Recently, the International Model United Nations (IMUN) Conference, hosted by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, attracting over 1,500 university and high school students from 61 countries and regions. Among the participants were 25 student delegates from four municipal universities in Beijing, namely Beijing University of Technology (BJUT), Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA), Beijing International Studies University (BISU), and Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication (BIGC), who traveled to the United States to participate in the conference. They engaged in discussions on global issues with their international peers, showcasing the wisdom and responsibility of Chinese youth on the international multilateral stage.

Student delegates at the UN headquarters

This year’s IMUN Conference featured 20 topic-based committees, covering areas such as counterterrorism, climate change, and humanitarian aid. As WFUNA’s exclusive partner in China, WELAND International set up a dedicated fund to support students from Beijing’s municipal universities in attending the conference. During the conference, student delegates from Beijing joined their international peers in assuming the role of diplomats, experiencing the UN meeting procedures firsthand. Through this event, they gained a deeper understanding of the UN’s operational practices and rules of procedure, honed their negotiation and communication skills, and shared their insights and proposals on global governance reform.

Student delegates speak at the General Assembly Hall

At the opening plenary session of the IMUN Conference, a student delegate from BISU, one of the 15 global delegates, spoke at the General Assembly Hall. The delegate called for international attention to Africa’s counterterrorism and security challenges, resonating with African youth delegates.

During the event, the Beijing International Exchange Association (BIEA) organized a side event under the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum in New York. The event brought together officials from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, as well as representatives from universities and non-governmental organizations in the US, Italy, and Brazil for discussions on “Advancing Women’s Capacity to Shape the Robust Partnership Networks for Achieving the 2030 Agenda at the Crossroads of Technological Empowerment”. Notably, it was the only offline side event organized by a Chinese social organization and was incorporated into the official agenda of the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum. A total of 10 student delegates from Beijing were invited to observe the event, gaining firsthand insights into how social organizations participate in UN affairs.

Student delegates observe the side event under the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. Civil entities in Beijing, including social organizations, universities, and enterprises, will further integrate resources, leverage their strengths, and remain actively engaged in UN-related activities. They will make their voices heard, deepen participation in global governance, and share with the world the stories of Beijing and China.

Further Reading:

A side event typically refers to an event organized by a qualified third party and approved by the conference organizer during an international conference. It is generally included in the conference agenda, with specific requirements on scheduling, duration, and format. The primary objective of a side event is to share experience and facilitate exchanges among participants.

(Edited based on relevant information from Youth Bridge Foundation and Beijing International Exchange Association)