Zhang Liqun, president of Xi'an Jiaotong University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who also serves as director of the center, delivers a speech at the reception in Beijing on March 2, 2026. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

    Zhang Liqun, president of Xi'an Jiaotong University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who also serves as director of the center, outlined key priorities for 2026, which marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO's establishment. He said the center will focus on improving coordination mechanisms, strengthening cooperation foundations, advancing digital education innovation, exploring new collaboration pathways, and promoting industry-education integration to develop new models of partnership.

    "Our university stands ready to work with all parties to contribute educational strength to building a better SCO community with a shared future through practical actions and deepened cooperation," Zhang added.