SCO Media and Think Tank Summit opens in Bishkek, with Armenia among participants

The 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit has opened in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Armenia is represented at the summit by the Public Relations and Information Center of the Prime Minister's Office and the Armenpress News Agency.

The summit is jointly organized by China's Xinhua News Agency and Kyrgyzstan's Kabar News Agency ahead of the 26th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State. Armenia has held the status of an SCO dialogue partner since 2016, enabling it to participate in discussions, ministerial consultations, working groups and other formats within the organization.

This year's summit is held under the theme "SCO in a New Era: From Mutual Understanding to Practical Cooperation." The event has brought together around 250 participants from 26 countries, including heads of news agencies, representatives of media organizations, think tanks, research institutions, universities, government bodies and international organizations.

During the plenary sessions and thematic discussions, participants are addressing the development of international information cooperation, the digital transformation of the media sector, humanitarian cooperation, as well as current challenges facing the global information environment. Particular attention is also being paid to the use of artificial intelligence and innovative technologies that are transforming the processes of creating, disseminating and consuming information.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dairbek Orunbekov, Head of the Information Policy Service of the Administration of the President of Kyrgyzstan, said the summit is not only a professional gathering but also an important step toward strengthening the foundations of information security across the SCO area, deepening intellectual cooperation, and building a "golden bridge" of friendship among peoples.

"Today we live in the age of information and technology. Information reaches every corner of the world within seconds. Therefore, the responsibility of the media and think tanks in shaping public opinion, maintaining trust between countries and ensuring security has grown significantly. Today, information has become the most powerful tool shaping the consciousness of nations and the future of states. That is why combining the in-depth research of think tanks with the prompt, accurate and objective work of the media has become one of the key demands of our time. I am confident that your coordinated efforts will become a reliable shield against information manipulation and the spread of fake news. I also believe that thanks to this shield, only verified facts and reliable information will reach the public," Orunbekov said.

In his remarks, Mederbek Shermetaliev, Director of the Kabar National News Agency of Kyrgyzstan, stressed that assuming the SCO chairmanship in the year marking the organization's 25th anniversary is not only a great honor and responsibility for the country but also a historic opportunity to give fresh momentum to the development of the organization's fundamental principles and values.

"Today's meeting is one of the key events held during our chairmanship. I am confident that this summit will serve as an important platform for generating new ideas, strengthening strategic partnerships, and making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of our entire region," Shermetaliev said.

He also noted that the world is changing at an unprecedented pace. While digital technologies have significantly facilitated the exchange of information, they have also created new challenges, including disinformation, information manipulation, cybersecurity threats and external influence on public opinion.

Xi Yanchun, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency, in turn emphasized that the media and think tanks of SCO member states play an important role in strengthening mutual trust among countries, advancing cooperation, and preserving peace and stability in the region.

"The media and think tanks of the SCO bear a special responsibility and should work together along a path of development based on unity, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation," he concluded.

The summit also features expert discussions, a photo exhibition dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the SCO, and cultural events.

Armenpress continues to actively engage in international media dialogue, contributing to the expansion of the agency's partnership network and the deepening of professional cooperation with leading media organizations and information institutions from around the world.