On 26 June, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held their fourth Secretariat-to-Secretariat Dialogue in New York, co-chaired by Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari and SCO Deputy Secretary-General Ahmad Saidmurodzoda.
The participants reviewed cooperation between the United Nations and the SCO and exchanged views on key regional trends and developments. Participants underscored the importance of multilateralism, preventive diplomacy and strengthened cooperation between the UN and regional organizations in an increasingly complex global context.
Discussions focused on Central Asia, where both organizations have developed close cooperation, including through engagement with the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) and the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. Participants highlighted the region’s growing role in promoting dialogue, confidence-building and regional ownership of peace and security initiatives.
Afghanistan featured prominently in the discussions. Participants exchanged views on the security, political, humanitarian and socio-economic situation, including counter-narcotics efforts, regional connectivity, human rights and the need for continued international engagement. Both sides stressed the importance of a stable Afghanistan for regional security and prosperity and discussed ongoing efforts to support dialogue and cooperation.
The meeting also addressed counter-terrorism, violent extremism, drug trafficking and other transnational threats, as well as climate, peace and security, highlighting the impact of climate change, water scarcity and environmental degradation on stability and development across Central Asia and Afghanistan.
The SCO briefed participants on its ongoing modernization process, preparations for the upcoming Bishkek Summit, and initiatives related to environmental protection, regional security and institutional development. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expand practical cooperation on shared priorities, including women, peace and security, youth engagement, climate and regional stability.
