Within the framework of its presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Kazakhstan will host on July 3 and 4, 2024, the 24th SCO Summit in the capital Astana for the fourth time in its history since the founding of the organisation after the years 2005, 2011, and 2017, and in light of accelerating global geopolitical and economic transformations, and escalating tensions and challenges that require regional and international coordination and cooperation more than ever before. This Summit is a prominent international event that brings together leaders and representatives of member states to discuss and coordinate joint efforts in several fields under the theme of enhancing regional cooperation and sustainable development, and developing the organizations role as a main platform for fruitful cooperation among its member states. Amid expectations of expanding the list of its member states, SCO is preparing to develop the scope of its influence and enhance its capabilities in confronting crises, w hich makes the world await the decisions and actions that this summit will produce, which could contribute to achieving stability and sustainable development in the region, and providing an effective model for international cooperation in the face of increasing global challenges. Astana's hosting of this summit comes at a time of increasing pressing global challenges, including climate change, food and energy security, the fight against terrorism, and cyber threats. Member states look forward to the Astana Summit 2024 being a turning point for the SCO, contributing to strengthening relations between member states, providing effective solutions to common challenges, and enhancing regional and international cooperation in various political, economic and military fields. Regarding files on the table of the Astana Summit 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev revealed, during a regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the SCO countries which was held last May, that the leaders of the organisation's countries will discuss more than 20 documents in Astana. The next Astana Summit of the SCO on July 3-4 will be held under the theme of "Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue - Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development", and this agenda will fully reflect one of the organizations main goals which is ensuring peace, security and stable development in the region, Tokayev said at the time. The Kazakh President stressed that these guidelines will be presented to the heads of state of the organization for consideration, adding that he is confident that their effective implementation will make a significant contribution to strengthening the full partnership within the organization. Last March, the special envoy of the Russian President for SCO affairs Bakhtiyor Khakimov said in a press statement that one of the most important documents that the heads of member states will consider is the proposal of the Council of Foreign Ministers regarding the development of the organization, which stipulates a set of measures related to improving the quality of the activities of the permanent bodies, re-coordinating interaction with dialogue partners and observers, giving additional impetus to work on the path of confronting challenges and threats, and combating terrorism, extremism, separatism, and drug trafficking. In the context of further expansion of the organization, Belarus is likely to be accepted as the 10th full member state of the organization at the Astana Summit 2024, according to what Secretary-General of the Organization Zhang Ming announced on June 6, during the 19th meeting of the SCO Forum in Tashkent. At the SCO Summit in Astana next month, a decision will be made regarding Belarus accession to the organization, and thus; the number of member states in the organization will reach a historic number. After more than 20 years of its development, the organization has transformed from a regional mechanism for meetings of heads of state into the largest comprehensive international organization, Min g said. According to international media reports, leaders of member states are expected to sign more than 20 economic and security documents at the summit, as these documents will include the Declaration of Astana, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations initiatives on global unity for just, peace and stability, and the roadmap to enhance cooperation with dialogue partners in the organization, and many others. Source: Qatar News Agency