SJTU Model United Nations Attends the UN Refugee Challenge Program

Recently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced the winners of the 2022 Model United Nations Refugee Challenge. Shanghai Jiao Tong University Model United Nations Association stood out and was awarded the Special Mention Award, making it the only Chinese student organization in the Model United Nations to receive this honor for outstanding performance.

The Model United Nations Refugee Challenge is initiated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and MUN teams from around the world participate in this event. The program aims to encourage global students to explore solutions to refugee-related issues through Model United Nations activities. In 2022, the Refugee Challenge focused on four subtopics, including statelessness of refugees and sustained solutions to refugee problems. The Shanghai Jiao Tong University Model United Nations Conference, authorized by the UNHCR, participated in the Refugee Challenge. During the National Model United Nations Conference, the committee addressed the subtopic "Climate Change and Displacement" by offering insights and recommendations.

In recent years, the escalating frequency of extreme weather events has intensified the crisis of climate refugees. During the 2022 Shanghai Jiao Tong University Model United Nations Conference, the UNHCR committee extensively discussed measures to address the climate refugee crisis in areas such as health, economic inclusion, and education. Resolutions were drafted concerning the recognition of climate refugee status, short-term asylum, and the establishment of climate adaptation capabilities in different countries. These draft resolutions were submitted to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Specifically, the detailed regulations regarding the formulation of standards for climate refugee accommodation were recognized by the UNHCR and included in the summary of the 2022 Refugee Challenge Program.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Model United Nations Association, with the support of the school and the School of International and Public Affairs, has been dedicated to enhancing Jiao Tong University students' understanding of international affairs and global governance. The association has hosted several Model United Nations Conferences, attracting students from universities nationwide, and has been honored with the "2023 Shanghai Vitality Student Organization" award. Members of the association actively participate in various competitions, including the Asian International Model United Nations Conference and the China Model United Nations Conference, winning numerous awards such as "Best Delegation" and "Best Delegate," showcasing the outstanding qualities of Jiao Tong University students. In the future, the association aims to further expand its influence on and off-campus, providing a platform for Jiao Tong University students to understand the United Nations, fostering the development of internationally-minded individuals well-versed in international rules, capable of engaging in international affairs, and competing globally.