Organisational Structure of SCO
The organizational structure of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Summit is designed to facilitate effective decision-making, coordination, and collaboration among member states. The summit operates within a framework guided by established protocols and procedures, ensuring that discussions and agreements reflect the collective interests and priorities of participating nations. Below is an overview of the organizational structure of the SCO Summit:
- Heads of State and Government: At the apex of the organizational structure are the heads of state or government of SCO member states. They attend the summit meetings to discuss and deliberate on key issues, make strategic decisions, and chart the course for the organization’s activities. The participation of top leadership underscores the importance and significance attached to the SCO Summit.
- Chairmanship: The SCO operates on a rotating chairmanship system, with member states taking turns to assume the role of the organization’s chair. The chairmanship rotates annually among member states in alphabetical order of their names in Russian. The chairmanship responsibilities include hosting the annual summit, setting the agenda, and presiding over the proceedings.
- Secretariat: The SCO Secretariat serves as the administrative arm of the organization, responsible for facilitating communication, coordination, and logistical support for summit meetings and other SCO activities. Headquartered in Beijing, China, the Secretariat plays a vital role in organizing and coordinating the summit, managing documentation, and providing administrative support to member states.
- Council of Heads of State: The Council of Heads of State is the highest decision-making body within the SCO framework. It convenes annually during the summit to discuss and approve key documents, agreements, and declarations. The council’s decisions shape the strategic direction and priorities of the organization, reflecting the consensus and collective will of member states.
- Council of Heads of Government: In addition to the Council of Heads of State, the SCO also has a Council of Heads of Government, which comprises the prime ministers or heads of government of member states. The council convenes regularly to address economic, trade, and development issues, as well as to coordinate regional cooperation initiatives.
- Working Groups and Committees: To address specific areas of cooperation, the SCO establishes working groups and committees focused on various thematic areas, such as security, economy, culture, and humanitarian affairs. These working groups and committees conduct detailed discussions, research, and planning on specific topics, providing recommendations and proposals to member states for consideration.
- Observers and Dialogue Partners: In addition to member states, the SCO Summit may also involve participation from observer states and dialogue partners. Observer states have expressed interest in the SCO’s activities and may attend summit meetings as observers, while dialogue partners engage in consultations and exchanges with the organization on specific issues of mutual interest.
Abbreviation | SCO |
---|---|
Predecessor | Shanghai Five |
Formation | 15 June 2001; 22 years ago |
Type | Mutual security, political, and economic cooperation |
Legal status | Regional cooperation forum |
Headquarters | Beijing, China (Secretariat) Tashkent, Uzbekistan (RATS Executive Committee) |
Members |
India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Observers: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia. |
Official Language | Chinese Russain |
Secretary General | Zhang Ming |
Deputy Secretaries-General |
Grigory Logvinov Sobirzoda Gulmakhmad Sohail Khan Shri Janesh Kain Nurlan Yermekbayev |
The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) |
Ruslan Mirzaev |
SCO Summit 2023 – Key Themes and Discussions
SCO Summit 2023: The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit took place virtually on July 4, 2023, with the top hierarchical body in the Eurasian organization, the SCO Council of Heads of State, meeting virtually. The summit was India’s first-ever chairmanship. The 2023 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit was a landmark in promoting cooperation and collaboration among its member states. Against a backdrop of changing geopolitical dynamics, the summit provided an avenue for leaders to discuss critical regional issues, strengthen diplomatic ties, and set a path for SCO’s future.
Table of Content
- Organisational structure of SCO
- Council of Heads of State in SCO summit,2023
- Key Themes and Discussions at the SCO Summit 2023
- Major Agreements and Declarations
- FAQ’s on SCO Summit,2023