Mehr CEO: Iran's resistance shows opposition to unipolar world

Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati, the CEO of Mehr Media Group, delivered a speech at the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit, which opened on Monday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, under the theme "The Significance of the Shanghai Spirit in the New Era: From Consensus on Values to Practical Cooperation."

Rahmati began by thanking the hosts, the government and people of Kyrgyzstan, and acknowledged the efforts of Xinhua News Agency, particularly its Deputy Director Ms. Xi, for fostering media synergy within the SCO. He referenced the Kyrgyz epic "Manas," quoting a verse about raising a golden eagle from small birds, to illustrate that unity and empathy can transform scattered forces into great power.

He stated, "Today’s world is not a place where true nations and civilizations are defeated and surrender to unilateralism and a unipolar world. I come from a land whose people have shown their resistance to the enemy with all their might in the past months." This was a clear reference to Iran's recent demonstrations of resilience.

Rahmati highlighted the historical connections among SCO members through the Silk Road, citing the Han Dynasty envoy Zhang Qian and Persian caravans that exchanged goods and ideas between East and West. He emphasized that the Shanghai Spirit remains a guiding framework for common understanding and development.

He quoted Professor Sun Zhongzhi of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who noted that understanding has evolved into a key factor influencing political realities, and that think tanks should analyze historical, cultural, and social backgrounds for deeper perspectives.

Rahmati proposed four steps for media and think tank cooperation: First, establish a "Shanghai Media and Think Tank Joint Platform" for continuous content and data exchange. Second, design a periodic evaluation mechanism for the realization of the Shanghai Spirit using transparent indicators. Third, systematically introduce successful media models and communication governance from member states. Fourth, form a "permanent consultative network" to identify and neutralize prejudices and misperceptions before they escalate into crises.

He concluded by urging participants to take practical steps toward a "human community with a shared future," creating a symbolic golden eagle of solidarity. According to Mehr News Agency, the summit aims to strengthen media collaboration among SCO member states.