The grand opening of the International Forum “Dialogue of Civilizations of the SCO Countries – 2024” took place in Astana. The ceremony moderated by Mr. Jiang Yonggang, Director of the Center for Broadcasting to Europe and Asia of the People’s Huabao Publishing House under the Office of the People’s Republic of China for the Publication and Dissemination of Literature in Foreign Languages (CICG).
Among the invited guests, both domestic and foreign dignitaries, cultural figures, and members of the scientific community participated there.
The forum started with a keynote session, during which participants presented their insights and innovative ideas on current critical issues. This session served as a platform for leading experts and thinkers to exchange views, offering new perspectives and approaches to address pressing challenges. The discussions encompassed strategic development directions, explore new opportunities for dialogue, and enhance international cooperation, all aimed at fostering the harmonious development and prosperity of the SCO countries. The distinguished speakers for this session include Roza Kayykova, Executive Director of the International Public Foundation “Roza Otunbaeva Initiative”; Zhang Xinzhu, Member of the Standing Committee of the Qingdao City Committee and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Pilot Zone “China – SCO”; Shu Yun, Member of the CPPCC Central Committee and the Board of the Union of Chinese Artists, contemporary artist; Gulnar Shaimergenova, Director of the China Studies Center, Kazakhstan; Xia Zehan, Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia; Mederbek Shermetaliev, Director of the Kyrgyz National News Agency “Kabar”; and Sajid Hussein Turi, Minister for Compatriots’ Affairs Abroad and Human Resource Development of Pakistan.
It is equally important to note that the Forum’s organizers hosted several additional events on this day. Guests were witness the official announcement of the “Research Report of the Kazakhstan Center for the Study of Chinese Modernization.” This document, resulting from comprehensive analytical research, highlights key aspects of modern Chinese society and its transformations.
Simultaneously, the forum “Dialogue of Civilizations of the SCO Countries – 2024” featured a series of unique exhibitions. The China Studies Center, Kazakhstan hosted a specialized thematic exhibition on the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. This significant event marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey into the world of Kazakh culture and crafts. Participants and guests had the opportunity to view unique artifacts of daily life, centuries-old traditions, arts, and crafts, all contributing to a distinct cultural space that promises to captivate every visitor.
The exhibition showcased exquisite items created by contemporary Kazakh artisans, demonstrating exceptional weaving skills. Special attention was given to the rich textile products, such as the intricate and beautiful Kazakh Tuskiis, known for their complex patterns and magnificent national ornaments.
Additionally, the musical art of Kazakhstan held a special place in the exhibition. Guests look forward to live performances by national ensembles and master classes on traditional musical instruments, immersing them in the festive atmosphere and the rhythms and melodies of the Kazakh land. Attendees had the opportunity to experience the traditional Kazakh instrument, the Dombra, firsthand.
An integral part of the exhibitions was the Kiiz ui (Yurt), a symbol of family and hearth, central to the lives of many generations. The Kiiz ui served as a focal point and a talisman, embodying family harmony and the values of the people.
During the event, guests had the opportunity to admire outstanding works of Chinese calligraphy. Additionally, a competition among participants from SCO countries for 2025 was held. Guests also were involving to a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
The sub-forum of think tanks, titled “Searching for Answers to Epochal Questions of Our Time and Consolidating the SCO Experience,” promises to be a key component of the event. Under the leadership of Mr. Sun Min, Deputy Director of the Institute of Contemporary China and World Studies, there was a discussion on crucial contemporary issues. Participants in these discussions were as follows: Xu Rong, Editor-in-Chief of the Foreign Language Literature Publishing House, Sun Zhuangzhi, Director of the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Kirill Babaev, Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Li Shaoxian, Director of the Research Institute for the Study of Arab States at Ningxia University, Cholpon Koichumanova, Dean of the Institute of History and Socio-Legal Education at KSU named after I. Arabaeva, and Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan, Mohammad Shakil Ahmed, Executive Director of the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD), Pakistan, Turdikul Butayarov, Head of the Department of Political Research and Regional Security Studies at the International Institute of Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Aliya Mussabekova, Travelling Expert of the Department of Asian Studies at the KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sudhindra Kulkarni, Founder of the Indian “New South Asia Forum”, Safavi Hamzeh, Professor of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences at Tehran University, Iran.
The organizers were also host a sub-forum on the preservation of cultural heritage, titled “Preserving the Roots of Civilizations and Promoting the Exchange of Experience.” This promises to be one of the forum’s key events, led by Mr. Li Wenchu, Director of the Luoyang Museum, who was renowned for his contributions to cultural preservation. The discussion featureв distinguished specialists and stakeholders dedicated to developing the historical and cultural heritage of the entire region. Participants included: Tan Ping, Director of the Chinese Communication Center for Cultural Monuments, Bakhtiyor Khojaev, Head of the Branch of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, Alexander Zanorin, Rector of the Saratov State Conservatory named after L. V. Sobinova, Qaiser Nawab, Founding Executive Director of the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD) in Pakistan, Zhang Weixing, Researcher at the Silk Road Archeology Cooperation Research Center at Northwestern University (Xi’an), Zhanna Bektemisova, Kazakh ethnographer, author of the embroidery course “Wool Ritual,” and writer, Turganaly Tursunaly, Hereditary Heir of the Kyrgyz heroic epic “Manas” and Doctoral student at the Faculty of Languages and Literature of National Minorities at the Central University of Nationalities, R. N. Bhaskar, Consulting Editor of the Free Press Journal, Natalya Krivets, Collector and artist.
The final event of the forum was the youth sub-forum, “Activating the Role of Youth to Create the Future of the SCO.” This session was a vibrant and inspiring highlight of the entire day. Moderated by Devinder Kumar, a seasoned reporter for CICG Europe and Asia, known for his analytical and journalistic expertise, the discussion focused on key issues related to enhancing the role of youth in shaping the future of the SCO. Young leaders and experts shared their ideas and plans for fostering cooperation and innovation within the SCO. Speakers at this sub-forum included: Zhanybek Kaparov, Advisor to the International Public Foundation “Roza Otunbaeva Initiative”, Leng Yanbin, Deputy Head of the 3rd Industrial Development Department of the Demonstration Management Committee SCO Regional Cooperation Zone, Prasun Sharma, Founder and Director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the Indian Institute of Global Studies, Ha Bowen, Executive Director of Western Mahua Catering Group, Sobirov Mustaqim, General Director of Hangzhou Internet Technology Company “Umao” and founder of the cross-border trade platform EGTP, Makhdoom Mahnnor, Head of the Chinese Department at the Pakistani newspaper Daily Mail.
The forum concluded with a formal closing ceremony led by Mr. Jiang Yongang, Director of the Center for Broadcasting for Europe and Asia of the People’s Huabao Publishing House (CICG). This final event was crucial for summarizing the discussions and formulating recommendations for the continued development of cooperation within the SCO. Participants had the opportunity to reflect on achievements, shared their impressions, and conclude the proceedings of a fruitful and productive forum.
