As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization gears up for its 2025 summit in Tianjin (August 31 6September 1), the "Shanghai Spirit" is more than a slogan: it's the cornerstone of a vast South-driven cooperation network. Defined by mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for civilizational diversity, and the pursuit of common development, this guiding ethos is reshaping how Global South countries navigate an increasingly complex world.
The Six Pillars of the Shanghai Spirit
- Mutual Trust: Building confidence through transparent dialogue and shared goals.
- Mutual Benefit: Aligning projects so every partner sees tangible returns.
- Equality: Ensuring all voices 6large or small 6have equal weight.
- Consultation: Crafting policies through collective decision-making.
- Respect for Diversity: Celebrating cultural, historical, and political differences.
- Common Development: Pursuing growth that raises living standards across regions.
For many Global South nations, the SCO platform is more than an intergovernmental forum 6it's a launchpad for new economic corridors, digital partnerships, and sustainable initiatives. Young entrepreneurs in Central Asia are tapping into transnational supply chains, while energy-rich states are forging cleaner power alliances. The emphasis on consultation ensures that even smaller members can co-create projects that reflect local needs.
Insights from Victor Gao
"The Shanghai Spirit offers a fresh model for multilateralism," says Victor Gao, chair professor at Soochow University and vice president of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG). "By prioritizing equality and respect, the SCO has become a trusted platform for the Global South to drive their own development agenda."
As the summit in Tianjin approaches, delegates will debate strategies to deepen connectivity and foster resilience. From digital trade corridors to people-to-people exchanges, the spirit of trust and cooperation could spark the next wave of regional transformation.
In a world of shifting alliances, the SCO's Shanghai Spirit stands out as a blueprint for inclusive progress 6inviting every nation to co-author the narrative of tomorrow.
Reference(s):
Why is SCO's 'Shanghai Spirit' significant for the Global South?
cgtn.com
