This year's Model United Nations Conference has come to an end in New York. The "Model UN" is a series of programs run throughout the world, aimed at furthering understanding of the global body. Every April, a week-long conference takes place in New York, giving students the opportunity to debate an array of international affairs.

With fifty years behind it, the Model UN conference this year was bigger than ever. Attending were more than 3,000 student representatives from 24 countries.

The teams debated various international issues, including war, development, governmental reform and problems like illegal narcotics and HIV/AIDS.

The Northwestern Polytechnical University Team was the only team at the conference representing China. The conference awarded the eleven Chinese students a second-place prize for their performance.

The Chinese team, as an active participant in recent years, thinks the Model United Nations is of great significance.

Li Xiaocong, leader of Chinese Team, said, "Such an event helps us develop skills that are useful internationally, not just in our own country. The various activities allow students from different countries to learn from each other. The event also helps people with different educational backgrounds communicate."

The students added the conference was a good chance to improve their English. They said they were pleased to have had the opportunity to build up important skills like teamwork and negotiation.

Source: CCTV News