On March 26, the work conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Institute of Shandong University was held at the Qingdao Campus. Xing Zhanjun, Assistant to the President of Shandong University and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Qingdao Campus, attended the conference and delivered a speech. The conference was presided over by Ma Ben, Dean of the School of Political Science and Public Administration and Dean of the SCO Institute.
The conference heard a work report from the SCO Institute. Xing Zhanjun fully affirmed the achievements of the Institute in its preliminary work. He stressed that SCO cooperation is an important convergence point between national strategic needs and the university’s "Double First-Class" initiative. The Institute should consolidate the achievements of the first Forum on the Integration of Science, Education, Economy and Trade of SCO Member States, accelerate the preparation for the second forum, ensure full-process support and effect planning, and actively explore the model of holding conferences overseas. It should solidly advance the construction of the overseas institute at Kyrgyz National University and expand various think tank platforms. It should systematically plan the work for 2026 and the 15th Five-Year Plan, improve mechanisms, consolidate responsibilities, and promote the effective implementation of all work.
Edmund Li Sheng, Distinguished Professor of Shandong University and Executive Dean of the SCO Institute, reported on the core work arrangements of the Institute for 2026, including academic research, international exchanges, exclusive interviews with mainstream media, and preparation for the second Forum on the Integration of Science, Education, Economy and Trade. Ma Fengshu, Vice Dean of the SCO Institute, reported on the progress of cooperation with the Joint Institute of Kyrgyz National University and the preparation for academic conferences marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the SCO. Guo Qingcun, Vice Dean of the SCO Institute, reported on work related to connecting with the construction of the Qingdao SCO Science and Technology Innovation Center and the Science and Technology Innovation Corridor, strengthening organized scientific research, and building a legal and intellectual property protection system. Huang Shixi, Vice Dean of the SCO Institute, reported on work plans for SCO rule of law research and legal system research on mining investment in Central Asia.
Ma Ben emphasized that work promotion should be strengthened in three aspects: first, focus on core tasks, take the second science and education forum and the operation of overseas institutes as priorities, and fully align with national strategic needs; second, deepen coordination and collaboration, connect with governments, enterprises and other stakeholders, expand funding channels, and promote the implementation of scientific and technological innovation cooperation; third, optimize operational mechanisms, improve the organizational structure, clarify the division of responsibilities, and promote the high-quality development of the Institute’s work.
Li Haiyan, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Political Science and Public Administration, and Zhang Dongpeng, Deputy Director of the Research Management Office and Associate Dean of the Qingdao Campus, attended the conference.
