The first meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of National Coordinators has started in Islamabad. It is being held under Pakistan’s 2026-27 chairmanship.
The meeting will continue from September 28 to 30. National coordinators from SCO member states are taking part. Representatives of the SCO Secretariat are also attending the talks.
Pakistan’s National Coordinator for the SCO is chairing the meeting.
Participants will discuss cooperation between SCO countries. They will also finalise the activities planned during Pakistan’s chairmanship.
Preparations for upcoming SCO meetings and events will also be reviewed.
The talks will help set the schedule for ministerial meetings, working groups and other events during Pakistan’s chairmanship.
Pakistan sets priorities for SCO chairmanship
Pakistan has selected the theme ‘Turning Vision into Action, Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity’ for its chairmanship.
According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan will focus on better regional connectivity and greater economic cooperation. It will also promote innovation and stronger contacts between member countries.
Pakistan says it will work closely with SCO member states and the organisation’s Secretariat. The aim is to turn shared priorities into practical projects that benefit member countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also highlighted several areas for cooperation. These include information technology, artificial intelligence, energy and poverty reduction.
Other areas include disaster management, health, culture and sports.
The SCO currently has 10 full member states. Pakistan and India became full members in 2017. Iran joined in 2023, while Belarus became a full member in 2024.
Pakistan to host SCO Leaders’ Summit in 2027
The Islamabad meeting will also help prepare for several SCO events planned in the coming months.
One major event will be the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting. Pakistan is scheduled to host the meeting in Islamabad in August 2027.
Preparations for the summit have already started.
The Capital Development Authority has invited bids to upgrade the Jinnah Convention Centre. It also plans to build a new block for the event.
Authorities are also working to ensure international standard hotel accommodation in Islamabad.
Pakistan assumed the SCO Council of Heads of State chairmanship after the organisation’s annual summit in Kyrgyzstan in September 2026.