More than 200 students from 31 colleges in 22 Asia-Pacific countries
and regions gathered in Beijing Thursday for the 2004 Asia-Pacific Regional
Model United Nations Conference.
The "Model United Nations" originated in the United States, where young
students are organized to imitate the operating style and procedures of certain
agencies of the UN and hold discussions on topical issues.
The three-day conference is simulated on the UN Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
On the theme of "Global Challenge-2015," the delegations will discuss how to
cope with the difficulties and challenges of realizing the Millennium
Development Goal fixed in 2000.
"It will be an exceptional opportunity for the youth to test their knowledge
of the UN, their leadership and communication skills," said Lady Rhyl Jansen,
president of World Federation of United Nations Association, the organizer of
the event.
Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui said conducting the Model UN helps
to mobilize public support, from young people in particular, to the UN and also
draws the attention of the general public to the grave challenges faced by the
UN.
Executive Secretary of the UNESCAP Kim Hak-Su urged young participants to
come up with creative ideas and to find solutions from the youth's point of view
to "move the goals from IDEAL to REAL."
Melanie Poole, an International and Law student at the Australian National
University, said it was significant that young people could get involved in such
events.
"The young generation has to be aware of how the UN works and what its
goals," she said. "What's more, the meeting helps us to break down cultural
barriers and make friends."
The Model UN came to China in the mid-1990s. In 2002 and 2003, the United
Nations Association of China and the China Foreign Affairs University organized
two Model UN events on "the reform of the Security Council" and
"counter-terrorism."
