From August 31 to September 1, the Chinese mainland city of Tianjin played host to the largest-ever gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), marking the fifth time the Chinese mainland has overseen this summit. Leaders and diplomats from more than 20 countries and representatives of 10 international organizations convened to review progress and chart a collective roadmap toward deeper cooperation.
At the heart of the discussions lies the “Shanghai Spirit”—a guiding set of principles built on mutual trust, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and shared development. For many, these ideas are more than slogans; they’re the glue binding a coalition that champions each member’s voice, especially those in the Global South.
In Islamabad, Pakistani expert Mushahid Hussain Syed praises the SCO as “a major plank of Asia, of the Global South,” highlighting its growing role in ushering new economic corridors and strengthening political ties outside traditional power blocs.
CGTN Stringer’s on-the-ground interviews with scholars and residents across Pakistan revealed a sense of optimism. Young entrepreneurs see potential in cross-border tech partnerships, while academics point to expanded student exchanges and joint research initiatives.
Yet challenges remain. Observers note the need for clear action plans to translate summit rhetoric into real-world projects—whether in infrastructure, digital cooperation, or cultural programs. Many are watching closely to see how this diverse community turns shared goals into tangible impact.
As the summit wraps up, one thing is clear: the SCO’s ambition to build a closer community with a shared future is resonating far beyond the halls of Tianjin’s conference centers. For a generation eager to see new models of cooperation that reflect their realities, the outcome will speak volumes about the power of a united Global South.
Reference(s):
We Talk: Pakistani expert praises SCO as major plank of Global South
cgtn.com
