SCO expands cooperation on AI, computing and information security
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has adopted a package of measures on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and information security, including plans for regional computing capacity and closer cooperation among member states.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has adopted a series of measures on artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and information security at its Council of Heads of State summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, held from 31 August to 1 September 2026.
Among the 28 documents adopted at the summit was a concept for establishing regional data processing centres and computing capacity and developing the AI industry within the SCO. Member states also signed a memorandum on cooperation in AI and approved a 2026–2028 plan on international information security.
The Bishkek Declaration, marking the SCO’s 25th anniversary, also calls for the safe and responsible use of AI. It highlights the need to prevent AI from being used to harm people or threaten national security, territorial integrity or state sovereignty. The declaration also raises concerns about information security and the protection of critical information infrastructure.
Several countries proposed additional digital initiatives during the summit. China announced plans for an international AI application cooperation centre with SCO countries and 100 technology cooperation projects over three years. Uzbekistan proposed creating an Open Multilingual SCO Data Corpus and closer institutional links with the World AI Cooperation Organization.
Kazakhstan proposed a Unified SCO Digital Transit Platform for tracking cargo and a regional network of AI centres involving universities, research institutions and technology companies. Tajikistan suggested developing a Regional Digital Agro-Ecological Platform.
Pakistan, which assumed the SCO chairmanship for 2026–2027, identified AI and information technology among its priorities and proposed a sovereign AI infrastructure and governance framework focused on responsible and inclusive development.
The measures build on work carried out during Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship earlier in 2026, including preparations for regional data centre and computing initiatives and an international information security plan. The package places AI infrastructure, digital capacity and information security among the main areas for continued digital cooperation within the SCO.
