Azerbaijan’s emerging middle power status and the growing global significance of the C6 format discussed at SCO Think Tank Forum

A delegation from the Center of Analysis of International Relations participated extensively in the 2026 SCO Think Tank Forum, held on June 7–8 under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The forum, themed “Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in an Era of Global Transformation: Facing Challenges and Moving Forward,” was jointly organized by the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, the China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, the China Institute of International Studies, and the China Center for SCO Studies.

On the first day of the forum, AIR Center Chairman Farid Shafiyev delivered a comprehensive presentation during the plenary session on “Prospects for the Development of the SCO.” He described the SCO as an important platform for multilateral cooperation and diplomacy and emphasized the need to improve decision making mechanisms in light of the organization’s expansion. Shafiyev noted that SCO membership could offer Azerbaijan significant economic, political and strategic opportunities in line with its balanced foreign policy course.

On the second day, AIR Center and SHUPL jointly organized a parallel event titled “China and the South Caucasus: Reviving the Silk Road Together.”

Moderated by Chen Yurong, founding secretary general of the China Center for SCO Studies, the event brought together representatives from AIR Center, the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, and Fudan University. Participants exchanged views on the growing role of the South Caucasus in expanding transportation and trade links across Eurasia, as well as in the development of the modern Silk Road.

Addressing the event, Farid Shafiyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s strengthening position as a key hub for strategic transport and trade corridors linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Europe. He also noted that the country is steadily advancing toward middle power status at the regional level. Furthermore, he stressed the increasing international importance of the C6 format, which brings together Azerbaijan and the Central Asian states through pragmatic and result oriented initiatives.

AIR Center experts Yunis Gurbanov, Roza Bayramli, Vusal Guliyev and Nurad Mammadov also delivered presentations on Azerbaijan’s foreign policy based on national interests and aimed at promoting partnership and cooperation, Azerbaijan–Central Asia cooperation, the Azerbaijan–China green energy partnership, as well as the role of infrastructure projects and people to people ties in reviving the Silk Road.

It should be noted that discussions during the forum also focused on the SCO’s institutional development and achievements over the past 25 years, Central Asia’s position within the organization and prospects for cooperation, as well as the SCO’s future development trajectory and strategic vision.