Sharon High School

Model United Nations

Members
Packet
2012

Table of Contents
Glossary/Model UN Terminology 3
Preparing For A Conference 5
Position Papers 9
During a Conference/What we do in
the Club 12
The Resolution 16

All of the following information is the

property of the United Nations
Association of the United States of
America (UNA-USA).
Sharon High School does not take
credit for, nor hold liability for any of
the information in the following pages.
This packet is an overview of literally everything involving Model UN. Dont feel overwhelmed, we arent
asking you to memorize this! As the year goes on, youll get more comfortable with MUN lingo and
terminology, and youll understand how it works. Definitely keep this packet as a reference though!

Glossary
Model UN can be confusing to a beginner, not only because of the complexity of the issues and the pace
of debate, but because of the strangeness of the language. At your first Model UN conference, you may
not think that some of the delegates are speaking English, because of the weird terms they are using!
To save you some confusion, UNA-USA has provided this cheat sheet of Model UN terminology. Look it
over, and soon you'll be able to discuss quorums, perambulatory clauses, division of the question, and
unmoderated caucuses with the best of them. Note that several of the terms below, including
Secretariat and Secretary General, have different meanings in Model UN than they do in the real UN;
you should familiarize yourself with both meanings.
NOTE: Rules of procedure vary greatly from Model UN conference to Model UN conference. Though
these are the most common definitions of the terms below, do not be surprised if you see them used in
a slightly different manner at some of the conferences you go to.
Abstain - During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may abstain rather than vote yes or no.
This generally signals that a state does not support the resolution being voted on, but does not oppose
it enough to vote no.
Adjourn - All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote to adjourn. This means that the debate is
suspended until the next meeting. This can be a short time (e.g., overnight) or a long time (until next
year's conference).
Agenda - The order in which the issues before a committee will be discussed. The first duty of a
committee following the roll call is usually to set the agenda.
Amendment - A change to a draft resolution on the floor. Can be of two types: a "friendly amendment"
is supported by the original draft resolution's sponsors, and is passed automatically, while an
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"unfriendly amendment" is not supported by the original sponsors and must be voted on by the
committee as a whole.
Background guide - A guide to a topic being discussed in a Model UN committee usually written by
conference organizers and distributed to delegates before the conference. The starting point for any
research before a Model UN conference.
Binding - Having legal force in UN member states. Security Council resolutions are binding, as are
decisions of the International Court of Justice; resolutions of the General Assembly and Economic and
Social Council are not.
Bloc - A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a similar opinion on a particular
topic.
Caucus - A break in formal debate in which countries can more easily and informally discuss a topic.
There are two types: moderated caucus and unmoderated caucus.
Chair - A member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, rules on points and motions, and
enforces the rules of procedure. Also known as a Moderator.
Dais - The group of people, usually high school or college students, in charge of a Model UN committee.
It generally consists of a Chair, a Director, and a Rapporteur.
Decorum - The order and respect for others that all delegates at a Model UN conference must exhibit.
The Chair will call for decorum when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of a
speaker, of the dais, or of their roles as ambassadors.
Delegate - A student acting as a representative of a member state or observer in a Model UN
committee for a weekend.
Delegation - The entire group of people representing a member state or observer in all committees at
a particular Model UN conference.
Director - A member of the dais that oversees the creation of working papers and draft resolutions,
acts as an expert on the topic, makes sure delegates accurately reflect the policy of their countries, and
ensures that decorum is maintained during caucuses.
Division of the Question - During voting bloc, delegates may motion to vote on certain clauses of a
resolution separately, so that only the clauses that are passed become part of the final resolution. This
is known as division of the question.
Draft resolution - A document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee. If
passed by the committee, the draft resolution will become into a resolution.
Faculty Advisor - The faculty member in charge of a Model UN team, class or club.
Flow of debate - The order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference.
Gavel - The tool, shaped like a small wooden hammer, that the Chair uses to keep order within a Model
UN committee. Many conferences give the gavel used in a committee to the delegate recognized by the
dais as the best in that committee; therefore, the term is frequently used to refer to the award given to
the best delegate, even in cases where no actual gavel is given.
Formal debate - The "standard" type of debate at a Model UN conference, in which delegates speak
for a certain time in an order based on a speakers' list.
Head Delegate - The student leader of a Model UN club or team.
Member State - A country that has ratified the Charter of the United Nations and whose application to
join has been accepted by the General Assembly and Security Council. Currently, there are 191 member
