Tianjin (TDI): Dozens of young students from the SCO member countries gathered in Tianjin city in northern China to participate in the Kaleidoscope Cultural Bazaar, on August 6. The colorful festival had been organized exclusively to promote the cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges in the region.
Organized under the SCO youth cooperation agenda, the event involved a series of interactive performances and presentations that provided participants with a chance to immerse themselves in China’s rich cultural heritage.Â
Students dressed up in Beijing Opera wear, shadow puppet performances were watched, and there was traditional Chinese artwork, such as calligraphy, stone rubbing, and lantern-making.Â
In addition, visitors were entertained by live performances and demonstrations, such as traditional Chinese martial arts, that reflected the diversity and richness of Chinese culture.
The cultural bazaar was not just a festival but also a soft diplomacy platform, intending to strengthen ties among the SCO member states through the unity of their youth.
Students from China, Pakistan, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan shared cultural experiences, crossed the language divide, and forged lifelong friendships.
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Founded in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an Eurasian security, economic, and political organization. It now has nine member states, composed of regional giants China, India, and Russia.Â
Over the years, the SCO has extended its mandate from outright security and economic collaboration to youth, education, and cultural exchange programs, recognizing the reality that complete regional integration will only happen if there is trust and common values among the younger generation.
Activities such as the Kaleidoscope Cultural Bazaar demonstrate the SCO’s increasing focus on developing people-to-people ties between members.
As per the organizers of the event, such cultural activities assist in creating the same values among the young population of the region as well as foster mutual understanding and friendship.
The festival, jointly organized with the Chinese cultural groups in the locality and the SCO Youth Council, ended with a joint performance of traditional dances and musical performances by participants from different countries.
The organizers have stated that similar festivals would be organized in the future as part of efforts to continue youth exchanges under the SCO framework.
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