After long and intense preparations BELS delegates were finally able to travel to New York City, USA to represent the country of China in various committees at the UN headquarters in New York, USA. The topics covered in the General Assembly 1 (GA1) were: Weapons of Terror: Non-proliferation of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Arms/Children in armed conflicts/The proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in South Asia. In UNEP Committee (UN Environment Programme) the following topics were on the agenda: Developing disaster risk reduction capabilities on areas affected by natural hazards/Conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources and The use of Biotechnologies: Protection of Human Health and biodiversity. The World Health Organization (WHO) discussed and tried to find consensus on: Accelerating our response to address non-communicable diseases (NCD's) for the health and well-being of present and future generations/The health implications of climate change and The health and social effects of nonmedical cannabis use. Within the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls were discussed. Also, delegates tried to find consensus on Women's economic empowerment in the changing world of work as well as discussing Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) were addressing and working on the following topics: International cooperation to address and counter the world drug problem/Strengthening efforts to prevent drug abuse in educational settings and Promoting the implementation of technology systems to stop illicit trade. At this Model United Nations conference, three Security Councils were present. Security Council 1 discussed the situation in the Middle East, Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts and Post-conflict peacebuilding. Security Council 2 discussed Protection of civilians in armed conflicts, The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Security Council 3 was working on Women: peace and security/Conflict prevention in Africa and The situation in South Sudan.

Also part of the excursion to New York was a guided tour of New York City, a trip with Staten Island Ferries, a guided tour of New York Public Library and a tour to the Statue of Liberty as well as to Ellis Island. We are looking back on an unforgettable and enjoyable time.

Text and pictures by Anna-Theresia Krein M.A.

Find more information on Model United Nations Conferences @ BELS here.