Delegates, you gather for the 18^th Kansai Model United Nations Conferences (KMUNC18), at a time of profound turmoil, transition and transformation. Insecurity, inequality and intolerance are permeating the world. Citizens yearn for jobs and the prospect of a decent life, but all too often they get divisiveness and delay instead. The world is still undergoing many disputes where thousands of innocent lives are taken away in an instant.

There have, however, been significant steps forward in the leadership of United Nations. Extreme poverty has been cut in half since the year 2000. Democratic transitions are under way in Arab world, Myanmar and elsewhere. Africa’s economic growth has become the fastest in the world. Latin America and Asia continue to make important advances. We have come this far. However, still, as the world, we must raise our levels of ambition. The United Nations set out an action agenda that focuses on five imperatives: sustainable development; preventing conflicts, damage from disasters and human rights abuses; building a more secure world; supporting countries in transitions; and empowering the world’s women and young people.

We, are part of the largest generation of young people our world has ever known. Yet opportunities for youth are falling short. Youth unemployment rates are at record levels. Many are struck in low-wage, dead-end work, despite having college degrees. The world must work together to help young people make the most of their energies, ideas and leadership potential.

By participating in KMUNC18, delegates will sharpen their negotiating skills and gain insights into what it takes to achieve consensus and progress. Armed with these assets, the participants can mobilize and engage on the major issues of our day. From raising awareness through social media to joining forces in other ways with students from around the world, the motivated delegates can make their voices heard and drive political and social change.

This is an era of great uncertainty, but also one of profound opportunity. No single leader, country or institution can do everything. But each of us, in our own way, can do something. Together, as partners, we can meet today’s tests and seize the opportunities of an era of dramatic change. As you begin this exciting journey with us, I wish you great success in KMUNC18, and I hope the experience will inspire you to support the global work for peace, justice, human rights and sustainable development for years to come.

I look forward to seeing you all in Kobe.

Soichiro Saeki

Vice Secretary-General

The 18^th Kansai Model United Nations Conferences