At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) 24th Council of Heads of Government meeting in Moscow, Chinese premier Li Qiang mapped out how the bloc can step up its game in global governance. Building on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) unveiled in Tianjin, Li called on member states to harness their collective strengths to tackle today’s complex challenges.
1. Leveraging the Shanghai Spirit
Li highlighted the SCO’s unique track record of consensus-driven action—dubbed the Shanghai Spirit—tied neatly to the GGI’s core concepts. With solid institutions and years of cooperation under its belt, the SCO is well positioned to drive forward a truly inclusive global agenda and foster a shared future for humanity.
2. Bridging Development and Security
He urged members to align development strategies and deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, ensuring stable global supply chains and an open world economy. China proposed fast-tracking the SCO Development Bank and launching a China-SCO center for metabolic diseases. On security, Li stressed the value of the four SCO security centers and a unified push for multilateralism.
3. Igniting Innovation and Green Growth
Li called for a digital boost through the SCO Digital Economy Forum and the China-SCO AI Cooperation Forum. He invited members to join a shared digital platform and a sci-tech innovation hub. Ambitious renewable targets were set: add 10 million kilowatts each of photovoltaic and wind capacity over the next five years.
Looking ahead, leaders endorsed the SCO’s 2026–2035 development strategy and signed a joint communique alongside cooperation pacts on economy, railways, social development, security and green initiatives. Observers praised the SCO’s expanding role in forging a just, multipolar world.
Reference(s):
Li Qiang: SCO can play greater role in promoting global governance
cgtn.com
