On December 13, 2025, The World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO (WFUCA) and the Hong Kong Association for UNESCO (UHKA) successfully hosted the 4th International UNESCO Model (MUNESCO) Conference in Hong Kong, under the patronage of UNESCO and with the title sponsorship of Bank of China (Hong Kong), and with the support of UNESCO and UNESCO Almaty Regional Office. Nominees from Associations and Clubs for UNESCO from around the world were reviewed by a rigorous selection process, in which 30 outstanding young leaders from 25 countries, and 15 students from Hong Kong stood out to be invited to Hong Kong for a dynamic simulation and critical dialogue on the theme “Ethics of Neurotechnology”.

This is the first time that WFUCA’s flagship International UNESCO Model conference is to be hosted in Hong Kong, which underscores our city’s unique role as a global hub for innovation and cross-cultural exchange. The conference will not only connect Hong Kong youth with international peers but also reinforce the city’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation and international collaboration.

Over the course of the conference, delegates stepped into the roles of UNESCO Member State representatives to negotiate and formulate innovative policy solutions addressing the urgent ethical challenges posed by rapid advancements in neurotechnology. The discussion responds to the ground-breaking Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology, adopted by UNESCO's General Conference at its 43rd session in November 2025. The innovative proposals of the delegates were voted and summarised by UHKA Green Citizens Youth Ambassadors to a resolution, which will be to provide youth perspectives for future policies. The support by Bank of China (Hong Kong) demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to nurturing sustainable development talents with an international perspective for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, who will be able to offer suggestions and advice to contribute to Hong Kong’s high-quality development with a forward-looking mindset, fostering the city to become an influential international biotechnology innovation centre.

The conference attracted overwhelming positive attention from local, national, and global communities. The 30 international delegates from countries including Brazil, France, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Africa, Switzerland, South Korea, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, UAE, and more, were joined by 15 delegates from Hong Kong’s universities, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

The ceremony featured inspirational video messages from distinguished global leaders, including Mr. Bolat Akchulakov, President of the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO (WFUCA) and Ms. Assel Utegenova, Liaison Officer and Focal Point for Associations and Clubs for UNESCO at UNESCO Headquarters. They highlighted that this Model UNESCO demonstrates that our youth are not just aware of the challenges posed by neurotechnology, but are eminently capable of crafting nuanced, compassionate, and globally minded solutions.

At the end of the first day’s programme, winners were announced in the following categories:
• Best Idea and Approach: Ms. Guldariya Bisenbay, Delegate of Greece (participant from Kazakhstan)
• Best Speaker: Mr. Isaack Mohamedin Hussein, Delegate and participant from Kenya
• Best Presentation: Ms. Vivian Yuen, Delegate of Egypt (participant from Hong Kong)