SCO Media and Think Tank Summit opens in Bishkek

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) - a permanent intergovernmental international organization established on June 15, 2001, focused on strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural ties among Eurasian nations - held its 2026 Media and Think Tank Summit today in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

 The summit was held on the occasion of the upcoming 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to be held in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The event convened 150 representatives from 260 mainstream media outlets, think tanks, and government institutions, alongside the SCO Secretariat.

Co-hosted by China's Xinhua News Agency and the Kabar National News Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic, the event took place under the theme "The 'Shanghai Spirit' in the New Era: From Shared Values to Practical Cooperation" to mark the 25th anniversary of the SCO's founding.

Notably, Sun Siyam Media from the Maldives participated by invitation from Xinhua News Agency as a media representative from an SCO dialogue partner.

Delegates at the summit focused on leveraging media and think tanks to advance regional integration and deliver win-win outcomes.

Key discussions centered on upholding regional security by acting on the Global Security Initiative to foster dialogue rather than confrontation. Participants also emphasized the Global Development Initiative to tell vivid stories of connectivity and align the Belt and Road Initiative with national development strategies.

Additionally, attendees highlighted the importance of the Global Civilization Initiative to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning, while advocating for true multilateralism and fairness under the Global Governance Initiative.

Ultimately, the summit sought to build broad consensus for regional solidarity and the vision of the Five Common Homes in shaping an even closer SCO community with a shared future.

For countries like the Maldives, engaging with the SCO framework and its initiatives offers strategic developmental benefits. As a dialogue partner, the Maldives gains an expanded platform for multilateral diplomacy, allowing it to amplify its voice alongside major Eurasian economies and developing nations on global issues.

Participating in SCO-linked dialogue enables the island nation to tap into wider networks for economic cooperation, tourism promotion, green and blue economy investments, and enhanced regional security coordination.

Furthermore, alignment with broader developmental frameworks helps attract technical expertise, intellectual exchange through think tanks, and stronger people-to-people connectivity, supporting the Maldives in achieving sustainable long-term growth and resilience.