From сonsensus to сooperation: SCO Media and Think Tank Summit opens in Bishkek

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit has opened at the Ala Archa State Residence in Bishkek. The event is organised by Xinhua News Agency, a TV BRICS partner, together with the Kabar National News Agency.

The main theme of the summit is: “The 'Shanghai Spirit' in the New Era: From Shared Values to Practical Cooperation.” Representatives of government institutions, media organisations and think tanks from more than 20 countries are taking part, including SCO member states and the organisation’s partner countries.

Opening the summit, Xi Yanchun, Vice Presidente of Xinhua News Agency, emphasised that over the past quarter of a century the SCO has become one of the most influential organisations in Eurasia by following the principles of the Shanghai Spirit: mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of common development.

“Media organisations in SCO countries should not only provide timely coverage of the organisation’s activities, but also contribute to strengthening mutual trust, shaping an objective international information agenda and promoting the spirit of cooperation among peoples,” she stressed.

Mederbek Shermetaliev, Director of Kabar National News Agency, stated that cooperation between the news agencies of SCO countries creates the foundation for a common information space.

“Expanding professional exchanges, implementing joint media projects and developing partnership ties will make information cooperation among SCO countries even more effective and in greater demand,” he added.

The opening ceremony took place in the morning, followed by the plenary session in the afternoon. The first part focused on creating a platform for trade and economic cooperation, developing infrastructure and promoting the green transition. The second part covered humanitarian exchanges, dialogue among civilisations, the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on international cooperation, as well as the role of culture in promoting national brands in international markets.

During the plenary session, Evgeniya Tolstoguzova, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Division at the TV BRICS International Media Network, noted that the media are becoming an instrument of media diplomacy – a mechanism for fostering dialogue between states and peoples of different countries.

"In the emerging polycentric world, information infrastructure is becoming a systemically important element of the international system. Media are no longer merely a mirror of reality – they connect communities, disseminate knowledge, create conditions for professional dialogue and strengthen mutual understanding, mutual respect and trust. They are becoming architects of a shared space of meaning, in which countries act as co-creators of a global infrastructure for peace and development"

Evgeniya Tolstoguzova Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Division at TV BRICS

For many years, TV BRICS has participated in the world’s leading international media forums. These include the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum (Brazil, 2025), the World Media Summit (China, 2021–2024), and the BRICS Media Forum (Brazil, China and South Africa, 2018–2023).

The summit programme includes parallel forums, a formal reception and a photo exhibition. Participants will exchange views on four topics: “Intelligent Media Convergence”, “Practice-Oriented Cooperation”, “Global Governance”, and “Openness and Mutually Beneficial Cooperation.” The 2026 SCO Media and Think Tank Summit is being held in Bishkek from 26 to 31 July.

Earlier, Kyrgyzstan hosted a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the SCO Member States. Participants discussed preparations for the summit and approved a package of documents for the Heads of State.