SCO Leaders Call for Unlocking the UN’s Full Potential and Rejecting Double Standards and the ‘Law of the Jungle’
— Global Journal | Bishkek | September 1, 2026
Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) have called for a stronger and more effective United Nations, while urging the international community to reject double standards, unilateral dominance and the so-called “law of the jungle.” The remarks came during the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek, where leaders discussed reforming global governance and advancing a more multipolar international order.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the UN’s considerable potential remains underused. He called for improving the organisation’s effectiveness, expanding representation of the Global South and East in its bodies, including the Security Council, and adapting the UN to changing political and economic realities.
Putin Calls for a More Representative UN
Putin acknowledged that countries are not always satisfied with everything the UN does, but said this has been the case throughout much of the organisation’s history.
He stressed that the UN should remain the main mechanism for coordinating the interests of different states and should not be used to advance the interests of any single country or group.
The Russian president also described the emergence of a fair multipolar world order as an objective and irreversible process.
Xi Rejects ‘Law of the Jungle’ and Double Standards
Chinese President Xi Jinping said the emergence of a multipolar world is an irreversible historical process.
He called on the international community to reject double standards, exceptionalism, interference, bullying and the “law of the jungle,” while promoting greater democratisation of international relations.
Xi also called on SCO members to work together to restore the authority of the United Nations and give the organisation renewed momentum.
Lukashenko Calls for UN Revival
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the SCO could contribute to revitalising the UN and restoring its role as a platform for resolving major global problems.
He argued that reforming the UN requires not only changes in leadership but also a stronger culture of interstate relations based on mutual respect and dialogue.
Lukashenko also called for SCO initiatives on issues including unilateral coercive measures, investment, customs procedures, the digital economy and transport connectivity.
Rahmon Supports a Fair and Inclusive World Order
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said the UN and SCO could play a greater role in building a fair, inclusive and sustainable world order based on shared values and constructive engagement.
Japarov Urges Stronger UN
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said the UN is not a perfect institution, but its shortcomings should not be used as a reason to weaken or bypass it.
He instead called for strengthening the UN collectively, improving its effectiveness and adapting its mechanisms to contemporary global realities.
Tokayev Calls for a World Free of the ‘Cult of Force’
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for an international order in which confrontation and the “cult of force” give way to mutual responsibility, joint development and long-term cooperation.
He said there is no alternative to the UN and that it should remain at the core of the international system.
A Common Message on Multipolarity
The SCO Plus meeting produced a broad message in favour of a more representative and effective multilateral system. The participating leaders emphasised UN reform, greater representation for developing and emerging countries, respect for sovereignty, dialogue and opposition to unilateral dominance and double standards.
The discussions come as the SCO seeks to strengthen its role in an increasingly multipolar global order.
— Global Journal | Bishkek | September 1, 2026
Source: TASS
