2nd Macau Model United Nations Conference

The Macau Model United Nations Promotion Association, in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Saint Joseph and the Macau Observatory for Social Development, concluded the "2nd Macau Model United Nations Conference" on 21 August.

The event, which was held for the first time in an online and face-to-face mode, attracted 132 high school and university students and 20 volunteers from Macau, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan.

Co-organised by the Geography and Education Research Association of Macau and supported by the Education and Youth Development Bureau, Macau Ricci Institute, Institute of European Studies of Macau, Caritas Macau, Macau Professional Speaking Association, The Macau Association of Teachers Volunteers, Macau Society for Food and Environmental Health, Zero Distance Cooperative, Macau Professional and Graduates Toastmasters Club, Macau Senior Volunteer Service Association, Macau Association for the Advancement of Diversified Development, Language Exchange and Cultural Promotion Association, the conference aimed to provide an international platform for students to showcase their talents. Through the exploration and analysis of global current affairs and international issues, the event aimed to broaden their international perspectives, foster critical thinking skills, enhance teamwork and leadership abilities, and contribute to the academic atmosphere and community engagement of Model United Nations in Macau.

The conference featured three face-to-face and one online conference, with discussions at the Macau Legislative Assembly on the "Prevention and Combating of Domestic Violence Law" (in Cantonese), the UN Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee on Population Aging and the Cultivation of an Ageing-Friendly Society (in English), the UN Commission on the Status of Women on the Protection of Women's Rights, Freedom of Dress and Empowerment (in English), and the UN Security Council on the Threat of Terrorism to International Peace and Security (in Mandarin).

The event featured six academic seminars and two opening and closing keynote speeches on topics ranging from cultural preservation to economics and warfare. Dr Min Yang, a researcher at the United Nations University in Macau, delivered the keynote speech entitled "Work with Youth, Work my Youth, Work for Youth" at the opening ceremony. Ms Gloria Lam, Vice Director of the Macau Model United Nations Promotion Association and Secretary General of the conference, highlighted in her speech that as a youth organisation member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the association is committed to working with like-minded peers and experts from around the world to promote sustainable development and innovative solutions at both local and global levels. She also encouraged participants to think outside the box and embrace the association's motto "Think global, impact local". The closing ceremony featured a speech by Mr Toby Lau, the Network Coordinator of SDSN Youth Hong Kong.

The 2nd Macau Model United Nations Conference served as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue, critical thinking and youth empowerment, further enriching Macau's academic and social landscape.