states. The only internationally recognized state that is not a member state is the Holy See.
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Moderated Caucus - A type of caucus in which delegates remain seated and the Chair calls on them
one at a time to speak for a short period of time, enabling a freer exchange of opinions than would be
possible in formal debate.
Moderator - See Chair.
Motion - A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole do something. Some motions
might be to go into a caucus, to adjourn, to introduce a draft resolution, or to move into voting bloc.
Observer - A state, national organization, regional organization, or non-governmental organization that
is not a member of the UN but participates in its debates. Observers can vote on procedural matters but
not substantive matters. An example is the Holy See.
On the floor - At a Model UN conference, when a working paper or draft resolution is first written, it
may not be discussed in debate. After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the committee, it
is put "on the floor" and may be discussed.
Operative clause - The part of a resolution which describes how the UN will address a problem. It
begins with an action verb (decides, establishes, recommends, etc.).
Page - A delegate in a Model UN committee that has volunteered to pass notes from one delegate to
another, or from a delegate to the dais, for a short period of time.
Placard - A piece of cardstock with a country's name on it that a delegate raises in the air to signal to
the Chair that he or she wishes to speak.
Point - A request raised by a delegate for information or for an action relating to that delegate.
Examples include a point of order, a point of inquiry, and a point of personal privilege
Position paper - A summary of a country's position on a topic, written by a delegate before a Model
UN conference.
Preambulatory Clause - The part of a resolution that describes previous actions taken on the topic
and reasons why the resolution is necessary. It begins with a participle or adjective (noting, concerned,
regretting, aware of, recalling, etc.).
Procedural - Having to do with the way a committee is run, as opposed to the topic being discussed.
All delegates present must vote on procedural matters and may not abstain.
Quorum - The minimum number of delegates needed to be present for a committee to meet. In the
General Assembly, a quorum consists of one third of the members to begin debate, and a majority of
members to pass a resolution. In the Security Council, no quorum exists for the body to debate, but
nine members must be present to pass a resolution.
Rapporteur - A member of the dais whose duties include keeping the speakers' list and taking the roll
call.
Resolution - A document that has been passed by an organ of the UN that aims to address a particular
problem or issue. The UN equivalent of a law.
Right of Reply - A right to speak in reply to a previous speaker's comment, invoked when a delegate
feels personally insulted by another's speech. Generally requires a written note to the Chair to be
invoked.
Roll Call - The first order of business in a Model UN committee, during which the Rapporteur reads
aloud the names of each member state in the committee. When a delegate's country's name is called,
he or she may respond "present" or "present and voting." A delegate responding "present and voting"
may not abstain on a substantive vote.
Rules of Procedure - The rules by which a Model UN committee is run.
Second - To agree with a motion being proposed. Many motions must be seconded before they can be
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brought to a vote.
Secretariat - The most senior staff of a Model UN conference.
Secretary General - The leader of a Model UN conference.
Signatory - A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put on the floor and signs the draft
resolution to accomplish this. A signatory need not support a resolution; it only wants it to be
discussed. Usually, Model UN conferences require some minimum number of sponsors and signatories
for a draft resolution to be approved.
Simple majority - 50% plus one of the number of delegates in a committee. The amount needed to
pass most votes.
Speakers' List - A list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic
is opened for discussion, the Chair will create a speakers' list by asking all delegates wishing to speak to
raise their placards and calling on them one at a time. During debate, a delegate may indicate that he
or she wishes to be added to the speakers' list by sending a note to the dais.
Sponsor - One of the writers of a draft resolution. A friendly amendment can only be created if all
sponsors agree.
Substantive - Having to do with the topic being discussed. A substantive vote is a vote on a draft
resolution or amendment already on the floor during voting bloc. Only member states (not observer
states or non-governmental organizations) may vote on substantive issues.
Unmoderated Caucus - A type of caucus in which delegates leave their seats to mingle and speak
freely. Enables the free sharing of ideas to an extent not possible in formal debate or even a moderated
caucus. Frequently used to sort countries into blocs and to write working papers and draft resolutions.
Working Paper - A document in which the ideas of some delegates on how to resolve an issue are
proposed. Frequently the precursor to a draft resolution.
Veto - The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United
States to prevent any draft resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no.
Vote - A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or do not support a proposed action for the
committee. There are two types: procedural and substantive.
Voting bloc - The period at the end of a committee session during which delegates vote on proposed
amendments and draft resolutions. Nobody may enter or leave the room during voting bloc.

