Samarkand will host the first SCO expert dialogue on security
On November 5–6, representatives of 24 states and five international structures will gather in Samarkand to discuss security threats in the digital age.
Samarkand to Host First SCO Expert Dialogue on Security
On November 5–6, 2026, Samarkand will host the first expert "SCO Plus Dialogue on Security Issues." At the meeting, participants will discuss countering terrorism and extremism, taking into account the development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
The event will take place under the chairmanship of the Head of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan, Colonel-General Bakhtiyor Kurbanov.
The meeting will be attended by heads and representatives of special services of the SCO member states, observer countries, dialogue partners, international organizations, as well as invited guests. A total of 33 delegations from 24 states and five international structures are expected.
The main topic of discussion will be "Security in the Era of Digital Transformation: Countering Terrorism and Extremism Taking into Account the Development of New Technologies." Participants will exchange views on how advanced technologies and artificial intelligence affect the nature of modern security challenges and threats.
The initiative to create the expert format belongs to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He first proposed it at the SCO summit in Astana in 2024.
In 2025, at a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO Member States in Tianjin, China, it was proposed to hold the first meeting in Samarkand.
Following the dialogue, the heads of delegations intend to define specific tasks and priority areas of cooperation in the fight against international terrorism and extremism in the context of digital transformation.