Moscow (TDI): Speaking at the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Moscow, chaired by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishutin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on member countries to take a stronger role in shaping global governance.
Li argued that SCO, with its unique institutional strength, is well-positioned to help implement China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a framework to promote a just and reasonable global governance system, which the country unveiled at the recent Tianjin summit in September.
He said that SCO should build on its values and “Shanghai Spirit” to reform international systems toward greater equity.
Li encouraged SCO member states to work more closely on both development and security, emphasizing initiatives like boosting Belt & Road collaboration, reinforcing regional security frameworks, and coordinating their development plans.
Li noted that leaders at the SCO Tianjin Summit unanimously agreed on the SCO’s development strategy for the period 2026-2035.
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He also proposed practical steps, the swift creation of an SCO Development Bank, and an innovation-focused China. SCO cooperation center for metabolic disease research.
Li emphasized the vital role of the digital economy, science and technology cooperation, calling for joint work on renewable energy and industrial innovation.
On security, Li highlighted the significance of strengthening collective defense capability. He called for improved coordination among the SCO’s four security centers ( the Information Security Centre, the Centre for Combating Transnational Organized Crime, the SCO Narcotics Control Centre, and a decision to establish the SCO Development Bank), and increased scientific collaboration to address common concerns.
Li concluded by urging the SCO to improve its efficiency and grow its global impact. He emphasized that by combining high-level strategic coordination with practical partnership in commerce, connectivity, and cultural exchange, the organization can play an important role in promoting peaceful and equitable growth.
Minahil Khurshid holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from CIPS, NUST. She has a strong interest in current affairs, geopolitics, and policy analysis.