Preparing for a Conference

Step 1: Collecting Country Information
First, you will need to learn about your country so you can address the issues raised at the conference
as a real UN delegate from that country. To represent your country accurately, start by answering the
following questions:

What sort of government does your country have?

What types of ideologies (political, religious or other) influence your countrys government?
Which domestic issues might influence your countrys foreign policy?
What are some major events in your countrys history? Why are they important?
Which ethnicities, religions and languages can be found in your country?
Where is your country located and how does its geography affect its political relationships?
Which countries share a border with your country?
Which countries are considered allies of your country?
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Which countries are considered enemies of your country?

What are the characteristics of your countrys economy?
What is your countrys gross domestic product (GDP)? How does this compare to other countries
in the world?
When did your country become a member of the UN?
Does your country belong to any intergovernmental organizations outside the UN system such as
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC)?
Does your country belong to any regional organizations such as the European Union (EU), the
African Union (AU) or the Organization of American States (OAS)?
Does your country belong to any trade organizations or agreements such as the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD)?

Tips for Researching Your Country

Look up your countrys permanent mission to the UN. You can also call the mission directly to ask
questions or request a position statement on an issue.
Find your countrys voting records and read speeches on the United Nations Bibliographic Information
System website.
Look at the CIA World Factbook for a general overview on your country, and for figures and statistics
as well. The World Factbook is produced by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Would your countrys government agree with the way your country is characterized in the
World Factbook?
Check out news and media sources for recent developments in your country.
Read the US State Department report on your country. Call the US State Department desk officer for
your country to find out more about conditions there

Step 2: Researching Country Topics

Next, you should develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at your Model UN
conference. Many conferences send out background materials or issue briefs, which can help jumpstart
your research. You may want to look at the sources cited in these materials for more in-depth
information. If the conference background materials pose questions, you should answer them with your
country information in mind. Here are some additional questions to help guide your research:

What is the problem? How does it affect your country?

What has your country done to combat the problem?
What are the various sides in the debate?
Which aspects of the issue are most important to your country?
If your country is not involved with the issue, how can it become involved?
How will your country shape the debate at the conference?
What arguments will other countries make?
How do the positions of other countries affect your countrys position?
Is there evidence or statistics that might help to back up your countrys position?

Tips for Researching Issues

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Look at the UN Economic and Social Development page, which has an index to some prominent issues
as well as a list of UN agencies that work in various issue-areas. Also, through the United Nations
Documentation Center, you can find resolutions and voting records from the current and previous
years.
Visit nongovernmental organization (NGO) websites. NGOs are an important part of the UN system, in
part due to the valuable research and information they generate. Look for NGOs that address your
topic. Examples of NGOs are organization like the World Health Organization or Greenpeace.
Read academic publications. Although they can be complex, they provide in-depth information on many
issues. Professors, students and researchers are constantly conducting studies and publishing papers.
This source may seem boring, but a lot of times, it has the most interesting information available.

Step 3: Researching the UN System

Understanding the UN system will help you play your role realistically at a Model UN conference. It is
important to understand which bodies and actors make up the UN system, what the UN can and cannot
do, and how international issues are addressed by the UN. Here are some questions that will help get
you started:

What are the important elements of the UN Charter?

What are the main bodies of the UN?
How are the UNs bodies and agencies organized?
Which countries serve on the body or agency you are simulating?
How does the body or agency you are simulating operate?
What are the most recent UN actions on your issue?
Why did past UN actions succeed or fail?
What conferences and meetings have been held with regard to your issue?
What have UN officials said about your issue?

Tips for Researching the UN

Visit the UN website at www.un.org. Global Issues on the UN Agenda and the Main Bodies of the
UN are two helpful links from the UN homepage. Read about current affairs on the UN News page. In
addition, you should look at the UN Cyberschoolbus website, as well as UNA-USA's guide to using it.
Read one of the many books published by the UN. The UN publishes books with general UN information
as well as specific reports, which can be purchased on their website.

Step 4: Finding UN Documents

How to Find UN Documents in Five Steps or Less

The UN has made it easier than ever to find resolutions, treaties, speeches, decisions, voting records
and more on its website. Below is a list of where to locate commonly used documents, followed by
specific instructions.

