Amidst an escalating global situation, characterized by the intensification of conflicts, security threats, and economic fluctuations, the SCO remains true to its principles. The Tianjin Summit once again confirmed the vitality of these principles.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) today is the largest regional integration structure in the world. The foundation of the organization is the “Shanghai Spirit”, based on trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for cultural diversity, and joint development. These principles manifest themselves not only in the interaction of member states but also serve as a new model of global dialogue and cooperation. As noted by the President of China, Xi Jinping, at the summit, the “Shanghai Spirit” fully aligns with the goals enshrined in the UN Charter and plays a crucial role in ensuring regional security.

The SCO, which initially included six countries, today spans three continents and unites 26 states (10 members, 2 observers, and 14 dialogue partners). In terms of geographic scope and population, the organization has become the world’s largest integration platform and continues to strengthen its influence on the international stage.

For the first time within the framework of the summit, an “SCO Plus” meeting was held, which clearly demonstrated the organization’s growing international authority. The SCO is focused not on confrontation, but on cooperation, with its key tasks remaining economic growth and modernization.

Particular importance is attached to the eight priority areas outlined in the Global Development Initiative, as proposed by Xi Jinping: poverty reduction, food security, healthcare, development financing, climate change response, green development, industrialization, digital economy, and connectivity.

Uzbekistan, as one of the founding members of the SCO, occupies a pivotal role in its formation and development. Speaking at the Tianjin Summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that in the context of growing global tensions, adherence to the SCO’s principles is of particular importance. The Head of State described the current international situation as “an unprecedented crisis of trust at the global level” and stressed the need for new approaches and sincere dialogue to ensure security. “That is why today, more than ever, the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity that we have put forward is of great relevance”, the President said.

This refers to the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative, launched by the Leader of Uzbekistan at the Samarkand Summit in September 2022. The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation, foster a global intercivilizational dialogue, seek coordinated approaches and solutions, and rebuild trust.

The success of the SCO is directly linked to ensuring security and developing multilateral cooperation. The organization should become a space free from any dividing lines, striving toward peace, partnership, and progress.

In November of last year, at the initiative of the Federation of Societies for Consumer Rights Protection of Uzbekistan, and with the support of the Competition Promotion and Consumer Protection Committee, the SCO Center for Public Diplomacy, and the Uzbekistan National News Agency, a consultative meeting was held in Samarkand. It brought together organizations active in the field of consumer rights protection from SCO member states and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

It was attended by representatives of Consumers International, SCO member states – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus – as well as OTS member states and partners – Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Turkmenistan. Delegates from Georgia and Armenia were also present.

The participants discussed issues such as concluding bilateral and multilateral agreements between international, regional, and national (both governmental and non-governmental) organizations, implementing national legislation norms for protecting the rights and interests of foreign tourists, improving mechanisms for handling and resolving cross-border complaints, exchanging experiences in consumer rights protection in e-commerce and digital markets, organizing regular trainings, seminars, and forums, and creating an International Association of Consumer Protection Organizations in SCO and OTS countries. These tasks are currently being implemented step by step.

Thus, the SCO, covering a vast region with a rich heritage and relying on the “Shanghai Spirit”, rejects the concept of a clash of civilizations and advocates for openness and dialogue.

Jahongir Sarimsoqov,

Chairman of the Federation of Societies for Consumer Rights Protection of Uzbekistan,

UzA