On the morning of July 12, the "Gathering in Xicheng, Building Dreams for the Future" 2024 4th Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference (CCMUN) and Global Citizens Model United Nations Conference China Venue (GCMUN-CHINA) officially opened in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. During the opening ceremony, video remarks were delivered by Ambassador Huang Ping, Consul General of China in New York; Adriani Wahjanto, Deputy Representative of the UNHCR in China; Yang Jun, Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange; and Kristin Hutchinson, Vice President of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. Attendees who delivered speeches in person included Qin Yongxin, Vice Mayor of Wuxi City; Giordano Lorefice, Founder of the United Nations-affiliated European Joint Organization; and Stacy Lyon Lian Xinmei, Director of the Chinese Bilingual Immersion Program in Utah, USA

This conference was specially supported by the Consulate General of China in New York and guided by the United Nations-affiliated European Joint Organization. With the support of the Wuxi Municipal Education Bureau and the Wuxi Municipal People's Government Foreign Affairs Office, it was jointly hosted by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and Window to Philadelphia, and organized by Denuo International Education. The official event spanned four days and attracted nearly 200 student delegates from around the world. Among them were 30 American teachers and students who had just arrived in China, specially invited by Window to Philadelphia, as well as a delegation of five led by the founder of the European Joint Organization.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were special guests including Yu Ting, Deputy Secretary-General of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Full-time Deputy Chair of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy; Gu Wenlong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Wuxi Municipal People's Government; Fan Liang, Secretary of the Wuxi Municipal Education Working Committee; Xiao Jing, Deputy Director of the Wuxi Municipal Education Bureau; Ye Zheng, Deputy Director of the Wuxi Municipal People's Government Foreign Affairs Office; Xu Chengjie, President of the Wuxi Education International Exchange Association; and Zhang Wenlong, Founder of Window to Philadelphia and Jiangsu Provincial International Friendship Ambassador.  

At the opening ceremony, Ambassador Huang Ping, Consul General of China in New York, on behalf of the Consulate General of China in New York, extended warm congratulations on the successful convening of this conference and expressed sincere gratitude to the Wuxi Municipal Government and the Wuxi Education Bureau for their hard work in organizing the event. Consul General Huang Ping stated that Wuxi, known as the "Pearl of Tai Lake," has always warmly welcomed friendly exchanges with countries around the world. He expressed confidence that Wuxi's profound historical and cultural heritage would inspire the participating student delegates from China and abroad. He encouraged the delegates to keep in mind the mission of building a community with a shared future for mankind while discussing global hot topics, and to promote the common development and progress of all humanity. In conclusion, he wished all student delegates outstanding achievements at this year's Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference and expressed his hope that Chinese and international students would shine brightly on the global stage in the near future!  

Mr. Qin Yongxin, Vice Mayor of Wuxi City, stated that Wuxi is a city with a long history, a thriving economy, a rich cultural heritage, convenient transportation, and picturesque scenery. The Wuxi Municipal Government is committed to promoting global youth exchange through the Canal Cities brand and the Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference, providing a platform for young people to showcase their talents and grow. He expressed his hope that more outstanding young talents would come to Wuxi to pursue and realize their dreams, working together to create a brighter future.  

Mr. Giordano Lorefice, Founder of the United Nations-affiliated European Joint Organization, delivered a keynote speech introducing United Network Europe (UNE) and its efforts to promote global youth exchange. UNE is committed to fostering innovative learning experiences for young students in Europe (particularly Italy and France) and the United States. Its Global Citizens Model United Nations Conference (GCMUN) brings together young people from around the world for meaningful dialogue. He expressed his hope that, through collaboration with the Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference, global youth would develop international perspectives and collaborative skills to address global challenges together, nurturing the next generation of global leaders.  

Ms. Adriani Wahjanto, Deputy Representative of the UNHCR in China, also sent a video message. Ms. Wahjanto expressed her delight that the Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference is once again participating in the UNHCR's Model UN Refugee Challenge this year, as the global stage needs the involvement of young people. The Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference provides a platform for globally minded youth to gather and discuss critical humanitarian issues, making it an essential event for strengthening youth engagement in global affairs. She looks forward to seeing young people engage in more dialogue and contribute further to the peaceful development of the world!  

Ms. Stacy Lyon Lian Xinmei, Director of the Chinese Bilingual Immersion Program in Utah, USA, stated that Utah has long been committed to promoting immersive Chinese language education and has made significant contributions to spreading Chinese language and culture in the United States. She expressed her excitement about leading a delegation of nearly 20 teachers and students from Utah to participate in this year’s conference, strengthening dialogue between Chinese and American youth and enabling American students to learn about China, understand China, and develop a love for China.  

Secretary-General Yang Jun, on behalf of the China Education Association for International Exchange, extended his sincere congratulations on the successful opening of the Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference and conveyed warm greetings to all distinguished guests, teachers, and students in attendance. He stated that Wuxi, as a canal city, has nurtured a unique cultural heritage rooted in the Jiangnan watertown tradition. The Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference, grounded in China while embracing the world and focused on the present while looking toward the future, actively participates in global governance with a sense of responsibility and innovative spirit. As a cross-border and cross-cultural exchange platform, it provides an important stage for young students from different countries and regions to showcase their talents, share wisdom, exchange ideas, and hone their skills.  

Kristin Hutchinson, Vice Chair of the Philadelphia World Affairs Council, and Mr. Zhang Wenlong, founder of Window to Philadelphia, stated that the Canal City Model United Nations Conference is dedicated to promoting elite education, high-level academic discussions, and innovative activities. They expressed their hope that participating delegates will not only learn to think critically, negotiate, and seek common ground while respecting differences, but also cultivate an inclusive and open-minded attitude. Additionally, they look forward to the delegates gaining a wealth of knowledge in the social sciences through this conference.

The conference was officially declared open by Mr. Zhang Wenlong, founder of Window to Philadelphia.

Dozens of middle school principals and teacher leaders from across the country and overseas also attended the opening ceremony. They participated in an educational salon themed "Cultivating a New Generation of Globally Competent Youth," where Chinese and international education experts engaged in a lively and open discussion, sharing their insights and ideas enthusiastically.

Over the next three days, the participating youth will simulate United Nations procedures, representing different countries and engaging in discussions on pressing global issues. These topics include ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for persons with disabilities, transforming cities for a better urban future, protecting refugee children, and exploring international cooperation and sustainable development pathways in the new energy industry. Additionally, the UNHCR Committee will participate in an official challenge, and the resolutions resulting from their debates have the potential to be included in the official "policy repository" of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).