The leaders also approved a concept for establishing regional data-processing centres and computing capacities and developing the artificial-intelligence industry within the SCO, as well as a cooperation plan on international information security for 2026–2028.
The 26th Council of Heads of State meeting concluded in Bishkek on Tuesday with the adoption and signing of 28 documents covering transport and logistics, artificial intelligence, energy, green technology, security and other areas of cooperation.
This is what the map of the new world looks like.
— China pulse 🇨🇳 (@Eng_china5) September 1, 2026
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, leaders of 10 member states gathered, including China, Russia, India, Iran, and Pakistan.
At the center of the scene, Chinese President Xi Jinping stands in the middle…
The summit also adopted statements on cooperation in energy conservation and energy efficiency and on cooperation in energy systems, as well as a declaration on strengthening multilateral partnership on nuclear and physical nuclear security.
The package includes programmes on combating drug addiction through 2030 and coordinating measures against the spread of synthetic drugs and their precursors through 2030, together with an agreement establishing regulations for the SCO Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to the Security of SCO Member States.
Four additional documents were signed during the heads-of-state meeting. They cover amendments to the SCO agreement on cooperation in combating crime, cooperation on climate change, cooperation in artificial intelligence and cooperation in the information sphere.
The summit also designated Lahore, Pakistan, as the SCO Tourist and Cultural Capital for 2026–2027.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on 1 September 2026. pic.twitter.com/Ydlk1f2R5C
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 1, 2026
The SCO Secretariat said its Council of National Coordinators had met in Bishkek from Aug. 27 to 31 to discuss the substantive agenda of the heads-of-state meeting and review documents prepared for consideration and signing by the leaders.
The summit was chaired by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who handed the SCO chairmanship to Pakistan following the meeting.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says the country’s participation in the SCO is focused on areas including trade, investment, energy, innovation, transport and connectivity, while describing Pakistan’s geographical position as providing opportunities for stronger links among SCO member states.
Pakistan will hold the SCO chairmanship for the coming cycle and host the next Council of Heads of State meeting in Islamabad in 2027, according to Pakistan’s official information on its SCO engagement.