*Note: Although UN documents are not used or cited by most delegates, experienced delegates will
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utilize the following resources to add professionalism to their working papers and resolutions.

1. The UN Bibliographic Information System (UNBISnet), available at unbisnet.un.org, can be used

to find:
Resolutions passed by the Security Council, ECOSOC, and General Assembly (1946
onward);
Voting records for all resolutions which were adopted by the General Assembly (1983
onward) and the Security Council; and
Speeches made in the General Assembly (1983 onward), the Security Council (1983
onward), the Economic and Social Council (1983 onward), and the Trusteeship Council
(1982 onward).
2. The UN News Centre, available at www.un.org/news, can be used to find press releases from
UN bodies and the Secretary-General.
3. The International Court of Justice's website, available at www.icj-cij.org, can be used to locate
ICJ decisions.
4. For research, news and resources on specific topics, the UN's website has a section on "Issues
on the UN Agenda," available at www.un.org/issues.

How to Find Resolutions Passed on Any Topic

1. Go to UNBISnet at unbisnet.un.org
2. Under the heading "Bibliographic Records," click on "New Keyword Search."
3. You are presented with four optional search fields.
Enter a topic or keyword next to "Subject (All)."
If you want to refine your search to one specific body, such as the Security Council, select
"UN Doc. Symbol / Sales No." in the second drop-down menu, and enter the appropriate
resolution code.
For instance, all Security Council resolutions begin with S/RES; all General Assembly
resolutions begin with A/RES; all ECOSOC resolutions begin with E/Year where year is the
year in which the resolution passed. Enter any of these codes in the second search field,
or leave it blank to search all committees on the topic.
To limit the search results by date, scroll down to the "User Defined Limits" and select
"Year of Publication," the appropriate delimiter, and enter the year of the resolution.
4. Click on the "Go" button.
5. All the resolutions passed by the UN on that subject will appear in a list. If available, a link to the
actual resolution will be provided in each of the official UN languages.

How to Find Voting Records for a General Assembly or Security Council Resolution
NOTE: GA resolutions passed before 1983 are not available.

1. Go to UNBISnet at unbisnet.un.org
2. Under the heading "Voting Records," click on "New Keyword Search."
3. You are presented with four optional search fields. Enter the appropriate resolution number next
to the drop-down reading "UN Resolution Symbol."
4. Click on the "Go" button.
5. The resolution you want will come up. Under the resolution number is a link to the full text of the
resolution. Below that is the full voting history, with Y and N standing for yes and no votes.

How to Find Speeches on an Issue Delivered by Your Country's Representatives

NOTE: Speeches are only available if they were made in the General Assembly, Economic and Social
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Council, Trusteeship Council, or Security Council since 1983; not all speeches made in this time are yet
online. Most speeches made in subsidiary bodies of these organs will not be available.

1. Go to UNBISnet at unbisnet.un.org.
2. Under the heading "Index to Speeches," click on "New Keyword Search."
3. You are presented with four optional search fields.
Enter the country's name next to the drop-down reading "Country/Organization."
If you would like to limit the topic, enter a keyword next to the drop-down reading
"Topic."
To limit the UN body in which the speech was given, enter the appropriate code next to
the drop-down reading "Meeting Record Symbol." Enter A for the General Assembly, S for
the Security Council, E for ECOSOC or T for the Trusteeship Council.
4. Click on the "Go" button.
5. All speeches given by your country on this topic will be listed. Click on the link to display the full
text of the speech if it is available.

How to Find All Press Releases on a Topic

NOTE: Only press releases issued in 1995 or later are available.

1. Go to the Press Release Series Symbols Index at www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/press1.htm.

Scroll down until you see your committee. Record the symbol listed to the right of it.
2. Go to the UN News Centre at www.un.org/news.
3. Under "Press Releases" on the sidebar on the left, click on "Search."
4. The Full Text search page will appear. In the box next to the word "Keywords," type your topic or
a one-word description of it, a space and the symbol you found in Step 2.
5. Click on the "Search" button.

How to Find an ICJ Decision on a Specific Topic

1. Go to the ICJ website at www.icj-cij.org.

2. Click on "Decisions" in the header.
If you know the year of your case, scroll down until you find it.
If you know just the topic of the case, or one of the parties, use the "find" function (Ctrl-F
on a PC) and enter the country name or keyword.
3. When you find the case, click on the appropriate link.
4. To see the full text of the decision, click on the "Judgment" link on the left of the page, if it is
available. If it is not available, the case has not yet been decided.

