On March 20, 2024, The Institute of SCO Studies of Shandong University held a working meeting for the new semesteratHuagangyuan South Building. Xing Zhanjun,Assistant to the President of Shandong University and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Qingdao Campus, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. The meeting was chaired by Ma Ben, the dean of the School of Political Scienceand Public Administration and the dean of the Institute of SCO Studies,Shandong University.

Xing Zhanjun listened to the work report ofthe Institute of SCO Studies and fully affirmed its work. He pointed out that the working ideas ofthe Institute should be further aligned with major national strategies, and efforts should be made in the following three aspects. Firstly, it is necessary to emancipate the mind, make sound plans and establish an effective mechanism to introduce talents and resources. Secondly, it is required to make overall coordination, strengthen integration and gather relevant forces across the university to form an academic highland for SCO studies. Thirdly, it is essential to ensure implementation, strengthen cooperation and exchanges with the SCO Demonstration Zone in Qingdao and further explore new models and paths for university-local cooperation.

Professor Edmund Li Sheng,distinguished Professor of Shandong University and Executive Dean of the InstituteofSCO Studies, reported on the work achievements of the institute in 2023 as well as the work plans and prospects for the new semester. Professor Huang Shixi, the vice dean ofthe Institute of SCO Studies, reported on the work related to the research on the rule of law of the SCO. Professor Zhang Shulan, the vice dean ofthe Institute of SCO Studies, reported on the work of South Asian studies.

Ma Ben emphasized in his concluding remarks that in the next step,the Institute of SCO Studies should combine the university's working ideas for 2024, be pioneering and innovative, make overall plans, strengthen integration, and further promote the high-quality development of SCO studies.

Li Haiyan, the Party secretary of the School of Political Scienceand Public Administration, Zhu Guichang, the vice dean, Ma Tengjun, the foreign affairs secretary, and relevant experts and scholars ofthe Institute of SCO Studies attended the meeting and made speeches.