Stakeholders Commit to Strengthen Cultural Ties, Build Shared Future through SCO Broadcasting Cooperation.
By Caroline Ameh
Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have reiterated their commitment to deepening cultural and people-to-people ties through strengthened collaboration in the broadcasting and audio-visual sectors. The declaration was made at the 2025 Television Festival of SCO Countries, held in the historic city of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China is the second of its kind.
In a joint declaration, representatives of SCO member states pledged to leverage the power of broadcasting and digital media to enhance mutual understanding, promote shared development, and uphold the “Shanghai Spirit.” This core philosophy emphasizes mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common progress.
Key Commitments:
- Promoting the Shanghai Spirit
Delegates resolved to use broadcasting and audio-video platforms to build bridges of information exchange and cultural dialogue among SCO member countries. - Encouraging Objective Media Reporting
They called for responsible and balanced coverage of historical and contemporary issues, as a tool to push global governance in a fairer, more equitable direction. - Celebrating Cultural Diversity
The declaration underscored the importance of innovation, honoring traditional cultures, and encouraging people-to-people exchange across national boundaries. - Advancing Technological Cooperation
Member states agreed to drive digital transformation in media, support the secure integration of emerging technologies, and promote sustainability through content and production processes.
The representatives expressed confidence that the agreements reached during the Television Festival would strengthen the media landscape of SCO countries, advancing high-quality growth, sustainable development, and mutual prosperity.
Festival Highlights:
The 2025 Television Festival featured a variety of cross-border initiatives and cooperative projects:
Joint Productions and Media Projects:
“Panda Time” — Joint projects with partners in India and Russia.
“Bawrsak Time” — A co-production between China Broadcasting Network Xinjiang Co., Kazakhstan’s Channel Seven, Tajikistan’s “ASIA” Company, and Uzbekistan’s National Broadcasting Corporation.
“Magnolia Time” — A partnership between Shanghai Wu’an Communication (China), SPB TV, and VINTERA TV (Russia).
“SCO Time” — Multi-country collaborations with broadcasters from Mongolia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia.
New Media Launches and Platforms:
Launch of the Cambodian version of the Mekong Look App by Yunnan Radio and Television, China.
Establishment of the IQUY Middle East and North Africa Branch in the UAE.
Opening of a Middle East Branch Office by Hainan International Communication Center, China.
Special Events:
China-Russia Youth Singing Gala, jointly hosted by Jilin Radio and Television (China) and Viadivostok Radio (Russia).
The Silk Road 10,000 Miles 2025: The SCO Route — an event involving China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Joint media reporting and coverage projects by journalists from India, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Seminars on journalist leadership and Gen-Z youth engagement from Belt and Road partner countries.
Seminar on International Communication Capacity Building for Belt and Road partner countries.
The Television Festival also featured focused dialogues and exhibitions of broadcasting technologies and program content, showcasing audio-visual works from SCO member states.
As the SCO continues to grow in geopolitical and cultural significance, the event reaffirmed the role of media and communication in shaping a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future for its diverse member nations.
