By Mewati Sitaram – Urumqi
The city of Urumqi in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region played host to the 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of SCO Countries, On May 23, 2025. Held under the theme “Building a Better Home Together for a Prosperous Future,” the forum brought together more than 300 representatives from media, academia, government, and industry across 26 countries, including SCO member states, observers, and dialogue partners.
The event was co-hosted by People’s Daily and the People’s Government of Xinjiang. Notable attendees included Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), who underscored the growing role of media in shaping a shared future among SCO nations.
Since its founding in 2001, the SCO has championed the “Shanghai Spirit”—a philosophy grounded in mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for diversity, and collective progress. These principles were celebrated at the forum as participants highlighted the organization’s contributions to political cohesion, security cooperation, economic integration, and cultural exchange.
Delegates called on media outlets across SCO countries to embrace innovation, cooperation, and responsibility in an evolving global media landscape. They emphasized the need for accurate, fair, and constructive reporting that supports the goals of the SCO, fosters mutual understanding, and strengthens regional peace and development.
The forum featured several key events: an opening ceremony, a media dialogue session, and the launch of a youth cultural exchange initiative. A highlight was the release of the report “Common Home: Public Opinion on the Development Visions in SCO Member States,” offering insights into regional aspirations. Additionally, discussions on short video content and cross-border media collaboration marked steps toward deeper digital integration.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