Position Papers
Many conferences require that each delegation submit a position paperan essay detailing your
countrys policies on the topics being discussed in your committee. Writing a position paper will help you
organize your ideas so that you can share your countrys position with the rest of the committee. If you
conduct extensive research, a position paper should be easy to write.
Most conferences that require position papers ask for them about one month before the conference so
that staff members can read them and get a feel for the direction debate will take. If the conference
you are attending does not require a position paper, you should still consider writing one to help you
organize your research and prepare your speeches. Many delegates use their position papers as their
opening remarks.
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How to Write a Position Paper

Writing a position paper might appear to be a daunting task, especially for new delegates. But with
enough research, you will find that writing a position paper will be easy and useful.

Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length. Your position paper should include a
brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown of your country's position on the topics that
are being discussed by the committee. A good position paper will not only provide facts but also make
proposals for resolutions.

Many conferences will ask for specific details in a position paper, so be sure to include all the required
information. Most conferences will provide delegates a background guide to the issue. Usually, the
background guide will contain questions to consider. Make sure that your position paper answers these
questions.

A good position paper will include:

A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and committee;
How the issue affects your country;
Your countrys policies with respect to the issue and your countrys justification for these policies;
Quotes from your countrys leaders about the issue;
Statistics to back up your countrys position on the issue;
Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue;
Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified;
UN actions that your country supported or opposed;
What your country believes should be done to address the issue;
What your country would like to accomplish in the committees resolution; and
How the positions of other countries affect your countrys position.

Position Paper Tips

Keep it simple: To communicate strongly and effectively, avoid flowery wording and stick to uncomplicated language
and sentence structure.

Make it official: Try to use the seal of your country or create an official letterhead for your position paper. The more
realistic it looks, the more others will want to read it.

Get organized: Give each separate idea or proposal its own paragraph. Make sure each paragraph starts with a topic
sentence.

Cite your sources: Use footnotes or endnotes to show where you found your facts and statistics. If you are unfamiliar
with bibliographic form, look up the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines at your schools library.

Read and reread: Leave time to edit your position paper. Ask yourself if the organization of the paper makes sense
and double-check your spelling and grammar.

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Speech! Speech! Do you plan to make an opening statement at your conference? A good position paper makes a
great introductory speech. During debate, a good position paper will also help you to stick to your countrys policies.
Let the bullets fly: Try not to let your proposals become lost in a sea of information. For speechmaking, create a
bulleted list of your proposals along with your most important facts and statistics so that you will not lose time looking
for them during debate.

SAMPLE POSITION PAPER

Committee: Commission on Human Rights
Topic: Violence against Women
Country: The Kingdom of Denmark
Delegate: William Hayward Wilson, Shea University
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Although this doctrine was adopted in 1948, the world
has fallen quite short of this goal. Violence against women pervades all states and it is the duty of the
international community to ensure that all persons are afforded equality and respect. Despite
cooperative efforts at combating gross human rights abuses, such as the adoption of the Declarationon
the Elimination of Violence against Women, the United Nations has not been able to alleviate the
injustice women worldwide experience daily.
The Kingdom of Denmark believes that in order to end violence against women, nations must look to
empower women in all aspects of society. This includes promoting equal gender roles in government,
civil society, education and business. However, Denmark also recognizes the need to combat human
rights abuses against women as they occur, and no nation is immune to gender violence.
In 2002, the Danish Government launched an extensive action plan to combat domestic violence
against women. The plan includes measures to help treat abused women, identify and prosecute the
perpetrators, and incorporate professional medical and psychological staff into the rehabilitation
process. The action plan currently reaches out to both governmental and nongovernmental groups on
the local level throughout the nation.
The Danish Centre for Human Rights in Copenhagen, Denmarks foremost national human rights
institution, also promotes and protects human rights. Based on the Centres research, Denmarks
parliament can promote human rights-based legislation and education/awareness programs throughout
the nation. The Centre also addresses the UN Commission on Human Rights annually regarding human
rights developments in Denmark and internationally. Denmark has no record of committing major
human rights violations, most importantly any targeted at women. In its 2003 Annual Report, Amnesty
International also found no human rights violations against Danish women.
Women are invaluable to Denmarks society and have achieved significant economic and social gains in
the 20th century. Currently, 75 percent of medical students in Denmark are women.
Denmark is confident that this Commission can bring about an end to violence against women without
compromising the sovereignty of member states. Education remains perhaps the most useful tool in
protecting victims of gender-based violence. Governments, UN agencies, and nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) can plan a coordinated campaign that educates national populations on the
various ways women are violently targeted. Similarly, harmful traditions, such as honor killings and
female genital mutilation, must be stopped by reforming traditional views of women in society. Children
of both sexes need to be taught at an early age to value the rights of women in order to prevent such
violence in their generation.
Another way to stop gender violence would be to reproach member states that consistently violate
treaties such as the Convention on Political Rights of Women (1952), the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979), and the Declaration on the Elimination of
Violence against Women (1993). Although this Committee cannot impose sanctions, it can pass
resolutions verbally condemning states that commit human rights violations. The UN High
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Commissioner for Human Rights can also meet with representatives of governments that violate the
above treaties to discuss possible solutions.
In order to prevent gender violence, nations must work together to build a culture of support, equality
and community. As such, the Kingdom of Denmark looks forward to offering its support, in whatever
form possible, to nations firmly committed to ending violence against women in all its forms.

