Belarus sets main areas of ICT cooperation within SCO

MINSK, 27 April (BelTA) - Belarus has identified the main areas of cooperation within the SCO in the ICT sector for the near future at the 5th Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Agencies of SCO Member States Responsible for the Development of Information and Communication Technologies, BelTA learned from the Belarusian Communications and Informatization Ministry.

On 27-28 April 2026, Belarusian Communications and Informatization Minister Kirill Zalesky is on a visit to Kyrgyzstan to participate in an event aimed at further developing and deepening cooperation among SCO member states in the field of ICT and digital development, as well as at developing coordinated approaches to the use and regulation of artificial intelligence technologies, taking into account national priorities and international trends.

During the ministerial meeting, the parties discussed pressing issues of digital transformation, the implementation of ICT and AI in public administration and key economic sectors, as well as the exchange of experience in implementing state programs and strategies in the ICT field. Special attention was paid to ensuring trust and security in the digital environment, as well as the legal and ethical aspects of applying AI technologies.

During the plenary session, Kirill Zalesky delivered a report on digital development and cooperation within the SCO on the implementation and development of AI technologies. Following the meeting, a protocol was signed outlining promising areas of cooperation in the ICT sector within the organization for the coming year.

An AI forum was held as part of the meeting in Bishkek. The event served as an expert and dialogue platform for discussing practical aspects of implementing and using AI technologies.

Participants discussed successful examples from the practices of SCO countries, as well as ways to improve interaction between government structures, businesses, scientific and educational institutions, including opportunities for joint initiatives.

The 5th Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Agencies of SCO Member States Responsible for the Development of Information and Communication Technologies is attended by leadership from ministries and authorized government bodies in the ICT field of SCO member states, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations, businesses, IT companies, research organizations, and the expert community.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a permanent international organization whose establishment was announced in Shanghai, China on 15 June 2001. In July 2024, the Republic of Belarus joined the SCO and became the tenth full member of the organization. 

Photo courtesy of the Belarusian Communications and Informatization Ministry