The 20th Meeting of Chief Justices of Supreme Courts of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States was held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on Wednesday, marking a step forward in regional judicial cooperation.
Judiciary officials agreed to further deepen exchanges and cooperation and uphold the "Shanghai Spirit," a set of principles that include mutual benefit, consultation, and respect for diversity.
"The theme of this conference - building a high-level judicial cooperation platform and promoting the 'Shanghai Spirit' - is more practical and significant than ever before. In the context of global challenges and transformations faced by the international community, the role of judicial systems in ensuring stability, security and justice is becoming more vital than ever," said Batir Tursunov, deputy secretary general of Shanghai Cooperation Organization
The discussions centered on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, terrorism, the protection of minors, and the evolving role of the courts in preventing and resolving disputes.
"Our efforts to address relevant issues can only achieve tangible results through efficient coordination within the SCO framework," said Bakhtiyar Islamov, chairman of the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan.
Respecting the diverse legal traditions and identifying areas for collaboration were both stressed at the meeting.
"Certainly, the strength of the Shanghai Cooperation region lies in the diversity of our distinct legal traditions and approaches. And I believe it is our duty to preserve that diversity with utmost respect. However, at the same time, in areas where our interests converge, such as commercial arbitration, environmental protection and human rights, we could benefit greatly by working together toward shared standards," said Yahya Afridi, chief justice of Pakistan.
According to the joint statement released after the meeting, judiciary officials reached consensus on areas such as deepening practical cooperation in cybersecurity and digital governance, actively promoting the deep integration of technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and big data into court work, and deepening experience exchanges and practical cooperation in the judicial protection of minors.
The joint statement proposed that the supreme courts of the SCO member states should uphold the fine tradition of unity and collaboration, adhere to the path of cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit, and pursue the values of fairness and justice, so as to further consolidate and deepen judicial exchanges and cooperation under the SCO framework.
Chief Justices of SCO member states convene in China to forge cross-border consensus
