This article recap of YMUN-China was provided by Justin Schuster, Secretary General of YMUN-China.
This March, the Yale International Relations Association travelled to Guangzhou, China where we hosted the inaugural session of the Yale Model United Nations China conference. Watch the welcome video here.
This conference, YIRA’s first conference in partnership with WELAND International, marks a new chapter in YIRA’s history of international Model UN opportunities including YMUN in New Haven, the Security Council Simulation at Yale, YMUN Korea in Seoul, and Yale Model Government Europe in Budapest.
YMUN-China Secretariats
Led by Secretary-General Justin Schuster and Director-General Dennis Wang, YMUN China featured six of YMUN’s highest achieving committees: ECOFIN, UNDP, UNCSD, ASEAN, COPUOS and the UNSC. This conference, one which comprised over 250 Chinese Model UN delegates, was a smashing success in its inaugural year, bringing Yale and America to a Chinese audience in four days of diplomacy, international relations and cross-cultural appreciation.
The conference set off on a high note, as Consul General of the United States to Guangzhou, Jennifer Galt, ushered in this conference. Her keynote speech was accompanied by letters of encouragement from former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, Yale University President Richard Levin and Dean of Yale College Mary Miller. Delegates also had the chance to enjoy a welcome video with special guest appearances from Secretaries-General Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon.
YMUN China featured a number of highlights both within and out of the committee room. Inside of committee, YMUN China prided itself on serving as a holistic and highly educational experience, which manifested itself in multiple forms including in-committee Skype conferences and recorded videos with experts ranging from U.S. Ambassadors, Directors of the UNDP, rocket scientists and more. Directors also utilized video and technology to present dynamic and engaging crisis videos, keeping delegates on their toes at every turn. Directors also stepped outside of parli pro, leading delegates in informational workshops throughout the conference on the topics of their committees.
While outside of the committee room, delegates had the ability to enjoy a number of exciting offerings which included cultural and political workshops led by the Yale Directors in addition to a cultural talent show and an unforgettable delegate dance all the while savoring Guangzhou’s warm hospitality from its Pearl River to late night dim sum.
YIRA eagerly looks forward to returning to China for the summer 2013 WEMUN Expo in Beijing hosted by WELAND International from July 31 – August 4, 2013. From Guangzhou to New Haven, be sure to keep an eye out as YMUN and YIRA continue to spread their love and passion for Model UN around the world!
Delegates discussing their working paper with YMUN-China chairs
Delegates in committee at YMUN-China
Roses and Pandas delivered by Director-General, Dennis Wang
