The Evolution of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
As the world marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2026, this regional body continues to play a vital role in fostering cooperation among nations across Eurasia. With nearly half of the global population and contributing approximately 25% of the world’s GDP, the SCO represents one of the largest and most influential regional alliances.
Since its establishment in 2001, the organisation has expanded its focus beyond traditional security concerns, actively promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for people across the region. Through various initiatives, the SCO has made significant strides in poverty reduction, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Achievements in Sustainable Development
The SCO has achieved tangible results in advancing sustainable development through modernising irrigation systems, equipping students with practical skills via the Luban Workshops, and expanding freight and passenger connections. These efforts have not only improved agricultural productivity but also enhanced regional connectivity and economic integration.
Poverty reduction remains a key priority for SCO member states. As countries seek to improve living standards and promote inclusive growth, the exchange of development experiences has become an essential area of cooperation. China, as the first developing country to meet the United Nations’ poverty reduction target, has demonstrated how sustained economic growth, targeted policies, investment in education, and technological innovation can lead to successful outcomes.
Agricultural Modernisation and Seed Breeding
Across much of the SCO region, millions of people depend on farming and related industries for their livelihoods. To address challenges such as outdated irrigation technologies, China has been sharing modern agricultural practices with member states. In Uzbekistan, for example, the introduction of drip irrigation technology on 2,000 hectares of farmland increased water-use efficiency by over 40% and boosted cotton yields by around 30%.
Similarly, in Kyrgyzstan, a Chinese-supported irrigation project has provided water access for 11,100 hectares of farmland, helping thousands of farmers increase production and strengthen their livelihoods.
Beyond irrigation, seed breeding has emerged as another critical area of agricultural cooperation. In Pakistan, Chinese and Pakistani researchers have developed new wheat varieties that are resistant to rust disease, increasing yields by about 9%. In Kazakhstan, the introduction of a new wheat variety has led to a 28% increase in wheat yields, supporting the country’s position as a major wheat exporter.
Education and Vocational Training
Education is a cornerstone of sustainable development, and the SCO has placed a strong emphasis on vocational training. China has established around 10 Luban Workshops across eight SCO countries, offering students practical skills in fields such as drone operation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By September 2025, these workshops had enrolled approximately 150,000 students from countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.
These initiatives not only equip young people with the skills needed for today’s workforce but also help cultivate a new generation of skilled workers and innovators, supporting long-term economic growth.
Improving Regional Connectivity
Enhancing transport, energy, and trade links has become another key pillar of sustainable development within the SCO. The China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao has played a crucial role in boosting regional economic cooperation. In 2025, China-Europe Railway Express services from the demonstration area transported over 840,000 tonnes of cargo, highlighting the growing importance of rail networks in facilitating trade and economic integration.
Energy cooperation has also expanded, with cross-border oil and gas pipelines strengthening regional energy security. Green energy projects, such as the Bokhara wind power project in Uzbekistan, are further contributing to sustainable development by reducing carbon emissions and meeting growing electricity demands.
The Shanghai Spirit and Future Prospects
Guided by the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilisations, and the pursuit of common development, the SCO has grown into a platform for collaboration among nations with different political systems, cultures, and levels of economic development.
Through its focus on poverty reduction, education, connectivity, and energy, the SCO continues to transform shared development goals into real-world benefits for its members. This demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to stability, equality, and mutual cooperation, ensuring continued progress for the region.
