GBA International Model United Nations · Summer Conference opens

The Greater Bay Area International Model United Nations 2026 · Summer Conference opened yesterday at the Shenzhen Economic Daily Building, bringing together more than 250 students from 102 well-known high schools, universities, and MUN organizations across China for a three-day program on global governance.

With the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled to be held in Shenzhen this November, the conference carries special significance. It invites young people to propose youth-driven solutions for Asia-Pacific cooperation through simulated diplomatic practice.

The Greater Bay Area International Model United Nations 2026 · Summer Conference opens yesterday at the Shenzhen Economic Daily Building.

At the opening ceremony, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a video message praising MUN activities for helping young people better understand international affairs and global governance, while building skills for a better world. 

“Among the youths here today, future world leaders are being nurtured,” he said, encouraging participants to uphold openness and cooperation in creating a more just and peaceful world.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivers a video message.

The conference is co-organized by SNG Education Media Group and Shenzhen Daily.

Li Kexin, deputy editor-in-chief of SNG Education Media Group, urged students to broaden their global vision through the event.

The conference features five committees: the International Olympic Committee, the UN Environment Assembly, the UN Conference on Trade and Development, the World Health Assembly, and a Main Press Center. 

Sessions are conducted in both Chinese and English, covering topics including climate change, the digital economy, sports, and public health.

Participants share their views at the event yesterday.

Over the coming days, the students will debate issues such as “fair participation” in sports and protecting the Olympic spirit; blue carbon ecosystem conservation; digital divides and sustainable development; and infrastructure coordination in humanitarian crises. Journalists at the Main Press Center will adhere to principles of truthfulness and objectivity in their coverage.

A special guest dialogue featured three speakers: He Shiming, Party Secretary of Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group); Wang Hongjun, Executive Principal of Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School; and Sun Jin, Editor-in-Chief of Shenzhen Daily and Amazing Shenzhen. 

The panel discussed the legacy of MUN, international literacy for Greater Bay Area youth, and how MUN can help shape future development.

A special guest dialogue is held at the opening yesterday.

An academic team, drawn from leading universities including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, the University of Hong Kong, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, spent nearly six months preparing the conference. 

From research papers to procedural design, their work aims to replicate the intensity and rigor of real multilateral diplomacy. The agenda aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and APEC “China Year” priorities, while addressing real-world challenges of global concern.

Since its inception, the Greater Bay Area International Model United Nations Conference has attracted more than 1,000 young people from over 300 institutions. It has grown into one of the region’s largest and most influential MUN events, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the global stage, and injecting fresh momentum into international education across the Greater Bay Area.