The 2025 Asia-Pacific Youth Model United Nations & Youth Forum on Global Competence kicked off at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on July 14.

Hosted by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), organized by the Global Alliance of Foreign Studies Universities, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press and the BFSU Education Training Center, and supported by PolyU and the China Education Exchange (Hong Kong and Macao) Centre, the event promises to be a melting pot of international perspectives and insights.

Jia Wenjian, president of BFSU and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, delivers a welcome speech. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In his welcome remarks, Jia Wenjian, president of BFSU and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, highlighted the crucial role of youth engagement in global governance and innovation amidst global shifts and mounting challenges.

Jia described the forum as a vital platform for young people across the Asia-Pacific and beyond to focus on development, promote dialogue, deepen exchange and amplify their voices.

He encouraged participants to shoulder the responsibilities of the times, broaden their international horizons, engage in the cause of human progress and dedicate their efforts to promoting world peace, development and the advancement of civilization.

Chao Yu-hang, vice-president for research and innovation of PolyU, addresses the audience. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Chao Yu-hang, vice-president for research and innovation of PolyU, addressed the audience, noting that young people are a key force in driving civilizational progress and tackling global challenges. He urged young delegates to embrace a mindset of “technology for social good”, foster essential skills for the future, strengthen global competence and safeguard the foundation of human civilization while navigating technological transformation.

Chao also advocated for an integration of technological innovation and humanistic care, so as to ensure a sustainable future that leaves no one behind.

Participants share their reflections on global governance and sustainable development, expressing enthusiasm for the event. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sends a video message to the forum. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

A special video message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was played during the ceremony, in which he said that the UN urgently needs the ideas, energy, determination and voices of the younger generation, as these are vital references for shaping policies and strategies.

Guterres spoke highly of the positive role played by Model UN activities in strengthening youth capabilities, adding that the UN stands ready to work with global youth to create a future of peace, dignity and prosperity for all.

Officials illuminate a large screen symbolizing the Sustainable Development Goals and marking the official launch of the forum. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

After the speeches, Jia, Chao and representatives from the organizing and supporting institutions jointly illuminated a large screen symbolizing the Sustainable Development Goals and marking the official launch of the forum.

Eleven student representatives recite the Preamble to the UN Charter in multiple languages. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

This year’s event brought together youth delegates from China, Australia, Pakistan, Germany, Russia, the Philippines, Spain and India. In a powerful display of multilingualism and unity, 11 student representatives from BFSU, Tsinghua University, the University of Hong Kong and Monash University recited the Preamble to the UN Charter in Chinese, Arabic, Russian, French, Spanish and English, paying tribute to the spirit of the UN Charter.