On April 15, 2026, a traditional reception was held at the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Beijing to celebrate the spring holiday — widely celebrated in many states of the "SCO community" — under the motto: "Nowruz in the SCO: 25 Springs of Friendship and Cooperation."
The event was attended by Cui Li, Deputy Chairman of the SCO Committee for Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation of China; Ularbek Sharsheev, Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO RATS; heads and staff of diplomatic missions from member states, observer states, and dialogue partners; representatives of international organizations; and other distinguished guests.
In his address SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev noted that Nowruz symbolizes renewal and the beginning of a new life cycle, uniting people around the values of friendship, mutual understanding, and respect for civilizational diversity. He emphasized that by a UN General Assembly resolution, March 21 has been proclaimed "International Nowruz Day," and the holiday itself has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Secretary-General also pointed out that in the year of the Organization's 25th anniversary, the traditional holidays of the peoples of the SCO member states that herald the arrival of spring — Nowruz, Chun Jie (Spring Festival), Maslenitsa, Holi, and others — are filled with special symbolic meaning, reflecting the member states' commitment to strengthening cooperation, peace, and sustainable development.
Ms. Cui Li stressed that Nowruz, symbolizing light, unity, and renewal, is part of the culture of the SCO countries and serves as a platform for strengthening friendship and cooperation. She highlighted the importance of the "Shanghai Spirit" as a foundation for deepening interaction during this anniversary year for the Organization.
Aktilek Musaeva, Ambassador to China of the Kyrgyz Republic, which holds the SCO presidency, noted that Nowruz is part of the cultural identity of the peoples of Eurasia, symbolizing the continuity of traditions, peace, and mutual understanding. She emphasized that the key values of the holiday — good neighborliness, mutual respect, and solidarity — are reflected in the SCO's activities, contributing to the development of cooperation within the Organization.
Guests were also shown a welcome video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
During the event pavilions of the SCO countries were set up, showcasing examples of decorative and applied arts and national cuisine dishes, which constitute the rich cultural heritage of the peoples of the Organization.