Before returning to start a new semester at Xi’an Liangjiatan International School, twenty-four XLIS students spent nearly a month preparing for and participating in the COP15 Model United Nations Environment Assembly Organized by The China National Children’s Center and Center for Environment Education and The Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Through the conference theme, Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth, XLIS students deepened their understanding of biodiversity conservation and climate change whilst expanding their awareness of international organizations and multinational diplomacy.
Officials from the United Nations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as university professors and scientific experts acted as consultants for the conference and committees were chaired by members of Model United Nations Associations from Peking University and China Foreign Affairs University.
The twenty-four students selected from XLIS were joined by over 100 students from 40 schools to participate in three committees: the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Over the course of three physically taxing days and six professionally demanding sessions, all the XLIS delegates demonstrated incredible energy and attitude. Delegates of different countries sought common interests and formed several blocs to further discuss the issues and develop practical solutions.
Many of the delegates were nervous as the conference commenced but—with the encouragement from parents, teachers, and chairs—they flourished as they left their comfort zones and spoke out bravely for the countries they were representing. They negotiated on global issues, practiced public speaking, and cultivated leadership skills.
For their effort in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Derek Li was awarded best delegate, Alex Li received a Nomination of Excellence, and Zoe Wang was awarded Best Position Paper.
XLIS participants in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations were similarly successful as Angelina Han received a Nomination of Excellence and Lucy Zhang was awarded Best Position Paper.
Supporting these students were their wonderful parents who offered consistent encouragement and teachers who collaborated effectively to guarantee student safety and ensure they received the academic support needed to flourish. Our teachers assisted students as they studied background guides, researched topics, revised position papers, and simulated conference processes and motions. The efforts of the teachers were recognized by the organizing committee, Ms. Na Meng, Ms. Erica Yang and Mr. Richie Li were awarded Excellent Instructor, and Xi’an Liangjiatan International School was awarded Best Organizational School.
Since the establishment of the MUN ECA in XLIS, we have successfully participated in many MUN conferences in and outside China including GMUN, Notre Dame MUN, Beijing MUN, Cornell MUN, and Harvard MUN. The Model United Nations ECA looks forward to hosting the first MUN Conference at XLIS this coming November. We are excited for more students to join our MUN ECA and the first XLIS-MUN!
Feedback from Students
Secondly, I fully demonstrated my learning outcomes in the conference, through which I have enhanced my communication and collaboration skills. I had been so nervous when giving a speech in public for the first time, then gradually I was be able to speak actively, stated my own point of views and even cooperated with my team members for my team and our school. At the end, we all received good results and I myself was awarded the Best Delegate.
Last but not the least, I make a lot of new friends through this event from presidium of MUN and my team members from other schools, who were professional, knowledgeable, and also optimistic and relaxed. All these good qualities are all what I need to learn.
I gained so much from this conference, through which I have broadened my horizon greatly. I will continue to study hard in my future life and look forward to attending the MUN conference again!
Alex Li
My name is Alex Li from Xi’an Liangjiatan International School.When I first became a member of the MUN conference, I felt it was a little bit boring, but after getting a deep understanding of what the MUN conference really is, I found was extremely interesting. First when a representative of a certain country applied for an unmoderated caucus, it was basically like a break for everyone at that time. However, after two days of conferences, we began to write papers during the unmoderated caucus time. I really learned a lot such as how to reduce fossil fuel emissions and use new energy products, how to make the world a better places, etc. which gave me an opportunity to have a profound understanding of climate change around the world. In addition, I was awarded the Nomination of Excellence and praised by my mother. I do hope to attend the MUN conference next time and also recommend you seize the opportunity to attend too.
Zoe Wang
In addition to the three-day conference, outdoor observation and overnight camping are really cool and fun! I feel like I’ve grown a lot this time! I love these events!
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Authors:
Mona Meng (I&S & DP Business Management Teacher)
Jesse Ridolfo (DP and MYP English Language & Literature Teacher, Language Literature Subject Area Leader)
