The 2023 World Model United Nations Age 10 to 18 High-Level Conference, co-hosted by the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE) and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), commenced at BFSU on Nov 18. 

The event was organized by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press and the BFSU Education and Training Center, and co-organized by the BFSU committee of the Communist Youth League of China.

Ding Hao, 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, Ding Hao, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, urged young students to learn from history, tell China's stories using diverse languages, and actively participate in global governance. 

He encouraged the youth to embrace shared responsibilities, gain experience in global governance through cultural exchanges and mutual learning, promote international understanding and build a bright future with languages and culture, and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. 

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

Xia Juan, deputy director of the CCIPE, said the World Model United Nations Age 10 to 18 serves as a platform for cultural exchanges, which aims to cultivate young students’ ability to observe, think, communicate, and solve problems. 

Xia encouraged participants of the high-level conference to practice the concept of cultural exchanges, enhance communication and mutual learning, broaden their perspectives, and strive to become high-level international talents. 

Hu Wenli, vice-president and secretary-general of the United Nations Association of China, congratulates the opening of the high-level conference in a video message. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Hu Wenli, vice-president and secretary-general of the United Nations Association of China, congratulated the opening of the high-level conference in a video message. 

She wished the younger generation to cherish the opportunity to participate in the high-level conference, view issues from a global perspective, improve their comprehensive capabilities, and work tirelessly towards building a better world. 

Officials from foreign embassies in China and the United Nations Development Programme participate in the opening ceremony and share insight on the Belt and Road Initiative, Sino-Jordanian friendship and the growth of international talents. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Elementary, middle and high school student representatives share their concerns for world peace and development, as well as their experiences and gains from participating in Model United Nations activities, and express their expectations for the high-level conference. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

During the Light of Sustainable Development session, participants light energy-saving bulbs symbolizing sustainable development and environmental protection. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Dais members recite the Preamble to the United Nations Charter in the six official languages of the UN - Chinese, Arabic, Russian, French, Spanish and English. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The high-level conference brought together outstanding students from various regions in China and 14 other countries, including Azerbaijan, Australia, Denmark and Russia. 

Over 600 students will engage in discussions and exchanges on 11 international topics across 14 committee sessions. 

The event will also hold forums on international talent development for teachers and parents, as well as organize visits to the BFSU Museum and the World Language Museum.