ZHENGZHOU — The Media and Think Tank Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) opened Friday in Zhengzhou, the capital of China's Henan province, bringing together more than 400 participants from across the SCO community and beyond to foster deeper cooperation and strategic dialogue. Representatives from nearly 200 media organizations, think tanks, and government entities — including delegates from SCO member states, observer nations, dialogue partners, and international and regional organizations — attended the high-level summit. Held under the patronage of the Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, the summit is co-organized by Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Henan Provincial Government. During the opening ceremony, speakers underscored the critical role of media and policy institutes in addressing global and regional challenges. They emphasized the need to strengthen communication channels to promote peace, stability, and mutual understanding among SCO members. Participants highlighted the importance of building bridges through civilizational dialogue, cultural exchange, and accurate media representation—pillars that align with the SCO's core principles of justice, inclusivity, and cooperation. Throughout the summit sessions, media professionals and policy experts discussed ways to enhance the role of journalism in shaping public discourse and influencing regional decision-making. They also called for expanding partnerships between media outlets and think tanks to provide actionable policy insights and long-term strategies for shared development. The summit also showcased the expanding relevance of think tanks in analyzing global trends and helping SCO countries formulate informed and forward-looking responses to evolving challenges. On the sidelines of the summit, delegates visited key cultural and innovation sites in Zhengzhou, including the Shang Dynasty Ruins Museum, the Yutong Bus Company, and a leading AI technology firm specializing in next-generation intelligent agents. The SCO Media and Think Tank Summit concludes Saturday.
