Working Paper  

 
When delegates are drafting resolutions, before they are introduced formally into debate,
they are referred to as working papers. This term emphasizes that the proposal is in a draft
stage and should be completely open to input from other delegates. While a working paper
is being prepared, the sponsor(s) should attempt to garner as much support as possible
from other delegates in order to ensure their work becomes a resolution (signatures on a
working paper must be at least 20% of the committee’s quorum). In short, 
 
1. Working paper is the draft stage of the resolution.
2. Working paper is written in bullet point format.
3. Sponsors should gather as much support as possible.
4. Signatures must be at least 20% of the committee’s quorum.
. 
 
Draft Resolution  
 
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 resolution’s sponsors and
signatories. 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. 
 
Sample Draft Resolution 
 
  
 
Heading 
 
The committee name and topic should be self-explanatory. The sponsors are the authors of
the resolution. The signatories are other delegates in the committee who do not necessarily
agree with the resolution but would like to see it debated. You will also notice some
numbering (on the top right corner in the example). This is usually provided by the
committee chair and is just a way to number the different resolutions — usually by the
order they are received or approved — so that delegates can easily differentiate or
reference them.  
 
Pre-ambulatory 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 pre-ambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. 
 
Pre-ambulatory clauses can include: 
1. References to the UN Charter; 
2. Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion; 
3. Mentioning of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or
agency; 
4. Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations. 
 
Pre-ambulatory phrases: 
Affirming 
Alarmed by 
Approving 
Bearing in mind 
Believing 
Confident 
Contemplating 
Convinced 
Declaring 
Deeply concerned 
Deeply conscious 
Deeply convinced 
Deeply Disturbed 
Deeply Regretting 
Desiring 
Emphasizing 
Expecting  
Emphasizing 
Expecting  
Expressing it’s appreciation 
Fulfilling 
Fully aware 
Emphasizing 
Expecting  
Expressing it’s appreciation 
Fulfilling 
Fully aware 
Further deploring 
Further recalling 
Guided by 
Having adopted 
Having considered 
Having examined 
Having received 
Keeping in mind 
Noting with deep concern 
Nothing with satisfaction 
Noting further 
Observing 
Reaffirming 
Realizing 
Recalling 
Recognizing 
Referring 
Seeking 
Taking into consideration 
Taking note 
Viewing with appreciation 
 
 
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. 
 
Operative Phrases: 
Accepts 
Affirms 
Approves 
Authorizes 
Calls 
Calls upon 
Condemns 
Congratulates 
Confirms 
Considers 
Declares accordingly 
Deplores 
Draws attention 
Designates 
Emphasizes 
Encourages 
Endorses 
Expresses its appreciation 
Expresses its hope 
Further invites  
Further proclaims 
Further reminds 
Further requests 
Has resolved 
Notes 
Proclaims 
Reaffirms 
Recommends 
Regrets 
Reminds 
Requests 
Resolves 
Solemnly affirms 
Strongly condemns 
Supports 
Trusts 
Takes note of 
Urges 
 
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.
 
Tips for Resolution Writing  
 
1. Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference organizers.
Each conference may have a slightly different format. 
2. 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. 
3. Try to cite facts whenever possible. 
4. Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that cannot be met. 
5. Make sure your body can take the action suggested. For example, the General
Assembly can’t sanction another country – only the Security Council can do so. 
6. Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the
resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas. 
7. Pre-ambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite passed
resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action. 
8. Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to
explain what the committee will do to address the issue. 
 
Tips for debating a resolution  
 
1. State whether you are in favor or against the resolution. 
2. In 1 sentence or 1 word, explain why you do or do not favor the resolution. 
3. Pick 3 operative clauses to support your argument. 
4. Encourage the committee to vote in favor or against the resolution.  
 
For example: ​ “The Netherlands favors this resolution because it is comprehensive. Look at
clauses x, y, and z. [Explain what x, y, and z does]. The resolution addresses all of the major
points that were brought up in debate. We encourage the committee to vote in favor of the
resolution.” 

Shifting from working paper to draft resolution  

● Step 1:
​
As the committee begins, speeches generally provide broad overviews of
your nation’s views on the topic. Here, look to cite national policy and highlight the
facts of the problem you feel are most important. Other delegates will be outlining
their national policy as well, so it is important to listen attentively and recognize
nations that may agree or disagree with your position. 
After the first hour or two, speeches should become more substantive,
focusing on specific ways in which to handle a problem. Remarks at this time should
also be geared towards formulating working papers, or informal documents that
suggest solutions to the problem. 
● Step 2:
After presenting the working paper and having it approved by the director, one or
more delegates will transform it into a draft resolution. The authors of a draft, also
known as the sponsor(s), then get a required number of signatures, which equals 20
 percent of the delegations present in the committee. After roll call for each
meeting, the Chair will notify the delegates of the exact number of signatures
needed.
Note: Delegates will get draft resolution forms from the Committee Director. 
 
● Step 3:
○ If it is in the proper format, does not contain a substantial number of
mistakes, and is legible
○ If it carries the required number of signatures;
○ If it is in character for the sponsor(s);
○ If its subject matter and proposed actions are within the power of the
respective committee;
○ If there are no other draft resolutions circulating which are similar in
substance.
○ If any of those conditions are not met, the Director returns the draft
resolution to the sponsor(s) explaining his or her reasons.
 
● Step 4
If the conditions outlined under step two are met, and the Director approves the document,
he/she then assigns it a number and a priority and sends it to Conference Services for
typing and copying. At this point, the document can now be referred to in speeches as a
draft resolution. 
 
● Step 5
o Copies are distributed to all delegates. Sponsor(s) are given the floor to introduce
the document as a draft resolution. After the sponsors introduce the draft resolution,
the Chair will entertain two points of information. 
o Sponsors may also get on the speakers list and/or have time yielded to them in
order to answer questions about the draft resolution. 
o Final refinement of the draft resolution in regular debate occurs through friendly
amendments, which are submitted by the sponsor(s) and automatically incorporated
into the text. Should there be significant changes at this time; the Director may
decide to proceed again from Step 1. 
Inform the students that, after closure of debate, draft resolutions are voted upon in the
order that they were received. At GC LAU MUN, no more than one draft resolution can be
passed by a committee.