"As a student majoring in electronic information science and technology, the Model UN opened a window for me to see the world beyond formulas and experiments," said Tang Xuchang, a postgraduate student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).

"It exposed me to global affairs, human concerns, and international governance, allowing me to understand the world through a broader and more diverse lens," he added.

From Oct 16 to 19, Tang, dressed in a suit and tie, joined over 400 delegates from more than 100 universities across China for days of intense diplomacy.

Hosted by the United Nations Association of China and organized by SJTU, the 21st China National Model United Nations Conference (CNMUN) offered students a realistic platform to explore global governance and the art of negotiation.

This year's conference simulated six UN committees, addressing key global issues such as artificial intelligence and international security, multilateral trade, the right to development, the Palestine-Israel issue, energy transition, and cybersecurity governance.

More than 10 seasoned diplomats — including former ambassadors and officials from international organizations — were invited as guest speakers and judges.

Hu Wenli, vice-president and director-general of the UN Association of China, noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

"For eight decades, the UN has been a cornerstone of global progress," she said. "As the world enters a period of profound change, the UN's authority, effectiveness, and representativeness are facing new challenges."

"The Model UN provides a vital platform for young people to learn and apply multilateral rules to tackle global issues," she added.

Yang Zhenbin, secretary of the CPC SJTU Committee, encouraged participants to "take this conference as a starting point to contribute innovative ideas and practical solutions to global challenges and to the shared future of humanity".

Hands-on diplomacy

Tang joined the simulated High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, representing Qatar. He said understanding a country begins with grasping its core priorities.

"Finding shared interests among different parties was key to reaching consensus," he said. "For example, when our joint declaration on regional cooperation was later included in the final resolution, I realized that diplomacy isn't a zero-sum game — it's about working together to achieve common goals."

For Lou Baixi, a senior student at the Officers College of Chinese People's Armed Police Force in Sichuan province, one of the conference's most distinctive features is the resolution voting process, where delegates form national blocs to propose and defend their drafts.

"The process is about negotiation and compromise," said Lou, who was participating in a Model UN for the third time. "No country can achieve its goals alone. To produce an effective resolution, delegates need to find common ground and work collaboratively."

"This process of balancing and communication allows us to experience the essence of diplomacy," he added.

Lou also gained a deeper appreciation for the precision and restraint required in diplomatic language.

"When you listen to Foreign Ministry spokespersons, their words may sound calm and neutral, but achieving that balance is incredibly difficult — as we've now learned firsthand," he said.

Tong Yajun, a postgraduate student in international law at East China University of Political Science and Law, shared the same sentiment. It was her first time taking part in a Model UN, and she spent half a month preparing for it.

She said that understanding a country's real stance and drafting a position paper were often more difficult than they seemed. "You need to read official documents, media reports, and even foreign commentary to grasp the deeper meaning behind a country's policies," she explained. "You can't just stay on the surface — you must explore what truly drives its decisions."

Tong added that delegates should be well-versed in topic-specific terms such as "accountability vacuum" and "meaningful human control" when discussing artificial intelligence and security issues.

"Only by mastering these concepts can you engage in serious debate," she said.

Wu Zishuo, a postgraduate student majoring in interpreting at Shenzhen University in Guangdong province, described his first Model UN as "an academic feast".

What impressed him most was the diversity of participants.

"Students from different universities and disciplines each brought unique strengths," he said. "Law students cited clauses from the UN Charter to support their arguments, language majors polished the English in draft resolutions, and others excelled in negotiation. It was truly an inspiring exchange of ideas across fields."

Wu admitted that the preparation process was demanding but rewarding. "As a second-year postgraduate about to start my thesis and apply for doctoral programs, balancing research with Model UN work was challenging, and I almost gave up," he said. "But the intensive research and drafting experience greatly improved my academic and analytical skills."

Reflecting on the week's discussions, Lou said his biggest takeaway was a deeper understanding of China's diplomatic approach on the global stage.

"I can feel that China's voice carries weight — thanks to our nation's growing strength and its responsible global role," he said.

Wu agreed, noting that the experience had also reshaped his perspective on international affairs.

"Today's world faces many complex challenges, from cyberattacks to regional conflicts and human rights issues," he said. "China's diplomacy seeks to balance national sovereignty with humanitarian concern. It's not just about safeguarding national interests but also about promoting the well-being of people, whether in developed or developing countries. That's the kind of diplomacy I hope to contribute to one day."

guojiatong@i21st.cn