Wang Jingli wangjingli0715@163.com AS the iconic song “We Are the World” filled the auditorium, the Greater Bay Area International Model United Nations (GBAIMUN) 2025 · Summer Conference officially commenced in Shenzhen yesterday. The song’s melody served as both a call to action and a reminder of our shared mission. The two-day conference gathered about 220 young representatives from educational institutions in the world’s four major bay areas. Centering on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the U.N. 2030 Agenda and the U.N.’s 2025 priorities, the conference established seven committees, operating in Chinese and English. These committees conducted in-depth simulations and deliberations on pressing global issues, including geopolitical conflicts, women’s public health, green transition, and ethical dilemmas in artificial intelligence, thereby contributing to global sustainable development efforts. In a speech during the opening ceremony, Sun Jin, executive editor-in-chief of Shenzhen Daily and mulitingual info portal EyeShenzhen, encouraged young students to contribute solutions for sustainable development and showcase the vision and vigor of a new generation through this event. Dai Ziqi, from the Nanshan Affiliated School of Beijing Normal University, joined the World Health Organization (WHO) discussions on HPV elimination and HPV vaccine-related initiatives. “HPV is actually viewed from distinct perspectives by males and females. While the primary focus is on women, the male viewpoint also offers unique insights. I look forward to learning from more experienced delegates and aim to make this a rewarding participation,” said Dai. Pan Yixin, from Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group) Junior High School, served as a correspondent for the Associated Press in the Main Press Center covering the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. “Our agenda focuses on biodiversity conservation. Having grown up in Shenzhen, I can attest that it’s a city rich in biodiversity. I find the topic of biodiversity deeply relevant to our daily lives. I hope to broaden my global perspective, sharpen my English proficiency, and gain personal growth experience through the event,” said Pan. Li Jiayi, another first-time participant from Hongling Middle School (Hongling Education Group) Senior High School, hoped to meet extraordinary friends during the two-day conference and engage in discussions on global issues. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the U.N. and the 30th anniversary of Model United Nations (MUN) activities in China. The conference is co-hosted by Shenzhen News Group’s Education and Media Group and EyeShenzhen. In March, the 2025 GBAIMUN, under the theme “Building Regional Synergy and Advancing Global Sustainable Development,” was held in Shenzhen and attracted 200 young delegates from over 50 leading universities, high schools, and Model United Nations organizations across China. |