The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) People's Diplomacy and Sister Cities Forum will be held from July 3 to 5 in Shenyang, the administrative center of Liaoning Province in Northeast China.

The event, themed "Deepening People's Friendship and Promoting Sustainable Development" will host nearly 400 guests from over 20 SCO countries.

The forum's agenda includes an exhibition of children's artwork from SCO countries, an exhibition showcasing achievements in people-to-people friendship and exchanges among SCO nations, and an exhibition of scientific and technological innovations and advanced manufacturing achievements.

Sub-forums will also be convened on sister city exchanges and trade-economic cooperation, scientific and technological innovation and advanced manufacturing among youth, and a sub-forum commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

It is anticipated that the event will result in the publication of agreements on sustainable development actions for people-to-people exchanges among SCO countries and the "Shenyang Initiative" as an outcome of the forum. Furthermore, several agreements or memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed for the establishment of sister city relationships between relevant organizations and cities.

The forum will be jointly organized by the China SCO Committee for Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the People's Government of Liaoning Province.

ORIENT