The WFUNA International Model United Nations (WIMUN) New York 2025, organized by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), recently convened at the UN Headquarters in New York City, with the participation of over 1,500 high school and university students from 61 countries and regions. Among the participants were four students from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA), including HAN Jun from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, JIN Tianrui from the School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, NING Xinyu from the School of Environment and Energy Engineering, and LI Yuetong from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The WIMUN New York 2025 established 20 Committees across topics including counter-terrorism, climate change, and humanitarian assistance. Four BUCEA student delegates, alongside peers from various nations, assumed diplomatic roles to experience UN meeting procedures, familiarize themselves with UN operational mechanisms and rules of procedure, refine their negotiation and communication skills, and share their perspectives and proposals on global governance.

Experiencing the UN Meeting Mechanisms

The Opening and Closing ceremonies of the WIMUN New York 2025 were held in the General Assembly Hall at the UN Headquarters. The BUCEA student delegates learned about the development of the agenda topics, as well as the initiatives and achievements undertaken by the UN, and gained a deeper understanding of the current global landscape.

Developing International Professional Competence

During the event, the BUCEA student delegates actively participated in discussions across multiple UN platforms, representing standpoints of Indonesia, Pakistan, Uruguay, and Sierra Leone. They engaged in negotiations with peers from around the world and collaborated on drafting resolutions.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

At the Global Village program, the four student delegates partnered with representatives from institutions like Beijing Normal University to showcase Chinese traditions. They also interacted with delegates from other countries to share their own cultural traditions and customs.

Students’ Perspective

HAN Jun (School of Architecture and Urban Planning)

Participating in this WIMUN program not only enhanced my understanding of international affairs but, more importantly, taught me how to voice perspectives on the global stage. I realized that at UN meetings, every delegate bears the responsibility to advocate for the interests of their nation and people. Through this experience, my respect for diplomats and their work has deepened, and I recognized significant room for growth. The program has not just been an invaluable learning opportunity, but will also shape my academic pursuits and professional development.

JIN Tianrui (School of Civil and Transportation Engineering)

The WIMUN program has not only deepened my understanding of the complexity of international affairs but also underscored the immense value of multilateral diplomacy and cooperation. During simulations, I witnessed firsthand both the differences and commonalities rooted in global diversity across culture, politics, and economics. Understanding this complexity demands solid knowledge of international politics, keen analytical insight, and flexible negotiation skills. Through interactions with delegates worldwide, I profoundly realized that understanding and respecting differences serves as the cornerstone of international collaboration.

NING Xinyu (School of Environment and Energy Engineering)

This was my first time participating in a WIMUN event. Working alongside delegates from around the world to address agenda topics, I felt the profound sense of mission and responsibility that young people carry in this era. During the Global Village program, we showcased Chinese culture. Through this experience, I gained knowledge, built friendships, and grew personally. It is an unforgettable chapter in my life, encouraging me to stay engaged with international affairs and actively participate in cultural exchanges throughout my future studies and daily life.

LI Yuetong (School of Humanities and Social Sciences)

Participating in the WIMUN event was an unforgettable and profoundly meaningful experience. I immersed myself in an authentic global setting and collaborated with peers from diverse backgrounds to address pressing global challenges. During preparations, I thoroughly researched the foreign policies, history, culture, and current challenges of the country I represented, proposing innovative solutions to global issues. This experience not only enhanced my communication and critical thinking skills but also taught me to approach issues from a global perspective. More importantly, I felt a profound sense of responsibility, realizing our mission to advance global peace and development. By working alongside delegates from various nations, we shared our cultures, perspectives, and experiences, fostering friendships and broadening our horizons through collaboration and dialogue.

Links:

https://wb.beijing.gov.cn/home/index/wsjx/202502/t20250221_4016644.html