On the Chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

From 5 July 2023 to June 2024, the Republic of Kazakhstan will chair the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

During its chairmanship, Kazakhstan intends to focus the joint efforts of the member states on the following areas:

- improving the SCO and transforming it into an even more effective platform;

- strengthening the capacity to ensure security and stability in the SCO area;

- deepening ties in the economic and trade spheres;

- deepening co-operation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres;

- expansion of the SCO and development of its international ties.

On 4 July 2023, at the SCO Summit, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, K. Tokayev, outlined the specific priorities of the SCO Chairmanship.

I. Strengthening the potential of the SCO

Work has begun on reforming the Organisation and optimising its activities in key areas.

One of the important steps on this path is the adoption at the SCO Summit in June 2024 in Kazakhstan of the SCO Development Strategy until 2035 and the Concept for Improving SCO Activities. The documents are oriented towards deepening practical cooperation, including an algorithm for progressive reform of the SCO.

II. Strengthening co-operation in the area of security and stability

The issues of regional security and mutual trust are among the main topics on the Organisation's agenda. Taking into account current trends in world politics and economy, Kazakhstan proposes to actualise the SCO's approaches to modern challenges and threats.

In this aspect, Kazakhstan proposes to jointly promote the SCO common initiative "on world unity for just peace and harmony". The comprehensive document contains principles for strengthening confidence-building measures and maintaining stability and security in the region.

Importance will be given to the formation of an updated Programme of Cooperation of the SCO Member States on Countering Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism for 2025-2027.

An updated Anti-Drug Strategy and Programme of Action for its implementation are to be adopted. In practical terms, it is proposed to continue the practice of holding international SCO actions "For a Drug-Free World" and Operation "Spider's Web" with the involvement of observer states and SCO dialogue partners.

III. Expansion of trade and economic relations

The ongoing global economic crisis and its consequences require the SCO to strengthen regional trade and economic ties and open up opportunities to develop a new economic agenda.

The efforts of the member states will be focused on the effective implementation of the SCO Economic Development Strategy until 2030.

An initiative has been put forward to establish the SCO Investment Fund. We regard it as a promising practical step towards strengthening investment synergy in the SCO.

Energy issues are also a priority of the Kazakh Chairmanship. We attach great importance to coordinating efforts to ensure energy transition and the decarbonisation of the economy and industry through the adoption of the SCO Energy Strategy. In this context, the outcome of the SCO Energy Forum on 3-4 October 2023 in Astana could be promising.

Given the significant transport potential of the SCO countries, it is important to ensure the interconnection of railway, road, sea and air routes. In this context, Kazakhstan proposed that the countries form a Partnership Network of major strategic ports and logistics centres.

In order to enhance cooperation in reducing the digital divide, expanding the financial technology market, promoting e-commerce and developing the banking ecosystem, Kazakhstan is holding the SCO Digital Forum in 2024.

IV. Deepening cultural and humanitarian co-operation

The cultural and humanitarian dimension is one of the most dynamically developing areas of interaction within the SCO.

Much attention will be paid to the implementation of the project "Spiritual Shrines of the SCO" and the organisation of the SCO International Scientific and Practical Conference on "The Golden Horde and its Heritage" in Turkestan with the participation of leading experts and scientists from the member states.

In order to effectively combat climate change, improve food security, water supply and biodiversity conservation, on the initiative of Kazakhstan, 2024 has been declared the Year of Ecology.

An intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of environmental protection, a programme of cooperation in the development of specially protected natural areas and eco-tourism, a Memorandum of Understanding between the SCO Secretariat and UNEP are expected to be adopted.

For the entire period of its presidency, the city of Almaty has been declared the SCO tourism and cultural capital. A plan of relevant events has been developed and adopted, with the participation of well-known figures of culture and art, sport and science from the SCO member States.

V. Expansion of the SCO and further development of its international ties

Work will continue to further deepen and expand the SCO's international ties with multilateral structures, observers and SCO dialogue partners.

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Kazakhstan, as SCO Chairman, will make every effort to modernise the Organization and further transform it into a more effective multilateral platform in order to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and traditional bonds of friendship among the SCO member States.