3rd Macau Model United Nations Conference

The ‘3rd Macau Model United Nations Conference’, co-organised by the Macau Model United Nations Promotion Association, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Saint Joseph, Macau, and the Macau Centre for Social Development Observation, was held from the 9th to the 11th of this month at the Qingzhou Campus of the University of Saint Joseph, Macau, attracting a total of 150 secondary school students from 30 secondary schools across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.

 

The event was guided by the Sustainability Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Youth Hong Kong Chapter and the United Nations University Institute in Macao, and supported by Macau Ricci Institute, Macau Caritas, Macau Special Olympics, Macau Caritas-Lifeline, Macau Geography and Education Research Association, Macau Speech Professional Association, Macau Teacher Volunteers Association, Macau Society of Food and Environmental Health, Zero Distance Cooperative, Professional and Graduates Toastmasters Club, Macau Diversified Development Promotion Association, Macau Language Exchange and Culture Promotion Association, Young Men’s Christian Association of Macau. The event aims to enhance secondary school students’ sense of global citizenship. Through simulated formal meetings, it encourages students to explore global issues from an international perspective, cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and develop team spirit and leadership abilities. It is also hoped that the event will enhance the academic atmosphere and social engagement surrounding ‘Model United Nations’ in Macao.

 

The conference featured three sessions conducted in Cantonese, English and Mandarin. During the event, six academic seminars and two opening and closing speeches were held, covering topics such as sustainable development, regional history and society, animal welfare, youth development and insights into further education in various regions.

 

Dr Min YANG from the United Nations University Institute in Macao delivered the opening address on ‘The Role of Young People in Promoting Sustainable Development’, advocating for young people to play their part in popularising the application of information technology; Julie Cheang, Vice-Chairperson of the Model United Nations Promotion Association and Secretary-General of the conference, expressed her hope that participating delegates would uphold the association’s motto of ‘Think Global, Impact Local’, broadening their horizons and thinking beyond traditional boundaries.