Lahore named SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital

Lahore has been designated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27.

Lahore has been designated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27.

The announcement was made during the 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the meeting.

The designation gives Lahore an important role in promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage and tourism across the SCO member states.

The Tourism and Cultural Capital title is rotated annually among SCO members. It was introduced in 2022 to highlight cities that represent the cultural identity and heritage of the country holding the organisation’s rotating presidency.

Pakistan assumed the SCO presidency for the current term. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set the theme of Pakistan’s chairmanship as “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”

The selection of Lahore is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase the city’s rich history, architecture, traditions, cuisine and cultural diversity to visitors from SCO countries.

The decision to name Lahore for the 2026-27 term was taken earlier this year. It was approved during a meeting of the heads of tourism administrations from SCO member states held in Bishkek in April.

The initiative aims to strengthen tourism and people-to-people contacts among SCO countries. It also seeks to encourage greater cultural exchanges and interaction between communities.

Lahore is one of Pakistan’s most prominent historic cities and is known for its centuries-old heritage and cultural landmarks. The city has long served as an important centre of art, literature, education and cultural activity.

Before Lahore, the title was held by Varanasi in India for 2022-23, Almaty in Kazakhstan for 2023-24, Qingdao in China for 2024-25 and Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan for 2025-26.