Why in News?
Lahore has been designated the Tourism and Cultural Capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for 2026–27. The announcement was made during the 26th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in September 2026.
Key Highlights
- Lahore will hold the title of SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27.
- The initiative aims to promote tourism, cultural exchange and people-to-people contacts among SCO member states.
- The title is rotated annually among SCO member states and has been awarded since 2022.
- The decision to designate Lahore was taken in April 2026 during a meeting of the heads of tourism administrations of SCO member states in Bishkek.
- Pakistan assumed the SCO chairmanship for 2026–27 with the theme:
- “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”
Previous SCO Tourism and Cultural Capitals
The title has previously been held by:
- Varanasi, India – 2022–23
- Almaty, Kazakhstan – 2023–24
- Qingdao, China – 2024–25
- Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan – 2025–26
- Lahore, Pakistan – 2026–27
Significance
- The designation of Lahore is aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation and tourism connectivity among SCO countries. It also provides an opportunity to showcase Lahore’s historical and cultural heritage to visitors from across the SCO region.
- The initiative forms part of the SCO’s broader efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties and cultural cooperation alongside its political, economic and security agenda.
About SCO
- Established: 15 June 2001, Shanghai, China
- Origin: Shanghai Five (1996–97)
- Members: 10
- India joined: 2017
- Belarus joined: 2024
- Permanent bodies: SCO Secretariat (Beijing) and RATS (Tashkent)
- Official languages: Russian and Chinese
- Key principle: Shanghai Spirit - mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation and respect for sovereignty.
- Important: SCO is not a defence alliance.
