SCO unveils its AI plans in the Tianjin Declaration, promoting “AI for Good” for safe and collaborative AI development.
Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) set a clear path for AI development and safety during the Tianjin Summit on August 31–September 1, 2025. The Tianjin Declaration emphasises “AI for good”, aiming to ensure technology benefits society while minimising risks.
Equal Rights and Multilateral Cooperation
The declaration underscores that all SCO member states have equal rights to develop and use AI, echoing the UN resolution on international cooperation in AI capacity building.
SCO departments have already drawn up several cooperation agreements to promote sustainable AI development and maximise its economic and social impact. Deputy Secretary-General Oleg Kopylov called AI cooperation “one of the fastest-growing and most important areas” in the organisation.
AI Boosts Economies and Governance—but Risks Persist
Experts note that some SCO countries started late in tech and digital development. Cooperation can help them catch up and strengthen competitiveness. AI can also support economic growth and modern governance.
Yet AI comes with challenges. Issues include data security, opaque algorithms, and occasional model errors. Misuse or abuse is also a concern. The Tianjin Declaration calls for a human-centred approach, aiming to make AI safer, more controllable, reliable, transparent, inclusive, trustworthy, and fair.
The SCO’s cooperation framework provides a strong foundation for member states’ AI development. Close collaboration can help them keep pace with global AI trends. Looking forward, the organisation may promote cross-border data standards and regional talent programs, gradually building a self-reliant, sustainable regional innovation ecosystem.
Additional reporting by CNS, Xinhua.
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