Photo by Ma Cheng and Dai Tao, Jinyun New Media

On August 30, the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit Media Center held its fourth briefing session. Secretary-General of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission (GNFCC) of the SCO, Ms. Zuo Hongbo introduced the achievements of SCO people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, as well as the GNFCC's efforts to advance SCO public diplomacy.

Zuo stated that people-to-people and cultural exchanges constitute an integral part of the SCO. Over two decades of development have fully demonstrated that the most solid foundation for the SCO's progress lies in mutual learning among civilizations, while its deepest source of strength stems from people-to-people bonds. Fostering close cultural exchanges and promoting mutual understanding among peoples form the foundation of the SCO, serving as a vital pillar and robust guarantee for its steady advancement and continuous growth.

The GNFCC emerged in response to the vigorous development of SCO people-to-people exchanges and stands as the first civil society diplomacy institution established under the SCO framework. In 2013, President Xi Jinping announced at the SCO Bishkek Summit that China would take the lead in establishing the GNFCC. Subsequent addresses at SCO summits emphasized the need to fully leverage the role of social organizations like the GNFCC. We have implemented President Xi Jinping's important initiatives and directives, achieving positive outcomes in SCO people-to-people friendship: First, we organized high-level forums to implement President Xi Jinping's important initiatives and directives. Second, we conducted people-to-people exchanges around major international and domestic agendas. Third, we carried out "small yet beautiful" and "beneficial and practical" activities to gather public support and warm hearts. Fourth, we leveraged the strengths of people-to-people diplomacy to advance practical cooperation and promote common development.

Zuo noted that since July last year, the GNFCC has regarded supporting and serving China's role as the rotating chair and host of the summit as a key mission, meticulously planning and carrying out a series of people-to-people diplomacy activities: first, highlighting green and sustainable development; second, prioritizing benefits for people's livelihoods; third, deepening people-to-people friendship; fourth, focusing on youth; and fifth, enhancing SCO countries' understanding of China.

President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to SCO people-to-people diplomacy and has repeatedly issued important instructions, providing fundamental guidance and direction for the GNFCC's work. During China's tenure as Chair, President Xi sent congratulatory messages to the SCO Forum on Green Development, SCO Forum on Women, and the SCO Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development Forum. These messages fully reflect his high regard and earnest expectations for deepening exchanges, mutual learning, and friendly cooperation among SCO member states, as well as for building a SCO community with a shared future. They also provide strategic guidance for SCO people-to-people diplomacy in the new era.

Zuo stated that since its establishment, the GNFCC has actively worked to establish and consolidate friendly cooperative relations with civil society organizations in various countries. Throughout this process, it has consistently adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and seeking common ground while reserving differences, successfully identifying the greatest common denominator and shared vision for deepening people-to-people bonds and jointly promoting cooperative development. Participants spoke highly of the GNFCC's work, noting that its series of high-level forums and other people-to-people exchanges have closely aligned with the theme of sustainable development. By sharing China's development experiences and opportunities, these initiatives resonate with the common aspirations of all nations, reach grassroots communities, demonstrate high-level vision, foster people-to-people bonds, and benefit people's livelihoods.

Zuo emphasized that guided by the principle of "people-to-people diplomacy for friendship, solidarity, the people, and development," the GNFCC has meticulously planned and implemented exchanges that translate aspirations for a better life, peace, friendship, and modernization into tangible outcomes. Exchanges and training programs such as the "Brightness Journey of Lifeline Express," the SCO Children's and Youth Art Exhibition, and the "Tree of SCO" initiatives in digital technology, modern agriculture, and youth innovation have become widely celebrated stories of people-to-people friendship.

Zuo stated that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to people-to-people friendship, emphasizing "Only when peoples from all countries are united with friendship can we achieve the common aspiration of peace and development." This has provided us with powerful spiritual strength and scientific guidance for our commitment to the cause of people-to-people friendship. The GNFCC will undertake the important responsibility and mission of advancing people-to-people bonds among SCO member states and promoting the building of a SCO community with a shared future: First, fully implement the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit; second, deepen people-to-people bonds and carry forward traditional friendship; third, advance practical cooperation and support common development; fourth, deepen exchanges and mutual learning, and engage in civilized and equal dialogue; fifth, tell the stories of China, China-SCO cooperation, and the SCO.

Zuo concluded by stating that on this new journey, the GNFCC will remain committed to the broader framework of major-country diplomacy, rooted in people-to-people friendship. It will strive for progress on the frontlines of people-to-people diplomacy, forge new ground, and make fresh contributions to advancing people-to-people friendship among SCO member states and building a close SCO community with a shared future. The GNFCC also welcomes and looks forward to the active support and participation of friends from all sectors at home and abroad in its people-to-people diplomacy efforts, rallying the formidable strength of people-to-people friendship within the SCO.

Photo by Ma Cheng and Dai Tao, Jinyun New Media