Second Shanghai Cooperation Organization Mass Media Forum Held in Kyrgyzstan

The Second Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Mass Media Forum was held from 23-26 May, 2019 at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A Delegation from I&B Ministry comprising of Shri TVK Reddy, Addl. Director General and Shri Ankur Lahoty, Asst. Director represented India at the Forum. 

The Forum was inaugurated by the President of Kyrgyz Republic Mr. S. Jeenbeko. The President in his inaugural address highlighted the importance of Mass Media organizations of SCO countries in accomplishing the SCO objectives of mutual trust, friendly relations with neighbors and regional security in line with the “Shanghai Spirit”. 

The first SCO Media Summit was held in Beijing on 1 June 2018. This event was held under the motto “Development of the “Shanghai Spirit” and opening of a new era in the mass media cooperation”, where over 110 media outlets from 16 countries participated, including the SCO Member States, Observer States and Dialogue Partners. 

The Forum aims to strengthen the exchange and cooperation in the field of mass media amongst SCO countries. It offers a unique platform for active work through mass media to create an objective vision of the organization and strengthen its positive image in the global information space. The representative of state bodies supervising mass media of the SCO countries (Member States, Observer Countries, Dialogue Partners); representatives of leading mass media of the SCO countries and representatives of the SCO Secretariat are participating in the Forum. 

Speaking at the Forum, the Indian Delegation highlighted the vital role of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the development of the mass media landscape within the country. The Delegation emphasized the need for media collaborations and exchange of best practices amongst the various mass media agencies, organizations and associations across the SCO partner states.

The Delegation suggested that media personnel exchange programmes may be undertaken along with joint international press conferences. The idea of working together to counter the problem of fake news was also highlighted. The Delegation invited all the SCO member delegates to the Golden Jubilee edition of International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa in November 2019. 

The SCO Member States also adopted the Resolution of Media Forum which calls for establishing successful collaborations of Mass Media Organizations of the SCO member Countries.