On 19 July 2026, the 23rd Meeting of Ministers of Culture of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states was held in Cholpon-Ata under the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The meeting was attended by heads of delegations from ten SCO member states. The event was opened by M.K. Mambetaliev, Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, who noted that cultural cooperation remains one of the most important areas of the Organization's work, contributing to the strengthening of mutual trust, the preservation of diversity, and the development of humanitarian ties.
A thorough exchange of views took place on issues of developing cultural cooperation in the upcoming period, implementing joint projects, expanding creative exchanges, as well as preserving, promoting, and protecting cultural heritage.
In her remarks, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Piao Yangfan highly appreciated the contribution of the Kyrgyz Republic to the development of cultural and humanitarian contacts during its chairmanship. It was emphasized that over the past year, SCO member states have put forward a number of new initiatives and held numerous international festivals, exhibitions, forums, and educational events aimed at strengthening trust, mutual understanding, and good-neighbourliness among the peoples of the region.
Following the Meeting, a Protocol was signed, and the list of cultural exchange events within the SCO framework for 2026–2027 was approved.
A gala concert featuring artists from SCO member states was held. The vibrant and distinctive performances of creative groups, showcasing the richness of national cultures, became a symbol of unity in diversity and reaffirmed the high level of cultural interaction within the SCO.