Culture and traditions are integral to every nation’s heritage, reflecting its history, uniqueness, and identity. In an era of globalization, preserving cultural wealth and passing it on to younger generations is essential. One vivid example of such an initiative became the creative competition “Wedding Traditions of the SCO Nations”.

The event, organized by the Public Diplomacy Center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Uzbekistan in collaboration with Secondary School No. 145, brought together representatives of SCO member states. It aimed to promote cultural heritage, strengthen friendship, and foster mutual understanding among nations. 

The competition served as a platform to showcase the rich cultural diversity of SCO nations, where national traditions and customs gained a new resonance through the creative works of the participants. The organizers paid special attention to the following aspects: 

– Musical Heritage: National wedding songs immersed the audience in a festive cultural atmosphere. 

– Traditional Costumes: Participants displayed vibrant and distinctive attire that highlighted the unique characteristics of each culture. 

– Wedding Rituals: Spectators were introduced to traditions reflecting the philosophy and values of various nations, from blessing ceremonies to symbolic rituals. 

The Director of the Center, Kabuljon Sabirov, emphasized that public diplomacy, based on dialogue, respect, and cooperation, effectively strengthens friendship and trust among nations. Through youth initiatives like the wedding traditions competition, young people gain deeper insights into fraternal nations’ cultures and feel part of a larger community united by shared goals and values. 

Participants in the competition were awarded certificates and special gifts. Their works are planned to be widely showcased on various SCO platforms, further promoting the cultural heritage of the member states. 

The competition introduced a broad audience to national traditions and laid the foundation for creating new cultural projects. 

G. Khonnazarov, UzA