In June 2025, Tianjin, the Chinese mainland, played host to the largest Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in its history, welcoming over 50 heads of state and some 800 delegates from across Eurasia. But beyond the political handshake, the summit’s heartbeat was its people-to-people encounters, bringing together seven inspiring voices from diverse backgrounds.
From Kazakh youth activists championing sustainable agriculture to Russian tech entrepreneurs pioneering blockchain in smart cities, participants shared real-world insights on collaboration. An Indian arts curator showcased how traditional crafts can drive eco-tourism, while a Pakistani digital nomad highlighted the power of virtual communities to bridge geographic gaps.
“Friendship is the foundation of cooperation,” noted Liu Xin of CGTN and PTV World’s Omar Khalid Butt as they moderated the dialogue. Under the SCO framework, cultural exchange became a catalyst for innovation—sparking ideas on cross-border startups, digital education platforms, and joint green-tech ventures.
Data from the summit’s cultural forum revealed a 30 percent increase in proposed youth exchange programs and a 20 percent rise in collaborative research initiatives between member states compared to 2023. For young global citizens and entrepreneurs, these numbers signal fresh pathways to co-create solutions for climate resilience, digital equity, and inclusive growth.
As the SCO Summit 2025 draws to a close, the spotlight turns to sustained momentum. With new partnerships blossoming in arts, technology, and education, the gathering in Tianjin reminds us that diplomacy is as much about dialogue over tea as it is about treaties. In the words of one panelist, “When people connect beyond borders, they build a shared future.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
