Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From 2 to 4 July 2025, the 13th World Peace Forum was held in Beijing under the theme “Promoting Global Peace and Prosperity: Shared Responsibility, Benefit, and Achievement.”

The event was organized by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs. It brought together more than 1,200 participants from 86 countries and regions, including former heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, and experts in global security and international relations.

Key topics discussed at the forum included strengthening regional stability and expanding Eurasian partnerships amid the ongoing transformation of the global order. Among the prominent guests were Han Zheng, Vice President of China; Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium and ex-President of the European Council; Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan; and other distinguished international figures.

A major highlight of the forum was the participation of Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of Uzbekistan, who spoke during a session dedicated to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) contribution to regional security. In his speech, Aripov emphasized that in its more than two decades of existence, the SCO has become a significant component of the global security architecture, uniting 26 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa — including members of the UN Security Council, G20, BRICS, and ASEAN.

SCO member states account for over 40% of the global population — more than 3.5 billion people — and approximately a quarter of the world’s GDP and 15% of global trade. In 2024, the combined GDP of SCO members reached US$25 trillion. The organization's strength and institutional maturity are evidenced by more than 80 international agreements, 35 statutory bodies, and 40 working mechanisms for cooperation.

As a clear example of SCO’s effectiveness, Aripov cited the work of its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which in the past three years uncovered and neutralized more than 200 terrorist cells and confiscated over 7,600 units of weapons. He also highlighted achievements in economic cooperation, noting that trade among SCO countries has increased 100-fold over the past two decades.

Aripov stressed that the unique strength of the SCO lies in its ability to unite countries with diverse cultural, political, and economic systems. Its non-bloc status, inclusive nature, and non-confrontational orientation make it especially attractive on the global stage.

At the same time, he noted the need for the organization to adapt to new global realities. The old system of global deterrence and multilateral institutions is eroding, giving way to a complex multipolar world, and trust in traditional governance mechanisms is declining.

To enhance SCO’s effectiveness in the security domain, Aripov proposed several concrete initiatives:

Expanding the mandate of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, transforming it into a Universal Center for Combating Terrorism, Cyber Threats, and Extremist Financing. He voiced concern over terrorists' growing use of digital platforms for propaganda, attack planning, and fundraising.

Establishing a Center to Combat Transnational Organized Crime in Bishkek and an Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe, both of which should be supported by legal authority, resources, and operational capabilities.

Aripov also advocated for the adoption of a Program to Counter Extremist Ideology for 2026–2030 at the upcoming SCO Summit in China. This initiative was proposed by the President of Uzbekistan and earlier introduced at the SCO Summit in Delhi.

Among other key priorities, he called for the development of a common SCO position on Afghanistan, stressing that isolating Kabul would only worsen the humanitarian and social crisis, creating fertile ground for radicalization. He urged the revival of the SCO–Afghanistan Contact Group to coordinate member states' approaches toward engagement.

In closing, Eldor Aripov underscored the importance of maintaining SCO unity and the “Shanghai Spirit,” as well as preserving its non-bloc status as a foundation for stability and trust. He expressed confidence that the SCO has all the necessary tools and potential to play a pivotal role in shaping a new regional security architecture.

Established in 2012, the World Peace Forum remains one of the world’s leading platforms for discussing issues of security and sustainable development, helping to forge balanced solutions to global challenges and foster international cooperation.