The 15th Youth Model United Nations Conference

Distinguished Members of the Organizing Committee,

Delegates and Students from across China and beyond,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Greetings.

It is a great pleasure to join you virtually today for the opening of the 15th Youth Model United Nations Conference. Let me extend my sincere thanks to the Organizing Committee for your kind invitation and for creating this vibrant platform that brings together over 5,000 young minds across seven cities in China.

That is an achievement worth celebrating.

Model United Nations is more than just a simulation. It is a training ground for the next generation of global leaders. It teaches diplomacy. It cultivates dialogue. And it shows the power of ideas to shape the world. 

It challenges you to listen closely, to speak with purpose, and to lead – with empathy, integrity and vision.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year, as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this year, we reflect on a founding mission that remains as urgent as ever: To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. To uphold human rights. And to promote social progress and to better living standards for all.

But we also gather at a moment of serious global challenge. Climate change is accelerating. Conflicts are spreading. Inequality is growing. And trust in multilateralism is under strain.

As UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently said, “The Sustainable Development Goals are not a dream. They are a plan - a plan to keep our promises to the most vulnerable, to each other, and to future generations.”

That plan – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – is now at risk. With only five years left, just a small fraction of the SDG targets are on track. Nearly half show limited progress. And over one-third are regressing.

But there is reason for hope. And that hope, is you.

Today’s generation of young people is the largest in history. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders we need today. Your voices. Your ideas. Your creativity and conviction. These are essential for building a world that is more inclusive, more peaceful, and more sustainable.

And by taking part in this Model UN, you are already stepping into that role. You are debating the issues that define our time. You are practicing the skills that the world urgently needs – listening, negotiating, and finding common ground.

Whether you’re tackling climate policy, human rights, or global health you are shaping solutions that reflect both urgency and unity.

Young leaders,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The United Nations in China is proud to support initiatives like this one – platforms that empower youth to engage with global challenges, and to become agents of real and lasting change. 

We are committed to working with you – to build a future that is greener, fairer and more just for all.

Let us remember: the challenges we face today are deeply interconnected. And so too are the solutions. No country, no community, and no one person can tackle them alone. 

We need solidarity – across borders, across generations, and across sectors.

So, to all the delegates:

Be bold in your thinking.

Be respectful in your dialogue.

And be united in your purpose.

The world needs your leadership, now more than ever.

Thank you, and I wish you a successful, inspiring and unforgettable conference.