SCO Summit in Bishkek Pushes for Media and Think Tank Collaboration
Event summary
- The 2026 SCO Media and Think Tank Summit opened in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with 260 representatives from nearly 150 organizations.
- Xi Yanchun of Xinhua News Agency emphasized the role of media and think tanks in promoting solidarity and multilateralism within the SCO framework.
- Think tank reports on Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building and SCO cooperation were released during the summit.
The big picture
The summit underscores the strategic importance of media and think tank collaboration in shaping regional governance within the SCO. As digital disinformation risks rise, the organization is positioning itself as a counterweight to Western-dominated information ecosystems. The focus on practical cooperation reflects broader trends toward non-aligned blocs strengthening institutional ties amid global fragmentation.
What we're watching
- Information Security
- How the SCO will institutionalize mechanisms to combat disinformation and cybersecurity threats among member states.
- Regional Connectivity
- Whether deeper think tank exchanges can translate into tangible policy shifts promoting regional stability and development.
- Multilateralism
- The pace at which SCO member states align on shared media narratives to counter global geopolitical fragmentation.