The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is named after its founding place "Shanghai," but the SCO's headquarters is actually located in Beijing, making this the location of the organization's Secretariat. What does this building look like? What functions does it have? 

Because the embassies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's other member states are all located in Beijing, its primary executive body – the Secretariat of the SCO, is also based in the Chinese capital, to facilitate its day-to-day operations.

The Council of Heads of State is the top decision-making body in the SCO. The Council of Heads of Government is the second-highest council in the organization. And the Secretariat serves as a "manager" of the SCO, providing organizational, technical and informational support for various activities within the SCO framework.

The SCO's development path over the past 17 years has proved its charter is capable of withstanding the test of time. Its concept and spirit has set an example for a new type of international relations. 

The interior decoration of the Secretariat building embodies a strong SCO style. The most eye-catching aspects are the offices named after the capital cities of the SCO member states. For example, Moscow Room has a panoramic mosaic of the Grand Kremlin Palace. Each room conveys its own country’s unique cultural characteristics. This represents the SCO’s emphasis on culture exchanges among diverse civilizations. 

The lawn in the courtyard is delicate and distinctive. The tranquil and elegant atmosphere indicates the expectations of the SCO countries for peaceful development. And the evergreen tree planted here is 17 years old this year. It is the same age as the SCO, and symbolizes the vigorous vitality and bright future for the organization’s development.

(Cover: CGTN is filming at the Charter Hall inside the Secretariat of the SCO/CGTN Photo)