2026 SCO Dialogue of Civilizations highlights mutual learning

Ulan Mamatkanov, deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, addresses the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Dialogue of Civilizations in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, July 14, 2026. The event was held on Tuesday in Bishkek, where around 200 representatives from governments, media, cultural institutions and academia across SCO member states underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)

BISHKEK, July 15 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Dialogue of Civilizations was held on Tuesday in Bishkek, where around 200 representatives from governments, media, cultural institutions and academia across SCO member states underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.

During the event, participants said that in today's world, the future of all countries are closely connected, and that the inclusive coexistence of different civilizations, as well as exchanges and mutual learning among them, plays an indispensable role in advancing the modernization of human society.

They said that in recent years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, providing the international community with important public goods to respond to global changes and find solutions to pressing global challenges.

The participants also said that the SCO consistently views people-to-people and cultural exchanges as an important pillar of its sustainable development, and its member states have engaged in extensive practical cooperation.

Ulan Mamatkanov, deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, said the world is undergoing rapid technological transformation and profound changes in international relations. Under such circumstances, he stressed, it is particularly important to promote meaningful dialogue, respect cultural diversity, and jointly seek solutions to the challenges of the modern era.

Mamatkanov noted that Kyrgyzstan consistently upholds the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development, which constitute the core of the "Shanghai Spirit."

SCO Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yangfan said that over the 25 years since the organization's founding, SCO member states have accumulated valuable experience in promoting the fusion of civilizations and achieved fruitful results.

She expressed hope that all SCO member states will continue demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility, uphold the principles of equality, respect, mutual appreciation, and inclusiveness, actively promote mutual understanding and friendship among their peoples, and play a leading role in preserving and innovatively developing civilizations, as well as in advancing dialogue and integration among civilizations.

The event also included the launching ceremonies of several joint projects and the collective signing of cooperation agreements among SCO media outlets, as well as a series of roundtable discussions. Participants listened to performers of the Kyrgyz epic Manas, visited a digital archaeological exhibition showcasing the ancient Chinese Liangzhu culture and an art exhibition.

The event was jointly organized by China's State Council Information Office, the SCO Secretariat, Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy, China International Communications Group and the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.

People visit a digital archaeological exhibition showcasing the ancient Chinese Liangzhu culture during the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Dialogue of Civilizations in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, July 14, 2026. The event was held on Tuesday in Bishkek, where around 200 representatives from governments, media, cultural institutions and academia across SCO member states underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yangfan addresses the 2026 SCO Dialogue of Civilizations in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, July 14, 2026. The event was held on Tuesday in Bishkek, where around 200 representatives from governments, media, cultural institutions and academia across SCO member states underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)

Participants listen to the performance of Kyrgyz epic Manas at the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Dialogue of Civilizations in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, July 14, 2026. The event was held on Tuesday in Bishkek, where around 200 representatives from governments, media, cultural institutions and academia across SCO member states underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)