Multilateralism not just a principle

Shanghai Spirit shows it is a pathway to a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world, leading the way in fostering mutual trust, cooperation and sustainable development

China will host this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin in autumn under the theme "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move". The Tianjin summit will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, two pivotal events that shaped the modern international order.

The UN system serves as the backbone of the current international framework, fostering stability, security and collaboration among nations. In this regard, maintaining international peace and security based on international law remains essential, as envisioned in the newly established system following World War II. Promoting cooperation to address global challenges — spanning economic, social, cultural and humanitarian issues — has been a core objective of the UN since its inception.

Multilateralism continues to be a cornerstone of the UN system, enabling nations to work collectively in finding solutions to both global and regional challenges. The SCO, founded in 2001, has emerged as a significant platform for promoting multilateralism in international relations. By fostering dialogue, trust and collaboration among its member states, the SCO exemplifies the potential of cooperative frameworks to address shared concerns, from security and economic development to cultural exchanges.

One of the biggest obstacles to achieving fair and sustainable solutions in the global system is a single power's dominance of the system. For the global system to remain sustainable, decisions on regional and international issues must be made collectively, through diplomatic negotiations, regardless of whether the states involved are big or small. From this perspective, the equal contribution of all countries to regional and global decisions is the cornerstone of international peace and stability.

The SCO has emerged as a regional cooperation organization in Eurasia that embodies these principles. Its equal and participatory approach to addressing regional and global challenges is among its most significant achievements. Through the SCO, member states have established strong partnerships based on mutual trust, enabling them to collectively tackle pressing issues.

One of the SCO's most notable successes has been fostering solidarity among its members in addressing border security and combating transnational crimes. By building trust and cooperation, the organization has become a shining example of multilateralism in action. This success has attracted other countries in the region, leading to an expansion of membership and partnerships. Today, the SCO has addressed not only regional but also global challenges.

It is no coincidence that the SCO has grown in membership and expanded its partnerships with other countries and international organizations. The principles of equality and inclusiveness have been at the heart of this growth. Another key feature of the SCO's success is its reliance on diplomatic negotiations and its adherence to the principles of mutual understanding and win-win cooperation. This spirit of partnership has become a defining characteristic of the organization.

The multipolar world order that the SCO envisioned at its inception has now become a reality. Today, it is clear that no single power can dominate the international system. Instead, we see the emergence of multiple power centers, each contributing to the global landscape with its economic and military capacities. The cooperative model developed by the SCO offers valuable experiences that can be applied to other international organizations and forums.

The SCO's success in the field of security provides a foundation for addressing regional and global development goals. Security and development are inseparable, and the SCO's member states — many of which are from the Global South — have the potential to develop a successful vision for sustainable development. In this regard, the organization's focus on development is as critical as its work in security.

At a time when global economic growth is slowing and trade wars are resurfacing, the SCO has an important role to play. By fostering economic cooperation, the organization can help mitigate the challenges facing the world economy. It is vital that the SCO works alongside other regional and global organizations to promote economic stability and development. Ending trade wars, for instance, is essential to ensure global development and increasing world trade.

Increased economic cooperation among SCO members and partners will also be a significant step toward achieving global development goals. The Belt and Road Initiative, in particular, offers a powerful vision for integrative projects along the Eurasian corridor and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. By integrating transportation, energy and industrial infrastructures, these projects will not only benefit member and partner countries but also contribute to economic integration across Asia and Europe.

The achievements of the SCO to date demonstrate that a world order based on inclusive decision-making and common development is possible. The organization's practices provide a valuable road map for other international bodies. Multilateral cooperation built on mutual understanding and the win-win principle will not only promote peace and stability but also ensure that global development is sustainable and inclusive.

In this context, the SCO stands as a role model. At a time when global economic, political and security uncertainties are on the rise, a stable, inclusive and conciliatory approach to cooperation is of paramount importance. The SCO's achievements and values will continue to play a vital role in shaping international cooperation in the years to come.

The Shanghai Spirit has shown us that multilateralism is not just a principle — it is a pathway to a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world. Let us continue to support and learn from this remarkable organization as it leads the way in fostering mutual trust, cooperation and sustainable development.

The author is founding director of the Turkish Center for Asia Pacific Studies. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.