Lahore Declared SCO 'Tourism and Cultural Capital' for 2026-27

Why in the News?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has officially designated the historic Pakistani city of Lahore as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27 during the Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Key Features / Major Points:

Rotation Mechanism: Since 2022, SCO annually awards this title to a designated city from the country holding the rotating chairmanship to promote tourism and cultural heritage.

Pakistan’s Chairmanship: Pakistan holds the SCO chairmanship for this term under the theme: "Translating Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity".

Previous SCO Cultural Capitals:

2022-23: Varanasi (India) – The first-ever SCO Cultural Capital

2023-24: Almaty (Kazakhstan)

2024-25: Qingdao (China)

2025-26: Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan)

2026-27: Lahore (Pakistan)

Static GK Facts:

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): Established: 2001 | Headquarters: Beijing, China | Member States: 10 (India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus).

Varanasi (India): Holds the distinction of being named the first-ever SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital (2022-23).

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Which city has been declared the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27?

A: Lahore (Pakistan)

Q: Which Indian city was named as the first-ever SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital in 2022-23?

A: Varanasi

Q: Where is the headquarters of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) located?

A: Beijing, China