During a Conference
Model UN Rules of Procedure
Like real UN bodies, Model UN committees have lengthy agendas and many delegates who want to
convey their countrys positions. To help maintain order, Model UN conferences adopt rules of procedure
to establish when a delegate may speak and what he or she may address. Some conferences adopt a
few simple rules, while others use lengthy and complex rules of procedure. Because each conference is
independent there is no governing body for Model UN rules of procedure vary. A few conferences
adapt their rules of procedure directly from the United Nations rules while most use variations of the
Roberts Rules of Order. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules of each specific conference
you plan to attend.
At a Model UN conference, there is formal debate as well as informal debate, called caucusing.
Formal Debate: During formal debate, the staff maintains a speakers list and delegates speak in the
order they are listed. At this time, delegates have an opportunity to share their views with the entire
committee. Delegates make speeches, answer questions, and introduce and debate resolutions and
amendments. Formal debate is important to the committees work. By not knowing the rules of
procedure, delegates slow down the debate and hold back their committees progress.
Moderated Caucus: During a caucus, which is a temporary recess, the rules of procedure are
suspended. To go to a moderated caucus, a delegate makes a motion to suspend debate and the
committee votes. Caucusing helps to facilitate discussion, especially when there is a long speakers list.
A moderated caucus is a mixture of both formal and informal debate. Anyone may speak if they raise
their placard and are called on by the Chair.
Unmoderated Caucus: In an unmoderated caucus, delegates meet informally with one another and
the committee staff to discuss and negotiate draft resolutions, amendments and other issues.

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A List of Points and Motions

BASIC MODEL UN PROCEDURAL RULES

REQUIRED TO
PASS

A motion to set the speakers time sets or changes the amount

of time each delegate has to speak.

Simple majority
vote

A motion to open the speakers list allows delegates to sign up

to speak. At some conferences a motion to close the speakers
list closes the list for the remainder of the session or topic.
However, at most Model UN conferences the speakers list can be
opened and closed multiple times. This motion requires an
immediate vote.

Simple majority
vote

Delegates propose a motion to suspend debate for the purpose

of holding a caucus. If you move to suspend the meeting, be sure
to specify the purpose and the amount of time.

Simple majority
vote

A motion to adjourn meeting ends the committee session until

the next session, which might be the next years conference, or
after lunch or dinner.

Simple majority
vote

A motion to adjourn debate (also known as motion to table

debate) is not the same as a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Rather, it is used to table, or put on hold, all of the work that the
committee has completed on a particular topic. At some Model UN
conferences you can return to this topic later, while at others the
topic cannot be discussed again.

Two-thirds
majority vote

A delegate makes a motion to close debate in order to move

the committee to a vote, usually when the delegate has made his
or her country's position clear and there are enough draft
resolutions on the floor.

Two-thirds
majority vote

A point of order is used when a delegate believes the chair has

made an error in the running of the committee. The Delegate
should only specify the errors they believe were made in the
formal committee procedure, and may not address the topic being
discussed.

Decision of
Chairperson

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A point of inquiry (also known as a point of parliamentary

procedure) can be made when the floor is open (i.e. when no
other delegate is speaking) in order to ask the chairperson a
question regarding the rules of procedure.

