SCO Blue Paper Outlines Sustainable Development Goals

A new blue paper released in Beijing outlines sustainable development progress within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The report, published by the China Institute of International Studies and the China SCO Research Center, reviews progress in poverty reduction, education, digital economy, and energy cooperation. Li Ziguo, Secretary-General of the China SCO Research Center, noted the organization faces a severe external environment due to regional hotspots and the rapid evolution of AI and digital technologies. He noted that sustainable development represents the most potential direction for cooperation among SCO nations amidst the accelerating digital and AI revolutions. Additionally, Zhou Sumeng, Vice President of the Russian Overseas Chinese Youth Federation, highlighted China's role in promoting green development and sharing desertification control and agricultural water technologies. China is also investing in new energy projects such as wind and solar power to assist ecological restoration in multiple countries. Ding Xuexiang shared five key perspectives regarding the development of artificial intelligence in China. Ding Xuexiang detailed five specific pillars for AI development, including independent innovation of core technologies and deep integration with the real economy. The strategy said integrating AI with the real economy and calls for open cooperation and enhanced regulation. The strategy focuses on maintaining security and control, improving institutional oversight, and promoting healthy, orderly AI development. It also covers cooperation in connectivity, vocational education, cross-border e-commerce, and energy. The forum discussing these findings opened in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.