Media Cooperation Forum of SCO countries begins in Xinjiang, releases public opinion survey on development visions

The 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of SCO Countries is held in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on May 23, 2025. Photo: Zhou Yang/GT

The 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of SCO Countries is held in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on May 23, 2025. Photo: Zhang Wujun/People's Daily

The 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Countries, which aims to promote media exchanges and cooperation among SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners, kicked off on Friday in Urumqi, capital city of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

A blockbuster report titled "Common Home: Public Opinion on the Development Visions in SCO Member States," which highlights broad public recognition of the "Shanghai Spirit" among SCO member states and reveals strong expectations for expanding cooperation in a range of sectors, was jointly released by the International News Department of People's Daily and the Global Times Institute at the forum's opening ceremony.

The forum, with the theme "Building a Better Home Together for a Prosperous Future," was attended by 300 representatives from mainstream media outlets, government departments, academic institutions, and enterprises from 26 SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners.

The attendees reached the consensus that by providing truthful, objective, and fair reporting, media organizations in SCO countries should elucidate the purpose and significance of cooperation among SCO countries, fostering a conducive public opinion environment for the organization's growth. They should also extensively cover the achievements of SCO cooperation, promote the "Shanghai Spirit," consolidate development consensus, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples of SCO countries, maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

A report titled "Common Home: Public Opinion on the Development Visions in SCO Member States" was released at the 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of SCO Countries in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on May 23, 2025. Photo: Lin Xiaoyi/GT

According to the survey report, over 80 percent of respondents believe the SCO plays a positive role in global governance, while around 70 percent believe their countries have gained more opportunities to participate in global governance through the SCO framework. Over 60 percent agree that the SCO has contributed to their countries' sustainable development and modernization.

In an exclusive interview with the Global Times on Thursday, Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the SCO and participant in the forum, believes that the SCO provides a unique platform for countries to discuss various issues and promote peace and prosperity.

"The efforts of the SCO are dedicated to building a harmonious, secure, and inclusive shared home, taking into account the interests of each country and sharing the fruits of development together. Since its establishment, the SCO has become an authoritative and influential regional cooperation platform," he said.

This year is SCO's "China Year." The survey also shows that over 90 percent of respondents believe that China's development experience provides insights for their countries, and an equal percentage affirm that cooperation with China benefits their national development.

With China holding the rotating presidency of the SCO, Khan expressed his confidence in the country's ability to lead the organization. He believes the upcoming SCO summit will become another milestone in the organization's history. Currently, member states are working closely on summit preparations. A series of initiatives and consensus agreements are expected to be reached during the summit.

Khawaja Hamza Iqbal from Pakistan's Media Today expressed full confidence that, guided by the "Shanghai Spirit," a united and mutually trusting SCO community with shared future is being built, dedicated to long-term global peace and shared prosperity. "The Shanghai Spirit has already united an increasing number of countries and peoples, and now, with China's promotion, it will further enhance media cooperation among SCO nations," he told the Global Times on Friday.

Imran Danish from Afghanistan's Tolo News told the Global Times that this media forum has provided him with a new platform for exchange. His media outlet looks forward to deepening cooperation with media organizations from SCO countries and exploring new development opportunities.

The forum was co-hosted by People's Daily and the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It featured an opening ceremony, a media dialogue session, and a launch ceremony for a youth cultural exchange program.