PARTICIPATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER IN THE 6TH SCO THINK TANK FORUM  

On July 12–13, 2025, the 6th Think Tank Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, under the theme “Promoting the Shanghai Spirit and Advancing Sustainable Development.”

The Forum took place in the lead-up to the SCO Heads of State Summit, scheduled to be held in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, in the autumn of 2025.

The event was co-organized by the SCO International Legal Training and Cooperation Center, the China Institute of International Studies, and the SCO Research Center of China, in cooperation with relevant UN structures.

The agenda of the Forum encompassed a wide range of pressing issues and future-oriented prospects for the development of the SCO. Discussions focused on advancing the reform of global governance; institutional development of the SCO; the maintenance of regional stability, security, and peace; promotion of sustainable development and shared prosperity; respect for civilizational diversity; and commitment to universal human values.

More than 100 experts and diplomats participated in the Forum, including heads of leading think tanks and universities from SCO member states, as well as representatives of the SCO Secretariat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, and the Shanghai city administration.

The Republic of Tajikistan was represented by Mr. Khayriddin Usmonzoda, Director of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Mr. Usmonzoda delivered a keynote address during the third session, titled “Maintaining Regional Stability and Security,” presenting a report on “Selected Development Paradigms of the SCO in the New Contemporary Context.”

In his opening remarks, Director Usmonzoda emphasized that: “In today’s world, marked by overlapping global crises and contradictions, the multilateral initiatives undertaken by the SCO, particularly in the context of the upcoming summit chaired by China, undoubtedly serve as a window of hope pointing the way toward a shared future across the Eurasian continent.”

He underlined that: “The SCO, through its evolving agenda and activities, has significantly enhanced the quality and scope of regional cooperation in Central Asia and will continue to foster deeper and more comprehensive partnerships.”

Particular attention was given to the fact that: “The high level of attention paid by Central Asian leaders to the SCO stems from its constructive policies and conflict-resolution mechanisms — especially in matters of border disputes — which have helped prevent negative consequences for regional security.”

As an illustrative example, Director Usmonzoda referred to the: “Signing of the Border Agreement between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on March 13, 2025 — a milestone not only of bilateral importance but also of considerable regional and international relevance.”

In his intervention on strengthening cohesion among SCO member states, he stated:“The SCO, through its capacity to address both local and global challenges, is evolving into a model of an attractive and forward-looking community of nations.”

The Director further emphasized that: “The Organization is undergoing a phase of institutional maturity, striving to establish mechanisms comparable to global institutions in order to further open the path for development and constructive initiatives.”

He also pointed out that: “Thanks to its stability, the SCO space remains an attractive platform for investment and the relocation of high-tech industries.”

In conclusion, Mr. Usmonzoda highlighted that: “The SCO space is fundamentally distinct from other regional alliances. Rooted in a unique tradition of interpersonal, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, SCO member states prioritize openness and hospitality toward one another.”

Press Service of the Center for Strategic Research
under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan