On May 21, 2026, the Forum of Think Tanks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Member States opened in Bishkek under the chairmanship of the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The theme of the Forum is "The SCO in the Context of the Transformation of the Global Order. The Role and Significance of Think Tanks: Challenges and Opportunities." During four panel sessions of the Forum participants discussed issues of security and sustainability of the SCO region amid global turbulence, economic integration and transport-digital connectivity, the formation of a common intellectual space, as well as the development prospects of mountain regions.
The event was attended by representatives of key research institutes and analytical structures from all ten SCO member states.
Deputy Secretary-General Sohail Khan delivered a welcoming address on behalf of the SCO Secretariat.
He spoke about the priority areas of the SCO's work in the fields of politics and security, economy and culture. He emphasized that the Kyrgyz side, as Chair of the Organisation, has put forward a number of significant initiatives, including the convening of the SCO Think Tank Forum, which rightfully aspires to the status of a reputable expert platform for discussing practical aspects of cooperation among member states.
He noted that holding the Forum could serve as a basis for aligning the Kyrgyz side's initiative with the activities of the SCO Forum, as well as with other similar proposals from expert structures of the member states.