On the morning of July 26th, the "Set Sail with Dreams, Connect the World" 2024 4th Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference officially opened in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. During the opening ceremony, 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 Giordano Lorefice, founder of the United Network Europe (UNE), delivered video speeches. Xu Sheng, Vice Chairman of the Yangzhou Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the event and delivered a speech. Also present were Yang Weimin, Second-Level Inspector of the Yangzhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Xia Ying, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Yangzhou Municipal People's Government, Chen Tingbi, Second-Level Researcher of the Yangzhou Municipal Education Bureau, Zhang Xu, Director of the Yangzhou Municipal Education Bureau's Student Social Practice Management Center, 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 Yangzhou Municipal Education Bureau and the Yangzhou Municipal People's Government Foreign Affairs Office 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.
Xu Sheng, Vice Chairman of the Yangzhou Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, emphasized that the Canal Cities Model UN is an activity that helps young people broaden their international horizons, enhance personal abilities, and cultivate teamwork spirit. He hoped that the youth would unleash their dreams, envision the future of the world, showcase their youthful spirit, and contribute their strength, striving to become idealistic, hardworking, and innovative young people of the new era.
Adriani Wahjanto, Deputy Representative of the UNHCR in China, highlighted the importance of the Canal Cities Model UN in bringing together young people with global perspectives to discuss critical humanitarian issues, strengthening youth participation in global affairs.
Yang Jun, Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange, noted that the Canal Cities Model UN, rooted in China with a global vision, actively participates in global governance with a sense of responsibility and innovative spirit. As a cross-border and cross-cultural exchange platform, it provides young students from different countries and regions with an important stage to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and hone their skills.
Giordano Lorefice, founder of the United Network Europe (UNE), introduced UNE's efforts in promoting innovative learning experiences for youth in Europe (particularly Italy and France) and the United States. 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.
Yao Guoping, Principal of Yizheng High School in Jiangsu Province, shared his thoughts on the Model UN experience, encouraging students to engage in diplomatic simulations, think critically about international issues, and tell China's story with cultural confidence while embracing multiculturalism.
Li Yiming, General Director of the Canal Cities Model UN, emphasized the importance of mutual understanding, tolerance, and seeking common ground while resolving differences during the conference. She announced the official opening of the conference, which attracted over 200 students from around the world. Participants, representing different countries, were divided into five committees: Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee; UN-Habitat; UNHCR; UNFCCC; and UN Economic and Social Council, discussing international hot topics and contributing youth solutions to world peace and development.
Zhu Yuanxuan, a student from Archbishop John Carroll High School in the United States, shared her unique experience as an intern chair for the UNHCR at the 2024 CCMUN, highlighting how the conference broadened her leadership, communication, and research skills. Cornelia Ye from Ithaca High School in New York expressed how the Model UN expanded her understanding of international governance and connected her with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The 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 World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and Window to Philadelphia. The event also introduced a full scholarship sponsored by Window to Philadelphia and UNE, offering winners the opportunity to attend the 2025 Global Citizen Model UN (GCMUN) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, with all expenses covered.
Additionally, the conference will award honors such as Best Delegate, Outstanding Delegate, Honorable Mention, Best Delegation, Outstanding Delegation, Best Position Paper, and Outstanding Organizing School, encouraging students to explore international challenges, promote peace, development, and win-win cooperation, and voice the aspirations of youth for world peace and prosperity.
