SCO: reflecting achievements

Six days, 10 world leaders and around 900 delegates; the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference in Islamabad was attended by countries that represented 40% of the world's population and over 30% of its gross domestic product (GDP). Over the past 27 years, the bloc has evolved significantly from the Shanghai Five group to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Through its commitment to regional cooperation, the organisation has created a legacy that will inspire future leaders in improving stability, security cooperation and socio-economic development. So, as Islamabad rolls out the red carpet for the summit guests, it is a good idea to look back and reflect on what the bloc has achieved over the past two decades. Originally established for military and security cooperation, the organisation served to resolve regional border disputes, coordinate military deployments and demonstrate a united position for the non-Western, so-called multipolar world order.