Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Afghanistan was not invited to the 2025 SCO summit in Tianjin, as member states stressed an inclusive government is essential for peace and regional stability.
The main session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened today, September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China, without Afghanistan’s participation. Despite being an observer state since 2005, Afghanistan was not invited to this year’s summit.
This marks the fourth consecutive year Afghanistan has been excluded from SCO meetings. The continued absence reflects concerns among member states over the political situation since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Member nations reiterated during the meeting that establishing an inclusive government representing all ethnic and political groups remains the only viable path toward lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The SCO members jointly underscored that meaningful political participation across Afghanistan society is essential for stability, signaling that regional cooperation will remain limited until concrete political reforms are undertaken.
Experts note that the exclusion highlights the international community’s broader stance: until the Taliban fulfills commitments on forming an inclusive government and respecting human rights, Afghanistan risks continued marginalization in regional bodies.
Afghanistan’s absence from influential forums such as the SCO may further isolate the country diplomatically. Without reforms, Kabul could lose opportunities for vital regional cooperation, trade, and security support.