Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

The opening ceremony of the 19th Annual World Model United Nations Conference (WorldMUN) took place at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall on March 14. President Ma Ying-jeou and Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin appeared at the event to bid their welcome to the visiting delegates.
In May 2009, the team comprising of National Taiwan University (NTU) and Harvard University won the right to host the event after a fierce competition among contenders from eight top-ranking universities. Taking the lead in support of the school’s initiative, Taipei City Government established a cross-agency task force offering NTU administrative assistance throughout the bidding process.
The five-day event has attracted 1,792 participants from over 200 universities and colleges in 41 nations. Students attending the conference will be taking on the roles of diplomats from various countries and participating in rounds of deliberation and negotiation. The events simulate the proceeding of the United Nations.
When addressing the representatives, Hau stressed that Taipei is a city with diverse culture, beautiful sceneries, and friendly residents. In addition to boasting popular tourist attractions such as Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum, the City also plays host to major international events including the Summer Deaflympics in 2009 and the upcoming 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition.
The mayor encourages the participating students to continue paying attention to international affairs and to test their own limits, facing future challenges with courage and determination.