On the morning of July 19th, the "Meet in Fuzhou, Build Dreams for the Future" Fujian Provincial Youth Model United Nations Conference and the 2024 4th Canal Cities 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 UNHCR in China, and Giordano Lorefice, founder of the United Network Europe (UNE), delivered video speeches. Chen Guoquan, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of 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, organized under the guidance of the United Network Europe (UNE), and co-hosted by the Fujian Education Association for International Exchange, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, and Window to Philadelphia. The event, lasting four days, attracted nearly 100 student delegates from around the world, including nearly 30 American teachers and students specially invited by Window to Philadelphia.
Distinguished guests at the opening ceremony included Zhang Weili, Director of the Foreign Cooperation Division of the Fujian Provincial Department of Education, Zhang Zhiwei, Director of the Americas Division of the Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Zhang Chunsheng, Secretary-General of the Fujian Education Association for International Exchange, Li Yiming, General Director of the Canal Cities Model UN, and Liu Jian, Executive Director of Window to Philadelphia.
In his speech, Ambassador Huang Ping congratulated the successful opening of the conference and expressed sincere gratitude to the Fujian Provincial People's Government and the Fujian Provincial Department of Education for their efforts in organizing the event. He encouraged participants to keep in mind the mission of building a community with a shared future for mankind while discussing global issues, promoting common development and progress for all humanity. He wished the student delegates outstanding achievements at the conference and a bright future on the international stage.
Chen Guoquan, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Fujian Provincial People's Government, highlighted Fujian's role as a vital starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, emphasizing its openness, inclusiveness, and dynamism. He noted that the Model UN conference serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and the United States, offering young people an important opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and broaden their international perspectives.
Adriani Wahjanto, Deputy Representative of the UNHCR in China, expressed her delight that the Canal Cities Model UN continues to participate in the UNHCR's Model UN Refugee Challenge. She emphasized the importance of youth engagement in global affairs and looked forward to more dialogue and contributions to world peace and development from young participants.
Chen Xiaomei, Second-Level Inspector of the Fujian Provincial Department of Education, welcomed the increasing number of American youth visiting Fujian to experience the vitality of China's modernization. She underscored the significance of the Model UN conference as a platform for youth to engage in international affairs and promote multicultural understanding, fostering a new generation of globally competent youth.
Giordano Lorefice, founder of the United Network Europe (UNE), introduced UNE's efforts in promoting global youth exchanges. He expressed his hope that through cooperation with the Canal Cities Model UN, young people worldwide could develop international perspectives and collaborative skills to address global challenges and cultivate future global leaders.
Lindasy Bowman, Principal of Harrisburg Academy in Pennsylvania, shared her school's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging through various programs, including social and emotional learning, interscholastic sports, fine and performing arts, and clubs. She highlighted the alignment between her school's educational philosophy and the goals of the Canal Cities Model UN, emphasizing independent thinking and respectful dialogue.
Student representatives Zheng Jiachen from Fuzhou No. 3 High School in Fujian and Seth Barton from Box Elder High School in Utah spoke about the Model UN as a platform for learning, exploration, and personal growth. They emphasized its role in fostering international understanding and building bridges across borders.
Wu Wentong, President of the Fujian Education Association for International Exchange, announced the official opening of the conference. Over the next three days, participants will simulate UN procedures, representing different countries and discussing topics such as ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for people with disabilities, global cooperation in nuclear fusion technology, and addressing global governance challenges in the digital economy. They will explore international challenges, promote peace, development, and win-win cooperation, and voice the aspirations of youth for world peace and prosperity.
