Department for Youth, Taipei City Government(青年局英文網)

Taipei’s Department for Youth will host a Model United Nations (MUN) Workshop to foster independent thinking, enhance international knowledge, and develop skills for global engagement among young students. The workshop will take place over three days on November 23 (Saturday), November 30 (Saturday), and December 1 (Sunday). Registration is now open and will close at 11:59 PM on Friday, November 8. With limited spots available, high school students from Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Keelung are encouraged to register early via the official websit.Through this event, the Department for Youth aims to deepen participants' understanding of international issues and inspire them to engage on the global stage.

The concept of Model United Nations originated in 1927 at Harvard University as a simulation of the League of Nations. Participants follow UN conference rules, acting as diplomats representing various countries and engaging in discussions on international topics. The activity promotes critical thinking, leadership skills, teamwork, public speaking, and negotiation abilities, while enhancing cross-cultural understanding and expanding participants’ global perspectives. It also offers insights into the historical and contemporary positions of countries on international matters.

This year’s MUN workshop will focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The theme emphasizes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment, equal pay for equal work, labor rights, and safe working environments. In addition to encouraging participants to advocate for marginalized groups, the workshop will explore strategies for youth employment across countries. Participants will be encouraged to present innovative and practical policy solutions from diverse cultural perspectives.

The workshop will consist of two key parts: pre-conference training and simulated conference sessions. Pre-conference training will include activities such as logical reasoning and argumentation, research skills, issue analysis, drafting position papers, understanding the UN, and drafting resolutions. Simulated conference sessions will involve topic discussions, open negotiations, and simulated salon presentations.

The Department for Youth has invited the MUN Society Taiwan (MST) to co-organize this workshop. Established in 2021, MST consists of experienced MUN members from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Taiwan University, National Chengchi University, and National Tsing Hua University. With over 3,000 students reached to date, MST aims to provide participants with valuable and enriching experiences.

The Department for Youth emphasized that the MUN workshop not only offers students an opportunity to broaden their global perspectives but also fosters independent thinking and respect for diverse cultures. The workshop encourages cross-school and intergenerational collaboration, develops an interest in global issues, and enhances students' capacity to engage in international affairs.

For more information, please visit the official website of the Department for Youth. For inquiries, contact the Global Engagement Division at 02-2351-4078, extension 1211.