Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On May 21–22, the 20th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum of Think Tanks took place in New Delhi, organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs. The theme of this year’s gathering was “SCO: Towards Regional Transformation in the Spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family’.”

The forum brought together more than 30 experts from SCO member states, including heads and representatives of leading analytical and research institutions from Belarus, India, Iran, China, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as a delegation from the SCO Secretariat.

Participants engaged in a comprehensive and constructive exchange of views on the SCO’s key areas of activity. Central to the discussions were issues such as strengthening strategic dialogue in the fields of politics and security, expanding economic and investment cooperation, implementing joint industrial projects, deepening cultural and humanitarian ties, and improving the effectiveness of the Forum of Think Tanks as an expert platform within the SCO framework.

At the conclusion of the event, a final protocol was adopted, reflecting the member states’ agreed-upon approaches and shared perspectives on pressing issues on the SCO agenda.

In accordance with established procedures, the chairmanship of the Forum for 2025–2026 was officially transferred to the National SCO Research Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During the first session, titled “Expanding the SCO’s Role: Advancing a Shared Vision of a Secure and Stable Region,” Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) under the President of Uzbekistan, delivered a keynote address. In his remarks, he emphasized that cooperation with Afghanistan remains a critical factor in ensuring security within the SCO region.

Mustafayev drew attention to the recent Termez Dialogue on Central and South Asian connectivity, which was held in the city of Termez and brought together prominent political and expert representatives from both regions. He noted that this dialogue is a continuation of Uzbekistan’s consistent efforts to integrate Afghanistan into regional cooperation processes and to foster the socio-economic conditions necessary for long-term peace and sustainable stability in the country.

According to Mustafayev, a stable Afghanistan presents significant economic opportunities. For SCO member states, this means the chance to diversify transport corridors, build a more interconnected regional economic model, and enhance trade and economic partnerships.

At the same time, in the face of growing multilayered challenges, SCO member states must demonstrate greater resolve, unity, and strategically calibrated cooperation.

In this context, Mustafayev underscored the need to focus joint efforts on two key areas.

First, he argued for the revival of the “SCO–Afghanistan” Contact Group. This mechanism, he noted, has proven to be an effective tool for seeking consensus-based solutions on Afghan issues. Restoring the group’s activities would reassert the SCO’s role as a key regional platform for stabilizing Afghanistan. Crucially, it would help member states resume coordinated action aimed at curbing the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Second, Mustafayev stressed the importance of providing sustained socio-economic support to Afghanistan. In this regard, SCO member states could actively leverage the modern infrastructure built in Termez. Initiatives such as educational programs for Afghan youth, healthcare projects, and other humanitarian efforts would enhance the SCO’s credibility as a responsible and long-term donor to Afghanistan.