On October 25, 2019, the 16th China National Model United Nations Conference (CNMUN), hosted by the United Nations Association of China (UNA-China) and organized by Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), was inaugurated in Xi'an. Ms. Zhang Dan, Vice President and Director-General of UNA-China, Mr. Gong Hui, Vice Secretary of the CPC XJTU Committee and Ambassador Xie Bohua with the Department of the International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN sent a congratulatory video to the Conference. 

Ms. Zhang Dan said in her speech that since its founding 70 years ago, China has gradually grown to be an important force in supporting multilateralism and the UN system. China has actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations, promoted sustainable development and protected the legitimate interests of developing countries. Through promoting CNMUN and other high-quality UN-related activities, UNA-China, devoted to UN　research and promotion in China, has successfully cultivated Chinese students' interest in international engagement, contributing significantly to training more Chinese young talents for roles in international organizations.

Mr. Gong Hui made an introduction of XJTU, particularly its fine tradition in his speech. He said that socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. XJTU has made substantial efforts in teaching and research to satisfy the needs of the national development, with impressive achievements. XJTU has also actively explored ways to prepare students for a career in international organizations. Mr. Gong encouraged the students to broaden their international horizons, bear in mind their historical missions and make arduous efforts for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

Amb. Xie Bohua said that the Chinese government has firmly upheld the UN-based international system and consistently fulfilled its obligations in promoting world peace and development. He said that China is willing to work with all countries to build a community of common destiny. Amb. Xie stressed the importance of well-trained diplomatic personnel to advancing the major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. He fully affirmed the role of the CNMUN in increasing Chinese students' knowledge of UN and of multilateralism.

The four-day event has attracted about 600 students and faculty advisors from more than 160 universities around China. Six UN bodies are simulated, including the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the Human Rights Council, and the Economic and Social Council, where students act as diplomats of different countries to discuss issues such as implementation of the Iran Nuclear Deal, advancing the implementation of the Paris Agreement, women in peacekeeping operations, financing for international development cooperation, the rights of the people with disabilities in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and addressing contemporary racism. The Conference also has a main press center, with students acting as journalists and editors, covering the UN meetings. 

Over 10 ambassadors and experts with rich experience in multilateral diplomacy sit as judges, giving professional guidance on the running of the meetings and making comments on the performance of the students. They have also presented a Ambassador Lecture for all the participants.

The Conference has set up a range of awards, including Best Delegation, Outstanding Delegation, Honorable Mention, Best Paper, Best Resolution, Best Journalist, Best Editor, Best Faculty Advisor, and Best Organization. 

Since its inception in 2004, the annual CNMUN has developed to be the most authoritative and authentic MUN simulation in China. It is aimed to promote the values and disseminate the knowledge of the UN among universities students so as to help raise their awareness of international citizenship.