摘要：As the world grapples with rising conflicts, growing economic inequalities and ineffective governance, the Shanghai Cooperation Or
ByImran Khalid
As the world grapples with rising conflicts, growing economic inequalities and ineffective governance, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)'s summit in Tianjin, set to be the largest in the SCO's history, with the participation of leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations – will be critical to chart a future grounded in fairness and justice.
As an organization encompassing nearly half of the global population and about a quarter of the world economy, the SCO possesses the capacity to address peace deficits, development challenges, security concerns, and governance gaps, thereby contributing to a more equitable multipolar world order.
It stands as a global force promoting democratic and representative governance, firmly opposing unilateralism. The 2024 Astana Summit in Kazakhstan reaffirmed the SCO's commitment to UN-centered global governance, reflected in its consistent advocacy for a stronger United Nations.
During the meeting of the SCO foreign ministers in Tianjin in July, it was agreed that the SCO should take the 80th anniversary of the United Nations as an opportunity to uphold the UN's authority and role and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chairs the Shanghai Cooperation Organization foreign ministers' meeting in Tianjin, July 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
At the Tianjin Summit, the SCO is anticipated to propose measures that will give Global South countries more representation reflecting their global standing and reduce the dominance of Western institutions that often overlook emerging powers.
Governance reform is equally crucial. The SCO's "Shanghai Spirit" embodies a governance model based on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and independence from external interference.
In May 2025, China and Russia jointly issued a statement on AI governance, emphasizing ethical standards for national oversight. SCO members supported this vision, rejecting Western tech monopolies.
The SCO maintains a non-interventionist stance on bilateral issues, safeguarding sovereignty while enabling dialogue. This approach enabled SCO trade ministers to finalize trade facilitation agreements in 2024 despite political tensions.
At Tianjin, the SCO can spearhead the creation of a global governance charter that calls on institutions like the International Monetary Fund to adopt a voting system that reflects today's economic realities – where the Global South contributes around 40 percent of global GDP.
Despite internal tensions among some member states, the SCO has shown its capacity for resolution through continued dialogue. While Western think tanks often frame the SCO as a counterweight to NATO, this view overlooks the organization's fundamentally neutral posture.
The SCO's anti-hegemonic stance gains renewed relevance as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 2025 commemoration of anti-fascist solidarity will highlight the power of collective action against tyranny. Today, the SCO has an opportunity to build a parallel global system based on cooperation in AI, climate action, and trade – one that promotes peace, inclusive development, shared security, and fair governance.
From its position along Tianjin's Haihe River, the SCO is well-placed to carve a path toward a future of multipolarity and unity for a world yearning for justice and balance.
Imran Khalid, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a freelance columnist on international affairs.
来源：中国网一点号
