Translated with AI
On April 15, 2026, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretariat in Beijing hosted a traditional reception to mark the "SCO community," a milestone widely celebrated in many countries. The organization's Secretariat announced this.
The event, held under the motto "Navruz in the SCO: 25 Springs of Friendship and Cooperation," was timed to coincide with the organization's 25th anniversary. It was attended by Cui Li, Deputy Chair of the Chinese SCO Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation; Ularbek Sharsheev, Director of the RATS Executive Committee; heads and staff of diplomatic missions of member states, observer states, and dialogue partners; representatives of international organizations; and other guests.
SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev noted that Nowruz symbolizes renewal and the beginning of a new life cycle, uniting people through friendship, mutual understanding, and respect for cultural diversity. He recalled that the UN General Assembly declared March 21 as International Nowruz Day, and the holiday itself is included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
According to him, in the year of the SCO's 25th anniversary, traditional holidays of the member states, such as Navruz, Spring Festival, Maslenitsa, and Holi, take on special significance, reflecting the countries' desire to strengthen cooperation, peace, and sustainable development.
In her speech, Cui Li emphasized that Nowruz, symbolizing light, unity, and renewal, serves as an important platform for strengthening friendship and cooperation between SCO countries. She also noted the importance of the "Shanghai Spirit" as a foundation for further developing cooperation.
During the event, guests were shown a video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
In addition, pavilions of SCO countries were organized, where examples of decorative and applied arts and dishes of national cuisine were presented, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the peoples of the organization.
