Source: School of Asia-Pacific Studies

Written by: School of Asia-Pacific Studies

Translated by: Liang Yunyu

Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On May 18-19, the 5th SYSU Model United Nations, sponsored by School of Asia-Pacific Studies and SYSU Youth Association, and undertaken by the student union of School of Asia-Pacific Studies and International Relations Association, was held on South Campus. 65 teams of 112 students from 9 universities including Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Jinan University, South China Normal University, South China University of Technology, South China Agricultural University and Southern Medical University participated in this event. Mr. Lee Skluzak, Environment, Science, Technology and Health Officer of the Consulate General of the United States Guangzhou; Ren Hong, Deputy Dean of School of Asia-Pacific Studies; and Associate Professor Wang Xuedong, the director of the event, took part in the opening ceremony.

This year’s Model United Nations set up three committees, namely, the Security Council, Food and Agriculture Organization, and Conference on Climate Change. Delegates representing different countries conducted discussions over Mali situation, food issues in Africa and global climate change respectively. Through this virtual arena of diplomacy, students displayed diplomatic manner and outstanding capacity in the process of negotiation and consultation. “Corridor diplomacy”, "banquet diplomacy” and “tea party diplomacy” could be seen where delegates actively interacted, striving for the interests of their representing countries and the world at large. At the end of the event, outstanding delegates in each committee were awarded with Best Delegate, Best Delegation, Best Role Play or Best Cooperative Spirit.

Model United Nations is held in accordance with the functions and rules of the United Nations and its international institutions and focuses on the important issues. Students imitate diplomats, express ideas, conduct debates, formulate resolutions and vote in the form of the UN meetings. In this process, students can learn more about the United Nations and international cooperation, further understand the diplomatic policy of our country, and foster an international vision.

Over the past five years, SYSU Model United Nations has built up a brand across the colleges and universities in Guangdong, attracting more than 700 participants. The School of Asia-Pacific Studies will endeavor to shape this event into a practical platform for broadening international vision and strengthening public speech skills of students.