This August, Oxford Global returned to Beijing for the 19th edition of WEMUN EXPO, one of Asia's largest international Model United Nations conferences. Bringing together over 1,000 delegates from across the world, the conference offered an exciting opportunity for young people to exchange ideas, tackle global challenges and build connections across borders.
A longstanding highlight of OG's international programme, WEMUN EXPO brings together Model UN organisations from across the United States, Europe and beyond. This year's conference welcomed delegates from countries including China, Brazil, Canada, Vietnam and Nepal, creating a vibrant environment for debate and collaboration.
The OG Team at WEMUN EXPO 2026
Our team was led by Secretary-General Kokil and Director-General Agnes, alongside chairs Nouha, Kiyan and Victoria, who helped deliver three Oxford Global committees as part of the conference's wider programme.
In the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM), delegates tackled The Protection of Minority Languages, examining the importance of linguistic diversity, cultural identity and the preservation of endangered languages. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) took debate beyond Earth, exploring Territorial Claims on Mars and the Moon. As space exploration advances, delegates were challenged to consider questions of sovereignty, international cooperation and the future of space governance. Meanwhile, the Organization of American States (OAS) focused on Human Rights in the Americas, encouraging delegates to examine the challenges facing the region and consider how international and regional institutions can respond.
Director-General Agnes, alongside OG Chairs Victoria, Kiyan and Nouha
Across all three committees, delegates were encouraged to think critically, articulate their positions and work towards shared solutions. Our chairs supported delegates throughout the conference, from facilitating formal debate to guiding negotiations and document drafting during unmoderated caucuses.
There was also plenty of excitement beyond the scheduled debates. Working alongside teams from American universities, our chairs helped stage dramatic crisis scenarios, introducing unexpected developments and adding another layer of excitement to the conference experience.
One of the things that makes WEMUN EXPO so special is the opportunity to work alongside fellow MUN enthusiasts from across the world. This year's conference featured chairs from organisations including Berkeley Model UN, BoSMUN, MUNUC, SSUNS, TEIMUN, YMUN and CSCLSCC. From the opening ceremony through to the final committee sessions, the event created opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from different approaches to MUN and form friendships across the international community.
Kiyan and Nouha at a ‘Green Light’ dance rehearsal, getting ready for the delegate gala!
And, of course, no WEMUN EXPO would be complete without the traditional gala celebrations! This year's festivities featured the much-anticipated Green Light dance, with chairs from across the conference coming together to rehearse and perform. It was a chance to swap the formality of the committee room for something a little more energetic!
The OG team exploring the Summer Palace in Beijing
Beyond the conference itself, the OG team made the most of their time in Beijing, exploring the city's extraordinary blend of history, culture and modern life. Highlights included visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, exploring traditional temples and bustling markets, and an afternoon browsing the shops and cafés of Wudaoying Alley. The team also visited one of Beijing's vibrant art districts before the conference's closing ceremony.
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. After taking in the spectacular views, the team enjoyed a rather different way of descending: a toboggan ride down from the Wall!
Visiting Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing
Between committee sessions and sightseeing, there were also opportunities to unwind. From team lunches and dinners (including some excellent burgers!) to a chance to relax in massage chairs after busy days at the conference, the trip offered a welcome balance of hard work and downtime.
The team's final evening in Beijing included a traditional opera performance, providing a memorable cultural experience and a fitting conclusion to their time in the city.
Taking in the views from the Great Wall of China
As another WEMUN EXPO came to a close, the conference once again demonstrated the value of international Model United Nations: bringing together young people from different backgrounds to exchange perspectives, tackle shared challenges and build connections beyond the committee room.
As OG's final international trip of 2026, WEMUN EXPO marked a fitting conclusion to a busy summer of conferences and collaborations around the world. A huge thank you to the organisers, fellow chairs and delegates who contributed to another memorable edition of WEMUN EXPO. We can't wait to return to Beijing in 2027 to celebrate the conference's 20th anniversary!
With the end of summer comes the return of our Oxford-based events, and we're now looking ahead to welcoming delegates from around the world to GlobalVoices 2026 in November and NoviceNations 2027 in February!