The Leader of the 21st Century intellectual contest was held at the SCO Youth Assembly as part of a programme aimed at fostering modern leadership and management skills and learning about the basics of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's performance and the mechanisms of its operation grounded in the unwavering principles of the Shanghai spirit.
Taking part in the event are students of undergraduate and Master's degree programmes from the SCO member states who won the competition to attend in the SCO Youth Assembly in Dongfang.
"There is an incredible atmosphere in the hall today: all the young participants are active and committed, doing their best to show a high level of knowledge and competencies. I myself spent a lot of time preparing for the Assembly, studying the history of the SCO and its development. I believe this organisation has a great future," said Azimzhon Bobozhonov, a contestant from Uzbekistan.
"The SCO opens new doors for young people. This large-scale event is evidence of that because here we have the opportunity to get to know each other, communicate and develop our potential for personal growth. I hope we will be able to gather here again next year," Alina Zholobova from Russia said.
An exciting intellectual battle during The Leader of the 21st Century contest displayed the participants' deep knowledge and a high level of preparation.
"The Leader of the 21st Century contest was first held two years ago and is becoming increasingly popular, attracting a growing number of gifted young people," SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov said. "The contest uncovers their leadership qualities, their ability to find the right answers to hard questions and assume responsibility. The concept underlying the contest is aimed at fostering comprehensive and balanced personal development, bolstering intellectual potential, introducing young people to up-to-date knowledge, and encouraging interest in education and science, art and literature," the SCO Secretary-General emphasised. "This approach to working with the young generation is stated in the Address of the SCO Heads of State to the Youth at the Qingdao Summit. Our task is to consistently implement the agreements and decisions of the SCO Council of Heads of State," Rashid Alimov added.
The SCO Youth Assembly is underway in Dongfang on 8-12 November 2018. The Assembly's programme includes conferences, intellectual and creative contests and athletic competitions.