SCO Adopts Bishkek Declaration and 10-Year Strategy at 25th Anniversary

Marking the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), member states issued the Bishkek Declaration during the Council of Heads of State meeting, outlining strategic priorities for 2026–2035. The declaration reaffirms the group's founding "Shanghai Spirit" and non-bloc orientation while advocating for United Nations-centered multilateralism, equal Eurasian security, and reforms to global governance. It also explicitly rejects bloc confrontation and supports preventing the weaponization of outer space.

The declaration sets the SCO's strategic blueprint for 2026 to 2035, defining how member states intend to coordinate on Eurasian security, multilateral diplomacy, and global governance reform amid shifting geopolitical tensions.

At the Council of Heads of State meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), member leaders formally adopted the Bishkek Declaration, charting the multilateral group's strategic path from 2026 to 2035, according to statements carried by Xinhua and official Chinese media. The declaration reviewed the organisation's 25-year institutional trajectory, noting that the SCO has established solid legal foundations, effective cooperation mechanisms, and long-term strategic directions. Member states reiterated their commitment to the SCO Charter and the "Shanghai Spirit"—characterized by mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and common development. Looking ahead, member states pledged to implement the "SCO Development Strategy for the Next 10 Years (2026–2035)." The document reiterated that the SCO remains a non-military, non-political bloc that is not directed against any third country or international organization. The leaders stressed that activities within the framework will adhere to openness, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and mutual respect. Addressing broader international affairs, the declaration highlighted ongoing global challenges, including persistent regional conflicts, energy and food security risks, market volatility, and climate change. Member states reaffirmed their adherence to the United Nations Charter and universally recognized principles of international law, advocating for a reformed and more representative global governance architecture where all nations participate and benefit equally. The declaration formally welcomed the United Nations General Assembly's proclamation of 2027–2036 as the "Decade of Peacebuilding for Future Generations." Furthermore, members underscored Central Asia as the core region of the SCO, welcoming annual high-level thematic meetings hosted by Tajikistan. The leaders explicitly opposed bloc confrontation, called for the peaceful settlement of disputes, supported preventing the weaponization of outer space, and committed to defending the historical outcomes of World War II.