The SCO is a success story that can get better

Source: The post is based on the article “The SCO is a success story that can get better” published in “The Hindu” on 27th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: In this article author talks about recent important changes in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The author calls for unity, security, and cooperation to face global issues. They stress the need for multilateralism and fair global governance. They also mention China’s commitment to these principles.

About recent SCO Meeting

India hosted the 23rd SCO Meeting.

Leaders signed the New Delhi Declaration.

Iran became a full SCO member.

Belarus is on track to join SCO.

SCO’s economic plan for 2030 was adopted.

What are the achievements of SCO over the years?

Shared Future Vision: SCO promotes a vision of a shared future for mankind.

Mutual Support: Member-states have consistently backed each other in upholding their core interests.

Synergized Development: They’ve integrated their national development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives.

Promotion of Friendship: SCO countries have embraced the spirit of good neighbourliness and friendship.

Partnerships: They’ve formed partnerships based on dialogue, opting for cooperation over alliance.

Guardians of Peace: The organization has actively contributed to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. For instance, the New Delhi Declaration was a significant step towards collective security and development.

Role Model: SCO’s efforts reflect the broader aspiration for global peace, development, and win-win cooperation.

What should be done?

Strengthen Unity: SCO member-states should enhance strategic communication and support each other’s growth.

Security Cooperation: Upgrade collaboration to counter threats like terrorism, separatism, and extremism. For example, vigilantly address developments pushing for a new Cold War.

Digital & Space Security: Pursue cooperation in digital, biological, and outer space domains.

Economic Collaboration: Push against protectionism and promote trade, investment, and technology ties.

Currency Initiatives: Encourage local currency settlement among SCO members and consider forming an SCO development bank.

Promote Multilateralism: Engage more with entities like the UN to uphold international order.

Act against Unilateralism: Stand united against hegemony, unilateralism, and Cold War mentality, rejecting unfair sanctions.