Tianjin (TDI): Muhammad Asif Noor, Secretary General of the Pakistan-SCO Friendship Forum and Executive Director of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), participated in the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum held in Tianjin, where he called for deepening digital inclusivity and enhancing cooperation among SCO member states.
Representing Pakistan’s civil society and research community, Noor joined over 1,500 participants from across the SCO region, including government officials, tech leaders, and scholars.
His presence highlighted Pakistan’s proactive engagement in regional digital policy dialogues and its commitment to multilateral cooperation in emerging technologies.
Speaking during one of the thematic side sessions focused on cross-border digital connectivity and knowledge exchange, Noor emphasized the need for the SCO to embrace a people-centered digital vision that prioritizes equal access, education, and innovation across all member states, especially those with evolving digital ecosystems.
He pointed out that bridging digital divides must be at the core of SCO’s regional strategy, especially as member countries pursue ambitious agendas in smart infrastructure, AI, and data-driven governance. “Digital transformation must be inclusive,” he said.
“We must ensure that the benefits of this transformation reach remote and underdeveloped areas, and that the youth of our region are empowered with the skills and access they need to thrive in the digital age.”
Muhammad Asif Noor also called for enhanced research cooperation and think tank dialogue across the SCO platform to support policy coordination on digital governance, cybersecurity frameworks, and regional data standards.
He stressed the need for knowledge partnerships among academic institutions and civil society organizations to complement intergovernmental processes.
Highlighting Pakistan’s digital ambitions, Noor shared examples of ongoing initiatives related to e-governance, digital financial inclusion, and technology-led entrepreneurship.
He welcomed the signing of 21 projects at the forum—valued at 1.35 billion yuan—as a practical step toward mutual investment and collaboration in emerging sectors.
As Executive Director of IPDS, he also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering SCO cooperation not only through formal diplomacy but also through public diplomacy and intellectual exchange.
He called on SCO stakeholders to support platforms such as the Pakistan-SCO Friendship Forum in facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement, including youth, women, and small enterprises in digital economy initiatives.
Noor’s participation came at a time when the SCO is placing increasing emphasis on digital integration as a pillar of regional development.
With Pakistan continuing to strengthen its role within the SCO, his intervention was seen as part of a broader effort to ensure that voices from across South Asia are heard in shaping the digital futures of Eurasia.
The forum, themed “New Bonds in the Digital Economy, New Horizons for Cooperation,” was co-hosted by China’s National Data Administration and the Tianjin Municipal Government.
Alongside keynote addresses from Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and senior officials from SCO countries, the event featured multiple sub-forums and project signing ceremonies designed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, and digital governance.
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