From March 24 to 27, 2026, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) was held in Hainan Province, China, under the theme "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, Opportunities, and Cooperation."
The Forum's plenary session was opened by Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China. He noted the Forum’s growing role as a prestigious platform for promoting broader exchanges and cooperation between the states of Asia and other regions. He also emphasized the need to further strengthen solidarity and coordination in order to address common challenges.
During the panel session titled "Improving Global Economic Governance: The Role of Global South Countries," Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, highlighted that Global South countries are the primary driver of global economic growth. He noted that the SCO, which accounts for 40% of the world's population and approximately one quarter of global GDP, actively contributes to strengthening the position of Global South countries on the international stage.
Sohail Khan also emphasized that amid global instability and economic challenges, the SCO member states remain committed to the norms and principles of international law, advocating for multilateralism and equitable, mutually beneficial cooperation. The Organization is becoming an increasingly significant actor in building fair global governance aimed at supporting the process of sustainable development.