2026 SCO Media and Think Tank Summit Promotes Collaboration and Information Security

2026 SCO Media and Think Tank Summit

The 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit kicked off in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on July 28, 2026. With the theme "The Shanghai Spirit in the New Era: From Shared Values to Practical Cooperation," this significant event has gathered roughly 260 delegates from around 150 prominent media organizations, leading think tanks, and various government bodies across SCO member states.

In his opening remarks, Daiyrbek Orunbekov, head of the Information Policy Service of the Kyrgyzstan Presidential Administration, emphasized the crucial role that media organizations and think tanks play in shaping public opinion and ensuring trust and security between nations in our increasingly complex world. He asserted that improving coordination between these entities will act as a protective barrier against misinformation, reinforcing the importance of their collaboration for fostering information security within the SCO framework.

Xi Yanchun, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, echoed this sentiment in her keynote address. She highlighted the importance of effectively narrating the stories of the SCO and enhancing the organization’s influence. She encouraged media and think tank representatives to act as bridges linking diverse cultures while promoting unity and mutual respect. Xi urged participants to prioritize collaboration that emphasizes shared interests and benefits, reinforcing their roles in fostering constructive dialogue and exchanges among people.

Mederbek Shermetaliev, director of the Kabar News Agency of Kyrgyzstan, addressed the contemporary challenges posed by digital technologies in media communication. While these innovations facilitate information dissemination, they also bring risks such as disinformation and cybersecurity threats. Shermetaliev called for the establishment of regular dialogue mechanisms among SCO think tanks to conduct joint research and promote exchanges among media professionals, emphasizing the need for nurturing young experts within the collaborative framework.

Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Liu Jiangping, remarked that media organizations and think tanks serve both as chroniclers of historical developments and advocates for cooperation. He recognized that in a rapidly changing global media landscape, producing accurate, truthful, and comprehensive reports is essential for fostering mutual understanding and addressing biases. Liu reiterated the significance of collaboration among these entities to realize the ideals of the Shanghai Spirit.

Furthermore, Kadyrbek Sarbayev, a senior expert with the SCO secretariat, shared insights on the summit’s potential to deepen cooperation among media professionals and think tanks under the SCO umbrella. He noted that enriched exchanges would facilitate the organization’s long-term development and collaborative efforts.

Mirzokhid Rakhimov from the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan called attention to the SCO’s legacy rooted in the Silk Road, advocating for the enhancement of regional connectivity and sustainable development through think tank cooperation. His remarks underscored the importance of cultural exchanges in building friendships across nations.

The summit is set to continue until Thursday and is co-hosted by the Xinhua News Agency and the Kabar News Agency. During the event, significant reports were unveiled, including a report titled "Contemporary Features and Global Significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building" and another titled "Upholding Fairness and Justice and Improving Global Governance," which examines SCO cooperation prospects across various languages. The outcome of this summit aims not only to boost collaboration media-wide but also to contribute meaningfully to the long-term goals of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.