Addressing the 25th leadership summit of the SCO in the Chinese city of Tianjin on Tuesday, Guterres highlighted the important role the bloc can play for a “more peaceful, multilateral and sustainable future.”
Pointing out that the world is rapidly moving towards a multipolar order, he said this path is largely facilitated and paved by developing economies that are transforming not only international trade but also the system of diplomatic relations.
Guterres also commended Chinese President Xi Jinping for his "Global Governance Initiative", saying the proposal is based on the principles of multilateralism and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the UN and a rule-based international system.
Xi had earlier criticized “bullying” practices while unveiling his 5-point initiative that consists of Sovereign Equality, Adherence to International Law, Multilateralism, People-Centered Approach, and Action-Oriented Coordination.
The two-day SCO summit brought together leaders from more than 20 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as representatives of 10 international organizations.
Founded in 2001 as a regional security bloc, the SCO has expanded in both membership and ambition, with its members collectively holding around 40% of the global population and significant energy reserves.
Iran, Russia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are full members of the group.
Leaders from about a dozen other countries, including Egypt, Nepal, and several Southeast Asian nations, attended the summit as SCO dialogue partners or guests.
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