Media Cooperation Forum of SCO countries held in China, urges peace and connectivity

The 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Countries, which aims to promote media exchanges among SCO member states has been held in Urumqi, capital city of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The forum is the first of its kind hosted in Xinjiang, brings together journalists, policymakers, and media executives from across the SCO region.

The forum was attended by 300 representatives from mainstream media outlets, government departments, academic institutions, and enterprises from 26 SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners.

The media dialogue session included a presentation on short video sharing and dissemination initiatives among media organizations of SCO countries.

Officials and participants emphasized the strategic importance of Xinjiang in fostering regional connectivity and mutual understanding through media collaboration.

The attendees reached the consensus that by providing truthful, objective, and fair reporting, media organizations in SCO countries should elucidate the purpose and significance of cooperation among SCO countries.

Participants noted that since its establishment in 2001, the SCO has upheld the "Shanghai Spirit," which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development.

The organization has firmly supported safeguarding the core interests and major concerns of its members, making them become a trustworthy partner to one another in their paths to development and revitalization.

In recent years, the SCO has deepened political mutual trust among its members, achieved fruitful economic integration, made remarkable progress in security cooperation, and fostered vibrant cultural exchanges.

According to a survey report by the forum, over 80 percent of respondents believe the SCO plays a positive role in global governance, while around 70 percent believe their countries have gained more opportunities to participate in global governance through the SCO framework.

More than 60 percent agree that the SCO has contributed to their countries' sustainable development and modernization.

The survey also shows that over 90 percent of respondents believe that China's development experience provides insights for their countries, and an equal percentage affirm that cooperation with China benefits their national development. 

With China holding the rotating presidency of the SCO, participants expressed their confidence in the country's ability to lead the organization.

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Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization earlier said the forum is poised to open a new chapter in media collaboration among SCO member states.

"It can bring a lot of opportunities," he said. "It is very good opportunity to start a very substantial interaction and cooperation in the field of mass media, which is a very important part of any governance in the world."

He emphasized the pivotal role of media in fostering connectivity and mutual understanding across the SCO region.

Khan noted that China has been actively preparing for the upcoming SCO Summit and has made significant progress in various fields. "China is one of the important driving forces in many fields, especially in economic and technological aspects," he said.

He highlighted the critical role of media in shaping public opinion and fostering cooperation.

"Media is not just about news - it's a capsule containing politics, economics, culture, and people-to-people exchanges," he said. "It can bring love and peace, or it can bring war also."

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