More than 10 seasoned diplomats — including former ambassadors and officials from international organizations — were invited as guest speakers and judges.

Hu Wenli, vice-president and director-general of the UN Association of China, noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

"For eight decades, the UN has been a cornerstone of global progress," she said. "As the world enters a period of profound change, the UN's authority, effectiveness, and representativeness are facing new challenges."

"The Model UN provides a vital platform for young people to learn and apply multilateral rules to tackle global issues," she added.

Yang Zhenbin, secretary of the CPC SJTU Committee, encouraged participants to "take this conference as a starting point to contribute innovative ideas and practical solutions to global challenges and to the shared future of humanity".

Hands-on diplomacy

Tang joined the simulated High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, representing Qatar. He said understanding a country begins with grasping its core priorities.

"Finding shared interests among different parties was key to reaching consensus," he said. "For example, when our joint declaration on regional cooperation was later included in the final resolution, I realized that diplomacy isn't a zero-sum game — it's about working together to achieve common goals."