Culture 02 September 2026
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