Inter-civilizational dialogue among SCO countries highlights mutual trust

Attendees of the Inter-Civilizational Dialogue Among Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Countries 2025 visit a sculpture exhibition in north China's Tianjin, July 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Inter-Civilizational Dialogue among Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Countries 2025 has been held in north China's Tianjin Municipality, highlighting enhanced mutual understanding and trust.

Centered on the theme "Promoting the Global Civilization Initiative and Building a Beautiful Common Home of the SCO," the event on Wednesday drew over 300 delegates from government departments, think tanks, and cultural, artistic, and educational sectors across 10 SCO countries.

Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the SCO, said that people-to-people exchanges and civil diplomacy are important topics explicitly included in the organization's founding documents, noting that this dialogue embodies the SCO's commitment to providing Eurasian nations with a platform for mutual learning and respect.

Zainidin Kurmanov, vice-rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, said that against a backdrop of global turbulence, the Global Civilization Initiative's principles -- respecting civilizational diversity, championing shared human values, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening international exchanges -- align closely with the "Shanghai Spirit," and offer wisdom for addressing contemporary challenges through civilizational dialogue and are integral to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Dmitry Novikov, first deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs and deputy chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, expects to further practice new-model civilizational dialogue, promoting mutual learning, inspiration, and respect.

"As the SCO family continues to grow, we need to expand exchange platforms for media, think tanks, cultural circles, and youth communities. This will fully mobilize the enthusiasm and initiative of all sectors in contributing to SCO friendship initiatives, ensuring our bond endures across generations," said Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group.

Parallel sessions focused on sustainable development, cultural heritage, and exchanges of diverse visual arts. The event also released a report titled "Building a Community with a Shared Digital Future: China's Initiative and the Future of SCO," and an initiative named "SCO Youth in Action: Tianjin Initiative for Upholding the Diversity of Civilizations."