AS part of celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a presentation of the book "Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: From a Regional Mechanism to a Global Factor" by Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Tajikistan and former SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov was held in Beijing.
Published by the Russian publishing house Ves Mir Publishers, the book offers a systematic overview of the SCO’s evolution over the past quarter of a century. The author focuses on the organisation’s institutional consolidation and the development of a sustainable model of multilateral cooperation. Considerable attention is devoted to the SCO’s role in the transformation of the Eurasian space. Central Asia is presented as the historical and geopolitical core of the organisation.
"Over the past quarter of a century, the SCO has travelled a remarkable path. From the ‘Shanghai Five’, established to strengthen confidence and resolve border issues, to one of the most representative international organisations of the modern era. Today, the SCO space encompasses nearly half of the world’s population. It is a vast region of peace, cooperation and development. In my view, the SCO is more than an international organisation. It is a laboratory of the future, where the principles of a more equitable system of international relations are taking shape. The SCO demonstrates that respect for differences can serve as the foundation of unity. Every voice matters here. Here, people know how to listen to one another. Here, large and small states work as equals"
Rashid Alimov
Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Tajikistan, former SCO Secretary-General
The author stressed that the book is devoted not only to the organisation’s past but also to its future, including his vision for the SCO’s development strategy through to 2035. According to Alimov, the publication is intended not only for international affairs specialists but also for anyone interested in how new models of cooperation emerge and how the interests of different states and cultures are harmonised.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the China International Communications Group and President of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, Li Yafang, congratulated the author on the publication of the book. She noted that Alimov has acted not only as a direct participant in the SCO’s development but also as a bridge in cultural exchanges among member states.
According to Li Yafang, SCO countries are characterised by vast territories, multinational populations, rich histories and vibrant cultural diversity, and these advantages should be utilised to promote the harmonious coexistence of different civilisations. In her remarks, she highlighted three key priorities for the organisation’s future work.
"First, it is necessary to uphold multilateralism and promote the SCO’s active participation in global governance. [...] Today, it has become the world’s largest regional organisation, bringing together 26 countries, conducting cooperation in more than 50 fields, and possessing a combined economic volume approaching US$1 trillion. [...] Second, we must continue to follow the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ [...] of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilisations and the pursuit of common development. Cooperation must become deeper and more practical, while the benefits of development should reach a greater number of people. [...] Third, it is necessary to deepen dialogue among civilisations and promote the exchange of experience and knowledge among SCO member states"
Li Yafang
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China International Communications Group (CICG), President of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS)
The event was also attended by SCO Deputy Secretary-General Ahmad Saidmurodzoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and former SCO Deputy Secretary-General Wang Kaiwen, among others.
The presentation took place in Beijing, home to the SCO headquarters, during the Beijing International Book Fair. The event was held with the information support of the TV BRICS International Media Network.
