The 16th annual Japan University English Model United Nations (JUEMUN) was held at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) from June 27–29, 2025. This year’s conference brought together over 180 student delegates from 15 universities in Japan, Canada, and the United States under the agenda: Reimagining Global Tourism: Sustaining, Managing, and Rebuilding for a Resilient Future.

The Opening Ceremony featured welcome remarks by KUFS President Professor Takahiro Ono, followed by a keynote address from Mr. Takuya Horie, Senior Marketing Officer at the Kyoto City Tourism Association. Mr. Horie presented current tourism statistics and outlined how Kyoto is working with residents and local organizations to address both the benefits and challenges of tourism in the region.

Following the ceremony, delegates joined one of three thematic meetings where they represented assigned MUN countries through formal speeches, negotiations, debates, and committee work. Each meeting included four topical committees that collaborated over three days to research, draft, and finalize a resolution to be presented and voted on in plenary session.

Meeting Topics:

* Meeting 1: Managing the Environmental Impact of Tourism
* Meeting 2: Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Human Development
* Meeting 3: Strengthening Resilience and Sustainable Tourism in Disaster-Prone Areas

JUEMUN is a student-organized conference supported by faculty from the organizing committee, which includes Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, and Notre Dame Seishin University in Okayama. As the host university, KUFS provided all three Secretary-Generals and the Event Volunteer Coordinator for this year’s conference:

* Secretary-General, Meeting 1: Joyce Ong Si Min (DGS, 3rd year)
* Secretary-General, Meeting 2: Yurika Phimihathai Hayashi (DGT, 4th year)
* Secretary-General, Meeting 3: Chanikarn Boonyakida (DGS, 4th year)
* Event Volunteer Coordinator: Dang Phong (DGS, 4th year)

The Secretary-Generals led a student leadership team of 12 students who met biweekly for online training sessions, research preparation, and conference planning. During the three-day conference, the student leaders presided over all sessions and committees, facilitating discussions and overseeing voting procedures in accordance with MUN protocols.

JUEMUN 2025 highlighted the importance of youth engagement in global problem-solving and showcased how international collaboration can inspire creative and forward-looking policy solutions.

JUEMUN 2025 conference video