SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan – November 6, 2026 – The first expert dialogue on security issues under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus format convened in Samarkand with 33 delegations from 24 countries, representatives of five international organisations and more than 180 specialists from security agencies.
The event was held under the theme “Security in the Era of Digital Transformation: Countering Terrorism and Extremism in Light of Emerging Technologies,” focusing on contemporary security challenges, the use of digital technologies by terrorist and extremist groups, cybersecurity and international cooperation.
Lieutenant General Bahodir Kurbanov, Chairman of Uzbekistan's State Security Service, chaired the meeting.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward the initiative to establish the dialogue format at the SCO Summit in Astana in 2024. The proposal to hold the first expert meeting in Samarkand was subsequently discussed at the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin.
At the opening ceremony, Viktor Makhmudov, Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan, delivered the President's message to the participants.
The message highlighted the growing importance of international cooperation amid geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts and emerging security threats. It also noted that advances in digital technologies, while creating new opportunities, have introduced additional challenges, including cyberattacks, disinformation and the misuse of online platforms for extremist propaganda and recruitment.
Addressing Emerging Security Challenges
In his remarks, Kurbanov highlighted the growing use of modern information and communication technologies by terrorist and extremist organisations. He emphasised the importance of strengthening information exchange and practical cooperation among security agencies.
Kurbanov said:
“Rapid technological development requires countries to strengthen cooperation and improve their collective capacity to address emerging security threats, particularly those involving the misuse of digital technologies.”
SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev expressed appreciation to Uzbekistan for hosting the dialogue and noted the importance of the SCO Plus format in expanding engagement between member states, partner countries and international organisations.
He also referred to the organisation's ongoing security initiatives, including the establishment of mechanisms to address security challenges and combat drug trafficking, as well as programmes extending to 2030.
Alexander Zuev, Acting Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, highlighted the importance of international dialogue in assessing emerging threats, exchanging expertise and strengthening national capacities to counter terrorism.
He also referred to Uzbekistan's initiatives in the international security sphere, including the proposal to establish a regional office of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism in Uzbekistan.
Key Areas of Discussion and Outcomes
During the plenary session, participants discussed countering terrorism and extremism in cyberspace, preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence, identifying illicit activities conducted through digital technologies and addressing the financing of terrorist networks.
The discussions also covered preventive measures aimed at protecting young people from extremist influence, improving legal and institutional frameworks, and strengthening cooperation among national security agencies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the heads of delegations adopted a Joint Communiqué. The document outlined further areas of cooperation, including research into the impact of emerging technologies on terrorist threats, the exchange of effective preventive practices, specialised seminars and professional training programmes.
The first SCO Plus Expert Dialogue in Samarkand provided a platform for representatives of participating countries and international organisations to exchange views on contemporary security challenges and discuss practical approaches to strengthening international cooperation.
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