The SCO Forum in Omsk proposed the creation of unified mechanisms for sustainable development
The First International SCO Sustainable Development Forum was held in Omsk. The expert platform brought together representatives from 6 countries, including Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan and Belarus. The focus is on the coordination of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the development of the ESG agenda and the formation of sustainable financing mechanisms.
Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He stressed the importance of the forum as a platform for developing a long-term strategy of the SCO member states in the field of sustainable development, and also noted the need for convergence of approaches to the implementation of the SDGs in the economic, social and environmental spheres.
The Association of Clusters, Technoparks and SEZs of Russia, which co-organized the event jointly with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Omsk Region, played a key role in the organization and substantive agenda of the forum. The Association provided expert support for the discussions, including the development of proposals for the formation of a unified methodology for assessing the contribution of regions to achieving the SDGs.
Mikhail Labudin, Director of the Association, moderated the plenary session "SCO 2030: the Path to Sustainable Development". During his speech, he outlined the key objectives of the forum and stressed the need to move from discussion to developing concrete solutions.
"Our main goal is to create an effective platform for the exchange of best practices in the field of implementing the principles of the SDGs in the SCO countries. This is especially important on the eve of the year of Russia's presidency in the SCO in 2025. We plan to develop specific proposals on common approaches to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as identify support measures for relevant projects. Following the results of the forum, we intend to apply to the SCO secretariat with an initiative to include these proposals at the level of the governments of the participating countries," Mikhail Labudin said.
The forum included discussions on ESG ratings, national projects as a tool for implementing the SDGs, sustainable financing, and the role of infrastructure sites in the transformation of territories. Among the participants are representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Bank of Russia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, JSC PSB, international financial organizations, as well as experts from China, India and Kazakhstan.
Special attention was paid to the creation of a unified ESG assessment architecture within the SCO. The participants proposed to develop a universal ESG standard for infrastructure sites and launch pilot projects on "green" industrial zones in the participating countries.
In addition to expert discussions, youth initiatives have taken an important place on the agenda. The participants proposed projects on sustainable investment, environmental policy and social adaptation of international students. According to the organizers, such formats will become an integral part of future forums.
Following the event, Mikhail Labudin announced a proposal to establish the SCO Sustainable Development Council, which could coordinate the joint agenda of the countries, accumulate best practices and ensure the integration of sustainable development goals into national and regional strategies.