SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan Focuses on Regional Cooperation and Global Governance

In early September 2026, leaders gathered in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed developing an SCO Transport Connectivity Strategy and called for a greater role for middle powers in global governance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also attended, urging more representative global governance. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented gifts to the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, including marble inlay, silk, and a copy of the Mahabharata.

Tokayev highlighted the SCO's evolution from the 'Shanghai Five' into a major international organization and stressed that fighting the 'three forces of evil'—terrorism, extremism, and separatism—remains a priority. He also expressed confidence that Kazakhstan's political and economic reforms would continue to develop. The summit underscored a shared focus on regional cooperation, connectivity, and reforming global institutions to better reflect current realities.