Director-General's message for the Opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit

Opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit
Thursday, 24 July 2025
Zhengzhou, China
 

Ladies and gentlemen, 
Dear colleagues,

It is a great honour to extend warm greetings from the United Nations Office at Geneva for the opening of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Media and Think Tank Summit.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Government of Henan Province for organizing this important Summit.

Ladies and gentlemen,  

Your dedication to fostering cooperation under the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit, Building a Shared Future” is truly commendable. By bringing together media, think tanks, and government representatives, this Summit provides a platform to strengthen ties and promote mutual understanding.

This Summit presents an invaluable opportunity to discuss key issues such as strategic alignment, political trust, regional security, practical cooperation, people to people exchanges, and multilateralism. These themes resonate deeply with the core values and priorities of the United Nations, particularly as the international community faces increasing turbulence and fragmentation.

In the face of such challenges to multilateralism, media have a crucial role to play - to promote the mutual understanding between people and societies based on factual evidence and shared values.

The United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation share significant common ground, particularly in the areas of security, sustainable development, and international cooperation. We value this partnership and look forward to building upon these synergies, working together to promote peace, equality, and justice across the region and beyond.

Henan Province, with its rich history as one of the cradles of Chinese civilisation, offers a unique backdrop for this Summit. I hope all participants will have the chance to experience Henan’s cultural heritage and natural beauty—a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern progress.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As you celebrate the spirit of multilateral dialogue and partnership over the course of this Summit, I invite you to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a future defined by mutual understanding, cooperation, and sustainable prosperity for all.

I extend my best wishes for a successful Summit. Thank you.