Sustainable development remains SCO priority under Kyrgyzstan presidency: secretary‑general

Sustainable development remains a shared priority for all member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as Kyrgyzstan's presidency carries forward the theme set by China last year, SCO Secretary‑General Nurlan Yermekbayev has said.

In an interview with China Global Television Network ahead of the upcoming SCO summit 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Yermekbayev said that during China's 2025 rotating presidency, "sustainable development" was chosen as the theme, a focus that has continued into this year.

"When China was the rotating chair, it made 'sustainable development' the theme of its presidency. Since assuming the SCO's rotating presidency in September last year, Kyrgyzstan has adopted the theme '25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity.' I personally find this slogan very appealing, and it is profoundly meaningful," Yermekbayev said.

"On the one hand, it reflects the 25‑year development journey of the SCO. On the other, every word carries significant meaning. 'Together' means we cooperate closely to tackle various challenges. 'Together Towards Sustainable' continues last year's theme of sustainable development. And peace, development and prosperity are the core goals that the SCO has always pursued," he said.

Founded in 2001 to address regional security concerns, the SCO has evolved into a broad-based organization covering security, economic cooperation, connectivity, digital development and cultural exchanges. Its 25th founding anniversary this year comes at a time when countries across the world are facing growing uncertainties, making regional cooperation and stability increasingly important.

For many observers, the SCO's biggest achievement over the past 25 years is not simply its expansion in size, but its demonstration that countries with different political systems, economic models and cultural traditions can find common ground through dialogue and cooperation.

Experts said the upcoming Bishkek summit will provide a new opportunity for member states to strengthen consensus, align development strategies and explore fresh areas of cooperation, helping bring more stability and certainty to the region and beyond.

Against this backdrop, Yermekbayev emphasized the importance of sustainable development for the SCO's next phase.

"During Kyrgyzstan's presidency, 'sustainable development' remains a key priority for all member states, because it is a broad issue that touches on many different areas," he said.

Sustainable development remains SCO priority under Kyrgyzstan presidency: secretary‑general

A Chinese UN envoy urged Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory and respect its sovereignty after condemning Israeli attacks at a Security Council meeting Thursday.

Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said the Golan Heights was internationally recognized as occupied Syrian territory and that parties concerned must implement the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces.

"China condemns Israel's attacks on Syria and calls on all parties to genuinely respect Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. The Golan Heights is internationally recognized as occupied Syrian territory. The parties concerned are obligated to implement the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces. Israel should withdraw from Syrian territory as soon as possible," said Sun Lei.

The Security Council meeting addressed Syria's political transition and humanitarian situation, as the country experiences its largest voluntary return movement in more than a decade.

Nearly 2 million internally displaced Syrians and more than 1.7 million refugees have returned home since December 2024, according to United Nations figures, although humanitarian needs inside the country remain high.

Sun said Syria's transitional authorities should seize the opportunity to strengthen governance, pursue an inclusive political transition and accelerate economic reconstruction.

He said the process should be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, respect ethnic and religious differences, and protect the rights and interests of all groups equally.

Sun also said terrorism remained a major threat and urged Syria's transitional authorities to take firm action against all international terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council.

After more than a decade of conflict, Sun said Syrians did not want the country to be drawn back into war, adding that stability in Syria would help improve the broader situation in the Middle East.

China is ready to work with the international community to help Syria achieve security and development and promote an early return of peace and stability in the Middle East, he said.

Chinese envoy urges Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory