dMUN

JUNI R
HANDBOOK

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 What is MUN?
The Origins of MUN
MUN (Model United Nations) is an extracurricular activity in many schools and universities
where students assume the roles of countries and organizations represented in the United
Nations in specific committees and debate about issues concerning the world. The United
Nations was formed at the end of the Second World War. It was preceded by a similar
organization; known as the League of Nations. During the 1920s at the University of Harvard,
students and teachers of International Relations and Politics courses created a simulation
known as Model League of Nations, where students would represent the League of Nations
and debate subjects like colonization, war and empire debates.

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After World War Two, once the United Nations was established, Harvard replaced the Model
League of Nations with Model United Nations (MUN). Soon after, schools in New York began
to follow that trend, and by the mid 1950s, all the Ivy League Universities in the United States
held their own MUN Conference. In the 1960s, MUN became popular in schools rather than
just universities, and in 1968, a teacher at the American School of The Hague, Mr. Paul Sand
founded The Hague International Model United Nations Conference (THIMUN). This
conference began for four schools in The Hague, being the French School, The British School,
The American School and the German School.

By the mid 1980s, THIMUN became one of the largest and most popular conferences in the
world; outside of the United States, and today it welcomes 4,500 students from all over the
world to participate in structured UN styled debate in a variety of committees.

The Aims of Model United Nations Conferences

The Aims of an MUN conference are to encourage debate and sharing of views between
students from different schools and of different ethnicities. The Ultimate goal of an MUN
Conference is to promote awareness of international relations and issues in young people, and
to inspire global mindedness and an understanding to the problems of the world and how to
combat them, whilst providing an atmosphere where students can progress in their
communication skills and open mindedness. This would allow students an insight to further
their understanding and learning of politics in a global and international manner.

Who can do MUN?

MUN can be done by any student in their respective High school; as it relies on an
international understanding and debate skill, which is obtained at a later age. As the purpose
of MUN is to emphasize global understanding and promote awareness of international
relations, it can be done by anyone wishing to exercise these aims.

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 Five Things You Should Know
Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies.

Students roleplay the ambassadors debating topics as diverse as maternal health and
landmines to promoting literacy.

Model UN is student-centered.

Often led by students, Model UN programs, started at universities over sixty years ago, soon
grew to schools and colleges all over the world. From public speaking to critical thinking and
in-depth research, student delegates draw a wealth of knowledge from the Model UN
experience.

Model UN is flexible.

Since the 1940s, flourishing Model UN clubs and conferences have led both students and
schools to use Model UN in innovative ways. Some schools use Model UN as part of their social
studies class curriculum; others support their students in planning conferences as a leadership
opportunity.

Half a million people in the United States have participated in a Model UN program.

Students from middle school through college have debated at Model UN club meetings,
attended large conferences in the US and abroad, and promoted awareness about the UN.
They continue to grow each year.

Today's world leaders were once Model UNers.

Current UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer,

Chelsea Clinton, and students at Global Classrooms all have benefited from their experiences
in Model UN.

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 Model UN Overview

Q: What is Model United Nations?

A: Model United Nations is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral
bodies. In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to
debate current issues on the organization's agenda. While playing their roles as ambassadors,
student "delegates" make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and
adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the Model UN conference rules of procedure - all in
the interest of mobilizing international cooperation to resolve problems that affect countries
all over the world.

Before playing out their ambassadorial roles in a Model UN simulation, students research the
issue that their committee will address. Model UN participants learn how the international
community acts on its concerns about topics including peace and security, human rights, the
environment, food and hunger, economic development and globalization. Model UN delegates
also look closely at the needs, goals and foreign policies of the countries they will represent at
the event. The insights they gain from their exploration of history, geography, culture,
economics and science contribute to the authenticity of the simulation when the role playing
gets under way.

Q: How did Model UN begin?

A: While there is no official record of how Model UN began, we do know that Model UN is the
successor of a series of student-led Model League of Nations simulations. Some people believe
that the first Model UN conference was held at Harvard University, although other colleges
claim they held the first conference. Regardless, simulations of international organizations
began even before the birth of the United Nations! For over sixty years, UNA-USA has served
as a clearinghouse of Model UN information and organizer of conferences, now led by
the Global Classrooms program.

Q: What is the relationship of UNA-USA to Model United Nations?

A: UNA-USA, a nonprofit, nonpartisan national organization with a network of more than 175
community-based chapters and divisions, has been a driving force behind Model UN education
since the inception of its predecessor organization, the American Association for the United
Nations, in 1943. Model UN is neither a UN nor a UNA creation, and it is not officially owned by
any individual organization. The Model UN program in the United States is actually a
decentralized community that is driven predominately by its student participants.

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UNA-USA strives to be a clearinghouse for Model UN resources for participants and organizers.
Over the years, UNA-USA has created a library of Model UN publications and educational
materials, including the Guide to Delegate Preparation, the Global Classrooms Program
curricular units, the Model UN for Everyone video, How to Plan a Model United Nations
Conference and the documentary film Decorum. UNA-USA's Global Classrooms also hosts
over 25 conferences a year in cities around the world.

Q: Who participates in Model United Nations?

A: The popularity of Model UN continues to grow and more than 400,000 middle school, high
school and college/university students worldwide participate every year. Many of today's
leaders in law, government, business and the arts participated in Model UN during their
academic careers:

Q: What types of topics are discussed in Model UN conferences?

A: The agenda items discussed in committee vary at each conference. Most conferences tend
to focus on current affairs issues that are being discussed in the United Nations. These issues
can highlight political, financial and/or social concerns. However, the task of some committees
might be to address hypothetical concerns or issues from the past or future. For example,
many conferences have "crisis" committees, in which delegates must react to a hypothetical or
actual crisis situation. Other conferences host historical or future Security Council simulations.

Q: What is a Model UN delegate?

A: A Model UN delegate is a student who assumes the role of an ambassador to the United
Nations in a Model UN simulation. Prior to a conference or event, a Model UN delegate does
not need extensive experience in international relations. Anyone can participate in Model UN,
so long as they have the ambition to learn something new and to work with people to try and
make a difference in the world. Model UN students tend to go on to become great leaders in
politics, law, business, education and medicine.

Q: Why should I participate in Model UN?

A: Model UN promotes students' and teachers' interest in world around them and broadens a
student's knowledge in a variety of subjects. Model UN also teaches vital skills in negotiation,
public speaking, problem solving, conflict resolution, research and communication. Model UN
also gives students and teachers the opportunity to meet interesting new people and make
new friends.

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Q: What are some of the educational benefits of Model UN?

A: For over 60 years, teachers and students have benefited from and enjoyed this interactive
learning experience. It not only involves young people in the study and discussion of global
issues, but also encourages the development of skills useful throughout their lives, such as
research, writing, public speaking, problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and
compromise and cooperation.

Model UN Conferences

Q: What is a Model UN conference?

A: Some Model UN exercises take place in the classroom and others are school-wide. Model
UN events that are regional, national or international are called conferences. Conferences are
much larger, with participants from all over the United States and the world. More than one
million people have participated in Model UN conferences around the world since the activity
became popular. Today there are well over 400 conferences that take place in 52 countries.
Conference can have as few as 30 students or as many as 3,000.

Q: When and where are Model UN conferences held?

A: There are over 400 Model UN conferences held annually worldwide. These conferences take
place virtually every month throughout the school year, with fewer events during the summer
and standardized testing dates. Conferences often take place on university campuses, large
hotels, and convention centers.

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Q: Where can I find information about conferences in my area?

A: For dates and more information on conferences all over the world, please visit UNA-
USA's Model UN Conference Calendar. If you are a conference organizer, you can also input
your conference's information to be accessed by everyone. Lastly, you can simply search for
"Model UN conferences" and your location on the internet.

Global Classrooms is an innovative educational program that engages middle school and high
school students in an exploration of current world issues through interactive simulations and
curricular materials. Global Classrooms cultivates literacy, life skills and the attitudes necessary
for active citizenship.

At the core of Global Classrooms is Model United Nations, wherein students step into shoes of
UN Ambassadors and debate a range of issues on the UN agenda. For over 60 years, Model UN
has thrived in highly selective high schools and colleges institutions with the resources to
match a strong student interest in world affairs. Prior to 2000, when Global Classrooms was
created, students in economically disadvantaged public schools rarely had the opportunity to
participate.

Over the past decade, Global Classrooms has worked in 24 major cities around the world,
helping bridge the gap in the Model UN community between experienced programs and
traditionally underserved public schools or schools new to Model UN. Global Classrooms is
distinguished by its teacher and student resources that develop critical thinking, conflict
resolution and communication skills for middle and high school students.

Global Classrooms has become a premiere international education program offering students
valuable insight into the growing influence of globalization. Global Classrooms has been
transformed from a promising national program into an international network enriching
students' lives around the world. Global Classrooms has become a premiere international
education program offering students valuable insight into the growing influence of
globalization.

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 Model UN Preparation

Q: How should I prepare for my Model UN conference?

A: Researching is the first and most important step in preparing for a conference. Not only is it
necessary to have a grasp on information about the country you are representing and its
position on the policies being discussed, it is also important to understand the UN body that
your committee is representing.

Q: What is a position paper and how do I write one?

A: Before attending a conference, it is necessary to have a clear understanding about the

workings of your country, as well as its position on the issues that are being discussed. Most
conferences will even require a position paper in advance to ensure that delegates have
properly researched their country. Position papers should contain your country's relation to
the topic, as well as its suggestions for how to solve the issues discussed.

Q: What should I wear to a Model UN conference?

A: Dressing professionally and appropriately is an important aspect of Model United Nations

preparations. Just like being polite and having proper manners, dressing appropriately is an
important way to show respect for the nation you are representing, for your fellow delegates
and for the United Nations. At some conferences, delegates may wear their own national
dress; however, most conferences require western business attire. Western business attire, or
international standard business attire, serves as customary dress for workplaces. It includes
wearing a suit, which is made up of pants, a matching jacket, a button-down dress shirt, and a
tie. Conservative dress shoes and socks are also important. Skirts and dresses may also be
worn as long as they fall to a respectable length and do not expose a lot of skin. The main thing
to remember is to always insure that your appearance is tidy and put together, and that you
are well covered.

Q: What are the rules of procedure at a conference?

A: In order for a committee session to progress smoothly, it is important for delegates to

follow the rules of procedure. These rules ensure that order is kept and delegates have equal
opportunities to contribute to the discussion. Rules of procedure also provide the proper
format to ask questions and make speeches. Conference organizers usually provide schools
with their rules of procedure, sometimes posting them on their website.

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Q: What is caucusing?

A: Caucusing is informal debate that occurs during a Model UN conference. It serves as an

important method of discussion because it allows for greater participation and consensus
building. Caucusing can be either "moderated" when speakers are called on by the chair after
raising their placards or "un-moderated", which is a designated time for delegates without the
intervention of the chair to have discussion and work on resolutions.

Q: How do I write a resolution?

A: During a committee session resolutions are essential to promote debate and create
solutions to issues that are being discussed. Resolutions not only acknowledge the issues that
are being debated, but they also present a series of steps that can be taken resolve the
conflict. Writing resolutions can be challenging since they must appeal to a broad range of
members with differing concerns if they are going to be successfully passed.

Q: How can I feel more confident speaking in public?

A: Public speaking is a big component of a Model UN conference and an essential skill to

ensure that your nation's concerns are represented. Speeches are made by individual nations
throughout committee sessions from the speaker's list and during moderated caucuses.
Negotiation can also occur on an individual and informal level; however, it is important to
present your nation's views clearly and eloquently to the entire committee.

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 Committees

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the
United Nations. Comprising all 193 Members of the United Nations, it provides a unique forum
for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter.

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It
is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research
agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing
technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

The United Nations Educational, Scientiic and Cultural Organization was born on 16 November
1945. UNESCOs mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication
of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the
sciences, culture, communication and information.

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

IMO is a technical organization and most of its work is carried out in a number of committees
and sub-committees. The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is the most senior of these. The
overall objectives are summed up in the IMO slogan: safe, secure and efficient shipping on
clean oceans.

UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the
promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading
international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver
of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers
leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

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UN Environmental Programme (UNEP)

UNEPs mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the
environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality
of life without compromising that of future generations.

UN Habitat

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations
agency for human settlements. UN-HABITAT's programmes are designed to help policy-makers
and local communities get to grips with the human settlements and urban issues and find
workable, lasting solutions.

Human Rights Council (HRC)

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system
responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe
and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.

UN Women

In July 2012,the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations
Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. In doing so, UN Member States
took an historic step in accelerating the Organizations goals on gender equality and the
empowerment of women.

UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF)

UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized.
We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at
grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. That makes us unique among
world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.

Security Council

It gives primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security to the Security
Council, which may meet whenever peace is threatened. According to the Charter, the United
Nations has four purposes:

to maintain international peace and security, to develop friendly relations;

to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting human rights;
and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

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 POINTS
At MUN Conferences, there are several types of Points. Below, you can read about them and
see their purpose.

Point of Personal Privilege:

This point refers to the comfort and well being of a delegate. When it is a point of personal
privilege due to audibility, it may then only interrupt the speaker. It cannot refer to the
content of a speakers statement. It is not a point that is debatable and doesnt require any
other delegate to second it

Point of Personal Privilege! Could the Air Conditioning be turned on, as it is a bit warm in
here?

Point of Order:

Refers to the rules of Procedure. A Point of Order is called if a delegate doesnt agree to a
decision/ruling made by the chair. It isnt debatable and it cant interrupt the speaker. It can
refer to a current decision made by the chair or to a general procedural matter.

Point of Order! Is it in order for delegates to yield the floor more than once, as the floor was
just yielded to Japan?

Point of Information to the Speaker:

Remember, when you ask your Point of Information, remain standing as a mark of respect
It is a question directed to the delegate who has the floor about their delegations views or
about the speech. It is a question to the speaker, not a comment. If you want to get some
information on the topic across to the house, you can do so by formulating it as a question Is
the delegate aware that or Does the delegate agree that

Do not ask another question to the delegate unless the chair has allowed you to (request of
follow up) as there is no direct dialogue between delegates.

Does the delegate feel that the Six-Party Talks would be able to enforce the ideas in this
resolution to DPR Korea?

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Point of Information to the Chair:

This Point of Information is directed to the chair. It can refer to anything that doesnt pertain
to the Rules of Procedure or to Personal Privileges. A Point of Information to the chair can be a
question or clarification on the issue being debated.

Point of Information to the chair! Could the chair explain when the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty was signed?

It can refer to scheduling and the committees agenda

Point of Information to the chair! What time is lunch?

Point of Parliamentary Enquiry:

A Point of Parliamentary Enquiry refers to the Rules of Procedure. It is a question on the Rules
of Procedure. It isnt like a Point of Order, as that is a question on the chairs ruling. This is a
question about the rules in general.

Point of Order! Could the chair explain what is meant by abstentions ?

MOTIONS
At MUN Conferences, there are several types of Motions. Below, you can read about them and
see their purpose.

Motion to Move to the Previous Question:

This motion was known as the motion to move to voting procedure. This motion means that
when discussing something in closed debate, if the house is in time in favour, motioning to
move to the previous question, will move debate into time against. If debate was in time
against, debate will then be moved into voting procedures. In open debate, it means that the
debate will be moved into voting procedures. It may not interrupt the speaker.

This motion can be moved by either a chair or delegate, but requires a second. Even if there
are objections, it is up to the chairs discretion to entertain the motion or not. The chair can
overrule the motion if there is a lot of time left for the resolution and more debate can be
created in the house. Remember to refrain from using motion to move into voting procedure
as this motion no longer exists.

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Motion to Adjourn the Debate:

This motion calls for the temporary stopping of debate. It may not interrupt the speaker
The caller of the motion will need to make a short speech on why debate should be adjourned,
and therefore why the resolution should be tabled (put aside and debated after all other
resolutions). The chairs recognize speakers in favour and against this motion (debatable)
This motion is voted on and a simple majority is required for the motion to pass. Should the
motion fail, debate will continue as normal. If a delegate wishes to re-debate the tabled
resolution, they can appeal for it, but then a 2/3 majority vote will be conducted and the
resolution will then be debated at the end.

Motion to Reconsider a Resolution:

This motion calls for a re-debate and a re-vote of a resolution that has already been debated
It will be a resolution debated at the end, as other resolutions have priority, as they hadnt
been debated. It may not interrupt the speaker. It will be entertained faster if there are no
other resolutions on that particular topic. A 2/3 majority is required for this motion to be
entertained and isnt a debatable motion.

Motion to Refer a Resolution to Another Forum:

This is a motion that is made when certain clauses start with words like Demands, Decides,
or Condemns. It is a discouraged motion, and the chairs would rather have delegates
rephrase the clauses to say Urges the Security Council to decide

It may not interrupt the speaker. A simple majority would be required when this motion is
voted on. It is discouraged because the Security Council and other committees have busy
agendas too, therefore there is little chance that theyll debate that resolution.

Objection to the Main Motion:

This motion is an objection to the debate. The delegate that proposes this motion must make a
short speech on why they have proposed it. It will be voted on, and a two third majority is
required for it to pass. It is strongly discouraged as it is destructive for the house. This motion
is normally proposed if it is a topic that would result in a breech of national sovereignty.

Withdrawing a Resolution:

If a delegate wishes to remove their resolution from the committee, a vote will be conducted
between all those who co-submitted (signatories) and the main submitters of the resolution.
All of these delegates need to agree for it to be withdrawn. It can however, be reconsidered by
any delegate of the committee. It may not interrupt the speaker.

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Motion to Extend Debate Time:

This will be at the chairs discretion and is not a debatable motion. It may not interrupt the
speaker. Another delegate needs to second this motion. It might not be entertained due to
time constraints or if other events have been planned for the committee.

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. 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.

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. 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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 Basic Model UN Rules of Procedure Required to Pass

A motion to set the speakers time sets or changes the amount of time each Simple majority vote
delegate has to speak.
A motion to open the speakers list allows delegates to sign up to speak. At Simple majority vote
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.
Delegates propose a motion to suspend debate for the purpose of holding Simple majority vote
a caucus. If you move to suspend the meeting, be sure to specify the
purpose and the amount of time.
A motion to adjourn meeting ends the committee session until the next Simple majority vote
session, which might be the next years conference, or after lunch or
dinner.
A motion to adjourn debate (also known as motion to table debate)is not Two-thirds majority
the same as a motion to adjourn the meeting. Rather, it is used to table, or vote
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.
A delegate makes a motion to close debate in order to move the Two-thirds majority
committee to a vote, usually when the delegate has made his or her vote
country's position clear and there are enough draft resolutions on the floor.
A point of order is used when a delegate believes the chair has made an Decision of
error in the running of the committee. The Delegate should only specify the Chairperson
errors they believe were made in the formal committee procedure, and
may not address the topic being discussed.
A point of inquiry (also known as a point of parliamentary procedure) can No vote
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.
A delegate may raise a point of personal privilege in order to inform the No vote
chairperson of a physical discomfort he or she is experiencing, such as not
being able to hear another delegates speech.
A delegate raises a point of information in order to pose a question to a Decision of speaker
speaker during formal debate. The speaker chooses whether or not to yield
his or her time to points of information.
A delegate makes an appeal to the chairs decision when he or she feels Two-thirds majority
the chairperson has incorrectly decided a point or motion. At some vote
conferences, this formal challenge must be made in writing. The appealing
delegate speaks and the chairperson defends himself or herself before the
vote.

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 Flow of Debate
The storyline of a stage show is similar to what Model UNers call the flow of debate the
order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference. Just like scenes in a theatrical
performance, debate unfolds in several different parts. The chart below shows the various
stages of debate that take place during a Model UN simulation. Being familiar with how the
action will proceed, from the first scene to the last, is an important way to prepare yourself
for a Model UN conference.

Roll Call

The Chairperson will announce each countrys name. After delegates hear their country, they
should answer "present."

Setting the Agenda

When Model UN committees have more than one topic available, the body must set the
agenda to begin working on one of these issues. At this time a delegate typically makes a
motion, stating "The country of [name] moves to place [topic A] first on the agenda, followed
by [topic B] and then [topic C]." Once the motion has been made, three delegations must
speak in favor of the motion, and three other delegations will speak against it. These speeches
should alternate between those in favor and those opposed. Once these six speeches have
been given, a vote is taken. Setting the agenda requires a simple majority vote.

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 Debate
Formal Debate: Formal debate revolves around
a speakers list. The Chair begins by asking all
delegates interested in addressing the other
members to raise their placards. The Chair then
chooses delegates to be placed on the speakers
list. A country may only be on the speakers list
once, but delegates may add their country to
the end of the list after their speech.
1a. When the session begins, speeches focus on
stating country positions and offering
recommendations for action.
2a. After blocs have met, speeches focus on
describing bloc positions to the entire body.
3a. Delegates now make statements describing
their draft resolutions to the committee.
4a. Delegates try to garner more support
through formal speeches and invite others to
offer their ideas.
5a. Delegates make statements supporting or
disagreeing with specific draft resolutions.
6a. Delegates present any amendments they
have created.
Informal Debate: Informal debate involves
discussion outside of the speakers list.
During moderated caucuses, the Chair calls
on delegates one-by-one so that each can
address the committee in short speeches.
During unmoderated caucuses, the
committee breaks for a temporary recess so
that delegates may meet with each other
and discuss ideas.
1b. After several countries state their
positions, the committee breaks for
caucuses to develop regional positions.
2b. Writing begins as countries work
together to compose draft resolutions.
3b. Countries and groups meet to gather
support for specific draft resolutions.
4b. Delegates finalize draft resolutions.
5b. Draft-resolution sponsors build greater
support for their resolution and look to
incorporate others ideas through friendly
amendments.
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 Close of Debate

Once the speakers list is exhausted, the committee automatically moves to voting. Also, once a
delegate feels that his or her countrys position is clear to others and that there are enough
draft resolutions on the floor, he or she may make a motion to proceed into voting procedure
by moving for the closure of debate.

