On the morning of July 19th, the "Gathering in Fuzhou, Building Dreams for the Future" Fujian Provincial Youth Model United Nations Conference and the 2024 4th Canal City Model United Nations Conference officially opened in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Huang Ping, Consul General of China in New York, Adriani Wahjanto, Deputy Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in China, and Giordano Lorefice, founder of the United Nations of Europe (UNE), delivered video speeches. Chen Guoquan, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Fujian Provincial People's Government, Chen Xiaomei, Second-Level Inspector of the Fujian Provincial Department of Education, and Wu Wentong, President of the Fujian Education Association for International Exchange, attended the event and delivered speeches.
This conference was specially supported by the Consulate General of China in New York, with additional support from the Foreign Affairs Office of the Fujian Provincial People's Government and the Fujian Provincial Department of Education. Under the guidance of the United Nations official organization, the United Nations of Europe (UNE), it was co-hosted by the Fujian Education Association for International Exchange, the Philadelphia World Affairs Council, and Window to Philadelphia, and organized by Dinuo International Education. The official event spanned four days and attracted nearly 100 student delegates from around the world, including nearly 30 American teachers and students specially invited by Window to Philadelphia.
Also present at the opening ceremony as special guests were Zhang Weili, Director of the International Cooperation Division of the Fujian Provincial Department of Education; Zhang Zhiwei, Director of the Americas and Oceania Division of the Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs Office; Zhang Chunsheng, Secretary-General of the Fujian Education Association for International Exchange; Li Yiming, Chief Coordinator of the Canal City Model United Nations Conference; and Liu Jian, Executive Director of Window to Philadelphia.
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 Fujian Provincial People's Government and the Fujian Provincial Department of Education for their hard work in organizing the event. Consul General Huang Ping stated that he hopes the participating delegates will keep in mind the mission of building a community with a shared future for mankind while discussing global hot topics, and promote the common development and progress of all humanity. Finally, he wished all student delegates outstanding achievements at this year's Canal City Model United Nations Conference and expressed his hope that Chinese and international students would shine brightly on the global stage in the near future!
Chen Guoquan, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Fujian Provincial People's Government, stated that as a significant starting point of the "Maritime Silk Road," Fujian is an open, inclusive, and dynamic coastal province. It is committed to leveraging its local advantages, expanding international exchanges, and cultivating young talents with global competitiveness, thereby contributing Fujian's wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind. He emphasized that the hosting of this Model United Nations conference can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning, as well as a platform for intellectual interaction between China and the United States. Moreover, it provides an important opportunity for youth from both countries to enhance their problem-solving skills and broaden their international perspectives.
Ms. Adriani Wahjanto, Deputy Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in China, also delivered a video message. Ms. Wahjanto expressed her delight that the Canal City Model United Nations Conference is once again participating in the UNHCR's Model United Nations Refugee Challenge this year, as the global stage needs the involvement of young people. She highlighted that the Canal City Model United Nations event brings together globally-minded youth to discuss critical humanitarian issues, making it an important initiative to strengthen young people's engagement in global affairs. She looks forward to seeing more dialogue among the youth and greater contributions to world peace and development!
Chen Xiaomei, Second-Level Inspector of the Fujian Provincial Department of Education, stated that on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, Fujian sincerely welcomes more American youth to visit and experience the vibrant development of Fujian's chapter in Chinese modernization. She emphasized that the Model United Nations Conference, as an important platform for youth to engage in international affairs and promote multicultural exchange and understanding, plays a significant role in cultivating a new generation of young people with global perspectives and competencies. Fujian Province has meticulously organized this youth Model United Nations conference, which not only represents an active attempt and effective exploration in opening up Fujian's education to the world but also serves as a bridge for students to gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations' positive role in maintaining world peace, promoting global sustainable development, and fostering international cooperation.
Mr. Giordano Lorefice, founder of the United Nations official organization, United Network Europe (UNE), introduced UNE and its efforts to promote global youth exchange. UNE is committed to fostering innovative learning experiences for young students in Europe (particularly in Italy and France) and the United States. Its Global Citizens Model United Nations (GCMUN) project brings together youth from around the world for meaningful dialogue. He expressed his hope that through collaboration with the Canal City Model United Nations Conference, global youth can develop international perspectives and cooperative skills, jointly address global challenges, and cultivate the next generation of global leaders.
Ms. Lindsay Bowman, Principal of Harrisburg Academy in Pennsylvania, USA, delivered a speech in which she introduced the school's international curriculum and its globally conscious educational philosophy. The school is committed to supporting students in creating an environment of belonging across various fields, including social and emotional learning, interscholastic sports, fine and performing arts, and other clubs. She also shared the core ideas of the school's education that align with the Canal City Model United Nations Conference, emphasizing how students can think independently and engage in respectful dialogue with one another.
Outstanding student representatives from both China and the United States took the stage to speak. Zheng Jiachen, a student from Fuzhou No. 3 High School in Fujian Province, China, and Seth Barton, a student from Box Elder High School in Utah, USA, shared their thoughts. They both agreed that the Model United Nations Conference is not only a platform for learning and exploration but also a catalyst for personal growth, international understanding, and the collective pursuit of a better future. Through dialogue and interaction, it builds bridges of understanding that transcend borders and break down barriers. They believe that the Model United Nations Conference will undoubtedly be a special journey!
Wu Wentong, President of the Fujian Education Association for International Exchange, delivered a speech in which he expressed that this is the first time the association has co-hosted the Fujian Provincial Youth Model United Nations Conference. He emphasized that this event represents an important exploration and a valuable attempt in promoting international understanding education and cross-cultural communication among Fujian's youth. Fujian Province will seize this opportunity to learn advanced concepts, broaden international perspectives, build distinctive brands, and actively serve its members, thereby contributing to the high-quality development of international educational exchanges in Fujian. He wished the conference a complete success and looked forward to outstanding performances from every participant.
Following this, Wu Wentong, President of the Fujian Education Association for International Exchange, officially declared the conference open.
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, global cooperation in nuclear fusion technology, and addressing global governance challenges in the context of the digital economy. Together, they will explore international challenges and global issues, promoting the principles of peace, development, and win-win cooperation, and voicing the perspectives of youth for world peace and prosperity.
