Introduction: Uniting for a Common Future

The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Islamabad marked a significant step forward in strengthening cooperation between member states, particularly in areas of economic growth, security, and climate change. This summit also underscored the growing influence of the Global South, with a focus on leveraging digital innovation and sustainable development. Hosted by Pakistan, the summit was an important diplomatic event, bringing together key leaders from Asia, Russia, and Central Asia, with observer states such as Mongolia and special guests like Turkmenistan participating. The discussions spanned topics ranging from the digital economy to energy security, underscoring the importance of inclusive development for the Global South and its youth.

1. Snapshot of the 2024 SCO Summit

The 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad saw participation from 10 member states, including major global players such as China, Russia, and India, along with observer states like Mongolia. Hosted by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the summit’s agenda revolved around mutual cooperation in economic growth, trade, climate action, and youth engagement.

Key Participants

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan chaired the summit, alongside prominent leaders like Li Qiang (Premier of China) and Mikhail Mishustin (Prime Minister of Russia).

Observer states included Mongolia, represented by Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, while Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Rashid Meredov.

Documents and Agreements Signed

Eight important documents were signed, including a Joint Communiqué outlining key decisions on trade, economic cooperation, security, and environmental efforts.

Key proposals included the creation of a SCO Development Bank and SCO Investment Fund to finance multilateral projects across the region.

2. Empowering the Global South: A New Era for Cooperation

The 2024 SCO Summit underscored the growing importance of the Global South in shaping international policy. With countries like Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Iran actively promoting inclusive development, the SCO represents a key platform for these nations to strengthen their collective voice.

Pakistan's Leadership in the Global South

Pakistan's role as a host demonstrated its leadership within the Global South, leveraging its position to promote projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The summit also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in fostering regional trade and infrastructure development through its strategic location as a hub connecting Central Asia, China, and the Middle East.

Key Empowerment Strategies

Economic Independence: The summit explored ways to reduce dependency on Western financial systems by expanding trade in local currencies and promoting the establishment of an independent settlement system for member states. This will enable greater financial autonomy and resilience against external economic pressures.

BRI and Infrastructure Growth: SCO members reaffirmed their support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with a focus on aligning infrastructure projects across Eurasia and South Asia. Pakistan plays a critical role in this through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to enhance trade and connectivity throughout the region.

3. Empowering Youth: The Next Generation of Leaders

One of the most important focuses of the summit was youth empowerment. In a rapidly changing world, the SCO summit aimed to harness the potential of the region’s youth by creating opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchanges. These efforts are seen as vital to ensuring sustainable growth for the Global South.

Education and Technology for the Youth

The summit encouraged cross-border educational exchanges, with programs like the SCO University Network providing students access to diverse academic fields and research opportunities across member states.

Digital Economy and Innovation:

 One of the key outcomes was a decision to strengthen cooperation on the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation. The youth will have opportunities to contribute to the digital transformation of their countries through initiatives like e-commerce, cybersecurity, and AI development.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The establishment of the SCO Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum will provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to develop startups, particularly in the technology and green energy sectors.

The SCO Business Council and SCO Investors’ Association aim to foster cross-border investments that support youth-led businesses in sectors such as e-commerce, digital finance, and renewable energy.

4. Climate Change: Youth at the Forefront of Sustainability

Climate change was another critical area of discussion during the summit. With the Global South disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters, the SCO emphasized the need for joint efforts in mitigating the impact of environmental degradation. For the youth, this represents a key area where they can contribute to sustainable solutions.

Green Energy and Waste Management

The summit’s Green Development Initiatives laid out a framework for SCO member states to collaborate on renewable energy projects, with a particular focus on wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. This presents a wealth of opportunities for young scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to pioneer new technologies in clean energy.

A special task force on waste management was established, which will focus on improving waste disposal systems and reducing carbon emissions. Youth involvement in these environmental efforts will be critical, providing new avenues for research and innovation.

Climate Resilient Agriculture

The summit also highlighted the importance of climate-resilient crops, such as millet, rice, and wheat. Students and young professionals in agriculture and environmental sciences will be encouraged to engage in research aimed at increasing food security and sustainability.

5. Multilateral Economic Growth: Shaping the Future of the Global South

The SCO’s focus on economic cooperation provides a roadmap for the Global South to assert greater control over its economic destiny. By building multilateral frameworks for trade, investment, and infrastructure development, the summit sought to strengthen the economic resilience of member states.

Digital Economy and AI

A key focus was the SCO Digital Economy Cooperation Plan, which aims to expand e-commerce, digital payments, and AI innovation across member states. This will create job opportunities in technology fields, benefiting young professionals skilled in software development, cybersecurity, and data science.

Cross-border data exchange systems are also being developed to support secure information sharing among SCO countries, fostering greater technological integration across borders.

Economic Growth Through SME Cooperation

Recognizing the vital role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in promoting job creation and innovation, the summit called for increased cooperation in SME development. By reducing trade barriers and creating preferential policies, the SCO aims to support entrepreneurial initiatives that will directly benefit the youth and future business leaders of the region.

6. Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Building Bridges Across Borders

One of the hallmarks of the SCO is its emphasis on cultural and educational exchange. The summit explored new ways to enhance people-to-people ties through programs in sports, education, tourism, and culture. The goal is to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation across the region, with youth playing a central role.

SCO Sports Organization and Games

To foster youth engagement through sports, the summit saw the establishment of the SCO Sports Organization and the proposal to host SCO Sports Games. Sports diplomacy will strengthen ties between nations while promoting unity and peace.

Youth sports events, such as the Silk Road Five-a-Side Football Cup, will be organized to provide platforms for youth athletes to showcase their talents.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage

The summit’s focus on tourism and cultural exchanges will help youth better understand the region’s shared history and diverse cultures. Students can participate in study exchanges that allow them to experience different cultures within the SCO community.

The designation of Qingdao as the next SCO Tourism and Culture Capital promises a series of cultural festivals, exhibitions, and student exchange programs to foster greater people-to-people connections.

7. Youth Empowerment Through Diplomacy and Leadership

The 2024 SCO Summit also recognized the importance of youth leadership in international diplomacy. Students and young professionals are encouraged to engage with global organizations and forums to promote dialogue, peace, and development.

Model SCO and Leadership Programs

The SCO Youth Council will lead initiatives to engage students in diplomacy and international cooperation. Through programs like Model SCO and youth leadership summits, young leaders will be given the chance to participate in high-level discussions on global governance.

Internship programs 

SCO institutions and NGOs will offer hands-on experience for students in areas such as climate action, economic development, and human rights.

8. The Road Ahead: Vision for 2030

The 2024 SCO Summit laid out a vision for long-term cooperation and growth among its member states. The SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030 provides a blueprint for sustainable, inclusive growth that is grounded in economic resilience, technological innovation, and environmental protection. For the Global South, this summit represents an important step in building a future where youth, innovation, and multilateral cooperation are at the forefront.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future Together

As the 2024 SCO Summit concludes, it is clear that the world is entering a new phase of multilateral cooperation. The Global South is rising, and its youth will be the ones to lead the charge. From digital innovation to climate action, the next generation of leaders is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the world. Through education, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration, the future of the Global South is one of empowerment, progress, and unity.

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Tables

Table 1: Participants in the 2024 SCO Summit (Council of Heads of Government)

Table 2: Documents Signed at the 2024 SCO Summit

Table 3: Suggestions/Proposals

Table 4: Tasks and Action Plans

Table 5: MoUs and Agreements

Table 6: Key Focus Areas

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