SCO is more than a political and economic forum, says MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh

The 2nd SCO Young Authors’ Conference in Delhi emphasized the organisation’s role beyond politics and economics. MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted cultural diplomacy, youth cooperation, and creativity, fostering stronger people-to-people ties and enriching the SCO region

New Delhi: Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is more than a political and economic forum, asserting that it is also a platform to “deepen cultural understanding” and foster people-to-people ties.

Speaking at the opening session of the 2nd SCO Young Authors’ Conference in Delhi, he added that the ideas exchanged during the two-day event will “contribute to a more vibrant and culturally rich SCO region.”

---

The conference was attended by authors and delegates from various SCO member states, as well as diplomats from countries including Russia and Pakistan.

Founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO welcomed India and Pakistan as permanent members in 2017. Delegates from India, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and other member States are participating in the event, which includes multiple thematic sessions and a range of speakers over two days.

“Your presence here today is a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and shared vision that lies at the core of the SCO,” Singh said. He highlighted the “collaborative spirit” between ministries and partners, with the Ministry of Education and the National Book Trust, India, co-hosting the conference alongside other partners.

“The ideas exchanged here will not only shape individual trajectories as authors and artists but will also contribute to a more vibrant and culturally rich SCO region,” he said.

Noting the success of the first edition held in 2023 under India’s chairmanship, Singh said it set a high standard, and the biennial event has now become a fixture for creative thinkers and writers.

The theme of the conference, “Dynamics of Creative Spaces in the Digital Age,” is both timely and consequential. It resonates with India’s national vision, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that “we must harness technology creatively for the welfare and progress of our society,” Singh added.

The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to empowering the next generation. “This event provides a unique opportunity to build a community of creative minds, share perspectives, and learn from one another’s experiences,” he said, emphasizing the increasing relevance of cultural diplomacy globally.

Russian author Anna Babina, attending for the first time, said on the sidelines, “This is my first visit to India, and the experience is inspiring me to write about my India trip.”