More than 250 high school students from home and abroad have gathered in Shanghai for the Model United Nations conference, held in Shanghai for the first time.

 

 

Students hold a discussion during a coffee break at the Model United Nations conference in Fudan University yesterday. More than 250 high school students from home and abroad took part in the three-day event.

 

Sponsored by the Fudan International School, the 2007 Fudan Model United Nations conference invited students from 19 Chinese high schools and peers from the US, South Korea and Japan for the three-day conference that started on Monday.

 

Participants play the role of diplomats from different countries to discuss global topics such as energy shortages and nuclear proliferation by representing their assigned nation's policy.

 

All conferences, debates and voting will be conducted in English and teams will compete for different titles, such as the best speech award and best manners award, after the conference ends today, organizers said.

 

"The Model United Nations is more than a simple test on students' English ability, manners and knowledge. It challenges young people's analysis and ability to think fast," said Cai Dafeng, the conference's organizing committee head and Fudan University vice president.

 

Started in the US 50 years ago, the Model UN conference has been held in about 35 countries. More than 400 similar conferences are held throughout the world each year, attracting 200,000 high school and university students.

 

Zhang Shida, a student at the High School affiliated to Fudan University, said the activity made participants understand UN operations better and boosted their communication skills.

 

At a show at Fudan last night, the students showcased some of their countries' culture with singing and dancing.

 

(Shanghai Daily February 7, 2007)