Ulmki, China – “When we rely on a media framework that is hostile to reality, we abandon local narratives to those who are trying to fragment us,” declared Mohammad Sulfi, editor-in-chief of the Tehran Times, during a keynote address at the Shangay Cooperative (SCO) Media Cooperative Forum in 2025.
The event attracted more than 300 delegates from 26 countries, including member states such as Iran, observer nations and dialogue partners, with the theme of “building better homes together for a prosperous future.”
The rally, held in China’s New Jiang Uygur Autonomous Region, underscored the promotion of the bloc against multipolar medium landscapes.
In his speech at the SCO Media Summit, Tehran Times Editor-in-Chief Salfi sought a fairer media landscape among SCO members.
Emphasizing the urgent need to overcome the domination of external narratives, he warned against relying on Western outlets to shape how neighboring SCO countries are understood.
He asked: “Why do we rely on CNN, the BBC, or the New York Times to understand the culture, politics, or society of our neighbouring SCO country, not each other’s media?”
Sarfi explained that Western media (covered by its own ideological framework, national interests and cultural assumptions) often explained that SCO society would be reduced to simple stereotypes or mere geopolitical talk points.
He warned that internalizing these distortions would not only perpetuate mistrust, but also undermine regional consistency by benefiting those who thrive in the divided global South and fragmented Eurasia.
Sarfi outlined the triple alternative, drawing the path ahead.
I. Building a robust regional media network: He sought direct cooperation between news agencies, broadcasters and journalists within the SCO, including exchange programs, co-production and regular dialogue.
ii. Adopting new technology: He highlighted the need to leverage artificial intelligence, big data, and translation tools to overcome linguistic and technical barriers. Breaking the English monopoly by enabling real-time multilingual reporting.
iii. Establishing a shared code of media ethics: He urged SCO countries to adopt media charters that emphasize accuracy, balance and cultural sensitivity, while countering disinformation and propaganda without replicating it.
Commenting on the evolving media landscape, Sarfi observed that digital platforms have democratized voices, but often reduce complex realities in hashtags and headlines.
He provides clarity, reflection, and detailed reporting that traditional media, particularly newspapers with commitment to institutional memory, structured analysis and nuance, are often lacking in the immediacy of digital platforms.
Deeply depicting from Iranian culture and literature, Sulfi recited the poems by the great 13th century poet Sadi Siraj. He first read the poem in Persian and then provided the translation. “The sons of Adam are the limbs of creation from the souls they came in, in their creation.”
He explained that this verse is broken down in the United Nations – a timeless reminder that humanity is one body and that everyone must feel.
Referring to the ongoing war against Gaza as a tragic example, Sulfi said:
He warned that the failure must prolong the pain, calm global conscience, and help the media not only report but wake up, and feel the important reason for the event.
For SCO countries, he concluded that by strengthening regional media cooperation, he provides an important opportunity to create a media space rooted in truth and humanity.
From security blocks to Eurasian Integrated Engine
Founded in 2001, SCO initially focused on regional security, but later evolved into a pillar of Eurasian integration, promoting the “shanghai spirit” of mutual trust, equality and respect for civilization diversity.
With Iran joining as an observer as a full member in 2023 18 years later, the bloc now covers 10 countries, including China, Russia, India and Pakistan, representing more than 40% of the world’s population and 20% of GDP.
Iran’s membership is positioned as a strategic corridor like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSC) that provides transformative trade routes for the SCO economy as an important bridge linking West, South and Central Asia.
The forum, co-hosted by People’s Daily and the New Jiang Local Government, featured the launch of Youth Culture Exchange and the release of the “Common Home” report.
The importance of the forum has not been embodied, but there have been subtle concerns regarding the inclusiveness of the language.
The Persians spoken by 110 million people in the region were not included in the official translation.
This provides an opportunity for future gatherings to further embrace the diverse language landscape of the SCO community.
The forum coincided with the involvement of Iranian escalate SCO, highlighted by Secretary-General Nurran Yamekbayev’s visit to Tehran a few days ago.
Yermekbayev gave an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, during which he reiterated that “Iran contributes to the SCO’s ability to strengthen peace, security and stability.”
He also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut and participated in the Tehran Dialogue Forum.