A summer school for students of member and observer countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization commenced on Tuesday at East China Normal University (ECNU).

Organized by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and hosted by East China Normal University, the school is being attended by 40 students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the observer country, Belarus, this year.

Themed "Upholding the 'Shanghai Spirit' and Building a Closer Community of SCO Shared Destiny," the summer school aims to deepen bilateral and multilateral exchanges, foster cultural understanding, and promote dialogue among different civilizations.

ECNU Vice President Dai Liyi said that the SCO upholds the values of trust, mutual benefit, equality, and consultation. Through educational and humanistic exchanges such as this summer camp, it plays a pivotal role in fostering development, collaboration, and mutual growth among member countries.

During the summer school, participants will be involved in an array of activities, including thematic lectures conducted by scholars, Chinese language instruction, cultural immersion experiences, "National Days" celebrations, roundtable discussions and creative competitions.

Chen Leyang contributed to this story.