The Role of Smart Cities in Enhancing the SCO's Global Influence

In recent discussions held at the Global Mayors Dialogue during the SCO Summit Cities in Tianjin, officials and experts from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states underscored the critical contribution that cities make to the development of the SCO and its international influence. As China moves forward in its modernization efforts, the diverse experiences and innovations from Chinese cities regarding smart technology, sustainable development, and green economies are invaluable for the future growth and collaboration within the SCO.

Tianjin, poised to become the SCO's capital city during the upcoming summit, is focusing on its goal to establish itself as a world-class smart and green port. Wang Xu, the city's executive vice-mayor, highlighted various initiatives including the opening of new routes to cities like Tashkent and Minsk, as well as the establishment of pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce. These efforts also aim to create a digital trade platform to foster logistical cooperation among member countries.

Former SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov acknowledged the organization's emergence as the largest trans-regional entity, influencing far beyond the Eurasian landscape. He stressed that this influence is supported by the active roles of cities of all sizes as pivots for innovation and cultural exchange. The SCO encompasses over 40% of the global population, much of which resides in urban areas, making the contribution of cities even more significant.

Experts have noted that urban centers remain the most accurate indicators of a nation's developmental state. Aziz Kanatbek from Kyrgyzstan's Research Institute of Geopolitics and Strategy pointed out that well-governed and orderly cities denote a country’s effective administration and stability. He expressed interest in leveraging Tianjin’s experience to foster the development of Kyrgyzstan's own smart city initiatives.

Kazakhstan's Gulnar Shaimergenova emphasized SCO's transition to a people-centric platform, which integrates cultural sustainability with technological advancements in governance. This dual focus serves as an inspiration for collective progress in urban governance that respects historical traditions while embracing modernity.

In discussions, Tajikistan's Parvina Mukhamadalievna Nematova stressed the importance of inter-country collaboration, especially within the SCO framework, for sustainable urban development. She remarked that China's leading role in digital innovation could serve as a roadmap for nations like Tajikistan seeking to integrate advanced technologies into public governance efficiently.

After several decades of extensive development, Tianjin has emerged as a modern international port city, proudly housing one of the world's top ten ports. Its strategic position with 147 container routes facilitates global commerce. Sun Zhuangzhi from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences noted that as the SCO expands, identifying common goals becomes increasingly challenging. However, he asserted that enhanced cooperation among the over 1,000 cities within the SCO will energize alliances, thereby improving not only urban governance but also elevating living standards for their citizens.

As the SCO aims to strengthen its global influence, the pivotal role played by smart cities cannot be overstated. They not only serve as catalysts for technological and economic advancements but also foster community ties, cultural exchanges, and mutual growth among member nations. This collaboration serves as a clear pathway to achieving not only stability and prosperity within the SCO but also establishing a robust global presence that benefits its members and their populations.