On July 18, 2026, the 19th Meeting of the Youth Council of the SCO was held in Bishkek as part of the Kyrgyz Republic’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2025–2026.
The meeting was attended by Ulan Mamatkanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Soyuzbek Nadyrbekov, First Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Piao Yangfan, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, M. Alymbekov, Member of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, representatives of government agencies, heads of the national delegations of the SCO Youth Council, and invited guests.
In his opening remarks, Mr. U. E. Mamatkanov emphasized the importance of expanding youth participation in sustainable development processes and highlighted the need to equip young people with modern competencies, including digital skills, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Representatives of SCOLAR Network attended the meeting as observers. On behalf of the SCOLAR Network were Aizhamal Ibraeva, SCOLAR Network Hubs Coordinator; Myrzabek Kamchybekov, Ex-curator of the SCOLAR Bishkek Hub; and Tenirberdi Shykmamatov, Curator of the SCOLAR Bishkek Hub.
During the meeting, Ruslan Maratbekovich Rakhimov, Rector of the K. Dikambayev Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Kubat Elebesov, SCO Youth Council Coordinator from the Kyrgyz Republic, acknowledged the contribution of SCOLAR Network to bringing together young leaders, supporting youth initiatives, and implementing projects across the SCO region.
Particular attention was given to strengthening cooperation among SCO member states in the fields of education, science, and innovation. The Kyrgyz Republic proposed expanding joint youth projects and research in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, robotics, medicine, and environmental protection, while also promoting closer collaboration between universities and research institutions across the Organization.
Participation in the meeting became an opportunity for SCOLAR Network to strengthen interaction with the SCO Youth Council and confirm its readiness to contribute to the further development of international youth cooperation.
Following the meeting, the Chairmanship of the SCO Youth Council was officially transferred to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
SCO Youth Council Opens in Bishkek | The Shanghai cooperation organisation