On Jan 30, 2024, an international SCO conference on expanding the rights and capacities of young people through the digital economy took place online.

The organiser of the conference was the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Umar Saif gave a welcoming address at the opening of the conference.

SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming sent a video message to conference participants. He noted that in conditions of an accelerated development of information and communications technology, young people especially needed support and guidance from the state. Interstate cooperation in working with youth is aimed at protecting the younger generation from various attempts to manipulate its individual and public consciousness and at creating conditions for young people to receive a contemporary education, acquire professional skills and participate in business activities and innovation projects. The SCO Secretary General said that cooperation in the digital economy would undoubtedly open a new era for the development of young people and would promote young people's further participation in all areas of the organisation's activities.

The conference was attended by representatives of related ministries and departments, and legislatures from the SCO member states.