On June 19, the launch event of the book written by former Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary-General Rashid Alimov, "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization: From a Regional Mechanism to a Global Factor," was held at the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair.
Alimov is also an Outstanding Achievement Award recipient of the second Orchid Awards and an international think tank partner of ACCWS.
Li Yafang, deputy editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG) and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) under CICG, delivered a speech at the event.
Li Yafang, deputy editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at the launch event of the book "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization: From a Regional Mechanism to a Global Factor" in Beijing, June 19, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
Li noted that to mark the 25th anniversary of the SCO's founding, this new book, written by an eyewitness and participant in the organization's evolution, interprets and promotes the Shanghai Spirit, thus serving as a valuable boost to advancing exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
She said that the ACCWS will leverage its integrated strengths in think tank research, publishing, and international communication to contribute to carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit, upholding multilateralism, and deepening cross-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning.
Rashid Alimov, former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, speaks at the launch event of his book "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization: From a Regional Mechanism to a Global Factor" in Beijing, June 19, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
Alimov, who served as SCO Secretary-General from 2016 to 2018, noted that the SCO has grown into an indispensable major force in today's international landscape.
He said the Shanghai Spirit not only fuels the prosperity of individual countries, but also advances shared regional development. He also said the SCO's development journey testifies to the truth that respect for diversity can serve as a foundation for unity. Guided by an open and inclusive approach to cooperation, the SCO will grow stronger through its diversity and remain steadfast for its principles, contributing more to the shared future of the Eurasian continent, he added.
Chinese and international guests visit the booth of China International Communications Group (CICG) at the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair in Beijing, June 19, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
After the launch event, Chinese and international guests visited the CICG booth at the book fair. They spoke highly of CICG's premium publications and exhibition displays, and voiced their willingness to deepen exchanges and cooperation with CICG in book publishing, think tank exchanges, and cultural events.
In May this year, during the state visit of Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon to China, ACCWS signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. The two sides agreed to jointly launch a center for the study of modernization and vigorously advance cooperation in think tank knowledge sharing and international communication.
