SCO summit charts bold course for shared prosperity and unity

27/07/2025

ZHENGZHOU, China, July 27: With the ancient city of Zhengzhou as its backdrop, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit has emerged as a powerful platform for shaping a more interconnected, peaceful, and prosperous future among member and partner states.

Held in the heart of central China’s Henan Province from Wednesday through Sunday, the summit drew over 400 delegates representing nearly 200 media outlets, think tanks, government agencies, and international organizations across the SCO family. Under the banner, “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit to Build a More Beautiful Home,” participants engaged in robust exchanges that culminated in the Zhengzhou Consensus—a collective call to action that highlights the central role of media and academic institutions in fostering regional collaboration, cultural understanding, and sustainable development.

Kuwait’s Arab Times English newspaper was present at the summit, represented by Managing Editor Marlon Aquino Malinao. His presence at the summit reinforced Arab Times’ commitment to fostering international cooperation through responsible and insightful journalism.

A Spirit of Unity and Purpose

At the summit’s plenary session, leading voices underscored the SCO’s expanding influence in safeguarding regional security, promoting economic growth, and advancing mutual respect. Delegates emphasized that amid a rapidly shifting global landscape, SCO media and think tanks are uniquely positioned to amplify the values of peace, cooperation, and inclusivity.

“The SCO is no longer just a regional alliance—it is a global force shaping the future,” said Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency. “By telling the stories of our cooperation and promoting shared development, we can build trust and deliver real impact.”

Echoing this vision, Mo Gaoyi, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called on participants to champion the “Shanghai Spirit”—mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and a desire for shared development.

Consensus for the Future

According to the newly released Zhengzhou Consensus, SCO media and think tanks should:

Strengthen mutual trust and understanding by promoting each country’s development path and national conditions.
Support the Global Security Initiative, amplifying SCO’s peace-focused proposals and narratives.
Implement the Global Development Initiative, highlighting the region’s strides in economic integration and modernization.
Advance the Global Civilization Initiative, promoting respect for cultural diversity and mutual learning.
Defend multilateralism by voicing the need for inclusive, fair global governance and opposing hegemonic behavior.

The summit also unveiled two major think tank reports: one focusing on building a shared future for the SCO, and another exploring China’s modern practices in cultural heritage protection—offering both philosophical grounding and practical models for cooperation.

Voices from the Region: Kuwait Highlights Shared Momentum

In one of the summit’s most well-received addresses, Hebah Abbas, Chairwoman Sustainability Committee of Kuwait Water Association delivered a powerful speech titled “Advancing Strong Momentum for Shared Prosperity and Development.” Speaking in the plenary’s second session, Abbas reflected on the symbolism of hosting the summit in Zhengzhou—where rivers merge, much like the cultures within the SCO.

“China’s rise,” she said, “is not merely an economic miracle—it is an invitation to partnership.” She hailed Chinese-led initiatives such as the Belt and Road, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Development Initiative as engines for shared growth, especially through renewable energy, digital connectivity, and green innovation.

Abbas celebrated the 60-year friendship between Kuwait and China, noting milestone collaborations in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, while calling for bolder regional cooperation through projects such as a Digital Silk Road Fund, a Youth Innovation League, and a Green Finance Accelerator.

“Prosperity,” she concluded, “is most powerful when shared. Let us stride forward as companions in the same boat, setting sail toward a shore where our children inherit not rivalry, but respect—not scarcity, but abundance.”

A United Path Forward

With strong endorsements from regional leaders, including a congratulatory message from Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the summit was a resounding affirmation of the SCO’s evolution from a security forum to a multifaceted partnership spanning economic, academic, and civil society domains.

As delegates prepare to wrap up the summit on Sunday, the message from Zhengzhou is clear: by aligning voices, sharing stories, and building trust, SCO media and think tanks are not just reporting on change—they are helping lead it.

The summit is jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Henan Provincial People’s Government, under the guidance of China’s State Council Information Office.

By Marlon Aquino Malinao

Managing Editor, Arab Times