UCL students simulate UN SDG summit

More than 150 student delegates and facilitators took part in a Model United Nations Conference at UCL in November 2023 to discuss complex challenges facing the world.

More than 150 student delegates and facilitators took part in a Model United Nations Conference at UCL in November 2023 to discuss complex challenges facing the world, including the need to increase efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030. 

At the event students simulated actual committees that took place at the UN General Assembly. The event was organised by the UCL United Nations Association (UCLUNA) student society. 

““It was inspiring to see students from vastly different backgrounds coming together to think about the steps we can take to create a better, more sustainable future for all,” said Wynsey Chen (UCL Political Science), Secretary General of UCLUNA. “The conference was a testament to the major force of youth in driving actions to achieve the UN's SDGs.” 

Part of the event saw the students engage in a futuristic simulation of the 2024 Summit of the Future, scheduled to take place in September this year. The Summit will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address gaps in global governance and to mark a new phase of accelerated progress towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. 

The student-led Summit of the Future simulation focused on two topics: how far off track the world is in achieving SDG16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions); and a ‘Declaration for Future Generations’, which stated how much more effort the world should give to achieving the SDGs for the benefit of future generations. This simulation was designed with guidance from representatives of the Coalition for the UN We Need.             

The delegates also tackled issues including refugee access to jobs and financial services, climate change and gender inequality, and a new agenda for peace. 

Delegates taking part in the model UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) submitted a draft resolution to the UNHCR Model UN Refugee Challenge.

Dr Simone Datzberger (UCL Institute of Education, Faculty of Education and Society) was among the guest speakers. She joined the model UN Commission for the Status of Women Committee and spoke on the topic of gender and climate change. 

It was inspiring to see students from vastly different backgrounds coming together to think about the steps we can take to create a better, more sustainable future for all.” – Wynsey Chen (UCL Political Science)