SCO Summit: Kyrgyzstan’s Strategic Priorities for 2026
SCO Summit: Kyrgyzstan’s Strategic Priorities for 2026
SCO Summit: Kyrgyzstan’s Strategic Priorities for 2026
Analysis
Kyrgyzstan assumed its fourth chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on 1 September 2025 under the theme “25 Years of the SCO – Place for Peace and Prosperity.” The chairmanship reflects Kyrgyzstan’s intent to consolidate the SCO’s role as a platform for regional peace, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.A key highlight of the chairmanship will be the SCO Summit to be held in Bishkek in 2026, along with initiatives to deepen cultural and humanitarian cooperation among member states.According to Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev, President Sadyr Zhaparov has outlined the following priorities:
Ensuring long-term stability: Strengthening coordinated efforts among SCO members to counter security threats and emerging challenges, reinforcing collective approaches to regional stability.
Development of economic cooperation: Accelerating the establishment of effective financial mechanisms, including the SCO Development Bank, Development Fund, and Investment Fund, to support shared growth and reduce external financial dependence.
Development of transport infrastructure: Creating favourable conditions for international road and rail connectivity and better utilisation of the transit potential of SCO member states, enhancing Eurasian connectivity.
Intensifying digitalisation: Proposal to host an SCO Youth Digital Forum and active participation in joint initiatives aimed at the digital transformation of member countries.
Overall, Kyrgyzstan’s agenda indicates continuity with SCO’s evolving focus on security–economy linkage, connectivity, and digital cooperation, aligning with broader Eurasian integration trends.