SCO Leaders Adopt Bishkek Declaration on Nuclear Safety and Security

Summary

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has adopted a declaration to strengthen multilateral cooperation on nuclear safety and security, following a summit of its Council of Heads of State in Bishkek on 1 September 2026. The document affirms that nuclear security is the responsibility of each member state, while nuclear safety rests with facility operators and host countries. It condemns any attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities and sets out practical measures including regulatory coordination, joint exercises, information sharing, research platform development, and personnel training.

The SCO also expressed its willingness to broaden ties with all countries and international organisations. In addition, the declaration supports the early entry into force of the Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty protocol and highlights the role of peaceful nuclear energy in driving economic growth and energy security.

Commentary

Kazakhstan, a key SCO member, accounts for roughly 40% of global uranium production. The declaration's emphasis on mutual recognition of regulations and joint exercises is expected to reduce compliance hurdles for cross-border nuclear technology services. For New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprises, the tighter nuclear security framework will likely spur demand in radiation monitoring, cyber security, and emergency response training — niches where local firms hold technical expertise and face limited competition.

However, research platforms and supply chains led by China and Russia could evolve into de facto industry standards. Companies outside the SCO that do not engage with early pilot projects may encounter sharply higher entry costs down the line. The declaration also references joint research platforms and talent development; whether these will be opened to non-member states remains to be seen.

Keywords: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, nuclear safety, nuclear security, multilateral partnership, declaration, Bishkek, peaceful use of nuclear energy, international cooperation

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

上海合作组织成员国元首理事会于2026年9月1日在比什凯克通过《关于加强核安全与核安保多边伙伴关系的宣言》，确认核安保责任由各国承担，核安全责任由核设施运营机构及所在国承担。宣言谴责攻击和平核设施的行为，计划通过监管机构合作、联合演习、信息共享、科研平台建设、人才培养等措施强化核安全与核安保，并愿与所有国家和国际组织扩大伙伴关系。宣言还支持《中亚无核武器区条约》议定书尽快生效，强调和平利用核能对经济增长和能源安全的意义。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

上合组织成员国中哈萨克斯坦铀产量占全球四成，宣言推动监管互认与联合演习，实质上降低跨境核技术服务的合规门槛。对新西兰中小企业，核安保强化将直接催生辐射监测、网络安全与应急培训等需求，这些领域本地企业具备技术积累且竞争有限。但另一面，中俄主导的科研平台与供应链体系可能形成事实标准，非成员企业若未早期参与试点，后期进入成本将显著抬升。

宣言提及共建科研平台与人才培养项目，可关注其是否向非成员国开放合作窗口。

关键词: 上海合作组织, 核安全, 核安保, 多边伙伴关系, 宣言, 比什凯克, 和平利用核能, 国际合作

Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand