2025 Media Cooperation Forum of SCO Countries held in Urumqi

Urumqi (People's Daily) – The 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Countries, themed "Building a Better Home Together for a Prosperous Future," was held on Friday, May 23 in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

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

More than 300 representatives from mainstream media outlets, government departments, academic institutions and enterprises across 26 SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners gathered to discuss cooperation. Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the SCO, attended the forum.

Participants noted that since its founding in 2001, the SCO has upheld the "Shanghai Spirit," characterized by mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and the pursuit of common development. The organization has consistently supported the core interests and major concerns of its members, making them reliable partners on the path to development and revitalization.

Upholding the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, the SCO has deepened political mutual trust, achieved significant progress in economic integration, enhanced security cooperation and fostered dynamic cultural exchanges.

　　Photo shows attendees of the forum. (People's Daily/Zhang Kaifeng)

Forum participants emphasized that media organizations in SCO countries should adopt a global perspective to understand ongoing transformations in the media industry, seize opportunities from media integration with a forward-looking mindset, and take proactive steps to fulfill their social responsibilities. Through truthful, objective and fair reporting, media can explain the purpose and significance of SCO cooperation and foster a favorable public opinion environment for the organization's continued growth.

Participants also urged media outlets to extensively report on the achievements of SCO cooperation, promote the Shanghai Spirit, consolidate development consensus, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples of SCO countries. They emphasized that media should contribute to maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity, and work together to advance the building of an SCO community with a shared future.

The forum was co-hosted by the People's Daily and the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The event featured an opening ceremony, a media dialogue session, and the launch of a youth cultural exchange program. During the opening ceremony, a report titled "Common Home: Public Opinion on the Development Visions in SCO Member States" was released. At the media dialogue, organizers introduced the "SCO Media Short Video Sharing Program."

Following the forum, representatives from Chinese and foreign media organizations will conduct field research and interviews in Xinjiang.