Farid Shafiyev calls for more flexible decision-making mechanisms within SCO

Although many experts and politicians speak of a crisis of multilateralism, wars and conflicts have made diplomacy and multilateral cooperation more necessary than ever, Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), Farid Shafiyev, said during a plenary session on the first day of the 2026 SCO Think Tank Forum.

Highlighting the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a coordinated platform for addressing regional and global issues, Shafiyev stressed the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation and improve flexible decision-making mechanisms within the organization.

According to him, the SCO's expansion has brought certain challenges, as reaching consensus is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Azerbaijan’s aspiration to upgrade its partnership status is currently being blocked by one member state. The principle of consensus remains important because it reflects the equality of member states. At the same time, the organization should develop mechanisms that prevent any single member from indefinitely obstructing initiatives supported by the majority,” he said.

Shafiyev noted that as the number of member states grows, differences in national interests may create delays and difficulties in decision-making.

“Therefore, procedures that encourage compromise, strengthen consultations and create alternative avenues for cooperation among states can help the organization remain both effective and inclusive,” he added.

The AIR Center chairman also underlined the importance of the SCO’s approach toward countries of the Global South, noting that it should contribute to more effective multilateral mechanisms, ensure equal opportunities for Global South nations and safeguard the priorities of regional states.Concluding his remarks, Shafiyev emphasized that SCO membership offers Azerbaijan significant economic, political and strategic opportunities consistent with the country's balanced and multi-vector foreign policy priorities.