SCO strengthening youth development for better future, Business News

Promoting Cultural Exchange and Mutual Understanding

At the heart of the SCO’s youth development strategy lies a commitment to fostering good-neighborly relations and intercultural dialogue. The organization encourages equality, mutual learning, and inclusiveness among its member states, which include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. Youth representatives engage in activities such as practicing traditional Chinese martial arts with local students and learning Chinese calligraphy, as seen in Qingdao, China. These cultural exchanges serve to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds between young people from diverse backgrounds.

Such initiatives are not merely symbolic; they actively contribute to peaceful coexistence and harmonious development among civilizations. By expanding people-to-people and cultural cooperation, the SCO enhances popular support for state-to-state relations, creating a foundation of trust and collaboration that extends beyond governmental diplomacy.

Economic Cooperation and Opportunities Under the Belt and Road Initiative

Economic connectivity is a key pillar of the SCO’s approach to youth development, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI has facilitated infrastructure development, trade, and investment across member states, creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs and workers.

For example, in Belarus, the Great Stone China-Belarus Industrial Park stands as a flagship BRI project where numerous innovative enterprises, especially in the medical sector, have established operations. This has generated substantial employment opportunities for young Belarusians and fostered the creation of new tech startups within the industrial park. According to journalist Ilya Kryzhevich, these developments have significantly benefited the younger generation by providing a platform for innovation and economic participation.

Similarly, in Central Asia, the construction of highway networks and the forthcoming China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway are transforming Uzbekistan from a landlocked nation into a land-linked hub. This enhanced connectivity not only improves trade routes but also opens pathways for youth in these regions to engage in broader economic activities and cross-border cooperation.

Institutional Support and Youth Exchange Platforms

The SCO has established a series of institutional mechanisms designed to support youth development and facilitate exchanges. These include the SCO Youth Council, the SCO exchange base for young entrepreneurs, and the China-Russia Youth Entrepreneurship Incubator. These platforms enable young people to share experiences, collaborate on projects, and build networks across borders.

Annual events such as the SCO Youth Forum, hosted in locations like the Qingdao SCODA Pearl International Expo Center, provide venues for youth representatives to discuss development challenges, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships. Participants from countries including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have used these forums to launch bilateral and multilateral youth exchange programs, reinforcing regional solidarity.

Youth leaders emphasize that these exchanges are vital for maintaining the spirit of good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation among member states. They also serve as incubators for innovative ideas and joint initiatives that can address shared challenges such as education, digital skills, and public policymaking.

Environmental and Social Benefits of Youth-Focused Initiatives

Beyond economic and cultural dimensions, the SCO’s youth development efforts also address environmental and social well-being. The increasing presence of Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs) in cities like Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, exemplifies how cooperation under the BRI contributes to improving urban air quality and public health.

Youth leaders like Taalaybek Dayirbekov highlight that these environmental improvements are part of broader quality-of-life enhancements resulting from SCO initiatives. By promoting sustainable technologies and green development, the organization helps young people envision a future that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Moreover, youth representatives from Pakistan and other member states stress the importance of equitable access to education and digital skills development. These are critical for enabling young people to participate effectively in public policymaking and the modern workforce, ensuring that the benefits of cooperation are widely shared.

Challenges and the Path Forward

While the SCO has made significant strides in youth development, challenges remain. Coordinating cooperation among diverse member states with varying political, economic, and social contexts requires ongoing effort and innovation.

Shapkat Wushur, a senior youth official from China, underscores the need for countries to build stronger consensus and develop new cooperation mechanisms. He calls for innovative youth development concepts and working methods that can adapt to emerging global challenges and opportunities.

The role of young people is increasingly seen as pivotal in addressing development challenges and driving global progress. By fostering multilateralism and the 'Shanghai Spirit' of inclusiveness and dialogue, the SCO aims to empower its youth to become leaders and innovators who can contribute to sustainable development both regionally and globally.

What this means

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s commitment to youth development reflects a strategic recognition that the younger generation holds the key to the region’s long-term peace, prosperity, and sustainability. Through cultural exchange, economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and dedicated institutional support, the SCO is creating a dynamic environment for young people to thrive. While challenges persist, the organization’s inclusive approach and emphasis on multilateral collaboration position it well to harness the energy and creativity of its youth. As these young leaders engage across borders, they not only strengthen ties among member states but also contribute to shaping a more harmonious and prosperous future for the wider world.