On Sept. 1, the SCO Summit in Tianjin adopted a development strategy for 2026–2035, which aims to clarify common goals and principles, enhance cohesion among member states, and strengthen the organization’s capacity to address global governance challenges such as geopolitical conflict, development gaps, and hegemonism. This marks the SCO’s transition from a regional mechanism into a global governance platform commensurate with its expanding membership and international influence.

Accelerated regional growth

The SCO Tianjin Summit achieved significant breakthroughs in the economic domain, translating long-term cooperative visions into concrete actions.

First, the SCO Development Bank was officially established. Since the initial proposal for interbank cooperation in 2005, financial collaboration has been central to the SCO’s economic agenda. The idea of founding a development bank was put forward by China as early as 2010, with the goal of providing stable financing for infrastructure and large-scale projects in member states. Its establishment effectively addresses funding bottlenecks and will give strong impetus to regional economic integration.

Second, cooperation in green industries has gained fresh momentum. Member states recognize the need to align national industrial policies with the goals of equity, justice, and green, low-carbon development, while expediting inclusive innovation and technology transfer through international cooperation. Over the next decade, SCO industrial collaboration will focus on a just transition toward green, low-carbon development. Efforts will include improving ecological, resource, and energy efficiency, establishing carbon market mechanisms, and upgrading infrastructure and industrial parks with green technologies.

Third, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway has emerged as a new artery of connectivity. Constructing international transport corridors is a key pillar of SCO economic cooperation, and this project was a focal point of the summit. The railway is not only a vital strategic corridor across Eurasia but also a “railway to a prosperous future.” Its completion will open new opportunities for trade, investment, industry, and logistics along the route, creating tens of thousands of jobs and injecting vitality into the regional economy.

Four pivotal security mechanisms

The international order faces unprecedented challenges. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 highlights a fractured landscape, with escalating geopolitical, environmental, social, and technological risks threatening stability and progress.

These complex security challenges necessitate strengthened multilateral cooperation within the SCO. At the Tianjin Summit, leaders of member states witnessed the launch of four new institutions: the Universal Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats, the Information Security Center, the Center for Combating Transnational Organized Crime, and the Anti-Drug Center. Together, these institutions will strengthen members’ capacity to manage risks, deepen strategic mutual trust, and advance the building of an SCO community with a shared future.

Empowerment of innovation cooperation

The SCO Tianjin Summit not only outlined a vision and plan but also established concrete cooperation roadmaps and mechanisms, identifying cutting-edge technology as a key driver for future development. The summit adopted statements on further strengthening international cooperation in AI and scientific, technological innovation, while also establishing an innovation platform.

Scientific and technological collaboration is a crucial pathway for identifying new growth drivers and accelerating national economies’ transition toward innovation, thereby injecting fresh momentum into sustainable regional development. Looking ahead, the SCO will use institutional innovation and multilateral cooperation to provide an AI governance framework that balances security, inclusiveness, and flexibility.

Significant organizational reform

A key decision adopted at the summit was the consolidation of SCO observer states and dialogue partners into a unified category of “SCO partners.” This reform optimizes the organization’s operational mechanisms, leading to a more streamlined structure, closer cooperation, and greater operational efficiency. Its fundamental objective is to deepen the implementation of the “Shanghai Spirit,” while enabling the SCO to continuously expand its “circle of partners,” admit new member states and dialogue partners, and enhance its engagement with the international community.

At the same time, this reform supports the building of an “SCO family,” helping the organization pool strength for future development and inject stability and cooperation into an increasingly turbulent world.

Xiao Bin is deputy secretary-general of the SCO Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.