The 16th China National Model United Nations Conference opened in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, on Oct 25, with nearly 600 teachers and students from more than 160 colleges and universities attending.

The four-day event is hosted by the UN Association of China, and organized by Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU).

In his speech, Xie Bohua, ambassador of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that the conference serves as an important window for domestic young students to learn more about the UN and recognize multilateral diplomacy.

Xie Bohua, ambassador of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks at the conference. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhang Dan, vice chairman of the UN Association of China, said that the association is committed to guiding young students in the country to improve their ability to participate in international affairs.

Zhang Dan, vice chairman of the UN Association of China, gives a speech. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gong Hui, deputy Party secretary of the XJTU committee, gave an introduction on the fine traditions and current operational status of the university. XJTU has achieved remarkable results in education and scientific research, as well as innovated in the training of talents in international organizations, he said.

Gong Hui, deputy Party secretary of the XJTU committee, introduces XJTU's achievements in education and scientific research. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The participating students are role playing as different national diplomats to discuss various issues, such as "Advancing the Implementation of the Paris Agreement."

More than 10 senior diplomats, experts, and scholars in the field of multilateral diplomacy are serving as judges, providing professional counseling to the students.

Since 2004, the conference has been held annually, aiming to promote the UN concept to young college students, as well as cultivate high-quality talents who have an international perspective to become capable in participating in global governance.