Renmin University of China (RUC) commemorated the 20th anniversary of its Model United Nations Association today with the Innovation and Development Forum and the official launch of the Global Youth Governance Initiative.
The event gathered experts, diplomats, educators, and student delegates to engage in in-depth dialogue on the opportunities and challenges facing global governance today.
Distinguished attendees included RUC President Lin Shangli, Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Association of China Wang Ying, Deputy Director of the International Department of the Communist Youth League Liu Kai, Academician of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences and former Deputy Director-General of the FAO He Changchui, former Director of International Cooperation at China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection Wang Zhijia, former Chinese Consul General in Rio de Janeiro Li Yang, and leaders from 22 university Model UN associations across China.
In his keynote address, Lin Shangli emphasized RUC’s pioneering role in promoting international engagement among Chinese students. “Participating in global governance requires a new generation of young people with broad international vision and practical ability,” he stated. He encouraged students to approach global challenges with courage and cooperation, to foster cultural understanding, and to contribute meaningfully to building a fairer and more sustainable international order.
Liu Kai highlighted the growing importance of youth in addressing global concerns such as climate change, economic inequality, and food security. “This year marks the 80th anniversaries of both the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations, and the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth,” he noted. “The Communist Youth League will continue to provide platforms for students to engage in international affairs.”
Wang Ying underscored the urgency of reforming global governance amid current geopolitical instability. She praised the youth-led Global Youth Governance Initiative, calling it a testament to the growing ambition and responsibility of Chinese youth. “We hope more young people will master international norms and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind,” she said.
A congratulatory letter from Wang Ling, Senior Officer at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, commended the RUC Model UN Association’s two decades of achievement in nurturing globally minded and socially responsible youth.
The new initiative, jointly launched by over 20 university Model UN associations, urges young people to adopt a global perspective, deepen international exchange, and lead innovative efforts in global governance. Mei Wenhuan, representative of RUC’s Model United Nations Association, introduced the proposal on behalf of the organizing committee.
The forum also featured a panel discussion titled “Opportunities and Challenges in Global Governance Today,” where diplomats and scholars drew from field experience and academic insight to reflect on multilateral cooperation, security, and sustainable development.
As part of the celebration, the 20th RUC Model United Nations Conference is being held from May 9th to 11th, bringing together nearly 400 students from over 120 universities and high schools nationwide to debate topics related to global peace, security, and sustainability.
