The SCO Member States Jointly Discussed New Opportunities for Urban Cooperation and Exchanges

On July 8^th, the opening ceremony of the "Global Mayors Dialogue – SCO Summit Cities".

The opening ceremony of the "Global Mayors Dialogue – SCO Summit Cities" was held in Tianjin on July 8^th. The event explores the themes of openness, inclusiveness and integrated development.

Around 350 city mayors, diplomatic envoys to China, think tank experts and other guests from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and other delegations have gathered in Tianjin. They are participating in discussions on how Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states can build greater consensus and deepen practical cooperation in areas such as connectivity, trade and investment, green development, and people-to-people exchanges – contributing to global stability and prosperity.

On July 8^th, Janesh Kane, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO Secretariat, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, Janesh Kane, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO Secretariat, said in his opening remarks that urban cooperation will play an important role in promoting ecological protection, digital transformation, comprehensive transportation, cultural tourism, urban planning and other aspects. And the exchange of experience and innovative solutions will surely benefit hundreds of millions of people.

Cui Li, Vice-President of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (GNFCC SCO), said at the opening ceremony that among the SCO member states, the urban unique cultural features, inclusive spirit and ever-lasting culture provide an inexhaustible driving force for strengthening urban friendly cooperation.

Aibek Junushaliyev, Mayor of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, said in his speech that this event has very important symbolic significance and has played a vital role in establishing open, honest and constructive interaction among cities.

Meanwhile, Shen Lei, member of the Standing Committee of the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee and Minister of Propaganda Department of the Municipal Party Committee, stressed that "Today's gathering is also an appointment for us to share a mission." She pointed out that Tianjin is always willing to maintain an open attitude and join hands with cities around the world to work hard on the broad stage of international cooperation, jointly write a new chapter of high-quality urban development, and contribute more urban strength to building together a community with a shared future for mankind.

On July 8^th, the attending guests delivered speeches at the urban thematic dialogue session of the SCO Summit.

Besides, the opening day featured a series of roundtables, including a thematic dialogue among cities of SCO member states and a think tank dialogue. Notably, during this event, Chinese practices and experiences were mentioned many times by the attending guests, especially in terms of urban governance and smart city construction.

Parvina Mukhamadalievna Nematova, a city councilor from Dushanbe in Tajikistan and director of the Department of Southeast Asia of Institute of Studying of problems of Asian and European Countries, National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, noted that Dushanbe has drawn on Chinese experience including Tianjin for more than 20 smart city projects in Tajikistan.

Gulnar Shaimergenova, Director of Kazakhstan's China Studies Center, pointed out that the profound cultural ties and close people-to-people exchanges between Kazakhstan and China not only build a unique advantage for the collaborative governance of cities, but also form the foundation of mutual trust and understanding between the two sides.

During the event, representatives from the SCO member states gathered together to deeply discuss the experiences and paths of building green, smart and resilient cities, and to learn from the ways of urban governance in China. As a key platform for global exchange and cooperation, the dialogue seeks to foster trust and friendship among nations, promote mutual understanding through learning and shared experiences, and contribute to building together a community with a shared future for mankind.

Edited and Translated by Li Tian

Author (Xinhua): Liang Zi, Liu Weizhen

Source: < https://www.yidaiyilu.gov.cn/p/0SHJT2R1.html > & < https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-08/-Global-Mayors-Dialogue-SCO-Summit-Cities-event-held-in-Tianjin-1EQ9moIOgeI/p.html >