Within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), while much attention is often given to the economic and security dimensions of the SCO, it is important to understand how cultural diplomacy have played, and will continue to play, a vital role in fostering mutual understanding, trust, and lasting relationships among member states. The SCO has been instrumental in promoting these exchanges since its inception in 2001, aligning its goals with the broader vision of peace, stability, and cooperation across the region. The success of such exchanges is rooted in a shared cultural history, regional traditions, and, most importantly, the vision of a community bound not just by trade routes but by shared experiences, dialogue, and cultural synergy.Cultural diplomacy, facilitated by the SCO, has significantly bridged gaps among member states. Pakistan, a relatively newer member of the SCO, has long recognized the value of fostering cultural connections, especially with its Central Asian neighbors and China.
China, through its Confucius Institutes and cultural centers across SCO nations, has championed efforts to build cultural bridges. We are also having multiple Confucius institutes in Pakistan but due to the security concerns they are closed for years, which no doubt affects the Pak-China cultural diplomacy seriously. The SCO Film Festival, held in Qingdao in 2018, included films from across the SCO countries, providing a platform to showcase each country’s unique cultural and social fabric.
Central Asian countries, such as Kazakhstan, have also actively embraced this form of soft power. Kazakhstan’s “Rukhani Zhangyru” program, launched in 2017, is a prominent initiative aimed at modernizing Kazakh identity and promoting cultural exchanges across the SCO. This program has encouraged participation in SCO cultural festivals and academic exchange programs, fostering a deeper sense of regional identity.In addition to these initiatives, the SCO Ministers of Culture Meeting on July 12, 2024, in Vitebsk, Belarus, reiterated the organization’s commitment to enhancing cultural cooperation among member states, emphasizing streamlined mechanisms for cultural exchanges and collaborations. Such efforts are crucial in fostering mutual respect and understanding among diverse cultures. Another important concern in cultural diplomacy is the Academic Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing, which has been another area of emphasis within the SCO’s vision as well.One of the strongest examples of academic exchange in the SCO is the SCO University Network, launched in 2009. This network brings together over 80 universities from across SCO member states, enabling students to study in partner institutions, engage in joint research, and collaborate on cross-border educational projects. For instance, Tsinghua University in China and Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan have engaged in collaborative research on regional development, energy, and technology transfer. Pakistan’s engagement has also been significant in this academic space. The CPEC Consortium of Universities is a good example to discuss in such collaborations by Pakistan and China. Furthermore, the SCO has organized youth forums and academic competitions to promote innovation and research collaboration among students and young professionals. The 2024 SCO Youth Forum, hosted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, focused on technological advancements and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of knowledge-sharing in addressing regional challenges.
Lastly, in the cultural diplomacy Tourism and Cultural Tourism have emerged as essential dimensions within the SCO.Cultural tourism is not merely a way to build relationships but also serves as an economic avenue that strengthens regional bonds. Pakistan’s heritage sites, such as the ancient Buddhist monasteries in Taxila, have attracted a growing number of tourists from China and Central Asia over the past decade. This shared history presents an opportunity for cultural diplomacy, rekindling ancient Silk Road ties and reinforcing contemporary partnerships.One notable example of SCO’s efforts to promote tourism was the SCO Heads of Tourism Administration Meeting held in Uzbekistan in 2022, where member states discussed strategies to enhance tourism connectivity, emphasizing easier visa procedures and improved transport links. Pakistan still is not one of the beneficiaries of visa free travel to China and vice versa whereas various Central Asian countries were recently included in such list. The ongoing project to link Pakistan’s Gwadar Port to the Kyrgyz Republic via the Karakoram Highway further illustrates how infrastructure projects can facilitate cultural tourism. This initiative was a key topic during the 2023 SCO Ministers of Culture Meeting, underscoring how SCO’s initiatives directly support tourism and, by extension, people-to-people exchanges.
Additionally, the SCO has designated Qingdao as the “SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital” for 2024-2025, with a series of events planned to promote interaction among member states, including cultural exhibitions that celebrate each nation’s unique heritage. This initiative not only honors diversity but also fosters tourism and mutual understanding among the peoples of the SCO region. The vision of the SCO extends beyond geopolitics and economics. Its real strength lies in its commitment to building cultural bridges, strengthening social cohesion, and promoting a shared future for the peoples of this vast region. Whether through academic exchanges, tourism, or cultural diplomacy, these connections are integral to fostering trust and long-term cooperation.The people of Pakistan and China, as well as our Central Asian partners, share a long history—one built not just on trade but on cultural interactions. By continuing to promote these exchanges, the SCO ensures that this rich legacy is not only preserved but actively nurtured for future generations. The strategic importance of fostering people-to-people and cultural exchanges in the SCO is undeniable. By investing in cultural diplomacy, academic cooperation, and tourism, the SCO lays the foundation for a regional community bound by more than just economic agreements. It is building a region united by shared values, common goals, and an enduring vision of peace and prosperity.
—The writer is a PhD from Sun Yat-sen University, China and is affiliated with COMSATS University Islamabad
