On March 24, 2026, the grand opening of the First Youth Delphic Games of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization took place at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic named after Toktogul Satylganov in Bishkek.
The ceremony was attended by Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic; Aibek Dzhunushaliev, Mayor of Bishkek; Vladimir Ponyavin, Director of the International Delphic Committee; as well as Anarbek Ibraev, Chairman of the Delphic Committee of Kyrgyzstan, People’s Artist of the Republic.
Advisor of the SCO Secretariat Kazybek Kochkonov delivered an address on behalf of the SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev. He emphasized that the Organization pays close attention to the development of humanitarian, cultural and youth cooperation. Strengthening ties among representatives of the younger generation, supporting talented performers, fostering cultural dialogue and preserving the rich heritage of our peoples are key priorities of SCO cooperation.
In this regard, the holding of the First Youth Delphic Games under the auspices of the SCO holds special significance. The event carries additional symbolism as it takes place during the year marking the 25th anniversary of the Organization. This large-scale cultural event represents a unique platform for communication, experience exchange and the establishment of lasting friendships among gifted young representatives of the SCO member states, including the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
As part of the Games, which will run until March 28, young talents from the SCO member states will participate in competitive performances, creative meetings and other events (over 600 delegates have arrived in Bishkek in total).
Participants of the Games will compete in such categories as fine arts, artistic crafts, folk singing, folk dance, traditional instrument performance, piano music, pop singing and even DJing. The program is aimed at maximizing the participants’ potential, strengthening cross-cultural interaction and creating an environment for free creative expression.
