2026 SCO Dialogue of Civilizations highlights mutual learning

The 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Dialogue of Civilizations was held on Tuesday in Bishkek, where around 200 representatives from governments, media, cultural institutions and academia across SCO member states underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.

During the event, participants said that in today's world, the future of all countries are closely connected, and that the inclusive coexistence of different civilizations, as well as exchanges and mutual learning among them, plays an indispensable role in advancing the modernization of human society.

They said that in recent years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, providing the international community with important public goods to respond to global changes and find solutions to pressing global challenges.

The participants also said that the SCO consistently views people-to-people and cultural exchanges as an important pillar of its sustainable development, and its member states have engaged in extensive practical cooperation.

Ulan Mamatkanov, deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, said the world is undergoing rapid technological transformation and profound changes in international relations. Under such circumstances, he stressed, it is particularly important to promote meaningful dialogue, respect cultural diversity, and jointly seek solutions to the challenges of the modern era.