The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is set to welcome a new member as Belarus moves from observer status to full membership during this year's summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. This development marks a significant step in the SCO's evolution and its role in fostering regional stability and economic growth.
Since its inception in 2001, the SCO has expanded to include nine member states and a total of 26 observers and dialogue partners, representing over three billion people—more than 40% of the world's population. The organization's core principles of mutual trust, good-neighborly relations, and cooperation for growth have attracted nations seeking an alternative to confrontational global dynamics.
The upcoming summit in Astana will focus on the SCO's strategies to address pressing global challenges, including political, economic, and humanitarian issues that hinder development. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko highlighted the organization's growing influence, stating, \"Today the SCO is viewed as the future, a very influential pole in a multipolar global order.\"
Belarus aims to contribute to the SCO by developing its information technology ecosystem, enhancing nuclear safety, and promoting connectivity between Europe and Eurasia through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These initiatives are expected to bolster trade, economic development, and security within the SCO's expansive sphere of responsibility.
The inclusion of Belarus underscores the SCO's commitment to embracing diverse partners and leveraging collective strengths to navigate a world marked by turbulence and change. As the organization continues to grow, it remains a pivotal platform for fostering regional cooperation and achieving sustainable development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
