Asia PR News

BEIJING, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ –

Global Classrooms is an Innovative Program of UNA-USA,
in Partnership With Merrill Lynch

What: The United Nations Association of the United States of
America’s (UNA-USA) Global Classrooms program and Merrill
Lynch are bringing the Model UN experience to students all
over China. The Peking University National Model UN
Conference for High School Students (PKUNMUN), a Global
Classrooms program, presents an opportunity for students to
negotiate critical issues such as the transfer of technology
to developing countries, human rights and refugees, the
Middle East conflict and sustainable development through
realistic simulations of UN committees.

Who: Over 300 students from 34 middle and high schools from all
across China will come together at this unique event to
enhance their understanding of international issues and to
develop strong leadership and critical thinking skills. Dr.
Eddy Bayardelle from Merrill Lynch, the program’s global
sponsor, will address students and teachers. As president of
the Merrill Lynch Foundation, Bayardelle manages the
foundation, corporate and employee contributions and directs
the firm’s philanthropic initiatives worldwide. Another
keynote address will be given by Ambassador William H. Luers,
president of UNA-USA.

When: Opening Ceremonies: March 3rd, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Press Conference: March 3rd, 9:10 a.m.

Where: Peking University, Yingjie Exchange Center

Background: UNA-USA is a center for innovative programs to engage
Americans in issues of global concern. Its educational and
humanitarian campaigns, along with its policy and advocacy
programs, allow people to make a global impact at the local
level. A not-for-profit organization, UNA-USA encourages
strong United States leadership in the United Nations.
http://www.unausa.org

Merrill Lynch was founded on the idea that the world is full
of opportunity. Opening the door to that opportunity for
underserved children and youth is the focus of the firm’s
global philanthropy. In 2004, Merrill-Lynch giving totaled
more than $35.5 million, with education receiving nearly half
of that support. Merrill Lynch’s flagship program Investing
Pays Off(R)-or IPO(R)-helps create a level playing field for
youngsters of all backgrounds through financial literacy and
business savvy. The program’s strength lies in a free
curriculum, the involvement of Merrill Lynch volunteers and
online educational resources at http://volunteer.ml.com

Peking University is a comprehensive and National key
university in China. The university has made an effective
combination of the research on important scientific issues
with the training of personnel with high level specialized
knowledge and professional skills. It strives not only for
the simultaneous improvements in teaching and research work,
but also for the promotion of interaction and mutual
promotion among various subjects.
http://en.pku.edu.cn

Contact: Peggy Atherlay
+1 212-907-1320
patherlay@unausa.org

SOURCE: The United Nations Association of the United States
of America’s Global Classrooms

Web site: http://www.unausa.org
http://en.pku.edu.cn