Liu Ruoxuan, Zhou Junshu

3123114559@qq.com

THE 19th China National Model United Nations Conference (CNMUN) was held at Shenzhen University (SZU) from Nov. 9-12. Around 300 delegates from 74 universities joined the four-day event to discuss pressing global issues.

The attendees shared their youthful perspectives and proposed solutions following the U.N.’s rules of procedure. The conference featured various events, including opening and closing ceremonies, an ambassador lecture, committee sessions, and a social gala.

António Guterres, secretary-general of the U.N., gave a speech at the opening ceremony via video. He called for the youth to challenge the status quo and advocated for transformative change. “We need your creativity, courage, and commitment,” he said.

Zhang Xiaohong, vice president of SZU, welcomed the participants and reviewed the rewarding journey of SZU’s 40-year development. She encouraged the delegates to showcase their capacities to solve real problems.

During the committee sessions, delegates acted as diplomats from different countries to discuss a wide variety of topics, including climate change, aviation industry recovery, poverty reduction, food crisis, cultural diversity, and nuclear non-proliferation. Zhang Shubin, a SZU student who participated in the climate change discussion as a representative of Fiji, said that he gained a better understanding of the U.N.’s work and the challenges facing the world today through discussions and negotiations.

One of the highlights of the conference was the social gala, which included activities such as ballroom dancing, lucky draws, tea break, and free singing. With lively music, the participants’ energetic performances, and delicious food, the gala provided delegates with a chance to relax and have fun after a long day of debating and negotiating.

In his speech at the closing ceremony, Professor Dai Yonghong, dean of SZU’s College of International Studies, said he hoped the participants can equip themselves with what he described as “CCTV skills” — comprehensive competitive competence, cross-culture communication ability, trans-disciplinary talents, and visible global vision. He also applauded delegates for their dedication, passion, and exceptional diplomatic skills.

Since its inception in 2004, the CNMUN, an annual event hosted by the United Nations Association of China, has become the largest and most prestigious MUN simulation in China. It aims to nurture young leaders by fostering global citizenship through learning about diplomacy, international relations, and the principles of the U.N. As of this year, nearly 5,000 participants from over 200 universities have taken part in the event.

(Lin Yuting, Jia Luyi and Lin Jiazhao contributed to the

proofreading of the feature.)