On April 1, 2025, the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Beijing hosted a festive reception on the occasion of the widely celebrated spring holiday in many SCO countries, themed “Navruz-2025: Harmony of Traditions and Sustainable Development”.
The event was attended by the Secretary-General of the Organization, Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Special Representative of the Government of the People's Republic of China for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, the Deputy Chairman of the Chinese SCO Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation, Cui Li, the Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Pilot Zone for Regional Economic Cooperation China-SCO, Zhang Xinchu, as well as heads of diplomatic missions from a number of member states, observers, and partners.
Representatives of international and regional organizations, leaders of partner structures from various regions of China, and other distinguished guests were also in attendance.
Addressing the audience, the Secretary-General described Navruz as a symbol of the triumph of goodness, people's aspirations of a fruitful year, prosperity, well-being, and peaceful life. It was noted that the current year marks the 15th anniversary of the proclamation of March 21 as the International Navruz Day by the United Nations. This coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN as well as the Year of Sustainable Development of SCO, further emphasizing the importance of building life in countries and among peoples in an atmosphere of peace, harmony, and unity.
According to Nurlan Yermekbayev, the spirit of Navruz resonates with the "Shanghai spirit" and, above all, with its core principles of equality and mutual respect.
Trust and respect for the diversity of cultures and civilizations were emphasized. The readiness of SCO member states to make efforts to further strengthen friendship and cooperation to create a safe, harmonious, and prosperous future was highlighted.
For his part, Li Hui emphasized that the peoples of the Organization’s countries, following the "Shanghai spirit," do transform Navruz, which embodies happiness, well-being, unity, and prosperity, into a significant event for cultural exchange and bringing people closer together.
Guests were also shown a congratulatory video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Following the official ceremony, a colorful concert was staged, featuring performances with national songs and dances, organized with the participation of the diplomatic missions of SCO member states and the team of The Central University of Nationalities. Pavilions were set up to display decorative and applied art items and national cuisine of the Organization's member countries.