What Initiatives Did Mirziyoyev Propose at the SCO Summit
On September 1, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, held under the chairmanship of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Mirziyoyev called for strengthening the efficiency of the organization and its institutions, while supporting the idea of expanding the SCO with new partners, including those from the Global South.
Security Initiatives
The Uzbek leader proposed adopting an SCO Declaration on Nuclear Security, resuming meetings of interior ministers, updating the agreement on combating crime, and developing a counter-narcotics program through 2030. He also backed the revival of the SCO–Afghanistan Contact Group to foster dialogue and launch social projects in Afghanistan.
Economic Initiatives
Mirziyoyev suggested signing an agreement to simplify trade procedures and accelerating mechanisms for financing regional projects. He also proposed creating new multilateral platforms:
- An Energy Consortium
- A Regional Center for Critical Materials
- A network of venture funds to support startups
- An electronic business portal to promote business contacts
Transport and Connectivity
He emphasized developing transport corridors, including the North–South and East–West routes, expanding links to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, and creating a unified SCO transport space aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Environmental Agenda
Mirziyoyev called for a regional SCO platform on climate change, decarbonization, and AI-driven environmental risk forecasting.
Humanitarian and Cultural Ties
The president underlined the importance of cultural connections, proposing initiatives such as an international folk art festival, the launch of an online SCO University campus, competitions and Olympiads for young professionals, as well as tourism and medical cooperation projects.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received 59 congratulatory messages on the occasion of the country’s 34th Independence Day.
