The Delphic Games and the SCO Vision for 

Regional Integration

 

By Tribhuvan Darbari 

In today’s interconnected world - culture, tourism, business and industry, no longer operate in isolation. Together, they have evolved into powerful instruments of diplomacy, economic cooperation, industrial partnerships and people-to-people engagement. This shift is especially relevant in a time when nations are seeking trust, connectivity and shared growth beyond traditional political frameworks.

Against this backdrop, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) occupies a unique and influential space. Representing nearly 40 percent of the world’s population, the SCO brings together a remarkable diversity of civilisations, cultures, languages and economic systems. Its strength lies not only in strategic alignment but also in its civilisational depth and shared aspiration for regional stability and prosperity.

 It was in this spirit that I had the honour of addressing the Third Open Youth Arctic Delphic Games in Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, as Chairman of the National Part of the SCO Business Council Secretariat, Republic of India. Speaking on the theme “Tourism and Culture as a Platform for Diversified Cooperation in the SCO”, I sought to underline a simple but powerful message: culture and tourism are no longer peripheral soft sectors. They are foundational pillars that can drive trade, investment, MSME growth, industrial collaboration and even long-term regional security.

Delphic Games: Reviving Civilisational Dialogue in a Contemporary World 

The revival of the Delphic Games in modern times, inspired by the ancient Greek tradition of celebrating artistic and intellectual excellence, has created a rare, non-political space for meaningful cultural dialogue. Unlike competitive sporting events, the Delphic Games encompass music, dance, theatre, visual arts, cinema, literature and crafts - sectors that lie at the heart of today’s creative economy.

Within the SCO framework, the Delphic Games assume even greater strategic relevance. They bring together young artists, cultural institutions, tourism stakeholders, media professionals and creative enterprises from across member countries. This convergence allows culture to interact naturally with entrepreneurship, innovation and employment generation. As a result, the Games become not just a celebration of artistic talent, but a catalyst for business engagement in areas such as creative industries, event management, hospitality, digital media, design and heritage conservation.

Culture and Tourism as Engines of Economic Value

Tourism today contributes over 10 percent of global GDP and supports millions of livelihoods worldwide. Culture-based tourism generates strong economic multipliers by linking heritage, wellness, entertainment and local enterprise. For a country like India and for the SCO region, this presents a significant opportunity.

India’s civilisational wealth-from the Himalayas to the backwaters of Kerala, from the Vedas to living traditions such as Yoga, Ayurveda, classical arts, and festivals-offers immersive, experience-driven tourism to the world. The rapid growth of India’s wellness and medical tourism sector demonstrates how traditional knowledge systems can be transformed into a modern, globally competitive economy.

At the SCO level, there is immense scope for collaboration. India’s wellness expertise, Russia’s therapeutic spas and sanatoriums, China’s traditional medicine systems and the natural and cultural assets of Central Asia can together form integrated medical and wellness tourism circuits. Such cooperation would create transnational value chains that benefit multiple economies while deepening regional ties.

Youth, Sports and Cultural Diplomacy

Youth engagement lies at the heart of sustainable regional cooperation. Platforms such as the Delphic Games enable young people to connect across borders, foster cultural understanding, and participate meaningfully in creative economies. Alongside sporting initiatives like the SCO Games, the Delphic Games introduce a vital cultural dimension to regional diplomacy. As India’s Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has observed, “soft power is central to international influence” When aligned with thoughtful policy and clear purpose, cultural and sporting platforms become powerful instruments of diplomacy, economic confidence and social cohesion-especially among youth, who will shape the future of the SCO region.

Technology, Women, and Inclusive Growth

Modern technology further amplifies the impact of culture and tourism. Digital platforms, virtual and augmented reality, tourism applications and blockchain-based systems are transforming how destinations are promoted, experienced and managed. Equally important is the role of women and youth as custodians and ambassadors of cultural heritage. Women play a vital role in preserving folklore, crafts and creative traditions. Empowering them through skills training, digital inclusion and entrepreneurship is essential for ensuring that cultural growth is both inclusive and economically sustainable.

Strategic Significance of the 2026 SCO Youth Delphic Games

The upcoming Youth Delphic Games of SCO Member Countries, scheduled to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, in March 2026, present a timely opportunity to translate these ideas into action. Beyond artistic celebration, the Games can serve as a platform where cultural diplomacy intersects with business and industry collaboration. By bringing together cultural institutions, tourism bodies, trade organisations, MSMEs and investors, the Delphic Games can help integrate culture more deeply into the SCO’s economic architecture. India’s active participation reflects its broader strategy of leveraging cultural strength to build soft power and foster lasting partnerships among governments, businesses and societies. 

Looking Ahead: Culture as a Strategic Connector

As the SCO moves toward deeper integration, culture and tourism must be seen not merely as sectors, but as strategic connectors between diplomacy and industry. They build trust where negotiations may stall, open pathways where markets are still emerging and offer optimism in times of uncertainty. Rooted in India’s civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-One Earth, One Family, One Future-and aligned with the shared vision of SCO leadership, the Delphic Games demonstrate how civilisational values can be harmonised with economic and industrial cooperation. As a civilisation state and a responsible global partner, India remains committed to nurturing such dialogue-strengthening connectivity, empowering youth, honouring shared heritage, and working towards a more integrated and prosperous SCO future.

Who is T.S. Darbari?