Editor's Note: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is marking its 25th anniversary as its role in regional cooperation and global governance continues to grow. What has driven the SCO's expansion, and what role can it play in a changing world? How can its members strengthen cooperation while advancing a more equitable global governance system?

On Leaders Talk, CMG's He Yanke speaks with Nurlan Yermekbayev, secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ahead of the 2026 SCO Bishkek Summit. They explore the SCO's evolution over the past 25 years, its growing family of members and its distinctive model of cooperation based on mutual trust, equality and respect for the diversity of civilizations. Yermekbayev also examines China's Global Governance Initiative and its alignment with the "Shanghai Spirit," highlighting the initiative's people-centered approach and its relevance to the SCO's future development.