2025 SCO University Annual Conference: Advancing Educational Collaboration in Xinjiang

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2025 SCO University Annual Conference: Advancing Educational Collaboration in Xinjiang - AppliedHE

The 2025 Annual Conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) University convened on May 12 in Urumqi, situated in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Hosted by Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), which is recognized as the Chinese Presidential Office of SCO University, the conference brought together representatives from 86 universities across seven nations, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The emphasis of the gathering was on advancing educational collaboration within the SCO framework.

Significance of Educational Cooperation

Shri Janesh Kain, deputy secretary-general of SCO, underscored the significance of the university as a critical platform for fostering regional educational cooperation, highlighting its contribution to the development of skilled professionals essential for regional advancement. The conference explored various initiatives aimed at enhancing academic exchanges, such as innovative teaching models designed to boost educational accessibility and the creation of a digital education portal.

SCO University Digital Education Development Plan

Zhang Liqun, president of XJTU and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, introduced the SCO University Digital Education Development Plan during the conference. This plan outlines its background, strategic importance, objectives, primary tasks, implementation strategies, and supporting measures.

9th Meeting of Education Ministers

On May 13, the 9th Meeting of Education Ministers of SCO Member States was also held in Urumqi. During this meeting, Zhang reiterated the key aspects of the digital education initiative and provided an update on the 15th Education Week of SCO Member States, which bore the theme “Education without Borders.” Additionally, he announced the launch of the SCO Digital Education Alliance and the establishment of the China-SCO Doctoral Talent Cultivation and Innovation Center.

(Source: Xi’an Jiaotong University)