Erbulat Seilekhanov, the chief expert at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), discussed the six main priorities for Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in a recent article.
According to the expert, these priorities aim to enhance the organization’s global role, contributing to the strengthening of friendship and good neighbourliness within the SCO. They include ensuring security and stability, expanding trade and economic ties, strengthening energy cooperation, expanding cooperation in the digital sphere, enhancing collaboration in ecology, and developing cultural and humanitarian ties.
As per a press release by the Embassy of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh action plan for the chairmanship period includes implementing its initiatives and continuing previously approved SCO cooperation programs. The country plans to propose the adoption of “On Global Unity for a Just World and Harmony,” a comprehensive document, outlining principles for strengthening confidence-building measures, maintaining stability, and ensuring global security. The focus remains on the SCO’s traditional task of combating the ‘three forces of evil’ and transnational crime. Proposals from Kazakhstan include updating the Cooperation Program to Counter Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism for 2025-2027, adopting the Anti-Drug Strategy of the SCO for 2024-2029, and implementing an Action Program.
Additionally, Kazakhstan aims to consolidate international efforts to assist the Afghan people under the auspices of the United Nations (UN). The country seeks SCO support for its initiative to establish the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
To expand trade and economic ties within the SCO, Kazakhstan has suggested creating favorable conditions, removing trade barriers, and launching joint ventures.
