The First NAE Model United Nations China Youth Conference

MUN provides students with an opportunity to learn about formal debate procedures, research and current international issues with a focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Number 4 (Quality Education) and Goal Number 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). During this conference, students not only had the opportunity to discuss and share their different perspectives but also to find possible solutions to the problems faced by real nations. In total, there were seven different committees; WHO, UNESCO, HRC, UNEP, UNDP, UNICEF and the General Assembly. Each committee discussed two topics each, with the topics ranging from clean water access to antibiotic resistance.

Day One began with an Opening Ceremony arranged and organised by Léman students and staff. Student delegates were reminded of the purpose of the conference and enjoyed a brief performance from the Léman Orchestra. The students also participated in a workshop that helped them to get to know each other better and learn how to interact and work together with their committee members before the commencement of formal debates. Later, students began their debate sessions, whilst it took a while for some students to warm up, by the end of Day One, most were making significant progress. After debates had finished for the day, students enjoyed some free time before having dinner and attending a Gala—a fun social event where students got to dance to music and put on skits for each other.

Day Two began with debate sessions, in which a significant improvement was seen in all the delegates participating in the conference. Each committee had a goal to pass at least one resolution. The WHO committee delegates were able to reach a resolution concerning antibiotic resistance but not air pollution, whilst in the UNESCO committee there were a total of three resolutions that passed one for clean water and two for GM foods.

During the Closing Ceremony, delegates were awarded two different awards per committee: one for best delegate and the other for most improved delegate. To conclude the conference, students enjoyed lunch together before leaving for home.

Léman students and staff were really pleased with the results of the first conference and hope that everyone had something to take away from the experience. Congratulations to all delegates for their successful conferences and well done to all Léman staff and students involved in the organisation of this event. We now look forward to the next Junior MUN Conference which will take place in Shanghai next year.