No vote

A delegate may raise a point of personal privilege in order to

inform the chairperson of a physical discomfort he or she is
experiencing, such as not being able to hear another delegates
speech.

No vote

A delegate raises a point of information in order to pose a

question to a speaker during formal debate. The speaker chooses
whether or not to yield his or her time to points of information.

Decision of
speaker

A delegate makes an appeal to the chairs decision when he or

she feels the chairperson has incorrectly decided a point or
motion. At some conferences, this formal challenge must be made
in writing. The appealing delegate speaks and the chairperson
defends himself or herself before the vote.

Two-thirds
majority vote

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Public Speaking
Public speaking is one of the most important skills you will use as a Model UN delegate. You will need to
convey your member states positions, help build consensus and formulate resolutions. Usually, the
length of time a delegate is allowed to speak is set by the conference organizers. Delegates can make a
motion to increase or decrease the time allotted to each speaker. If another delegate seconds the
motion, then the committee will vote on changing the speakers time.
You will have numerous opportunities to speak in your committee during a Model UN simulation. The
Chair will maintain a speakers list of delegates who would like to make formal speeches. During
caucusing you will have an opportunity to speak informally to delegates in your committee, but it is still
important to keep the principles of effective public speaking in mind.
Although speaking is an important part of any Model UN simulation, many delegates fear speaking in
front of a large group. The best way to cope with these fears is to be well-prepared. You should
research as much as possible about your country and the issue the committee will be debating. You
should be comfortable explaining your country's position and have ideas on what you would like to
include in the committees resolution. If you come to the conference prepared, you will be eager to
speak in committee and project confidence.
How to make an opening speech

First, you should thank the presiding official by saying "Thank you Mr./ Madame/ Honorable
Chair/ President"
Then begin by providing a brief history on the issue as it relates to your country.
Speak about how the issue is currently affecting your country.
Provide your country's position on the issue. Include an explanation for your countrys stance,
such as economic or security concerns or political or religious ideology.
You may choose to give an explanation of how your country's position relates to the positions of
other member states such as the major powers or countries in your regional bloc.
You should discuss some of the past actions taken by the UN, member states and NGOs to
address the issue.
Present ideas for a resolution, stressing your countrys objectives for the resolution.
Talk about the role that NGOs or regional organizations have to play in addressing the issue.
Indicate to the committee members whether your country is willing to negotiate.

How to make speech during debate

Again, you should thank the presiding official by saying "Thank you Mr./ Madame/ Honorable
Chair/ President"
Encourage collaboration among member states by proposing ways that your country would be
willing to work with other member states.
By referencing what other delegates have said, you can show support for your allies or indicate
which proposals your country does not favor.
Present ideas for draft resolutions.
Explain why your country does or does not support other draft resolutions.

Caucusing
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Caucusing, or informal debate, is an important part of the Model UN simulation because it provides an
opportunity for delegates to collaborate, negotiate and formulate draft resolutions. During a Model UN
conference, caucuses can be either moderated or unmoderated.
When a committee holds a moderated caucus, the Chair calls on delegates one at a time and each
speaker briefly addresses the committee. During an unmoderated caucus, the committee breaks for a
temporary recess from formal proceedings so that delegates can work together in small groups. To hold
a caucus, a delegate must make a motion and the committee must pass the motion.
Many delegates prefer to speak during a moderated caucus rather than being placed on the speakers
list. In a moderated caucus, speakers are usually able to convey one or two key points to the entire
committee or share new ideas that have developed through the course of debate. A delegate sometimes
chooses to make a motion for a moderated caucus if his or her name is close to the end of the speakers
list. By speaking in a moderated caucus, delegates are able to address the committee much earlier.
In most cases, more than half of committee time is used for unmoderated caucusing. Many delegates
feel this is the easiest way for them to collaborate and start to formulate draft resolutions.

