MUN conference concludes in city

Video by Lin Songtao

Over the weekend, nearly 300 delegates from 83 universities and secondary schools at home and abroad gathered in Shenzhen for the 2026 Greater Bay Area International Model United Nations Conference, discussing a range of pressing international issues.

Through intense debate and collaborative problem-solving, they experienced international diplomacy firsthand and shared their insights on sustainable development.

A group photo of the awarded participants and organizers. Photos courtesy of event organizer

With the theme "Fostering Regional Collaboration for Sustainable Global Growth," the conference featured several committees, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, UN Women, and a Press Center.

Engaging in vigorous debate and consultation, the students not only learned to handle international affairs but also understood the importance of seeking common ground while reserving differences in a complex international environment.

In all, the four committees produced 13 working papers and formulated 12 feasible draft resolutions, two of which were adopted as official resolutions. The young journalists produced nearly 100 news stories.

Zheng Yawen, a student from Yinghua Cambridge International School, was attending the Greater Bay Area Model UN for the third time. She shared, "Discussing international issues with so many young people from diverse backgrounds has greatly broadened my perspective." She also mentioned a larger number of participants and a more active role of journalists compared with previous MUN conferences she had attended.

Cai Juntai and Mou Guanlin, junior high students from Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (SFLS) who represented Germany in UNESCO and won the Best Delegate award, shared their strategy. "We worked perfectly as a team. One of us focused on consulting with other delegates, while the other delivered speeches at the podium."

Dais members pose for a group photo.

Wen Yilin, a senior high student at SFLS representing Canada in UN Women, was also a Best Delegate awardee. "This year, we weren't allowed to use electronic devices during speeches, which really tested our ability to react on the spot. This experience taught us to refine our measures and effectively conclude the session."

Sun Yikai, a student from Shekou International School representing Egypt in the WFP and also a Best Delegate winner, said this was his third time at the conference and that he gained a lot. "I learned to communicate professionally and to cooperate as a bloc leader. This year's MUN, which strengthened our writing and research skills, was a fantastic experience."

Xiao Jiayi, a student from the No. 1 Experimental Primary School affiliated with the SUSTech Education Group, won the Best Journalist award representing Al Jazeera. She shared, "A qualified journalist needs strong cross-cultural communication and writing skills. My thorough homework on the Gaza issue before the MUN session paid off."

Students prepare for their speech during an MUN session.

At the closing ceremony, the organizers awarded 67 outstanding students and advisors.

Held ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, this event offered young people an opportunity to showcase themselves and contribute their wisdom to global governance.

The conference, co-hosted by SNG Education Media and Shenzhen Daily, aims to broaden the horizons and enhance the competence of young people in the GBA. Since its inception, the conference has attracted nearly 1,000 participants from over 100 universities, high schools, and Model UN organizations.