From 23 to 25 January 2026, the Inaugural NESSIC × SCIE Model United Nations Conference (SCIEMUN VI × NESSICMUN 2026) was successfully held at Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE). As the first Model United Nations conference jointly organised by NESSIC and SCIE, the event marked a significant milestone in cross-school academic collaboration and international education.
Held under the theme “Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive World Order,” the conference brought together delegates, chairs, advisors, and organisers from international schools across China for three days of rigorous debate, diplomacy, and intellectual exchange.
Responding to the growing complexity of global challenges, the conference encouraged students to critically engage with contemporary international issues while cultivating the skills, values, and mindset essential for responsible global citizenship.
A Record-Breaking Gathering of Schools and Delegates
As an international school organisation dedicated to meaningful collaboration, NESSIC serves as a platform that connects diverse schools under a shared vision.
The conference warmly welcomed member schools from across China, including Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE), Avenues School Shenzhen, Basis International School Park Lane Harbour (BIPH), Cogdel Cranleigh School Changsha, Green Oasis School (GOS), Harrow School Haikou, Hongwen School Qingdao Campus (HWSQD), Shen Wai International School (SWIS), Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy (SGA), Wuhan Cogdel Cranleigh High School, Yew Wah International, Harrow Lide School Hengqin, Shekou International School (SIS), Quality Schools International (QSI).
Both the number of participating schools and delegates reached a historic high, reflecting the growing influence, cohesion, and enthusiasm of the NESSIC community. This record level of participation highlighted the increasing recognition of NESSIC as a trusted and impactful organisation.
Day One / Opening Ceremony and the Beginning of Diplomacy
On the first day of the conference, delegates from across China arrived at SCIE, formally stepping into their roles as representatives of member states. For many, this marked their first experience with Model United Nations; for others, it was a return to committee rooms with renewed confidence and leadership.
The Opening Ceremony, held at Halo Theatre, featured welcome remarks from SCIE Principal Mr Mobsby and Mr Junwei Xing, the Academic Director of North American Invitational MUN (NAIMUN) China Conference.
Their speeches highlighted the educational value of the Model United Nations, the importance of youth engagement in global affairs, and the role of dialogue and cooperation in addressing international challenges. With this, the conference was officially declared open.
Following the ceremony, delegates proceeded to their respective committees to begin formal sessions. Through opening speeches, procedural motions, and moderated debate, students quickly adapted to the professional and academic atmosphere, laying a strong foundation for the discussions to come.
Day Two / Where Diplomacy Took Shape
If the first day was defined by cautious exploration, the second day became the true testing ground of diplomacy. Committee rooms transformed into dynamic spaces of debate, negotiation, and collaboration.
Unmoderated caucuses brought diplomacy beyond the podium. In hallways, on stairwells, and by windowsills, delegates gathered in small groups, speaking rapidly with resolutions covered in dense annotations:
“If we support the third clause of your amendment, can you concede on the energy transition timeline?”
“I need the exact page number of the report you just cited.”
“This wording may be too strong, can we revise it to gain broader support?”
It was here that many delegates came to realization: diplomacy is not only about eloquence in formal speeches, but also about strategic thinking, patient explanation, and timely compromise.
Day Three / Crisis, Pressure, and Consensus
As a tradition, the crisis arrived on the final day—this time in the form of a sudden zombie outbreak. The announcement came abruptly. Silence briefly filled committee rooms before giving way to intense activity.
Delegates immediately shifted into action: researching under pressure, drafting directives, forming alliances, and responding to rapidly evolving developments. Time felt compressed, yet decisions had to be made with clarity and precision.
Under pressure, rigid positions softened. Former adversaries became essential allies. When a shared and urgent crisis emerged, cooperation replaced confrontation, and consensus became not only possible, but necessary.
Beyond Resolutions: Growth That Endures
The closing applause was especially long and resonant. It celebrated not only the resolutions passed but the personal journeys undertaken over those seventy-two hours, the late nights of research, the courage to raise placards, the confidence to persuade, and the humility to revise one’s own stance for a stronger collective outcome.
Though suits were returned to closets and placards collected, something lasting remained: a deeper understanding of the world, the discovery of one’s own voice, and friendships forged across ideological divides. Delegates often found that the person they debated most fiercely was also someone they could walk with afterwards to share a meal and conversation.
Behind the Scenes: A Collective Effort
Beyond the spotlight, the conference was sustained by a quiet yet powerful collective effort.
From the NESSIC network, whose trust brought fourteen schools together, to the Secretaries-General and organising teams, who worked tirelessly on minimal sleep, every contribution mattered.
The academic team meticulously refined background guides; the media team tirelessly captured every moment; and the chairs, many of whom were last year’s delegates, returned in new roles with professionalism, composure, and a genuine desire to guide the next generation.
Perhaps the most enduring lesson of Model United Nations is not learning how to argue, but learning how to move forward together, even in disagreement.
Looking Ahead
The world is vast, and its challenges are complex. Yet over these three days, SCIEMUN VI × NESSICMUN 2026 demonstrated that when young people come together with sincerity, curiosity, and commitment, meaningful progress can begin.
This inaugural collaboration established a strong foundation for future partnership between NESSIC and SCIE, setting a clear benchmark for academic quality, organisational professionalism, and inclusivity in future NESSIC-affiliated conferences.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all delegates, chairs, teachers, advisors, and behind-the-scenes partners. This Model United Nations became real and radiant because of you.
We look forward to welcoming you again.
Acknowledgements
The success of SCIEMUN VI × NESSICMUN 2026 was made possible through the collective efforts of many individuals and teams.
We extend our sincere gratitude to NESSIC for its trust and partnership; the Admissions team and SSO for administrative support; SCIE principals, administrators, leaders and press team for their dedication and professionalism; our advisors for their guidance; our chairs for their leadership and commitment; and, most importantly, our delegates, whose enthusiasm and engagement defined the spirit of the conference.
- Article / Katherine Zhang
- Photography / Justin Wang, Admissions
