On April 26, 2024, Astana hosted the XII Model SCO Youth Conference, organised by Astana International University and SCOLAR Network, within the chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
This event became a place for the meeting of students and researchers from educational and scientific institutions in Kazakhstan and China.
The conference was dedicated to the strategically important topic ‘Building a Green Future in the SCO Region: Strategies and Solutions’. In accordance with the New Delhi Declaration, 2024 is recognised as the ‘Year of Ecology’ in the SCO, and the participants were able to highlight pressing environmental issues relevant to all countries in the region, offering fresh ideas and solutions.
SCO Deputy Secretary General Janesh Kain stressed in his video message the importance of youth initiatives for the organization. According to him, the Model SCO has become a tradition since 2016, attracting participants of different ages, from students to young professionals from the SCO member states.
Such events contribute to a deeper understanding of the nuances of diplomatic activities among young people, giving them an opportunity to practice multilateral negotiations. “It is safe to say that this is laying the groundwork for the careers of future diplomats, ambassadors, and possibly even foreign ministers,” Kain said.
Rector of Astana International University Serik Irsaliev, SCO National Coordinator, Ambassador at Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Mukushev, representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan gave speeches for the Model SCO participants.
After the discussion, a symbolic tree planting event was held to underline the participants’ commitment to the SCO environmental goals and their aspirations for sustainable development.
At the conclusion of the conference, selected delegates received awards in the categories “Best Delegate”, “Best Position Paper”, and the “Best Performance”.