The Resolution
The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutionswritten suggestions for
addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are drafted by delegates and voted on by the
committee, normally require a simple majority to pass (except in the Security Council). Only Security
Council resolutions can compel nations to take action. All other UN bodies use resolutions to make
recommendations or suggestions for future action.
Draft Resolutions
Draft resolutions are all resolutions that have not yet been voted on. Delegates write draft resolutions
alone or with other countries. There are three main parts to a draft resolution: the heading, the
preamble and the operative section. The heading shows the committee and topic along with the
resolution number. It also lists the draft resolutions sponsors and signatories (see below). Each draft
resolution is one long sentence with sections separated by commas and semicolons. The subject of the
sentence is the body making the statement (e.g., the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council,
or Security Council). The preamble and operative sections then describe the current situation and
actions that the committee will take.
Bringing a Resolution to the Floor for Debate
A draft resolution must always gain the support of a certain number of member states in the committee
before the sponsors (the delegates who created the resolution) may submit it to the committee staff.
Many conferences require signatures from 20 percent of the countries present in order to submit a draft
resolution. A staff member will read the draft resolution to ensure that it is relevant and in proper
format. Only when a staff member formally accepts the document and assigns it a number can it be
referred to in formal debate.
In some cases a delegate must make a motion to introduce the draft resolution, while in other cases the
sponsors are immediately called upon to read the document. Because these procedures can vary, it is
essential to find out about the resolution process for the conference you plan to attend.

Preambulatory Clauses
The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is addressing the topic
and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a present participle (called
a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can include:

16

References to the UN Charter;

Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;
Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency;
Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with the issue;
and
General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.

Operative Clauses
Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each operative clause
begins with a verb (called an operative phrase) and ends with a semicolon. Operative clauses should be
organized in a logical progression, with each containing a single idea or proposal, and are always
numbered. If a clause requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off by letters or roman numerals
can also be used. After the last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period.

Some Preambulatory Phrases

Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Bearing in mind
Believing
Confident
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
Emphasizing
Expecting
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its satisfaction
Fulfilling
Fully alarmed
Fully aware
Fully believing
Further deploring
Further recalling
Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered further
Having devoted attention
Having examined
Having heard
Having received
Having studied
Keeping in mind
Noting with regret
Noting with deep concern
Noting with satisfaction
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Noting further
Noting with approval
Observing
Reaffirming
Realizing
Recalling
Recognizing
Referring
Seeking
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Taking note
Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming

Some Operative Phrases

Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls upon
Condemns
Confirms
Congratulates
Considers
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its appreciation
Expresses its hope
Further invites
Further proclaims
Further reminds
Further recommends
Further requests
Further resolves
Has resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Regrets
Reminds
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Trusts
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Sponsors and Signatories

Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its
substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN, since
countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the draft resolution
to pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution and only the sponsors can approve immediate changes.
Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but
still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments. A certain percentage of the
committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution in order for it to be accepted.

Amendments
Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a written statement
that adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft resolution. The amendment process is used
to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to change certain sections. There are two
types of amendments:
A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with. After the
amendment is signed by all of the draft resolutions sponsors and approved by the committee director
or president, it will be automatically incorporated into the resolution.
An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolutions sponsors do not
support and must be voted upon by the committee. The author(s) of the amendment will need to obtain
a required number of signatories in order to introduce it (usually 20 percent of the committee). Prior to
voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments.
Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a great deal of debate and compromise. They
are the tangible results of hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a result, it is important to become
familiar with the resolution process and practice drafting resolutions using the proper structure and
wording.

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SAMPLE RESOLUTION
Resolution GA/3/1.1
General Assembly Third Committee
Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy
Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon
Topic: Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies
The General Assembly,
Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use
commas to separate preambulatory clauses]
Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN
bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance,
Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental
organizations,
Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform,
particularly in the humanitarian realm,
1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at
the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate
operative clauses]
2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to
streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;
3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief
efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies;
4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donations from
the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces;
5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and
social situations and events of all countries;
6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian
assistance; and
7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through
reconstruction and development. [end resolutions with a period]

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Tips for Resolution Writing

Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference organizers. Each conference
may have a slightly different format.
Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution calls for a new program, think about
how it will be funded and what body will manage it.
Try to cite facts whenever possible.
Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that cannot be met. Make sure your body can
take the action suggested. For example, the General Assembly cant sanction another country only
the Security Council can do so.
Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the resolutions if many
delegates contribute ideas.
Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past resolutions,
precedents and statements about the purpose of action.
Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to explain what the
committee will do to address the issue.

For more information, please visit:

UNA-USA.ORG

Updated September 2012:

Sharon High School Model UN
Co-Presidents: Manal Cheema
and Rahul Polu
Board of Directors
Chairwoman Amal Cheema
Chairmen Alex Maisel
Chairwoman Jasmine Garani
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Undersecretary Thomas Chen

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