Taipei won the bid thanks to the organizers' presentation, which included various forms and tables as well as pictures of Taiwan's convention centers, venues and accommodations that showcased the beauty of the island.
According to organizers, Harvard University was especially impressed with the cultural activities held in conjunction with WorldMUN.
WorldMUN, established by Harvard University, takes place in a different city each year to simulate the operation of the United Nations and bring international students together.
This year, more than 1,700 top students from 42 countries traveled to Taipei to attend the convention and experienced Taiwan's unique culture and scenic landscapes.
To highlight Taiwan's reputation as the Kingdom of Butterflies, the organizers picked the butterfly as a symbol of Taiwan's indigenous myths and diverse cultures.
During the five-day convention, the participating students were divided into 22 committees. Each student took on the role of a diplomat from a different country around the world and applied the U.N. Security Council's procedural rules to discuss, debate, and negotiate important global issues such as nuclear proliferation, climate change, and poverty.
Well in advance of this event, Taiwan authorities have been vigorously promoting the domestic MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry.
The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), Ministry of Economic Affairs, launched a project handling the promotion of international conventions and exhibitions in Taiwan and provided grants for convention organizers. During the convention, the BOFT held interviews and took photographs, which are posted on the MEETTAIWAN Web site at www.meettaiwan.com to showcase Taiwan's MICE industry and its capability in hosting large-scale international events.
