Editor's Note: Saud Faisal Malik is the CEO of The Daily CPEC. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) comes at a time when the globe faces increasing challenges and uncertainties. The Shanghai Spirit, characterized by an emphasis on equality, consultation, respect for the diversity of cultures, mutual trust, and mutual benefit, has served as the SCO's compass throughout the entirety of its 22-year history. The SCO has been instrumental in fostering greater political, economic, and security collaboration among its member states as an organization dedicated to advancing regional cooperation and development.

As reaffirmed in the Dushanbe Declaration on the organization's 20th anniversary, the SCO continues to be resolute in its commitment to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. This statement emphasized the significance of improving border security, combating economic crimes, and ending trafficking of illicit substances and weapons. The SCO also acknowledges the value of promoting economic cooperation and building an environment that is favorable for investment. It is essential to realize the SCO's potential for economic cooperation across a range of industries, including business, industry, transport, energy, finance, investment, agriculture, customs services, telecommunications, and innovation, in light of the present problems facing the world economy. The organization has also promoted cultural exchanges and economic collaboration among its members, giving NGOs useful forums for interaction and engagement.

As founding members and substantial contributors, China and Russia have played a significant role in SCO's development. The SCO's influence in local affairs has expanded as a result of its dedication and active engagement. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is in line with the SCO's goals, has been utilized to enhance connectivity, trade, and infrastructure expansion across the region.

Pakistan has taken an active part in SCO projects and partnerships ever since it became a full member in 2017. The nation has reiterated its dedication to promoting trade, and economic cooperation and fostering an investment-friendly environment based on the values of equality, competitiveness, respect for one another, and mutual gain. Pakistan, an essential SCO member, has also endorsed China's BRI and is working on collaborative initiatives that link the BRI and the Eurasian Economic Union.

However, the SCO faces a variety of difficulties, both internal and external, that put its effectiveness and influence in jeopardy. It has become increasingly challenging for the SCO to reach agreements and act in harmony as a result of the escalating geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine as well as the confrontation between Russia and the U.S. It takes diplomatic actions and communication to resolve these problems and build trust among member nations for the organization to function effectively.

External factors, especially India's membership in the American-led "Indo-Pacific" strategy, add complexity and raise the possibility of internal strife inside the SCO. It is a delicate undertaking to strike a balance between the various interests and goals of member nations in the face of outside pressures and geopolitical rivalry. To manage these issues and keep a consistent approach to regional cooperation, skillful diplomacy, and consensus-building are required.

The SCO is also hampered by the economic differences among its members. To close the gap and encourage inclusive growth among member countries, which differ in economic development and resource availability, coordinated measures are needed. Economic imbalances must be addressed through cooperative projects and shared development plans to achieve sustainable regional cooperation and guarantee fair benefits for all member nations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the SCO agenda even more complex. The global health crisis has harmed society and the economy, disrupted economies, and stressed healthcare systems. The SCO must modify its tactics and encourage cooperation among member states to address issues including vaccine distribution, healthcare coordination, and economic recovery.

Other difficulties include the unsolved Afghan issue, disagreements over member state borders, and a U.S.-led media effort to demonize China, Russia, and Iran. These difficulties might make it more difficult for SCO members to cooperate and compromise the efficiency of the group.

Despite these challenges, the SCO has been making efforts to adapt and overcome them. The organization should keep up its adherence to the concepts of shared, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security and refrain from turning into an instrument of geopolitical conflict. To enhance people's lives and preserve social and political stability, member nations must join hands to address conventional and unconventional security issues and foster economic exchanges.

The SCO should also accord high priority to build trust, encourage conversation, and enhance collaboration among member nations amid these difficulties. The SCO may position itself as a strong and productive platform for regional collaboration and collective advancement by tackling geopolitical issues, managing outside pressures, bridging economic gaps, thwarting security concerns, and swiftly reacting to the pandemic.

On the other hand, the SCO has several opportunities for its member countries that can positively influence the globe. Firstly, it offers a chance for better regional integration. To promote trade facilitation, investment promotion, and infrastructure development, member countries can make use of their proximity to one another and their complementary resources. The SCO can develop a linked zone that fosters shared prosperity and stability by enhancing economic cooperation.

An opportunity for communication and interaction between India and Pakistan is provided by their membership in the SCO. Despite current hostilities, the SCO offers a venue for bilateral talks and meetings that may result in progress and better relations. However, because bilateral conversations cannot be held in person, the summit's virtual nature could make it more difficult for these discussions to advance. However, the SCO may still support communication between Pakistan and India in a number of different contexts.

Future prospects for the SCO depend on taking advantage of the opportunities that have been provided and resolving the pitfalls that it is currently facing. The promotion of sustainable development, deepening economic cooperation, and enhancing security cooperation need to be the top priority. The SCO can unleash the region's economic potential and support global growth by putting programs into place that improve connectivity, commerce, and investment.

Moreover, the SCO should reinforce the foundations of its various organizations' political and legal systems and respect the ideals specified in the SCO Charter and the SCO Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation to improve governance efficiency. The SCO should also create a more comprehensive network of alliances and collaborate with the UN and the international community to create a regional order based on respect and cooperation.

The SCO's geographical reach and impact have increased with its expansion, which includes the addition of observer nations and dialogue partners. The SCO has been a major force behind both social change and global prosperity.  The SCO places a strong focus on cultural exchange and heritage site preservation, which strengthens the bond between its member nations.

The SCO Summit is a critical opportunity for member nations to handle opportunities and challenges amid global uncertainty. The SCO may establish itself as a powerful force for improvement by identifying and tackling geopolitical conflicts, outside pressures, economic inequalities, security risks, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SCO can maximize its potential to enhance peace, security, and prosperity in the area and beyond by cultivating mutual trust, expanding economic integration, fostering cultural exchanges, improving security cooperation, and working together on global concerns. The SCO can manage the complexity of the international scene and emerge as a light of stability, collaboration, and advancement via group efforts, cooperation, and dedication to common goals.