions at the summit will likely focus on expanding such infrastructure networks, promoting digital trade, and creating avenues for increased investments in technology, energy, and sustainable development.
Environmental sustainability, climate change
Environmental protection and sustainable development are rapidly climbing the international agenda, and the SCO Summit 2024 will not shy away from addressing these pressing global concerns. Climate change, a growing threat to regional stability, will be a key topic of discussion. Member states are expected to explore joint strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change by developing resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors.
Pakistan, a nation highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, will likely use this platform to advocate for greater regional cooperation on climate resilience. The discussions could revolve around mobilising resources for developing nations, advancing environmental technologies, and enhancing regional frameworks for disaster response and mitigation.
Socio-cultural connectivity
Beyond economic and security collaboration, the SCO has always fostered socio-cultural cooperation among its member states. The 2024 summit will also explore ways to deepen educational, cultural, and technological exchanges, further cementing people-to-people ties across the region. Pakistan’s leadership is keen on promoting digital connectivity, which has become vital for driving both economic growth and cultural integration in an increasingly digital world.
The importance of developing a robust digital infrastructure to support educational exchanges and cross-border technology projects cannot be overstated. This aligns with Pakistan’s goals of boosting its digital economy while fostering a greater sense of shared identity within the SCO.
Opportunities for Paksitan
Hosting the SCO Summit is a significant diplomatic opportunity for Pakistan, allowing it to enhance its role within the organisation and showcase its leadership on the global stage. The event presents a chance for Pakistan to strengthen its ties with major regional powers such as China, Russia, and Central Asian countries, while also easing tensions with neighbouring India.
However, the summit is not without its challenges. The geopolitical complexities of the region, particularly the often-tense relationships between key members like India and Pakistan, pose a challenge to achieving consensus on sensitive security and economic issues. Additionally, Pakistan’s internal political instability and economic challenges may hinder its ability to fully leverage the benefits of this summit.
Nevertheless, the SCO platform offers an opportunity for dialogue and conflict resolution, as seen in previous summits. By keeping bilateral conflicts, such as the India-Pakistan tensions, separate from the broader multilateral discussions, the summit can pave the way for more constructive regional cooperation.
With Pakistan at the helm, the summit marks a significant moment in the country’s diplomatic journey. Its success in steering discussions on key issues could bolster its standing as a key regional player, while also reinforcing the SCO’s role as a vital platform for addressing Eurasian challenges and opportunities.