Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States on Strengthening Multilateral Partnership for Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security

The Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereinafter referred to as the “SCO”),

bound by historical ties, centuries-old traditions of good-neighborliness and mutual respect,

declare their commitment to the SCO Charter, the Charter of the United Nations and universally recognized principles and norms of international law, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs,

guided by the “Shanghai Spirit” of “mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development”,

affirming that responsibility for nuclear security rests entirely with the State, and noting that responsibility for nuclear safety rests with the operating organizations of nuclear facilities and the States in which nuclear facilities are located,

attaching great importance to nuclear safety and nuclear security issues, which are important elements of international security directly affecting the lives of the peoples of the SCO Member States,

expressing deep concern over illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and other radioactive substances, threats to nuclear facilities and infrastructure (including computer security), and the risk of nuclear terrorism,

recognizing the need to create conditions to prevent the malicious use of nuclear materials and other radioactive substances,

considering the great significance of the development of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for the economic growth, energy security and technological progress of the Member States,

emphasizing the importance of constructively strengthening regional cooperation to enhance the level of nuclear security,

in the spirit of serving the well-being of humankind both present and future,

hereby adopt this Declaration.

I. General Provisions

The SCO Member States affirm that nuclear safety and nuclear security within their territories are priorities closely linked to ensuring regional sustainability, stability and the long-term development of the Member States.

The Member States strongly condemn any attack or threat of attack against peaceful nuclear facilities, consider such actions to be violations of international law, and call for the avoidance of such actions that pose a threat to international peace and security.

The Member States consider it necessary to take effective measures to prevent nuclear and radiological emergencies, ensure the physical protection of nuclear materials and other radioactive substances and related facilities, and strengthen cooperation to prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and other radioactive substances.

The enhancement of mutual trust among States and the conduct of constructive dialogue by the Member States are key conditions for raising the level of nuclear safety and nuclear security and reducing the risks associated with the use of nuclear technology.

The Member States support effective cooperation to prevent the malicious use of nuclear materials and other radioactive substances.

The Member States note the importance of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with universally recognized norms of international law and national law.

The Member States attach particular importance to deepening multilateral cooperation in the timely notification, response and assistance (upon request) in the event of nuclear and radiological emergencies, including information sharing, joint exercises, personnel training and the development of specialized cooperation mechanisms.

The Member States affirm that strengthening nuclear safety and nuclear security not only ensures the safety of the population and enhances the resilience of critical infrastructure, but also contributes to strengthening mutual trust within the SCO and globally.

The Member States consider that the early and full entry into force of the Protocol to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia will make an important contribution to ensuring regional security and strengthening the international regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The Member States support the contribution of developing countries to strengthening international cooperation on nuclear safety and nuclear security.

II. Cooperation on Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security

The Member States plan to strengthen cooperation on nuclear safety and nuclear security through the following measures:

Developing cooperation among national regulatory bodies, including the exchange of experience, best practices and technical methods in the field of nuclear safety and nuclear security.

Strengthening domestic control mechanisms for nuclear materials and other radioactive substances, improving accounting and control systems, and preventing leakage, illicit trafficking, theft or misuse.

Advancing joint educational, scientific, research and technical projects, upgrading peaceful nuclear infrastructure, strengthening the physical protection of facilities, optimizing radioactive waste management and developing radiation monitoring systems.

Expanding cooperation and exchanging advanced practices and experience in the field of the safe operation of nuclear facilities, including prevention and maintenance, and the development of modern automated control systems.

Conducting joint actions for the safe disposal of radioactive waste, developing environmentally friendly radioactive waste disposal technologies, and implementing innovative solutions that can reduce risks to humans and the ecosystem.

Holding exercises, training and practical activities among the competent authorities of the Member States to enhance the level of capacity to respond to potential nuclear and radiological emergencies.

Strengthening early warning systems, sharing technical data, forecast models and analytical information in real time when necessary, optimizing emergency response effectiveness, while ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Promoting the establishment of scientific research platforms focused on developing innovative technologies and solutions to improve the level of safety in the nuclear industry and strengthen the scientific and technological potential of the SCO Member States.

Encouraging scientific and technological cooperation aimed at improving the level of safety of nuclear facilities, refining radiation monitoring technologies, and reducing risks to the public and the environment.

Developing national personnel training and retraining programs in the field of nuclear safety and nuclear security, relying on the leading professional institutions of the Member States.

III. The Member States reaffirm their readiness to expand partnerships with all States, international and regional organizations committed to strengthening nuclear safety and nuclear security. Specialized action plans (or programs) may be developed to implement this Declaration.

Convinced that the development of multilateral cooperation and the strengthening of confidence-building mechanisms in the field of nuclear safety and nuclear security will contribute to ensuring peace, stability and sustainable development in the Eurasian region. These efforts will make an important contribution to consolidating nuclear safety and nuclear security.

The Member States emphasize that this Declaration reflects their common position on creating a safe and predictable environment in the field of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, addressing threats to nuclear safety and nuclear security, and developing technologies for the benefit of all humankind.

September 1, 2026, Bishkek