Voting Procedures

Once a motion to close debate has been approved, the committee moves into voting
procedure. Amendments are voted on first, then resolutions. Once all of the resolutions are
voted on, the committee moves to the next topic on the agenda.

Caucusing

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.

Tips for Effective Caucusing

Enter the caucus with a plan in mind: Formulate ideas on what your country would like
to see included in a resolution. Decide which clauses you are willing to negotiate on
and which you are not.
Find delegates in your regional bloc: This is the easiest way to seek out allies.
However, if you find that the group you are working with is not meeting your needs, do
not be afraid to switch groups.
Provide ideas: Tell others what your country is hoping to achieve. If you do not agree
with an idea, do not hesitate to say that it is against your countrys policy.
Negotiate: While it is often necessary to give up something that you want, make sure
that you are not giving up anything too important.
Listen: By listening to what others are saying you will able to build on other peoples
ideas and add more to the discussion. Listening also shows respect for each delegate in
your group.
Do not interrupt: Allow other delegates to finish their thoughts rather than
interrupting others in the middle of a sentence. It sometimes helps to write down your
idea so that you can bring it up when the delegate is finished speaking.
Record ideas: Start to formulate a resolution in writing. Rather than waiting until the
last minute, begin recording fellow delegates ideas right away.
Be resourceful: By providing fellow delegates with resolution text, maps or information
as they need it, you will show that you are valuable to the group.

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 Have one-on-one conversations: Speaking with an individual or in a small group is the
best way to find out a delegates position on an issue. Larger groups are better suited
to brainstorming.
Stay calm: In caucuses, delegates can sometimes lose their cool. Staying calm will not
only help your group be more effective, but will be noticed by the conference staff.
Always keep your voice at a normal level. If you see that you are becoming upset or
raising your voice, excuse yourself from the group for a few minutes.
Use time effectively: Make sure you have enough time to hear everyones ideas so that
you can discuss them during formal debate. Try not to waste time arguing over small
details that do not seriously affect the draft resolution.
Show respect: Never give orders or tell other delegates what they should or should not
do. Be polite and treat all your fellow delegates with respect.
Provide constructive critique: Rather than negatively criticizing another delegate, focus
on providing constructive critique. If you dislike an idea, try to offer an alternative.
Critique ideas, not people.
Establish connections with other delegates: Although it can be tempting to call a
fellow delegate Pakistan, Brazil or Sweden, you can form a better connection
with a delegate by learning his or her name and where he or she comes from. Ask the
delegate about his or her ideas and impressions of the debate. Showing interest in your
fellow delegates at the beginning of the conference will help you gain more support
later on and can help you to form lasting friendships.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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: International Labor Organization

Topic: Globalization and Development
Country: Romania

*This sample position paper was submitted by the delegation of Romania at the 2007 UNA-
USA Model UN Conference in New York City.

In the past two decades the rapidly growing world trend has been toward globalization. With
the emergence of the internet as a means of communication and the increasing accessibility of
international trade physical barriers are not the only barriers withering away. Protective tariffs
are plummeting and free trade agreements are becoming more prevalent. Romania
appreciates that globalization creates favorable situations for expansion of commercial as well
as economic assets. In the past year Romania has seen a foreign direct investment (FDI)
increase of 199%. Inward FDI increased from EURO 234 million in 2005 to EURO 699 million in
2006. However, Romania realizes that increased globalization does not automatically produce
more equality.
Globalization and Development can contribute to the advancement of the overall international
human condition; however, the delegation of Romania recognizes that without proper
regulation the potential for advancement will remain limited to an elite few individuals,
businesses, and nations. Unless checked and aimed toward the common good, globalization
cannot effectively serve the global community. Crucial in dealing with the complexities of
globalization, good governance must act with solidarity and responsibility. