Strengthening Urban Ties: The Role of Cities in the SCO Community Development

Strengthening Urban Ties: The Role of Cities in the SCO Community Development



Recent discussions among officials from key cities involved in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) highlight the importance of urban cooperation as a critical driver for regional integration. The Global Mayors Dialogue, held ahead of the upcoming Tianjin summit, brought together senior city officials, media representatives, and thought leaders to explore innovative collaboration strategies centering on connectivity, digitization, and cultural exchanges.

Tianjin, which is set to host the SCO summit in the autumn, marks a significant milestone as this will be its fifth time hosting since the organization was established in 2001. Executive Vice-Mayor Wang Xu emphasized the city's eagerness to work collaboratively with other SCO cities, aiming to enhance city governance and further develop the Belt and Road Initiative. Wang advocated for cohesive efforts to bolster industrial cooperation and economic ties while encouraging the creation of smart, well-managed cities. He stated, "By investing in advanced technologies like big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, we can cultivate smarter governance and predictive urban planning."

Qu Yingpu, the publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, reinforced that major SCO cities serve as essential engines for economic expansion and should ramp up coordination to address common challenges. He elaborated on the significance of mutual respect and productive exchanges among SCO cities, urging leaders to foster deep-rooted relationships.

The Publicity Department's head in Tianjin, Shen Lei, expressed optimism that the summit would facilitate greater cross-border cooperation. She remarked on the importance of building platforms for connectivity and enhancing both physical and resource-based linkages. With existing partnerships in place, Tianjin has established sister-city relationships with 103 cities across 54 countries, 20 of which are within SCO member nations. These alliances already yield positive outcomes, with urban planners from Tianjin collaborating on the Asman city project in Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, a new freight train route connecting Tianjin to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has recently begun operations, enhancing logistical ties.

As the mayor of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Aibek Dzhunushaliev discussed his city’s commitment to cultivating joint initiatives in areas like transportation and green energy. He stated, "Dialogue between cities is essential for establishing people-to-people diplomacy. This is vital for sustainable development and long-term peace."

Meanwhile, Alexander Beglov, governor of St. Petersburg, pointed out the complementary nature of SCO cities’ economies, presenting considerable opportunities for industrial partnerships and mutual investments. He highlighted the relevance of creating a digital platform that facilitates unified cooperation among these urban centers. Collaboration through state-of-the-art technologies, including AI and data analytics, paves the way towards smarter cities.

Cui Li, vice-chairperson of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the SCO, urged the cities within the SCO to jointly work towards the sustainability goals outlined for this year. She proposed the establishment of additional sister-city relationships to foster sharing best practices in urban development, emphasizing the relevance of eco-friendly initiatives.

The deputy secretary-general of the SCO Secretariat, Shri Janesh Kain, described cities hosting SCO summits as symbols of openness and inclusiveness, essential for mutual learning among diverse civilizations. He reiterated the belief that urban cooperation will significantly impact various sectors, from environmental protection to cultural tourism.

In conclusion, the forthcoming summit in Tianjin promises to reinforce the bonds among SCO cities, serving as a testament to collaborative efforts that aim for shared prosperity and accelerated development across the region. By focusing on innovative urban strategies and people-to-people connections, these cities are poised to strengthen their role in the SCO framework, building a more integrated and sustainable future for all member states.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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