The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is set to hold its 25th Summit in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, bringing together leaders from across Asia, Europe, and Africa for what is expected to be the organization’s largest meeting to date.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the summit, deliver keynote speeches, and host bilateral meetings with visiting leaders. This year also features the “SCO Plus” meeting, which will include not only the 10 SCO member states but also observer states, dialogue partners, and representatives of international organizations such as the United Nations and ASEAN.
Founded 24 years ago by China and its neighbors, the SCO has expanded into a regional cooperation platform that now spans countries representing a quarter of global GDP. It is recognized for its vast population coverage, geographic scope, and growing influence. According to Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin, more than 20 national leaders and 10 heads of international organizations will attend, underscoring the summit’s global significance.
Under China’s rotating presidency for 2024–2025, the SCO has placed special emphasis on sustainable development. Over the past year, China has hosted more than 100 SCO-related events, ranging from ministerial-level meetings on defense, diplomacy, finance, and trade to cultural initiatives including an SCO political parties’ forum and an art festival. These efforts highlight the group’s evolution from a primarily security-focused body into a multifaceted platform for political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
At the Tianjin Summit, leaders are expected to sign a new 10-year development strategy for the organization and adopt outcome documents on strengthening cooperation in areas such as security, economic development, and cultural exchange. They will also issue statements marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, reinforcing the SCO’s role in global governance.
Observers say the summit will not only showcase Tianjin’s growing profile as an international hub but also reaffirm the SCO’s commitment to solidarity, mutual respect, and joint development. As President Xi outlines China’s new vision for the organization, the summit is poised to shape the SCO’s path for the next decade.
