The East Kazakhstan region has become a platform for international youth dialogue: a delegation of young leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries arrived in the region on an official visit.

The visit is part of the implementation of the agreements reached at the SCO summit in the "SCO Plus" format, which took place on July 4, 2024 in Astana. At that time, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev especially noted the importance of unity and joint efforts of the participating countries in the context of global challenges.

The delegation included representatives of the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan - young leaders, volunteers and public figures. The main goal of their visit was to strengthen intercultural dialogue, develop youth partnerships and promote joint initiatives.

The program of the visit included visits to the region's iconic cultural heritage sites: the left-bank complex of Ust-Kamenogorsk, the Abay House Museum, an ethnic village and a traditional Kazakh yurt. The guests were especially interested in the exhibition "Gold of the Great Steppe", where unique artifacts from the Scythian-Saka era were presented - jewelry, weapons and horse harnesses.
One of the central events was the ethnic festival in the Ulansky district. The delegates got acquainted with Kazakh crafts, rituals, cuisine and folklore, having the opportunity to better understand national traditions. The participants also took a river cruise along the Irtysh, discovering Ust-Kamenogorsk from a new, picturesque side.
An important part of the program were both formal and informal meetings. During the dialogue platforms, topics of volunteering, sustainable development, ecology and strengthening ties between the youth of the SCO countries were discussed. The events will continue in the coming days, including discussion sessions, cultural events and meetings with the region's public activists. East Kazakhstan has once again confirmed its status as a territory of open dialogue, international cooperation and mutual understanding.