The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum on People-to-People Exchanges 2025 was held in Beijing on Monday. The event was co-organized by China Media Group (CMG) and the SCO Secretariat.

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov a premiér Pákistánu Shehbaz Sharif sent congratulatory messages and wished the event success. More than 100 guests attended the event, including political, cultural and media representatives from SCO countries.

Japarov said the event is not only a major international gathering but also a living expression of the "Shanghai spirit". He expressed hope that Kyrgyzstan will deepen cooperation with the CMG during its upcoming SCO presidency in 2025-2026.

Sharif noted that in today's complex international environment, sincere dialogue and mutual understanding between civilisations is very important. He commended CMG for its professional, objective and inclusive approach to communication.

Deputy Minister of the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the CMG Shen Haixiong said that the SCO, as the largest and most populous regional organisation in the world, represents a diverse landscape of civilisations. He stressed the responsibility to share stories of innovation and development and to convey a strong message of openness and cooperation.

Secretary General of the SCO Nurlan Yermekbayev He said the Secretariat would sign cooperation agreements and introduce new initiatives with the CMG during the event, while inviting major media houses from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners to actively participate.

President of the All-Russian State Television and Radio Society Oleg Dobrodeyev In his video speech, he stressed that trust, respect and equality form the solid foundation of the SCO and should also guide media cooperation.

China Global Television Network (CGTN), together with major media from SCO member states, launched the media event "China Up Close - A Journey to Harmony". Journalists from 42 countries visited the city of Tianjin, Shaanxi and Shandong provinces and other places to experience China's modernization style.

CMG, the SCO Secretariat and the SCO Commission for Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation jointly planned an integrated media programme for cultural exchange. This initiative invites young people from SCO Member States to share inspiring stories of people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. At the event, three young representatives from SCO countries shared their deep connections to China.

CMG