Paudel Pukar, a student from Nepal majoring in education at Beijing Normal University, delivers a speech at the third Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, on July 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nearly 300 students from around world attended the third Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference (CCMUN) in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, from July 28 to 30.

The conference is part of the MUN Challenge, which was initiated by UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. It provides a platform for students from around the world to exchange ideas through simulated UN activities. It also offers experience and opportunities for those who are aspiring to engage in diplomatic careers.

The conference was open to elementary, middle, and high school students, who played the role of delegates from different countries. They engaged in discussions on globally tending topics such as sustainable canal development, the protection of refugee children, and building child-friendly cities.

The outcomes generated from these debates will have a chance of being included in the UNHCR's official Policy Repository.

"With its rich culture and picturesque landscape, Wuxi has impressed many guests from around the world. I am sure these young delegates will get the taste of what diplomacy is like through this conference. I hope you will enjoy yourselves, learn from each other, and make progress," said Huang Ping, Chinese consul general in New York, who delivered a speech to the attendees via video.

Steven O'Brien, UNHCR's senior external relations officer, also delivered a speech via video. He believes that this event can bring together young people with a global perspective to discuss crucial humanitarian issues. "We believe that whether it is today, tomorrow, or farther in the future, this event will long play an important role in finding the best solutions for forcibly displaced people," he said.

Chen Yanjun, an elementary school graduate from Jingmen city, Hubei province, said that she underwent three weeks of training at school, conducting extensive research on the topics that would be discussed at the event.

Hulda Gulda, a second-year doctoral student from Cameroon majoring in education at Beijing Normal University, said the CCMUN has provided her with a great platform to deepen her understanding of current international relations and affairs. It also gave her the opportunity to engage in debates with friends from all over the world, which she found to be a valuable learning experience.