Shenyan – Shenyan in northeastern China, the capital of Liaon Province, proudly hosted two landmark events under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), attracting global attention and highlighting China’s essential leadership in promoting diplomacy, cooperation and sustainable development around the Euro.
On Friday, Shenyan welcomed representatives from SCO Member States, Observer Nations and the dialogue partners of the Forum on People-Friendship and Friendship City. These twin forums were co-hosted by the SCO Goodwill, Friendship Cooperation Committee (GNFCC), the Chinese People’s Association with the People’s Association and the government of the people of the state of Leaon, with the theme of “deepening friendships from people to people and promoting sustainable development.”
Top Leader Champion Unity and Shared Growth
High-ranking officials from all over the Eurasian region gathered in Shenyan to give persuasive speeches that encouraged strengthened cooperation, inclusion and shared development, demonstrating the role of SCO as an important platform for regional harmony.
Hao Peng, secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Assembly of Liaoning, has opened the forum with a strong message that reflects China’s visionary leader.
He said the joint forum appeared under the strong defense of President Xi Jinping and the enthusiastic response and positive support of the member states. “These forums have played a unique role in promoting mutual understanding, deepening friendships and enhancing cooperation between all stakeholders.”
Hao emphasized that these forums represent “practical action and concrete measures” to promote President XI’s strategic vision to build communities with a common future for SCOs and strengthen China’s position as the driving force behind deeper regional ties.
Unity through openness and “Shanghai spirit”
Shen Yuyue, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the People’s Political Council of China and chairman of the GNFCC, reiterated this positive vision and called for unity and inclusion. “We should adhere to universal interests and favorable outcomes for both parties and promote common development,” Shen said.
She said, “We must stick to openness and inclusiveness, and deepen our interaction and mutual learning, attaching importance to maintain and promote the spirit of Shanghai.”
Building a shared future for Eurasia
SCO Executive Director Nurlan Yermekbayev gave an important speech highlighting the evolution of the organization on a comprehensive platform for continental cooperation.
“SCO has evolved from a local security agency to a comprehensive platform that promotes continental cooperation across multiple sectors,” he said.
He pointed to the SCO’s growing institutional reach, from counter-terrorism efforts to major inflynit initiatives. Emphasizing the Ministerial Forum on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation, much of it is driven by China’s leadership and vision as evidence of the increasing influence of SCOs.
Yermekbayev also emphasized the exchange of people to people as the core engine of SCO’s momentum. “Sister city partnerships, youth programs and cultural initiatives are actively building new models of international relations based on mutual development rather than competition.”
Yermekbayev has positioned SCO as a pioneer in global cooperation. “We are not merely meeting local challenges, but are actively designing the shared future of Eurasian countries through a unique combination of security, economic and cultural partnerships.”
SCO: The rise in global issues
Since its founding in 2001, SCO has embraced the “spirit of Shanghai” – the pursuit of trust, mutual benefits, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and common development. This philosophy, defended by China, allowed SCO to rapidly become the basis of regional security, cooperation and friendship with global presence.
With 10 full members, including China, Russia and Iran, the organization also counts Observer states and dialogue partners, highlighting its wide appeal and importance.
The 2025 SCO Summit has been set for China’s Tianjin, and momentum continues as it further strengthens its key role in promoting SCO’s expanding regional and global vision.