New initiatives proposed to develop cultural cooperation within the SCO

The 23rd Meeting of Ministers of Culture of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States is being held in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul region, Kyrgyzstan. Delegations from ten countries are taking part in the event.

Uzbekistan is represented by Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, who put forward several initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation within the organization.

The Minister noted that in recent years, culture days, concerts, exhibitions, film festivals, conferences and creative exchanges have been actively held within the organization. As a successful example, he cited the Forum of Intercultural Dialogue of the SCO Member States and the SCO Folk Art Festival, which took place in Namangan on June 24-25. The Uzbek side proposed establishing the intercultural dialogue launched in Namangan as a permanent mechanism for cooperation.

The speech highlighted current issues in the information landscape. Ozodbek Nazarbekov pointed out the increase in violence, hate speech, and disinformation on social media, along with the new opportunities and dangers brought by advancements in artificial intelligence technologies.

In this regard, the Uzbek side proposed:

· holding an annual “SCO Cultural Content” competition for young bloggers, directors, and digital content creators;

· developing and adopting SCO ethical guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in culture and the arts;

· using artificial intelligence technologies to create digital representations of prominent historical figures and national heroes of SCO countries, with their legacies subsequently promoted through virtual museums, animated films, interactive lessons, and multilingual digital platforms;

· establishing an experience-sharing program for the creative economy.

Concluding his speech, Ozodbek Nazarbekov emphasized that culture remains the most effective means of strengthening friendship, trust, and mutual understanding among peoples.

N. Usmanova, UzA