On July 4, in Astana, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the SCO Plus meeting on “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development”.

In addition to the heads of delegations of the SCO member states and its permanent bodies, the event was attended by leaders of observer states and dialogue partners, honorary guests, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and heads of other international structures.

In his address, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that a meeting in the broad format of SCO Plus is timely and necessary.

“The world needs to restore trust, justice, and solidarity more than ever”, the President of Uzbekistan noted.

Assessing contemporary global processes, he noted that the current global political and economic landscape is characterized by fractures, wars, and conflicts that undermine the foundations and key principles of the system of international relations.

“The contradictions and protectionism that have emerged are creating fragmentation of the world economy and supply chain disruptions, which are, in turn, creating new dividing lines that prevent countries from cooperating effectively in trade, finance and investment, technology transfer and innovation” the President noted.

According to him, the only viable solution to these challenges is consolidating efforts for global security, development, and prosperity.

The Leader of Uzbekistan stated that the SCO has consistently advocated for and committed to a just world order based on the universally recognized principles of international law and multilateralism, with the UN playing a central coordinating role.

Concurrently, evolving circumstances necessitate implementing new strategic approaches to enhance the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s efficacy.

“It is imperative to develop a new agenda that aligns with the Organization’s immense potential and growing role in world politics and economy”, the President stated.

The Head of state proposed a fresh look at the conceptual foundations of the SCO’s security-related activities since the nature and scope of contemporary challenges have significantly transformed since the organization’s establishment.

He drew attention to the need to consider these factors when considering strengthening the SCO’s potential, including the establishment of the Universal Center for Countering Security Threats and Challenges.

The Leader of Uzbekistan proposed holding an annual SCO Plus Dialogue on Security Issues with the participation of the heads of the competent bodies and experts.

The President of Uzbekistan proposed consistently reloading trade and economic cooperation in the SCO area and creating a solid foundation for multilateral trade and inter-sectoral partnership.

It was emphasized that at the summit, the parties agreed to take comprehensive measures to simplify trade procedures, develop e-commerce, and stimulate technological cooperation, including in future industries.

The Leader of Uzbekistan proposed holding the SCO EXPO International Industrial Exhibition annually to create an effective platform for business dialogue with the participation of all partners.

It was also noted that it is important to actively promote economic interaction and seek opportunities to link joint initiatives with the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Eurasian Economic Union, ASEAN, and others.

It was emphasized that forming an inclusive and integrated transport and transit system to strengthen interregional connectivity is particularly important in the current geopolitical realities.

As the President of Uzbekistan stated, climate cooperation should become a vital element of the new SCO agenda.

In this regard, he advocated for developing an Agreement on cooperation in combating climate change, with concrete measures to achieve common goals and objectives in green development.

Besides, the SCO Center for Innovative Climate Solutions was proposed to be established in Tashkent. It will conduct research on environmental sustainability and green growth.

The Leader of Uzbekistan noted that improving livelihoods and social protection should be central to the Organization’s agenda. In this context, he said that a Global Conference on Sustainable Social Protection is planned to be held in Samarkand next year, under the auspices of the United Nations, to achieve the goals of the Summit of the Future.

The Leader of Uzbekistan called for strengthening and promoting a unique model of inter-civilizational dialogue. According to him, our people’s rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage, traditions, customs, and ways of life are a powerful and resilient force for building bridges of mutual trust, good neighborliness, and lasting friendship.

It was noted that this message was contained in the recently adopted UN General Assembly resolution on the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

In this context, the relevance of the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity, put forward by Uzbekistan, was once again emphasized. Its practical implementation will strengthen inter-civilizational dialogue to overcome contradictions on the path to sustainable development.

Attention was also drawn to implementing programs in cultural, educational, youth, and tourism exchanges. In particular, developing a Unified Bank of SCO Humanitarian Initiatives and Programs was proposed, enabling projects in these areas to be systematized and jointly implemented.

In conclusion of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that the outcomes of this meeting will give a strong impetus to the development of a multifaceted partnership within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.