Pakistan’s Lahore city has been designated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27. The decision was announced at the 26th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The initiative aims to promote:
- Tourism and cultural exchange
- People-to-people contacts
- Heritage preservation among SCO countries
Why Was Lahore Chosen?
Lahore is a major cultural centre of South Asia, reflecting Mughal, Sufi and colonial influences. Its important heritage sites include:
- Lahore Fort– UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Shalimar Gardens– UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Badshahi Mosque
- Walled City of Lahore
Its traditions of literature, music, architecture, crafts and Sufi culture make it an important showcase of the region’s shared history.
Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship 2026–27
Lahore’s selection coincides with Pakistan taking over the SCO chairmanship for 2026–27. With Theme: “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity”
As chair, Pakistan will coordinate major SCO meetings and programmes, with emphasis on connectivity, tourism, culture and economic development. The SCO chairmanship rotates among member states.
SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital Initiative
The initiative uses prominent cities to strengthen tourism cooperation, cultural interaction and heritage conservation within the SCO.
As the 2026–27 capital, Lahore will host and showcase cultural programmes involving SCO countries, helping increase awareness of its heritage and strengthen regional cultural ties. It also reflects the SCO’s broader cooperation beyond traditional security and economic issues.
The title is rotated annually among SCO member states and highlights the cultural heritage of the country holding the organisation’s rotating presidency.
| Year | Tourism & Cultural Capital |
| 2022–23 | Varanasi, India |
| 2023–24 | Almaty, Kazakhstan |
| 2024–25 | Qingdao, China |
| 2025–26 | Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan |
| 2026–27 | Lahore, Pakistan |
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
The SCO is an intergovernmental organisation established in 2001, focusing on cooperation among Eurasian countries in areas such as security, economic development, connectivity and culture.
Members: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus.
- Belarus became a full member in 2024.
- The SCO Council of Heads of State is its supreme decision-making body.
- The organisation developed from the earlier Shanghai Five grouping.