On September 1, 2026, global leaders gathered in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State (CHS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Hosted at the Yrys-Ordo Congress Hall under the chairmanship of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the summit culminated in landmark agreements, a transition of leadership, and a broader vision for a multipolar world.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the major highlights, attendees, and future roadmap established at the SCO Summit 2026.
Global Leaders in Attendance
The Bishkek summit brought together key regional power players to discuss multilateral cooperation across politics, security, trade, and technology. Notable attendees included:
- Aleksandr Lukashenko (President of Belarus)
- Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India)
- Masoud Pezeshkian (President of Iran)
- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (President of Kazakhstan)
- Shehbaz Sharif (Prime Minister of Pakistan)
- Vladimir Putin (President of Russia)
- Emomali Rahmon (President of Tajikistan)
- Shavkat Mirziyoyev (President of Uzbekistan)
- Nurlan Yermekbayev (SCO Secretary General)
Major Agreements and Strategic Outcomes
The 2026 SCO Summit proved highly productive, with member states approving 28 official documents. Discussions centered on improving the Organisation’s activities and fostering collaboration in energy, ecology, industry, and investment.
Key Document Approvals
- The Bishkek Declaration: The flagship document outlining the strategic goals and mutual consensus of the SCO member states.
- SCO Charter Protocol: Important amendments and additions to modernize the SCO Charter.
- Emergency Assistance Statement: A joint commitment to provide coordinated assistance to states affected by emergencies.
Security and Institutional Expansions
Security remained a central pillar of the SCO agenda. The council approved the provisions for two crucial bodies: the Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to the Security of SCO Member States and the Executive Committee of the SCO Anti-Drug Centre.
The summit also deepened the SCO’s international footprint by finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Union Commission and advancing ties with the UN Environment Programme and the League of Arab States.
The “SCO Plus” Meeting: Shaping a Multipolar World
A major highlight of the event was the “SCO Plus” Meeting, held under the theme: “The UN as a Key Element of a Just World Order: The Contribution of the SCO Plus States to the Formation of a Multipolar World.”
This expanded format welcomed observer state Mongolia, alongside dialogue partners like Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Egypt. Guest nations including Vietnam and Togo also participated, illustrating the SCO’s growing diplomatic reach beyond Central Asia.
The Road Ahead: Pakistan Takes the Helm for 2026–2027
The Bishkek meeting marked the successful conclusion of Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship, which operated under the motto: “25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity.”
The chairmanship for 2026–2027 was officially passed to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outlined Pakistan’s driving theme for the upcoming year: “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”
Lahore Named Tourism and Cultural Capital
As part of Pakistan’s new leadership role, the historic city of Lahore was officially designated as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–2027. This status is expected to boost regional tourism, cultural exchanges, and showcase Pakistan’s rich heritage to the member states.
