The 2024 World Model United Nations Age 10-18 High-level Conference took place at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) from Nov 30 to Dec 1.

The event was co-hosted by BFSU and the Ministry of Education’s China Center for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE).

Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, delivers a welcome speech at the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In his welcome speech at the opening ceremony, Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, highlighted the challenges facing humanity in a rapidly changing world and encouraged youth to embrace their responsibilities.

Zhao called on young people to uphold confidence and self-reliance in cultural integration, exhibit open-mindedness in cross-cultural exchanges and demonstrate an innovative spirit and dedication in their pursuit of national rejuvenation and global sustainable development.

Xia Juan, deputy director of the CCIPE, speaks at the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Xia Juan, deputy director of the CCIPE, stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

She praised the conference for fostering international perspectives and enhancing global competence among youth, saying that it will continue to expand the global influence of Model UN events and create more opportunities for exchanges.

Hu Wenli, vice-president and director-general of the UN Association of China, speaks at the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Hu Wenli, vice-president and director-general of the UN Association of China, spoke on the significance of multilateralism and the role played by the UN in safeguarding global peace.

She said she hopes participants will leverage the opportunities presented by the conference to cultivate a world perspective, enhance learning and critical thinking and engage in practical training to lay a solid foundation for their future participation in global affairs.

Foreign diplomats share insights during the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Diplomats from the embassies of Uruguay and Ethiopia in China shared insights on cultural exchanges between young people from their respective countries and Chinese youth. Both diplomats said they hope to see enhanced global youth interactions that will foster mutual appreciation among civilizations and strengthen international friendships.

Student representatives offer their perspectives during the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Student representatives from Beijing Chaoyang Fangcaodi International School, the Western Academy of Beijing, Nanjing No 13 High School’s International Department and Chengdu High School Affiliated to Beijing International Studies University shared their perspectives on international affairs, their experiences of MUN activities and their aspirations for this year’s conference.

Officials inaugurate the 2024 World Model United Nations Age 10-18 High-level Conference during the opening ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Almost 600 student delegates from home and abroad engaged in debates guided by UN procedures during the three-day event. They expressed national positions and conducted negotiations on 11 international topics, including sustainable urban transportation development, safeguarding the rights of children and women and global disaster risk management, seeking innovative solutions that will promote global cooperation and consensus. 

At the closing ceremony, representatives from each session presented draft resolutions and voted on them.

In addition to student activities, the conference featured a forum on international talent development for teachers and parents. They also toured the BFSU Museum and the World Language Museum on the campus.