The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which convened its recent summit in October in Pakistan, has marked a significant shift in its focus. Traditionally recognized for addressing strategic and economic issues, the SCO now broadens its agenda to tackle non-traditional security threats such as climate change, food security, human welfare, and cybersecurity. This evolution in priorities reflects the organization’s commitment to adapting to the complex realities of the modern world.

For years, the SCO has been perceived as primarily focused on military cooperation and counterterrorism. While these remain critical, the organization’s role has expanded to include a holistic view of security that encompasses interconnected challenges. At its core, the SCO’s approach recognizes that security is not solely about military readiness but extends to the stability of human lives, ecosystems, and digital infrastructures.

The Evolving Landscape of Security

The emergence of non-traditional threats does not imply a diminished focus on traditional issues like terrorism and extremism. On the contrary, these challenges remain pivotal to the SCO’s agenda. Member states reaffirmed their commitment to collectively eliminate terrorism and extremism, which continue to threaten regional stability. However, there is increasing acknowledgment that these issues are intertwined with broader socio-economic problems. By addressing underlying causes such as poverty, climate vulnerability, and health insecurity, the SCO aims to adopt a more preventive and sustainable approach to combating extremism.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of human security in national and regional stability. Health........

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