On October 11-12, 2023, the Institute for Advanced International Studies organized a roundtable discussion on "Current Challenges and Future Prospects of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)" joint with the Institute of Foreign Policy Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

The expert discussions focused on enhancing stability and security within the SCO region, prospects for SCO cooperation with other regional organizations, economic development, transportation and energy, ecology, and digital technologies. Special attention was given to the prospects of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the SCO for 2023-2024.

During the discussions, participants highlighted the fact that the SCO has entered its third decade of existence against the backdrop of complex global processes characterized by a fundamental transformation of the entire international relations system and global economy and trade, accompanied by an overall increase in instability.

Analyzing the future prospects of the SCO, Uzbek and Kazakh experts reached a consensus that in the process of global development, significant importance will be attributed to those structures that have managed to maintain their non-bloc status in the current era of global change, and whose international relations are built not on the principle of "against anyone" but on the basis of constructive mutually beneficial cooperation.

The roundtable discussion served as a platform for valuable insights and fruitful exchanges of ideas among experts, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the SCO. The outcomes of this event will contribute to enhancing regional cooperation and shaping the future trajectory of the organization.