SCO Young Authors Conference 2023: Exploring Creative Spaces in the Digital Age

The 2nd Biennial Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Young Authors' Conference took place in New Delhi from September 25 to 26, organized collaboratively by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of External Affairs, with the National Book Trust, India managing the execution.

During this two-day event, participants engaged in discussions about how the digital world is transforming creative processes and expression methods. The conference concluded with the Valedictory Session, which focused on the main theme "Dynamics of Creative Spaces in the Digital Age."

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy and the chief guest, highlighted the significant cultural and literary connections shared among SCO member nations. He emphasized that despite our increasingly digital and technology-driven society, books remain fundamental for educational purposes.

Kumar advocated for embracing books as essential learning tools while simultaneously adapting to technological advancements.

Also present was Alok A Dimri, India's SCO National Coordinator and Additional Secretary (SCO) from the Ministry of External Affairs, who praised the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the young attendees.

The conference was inaugurated on September 25 by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs. He characterized the SCO as a "dynamic platform" that extends beyond political and trade relations to foster cultural engagement. Discussions highlighted how digital technologies are reshaping creative endeavors, particularly in knowledge creation.

India's Ministry of Education reaffirmed its dedication to supporting emerging talent, promoting cultural diplomacy, and developing inclusive digital knowledge communities throughout the SCO region.

Another key focus of the conference was protecting creators' rights in digital environments while ensuring technology remains widely accessible.

Alok A Dimri commended the young participants for their collaborative approach and teamwork throughout the conference.

Minara Rakhanova, Advisor at the SCO Secretariat, expressed appreciation for India's support of young creative individuals and encouraged ongoing cultural exchange among SCO member countries.

The conference also examined how traditional media and cultural initiatives are transitioning to online and digital formats, noting examples such as the surge in podcast popularity during the pandemic.