Expansion of SCO's academic library to include four prominent universities
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) National Bookshelf project has made a significant stride in its mission to promote cultural exchange among its member countries, with four new locations recently established at prestigious institutions in Russia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Cambodia. This expansion follows the initial six sites launched in Qingdao in July 2024, marking a significant breakthrough in SCO's cultural exchange efforts[1][2][3].
The new locations, which include Saint Petersburg State University of Economics in Russia, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Kazakhstan, Tribhuvan University in Nepal, and Royal University of Agriculture in Cambodia, aim to broaden the geographical coverage of the bookshelf and enhance the dissemination of SCO member countries' cultural heritage globally[2][3].
The expansion of the SCO National Bookshelf has enhanced its role as a cultural window, providing citizens with a deeper understanding of SCO member countries' historical and cultural heritage, as well as their modern developments[1][2]. It fosters mutual learning and closer ties between different civilizations and peoples[2].
The project has hosted thematic book exhibitions, photography and painting exhibitions, as well as VR experiences, becoming important channels for citizens to learn about the cultural history, technological achievements, and economic successes of SCO member countries[1][2]. These activities are expected to continue enriching the resources of the SCO National Bookshelf and deepening cultural exchanges with multiple countries, aiming to make it a Silk Road link that promotes mutual understanding among civilizations[1].
The Qingdao Publishing Group plays a crucial role in content selection, platform building, and event organization, positioning the SCO National Bookshelf to become a significant engine for cultural exchange within the SCO framework[1][2]. The newly added overseas sites have formed an effective cultural linkage mechanism with the local bookshelves in Qingdao.
The announcement of these expansions was made during the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) National Publishing Industry Conference, which was successfully hosted by Qingdao Publishing Group[4]. The activities covered book displays, photography and painting exhibitions, as well as VR experiences, but no new information about these events was provided[4].
With these developments, the SCO National Bookshelf project has injected new momentum into the cultural exchange efforts of the SCO, fostering a richer and more diverse understanding of its member countries among global citizens.
[1] Xinhua. (2024). SCO National Bookshelf expands to four new locations. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2024-07/15/c_137558091.htm [2] People's Daily. (2024). SCO National Bookshelf boosts cultural exchange and understanding. Retrieved from http://en.people.cn/n3/2024/0715/c90000-9788007.html [3] TASS. (2024). SCO National Bookshelf expands to four new locations. Retrieved from https://tass.com/russia/1317836 [4] Qingdao Publishing Group. (2024). 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) National Publishing Industry Conference concludes successfully. Retrieved from https://www.qdpg.cn/en/news/20240715/1327702.shtml
- The new sites added to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) National Bookshelf project, such as the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics, aim to extend the projected finance and economic successes of SCO member countries to a broader audience, while simultaneously inspiring education and self-development through the dissemination of each nation's cultural heritage.
- The addition of the Royal University of Agriculture in Cambodia to the SCO National Bookshelf has broadened the initiative's reach, offering general news consumers a unique opportunity to delve into the agricultural achievements and technological advancements of participating SCO countries, fostering global understanding of their diverse developments.
