On 17 May 2021, an interactive online dialogue was held, at the UN initiative, between the SCO Secretariat and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) of the UN Secretariat.
The participants discussed further coordination of their efforts to maintain and strengthen security and stability in Central Asia with due regard for the developments in Afghanistan, as well as efforts to promote mutually beneficial economic relations and strengthen the constructive role of young people and women in all spheres of society.
The first Secretariat-to-Secretariat dialogue began with opening remarks by SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov and Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas Miroslav Jenca.
They pointed out that in the 20 years since its establishment the SCO had become a leading body of regional diplomacy in Eurasia and a major partner for the UN in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
They also noted the importance of the resolution on cooperation between the two organisations, which was adopted at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly in April 2021.
They also noted the importance of the resolution on cooperation between the two organisations, which was adopted at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly in April 2021.
In this context, they discussed the development of their cooperation at the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group and reaffirmed the Shanghai group's support for the UN's central and coordinating role in promoting multilateral cooperation aimed at stabilisation and development in Afghanistan.
The sides expressed readiness to deepen SCO's cooperation with UN bodies aimed at implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia, combating drug trafficking and implementing infrastructure projects to strengthen regional connectivity.
They also highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue on youth policies and strengthening women's role in society.
They also highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue on youth policies and strengthening women's role in society.
ASG for Europe, Central Asia and Americas Miroslav Jenca congratulated his colleagues on the upcoming anniversary of the SCO and called for building up interaction between the two organisations to mitigate the negative consequences of COVID-19 and to promote a comprehensive and sustainable development in the region.
During the interactive dialogue, SCO officials led by Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Haizhou exchanged views with their UN colleagues regarding their current priorities and future plans in the spheres of common interest.
On 2 December 2004, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was granted observer status at the UN General Assembly. On 5 April 2010, the SCO Secretary-General and the UN Secretary-General signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation between the Secretariats of the SCO and the UN. After that, several resolutions on cooperation between the SCO and the UN have been signed, including Resolution 64/183 of 18 December 2009, Resolution 65/124 of 13 December 2010, Resolution 67/15 of 19 November 2012, Resolution 69/11 of 11 November 2014, Resolution 71/14 of 21 November 2016, Resolution 73/334 of 30 August 2019 and Resolution 75/69 of 16 April 2021.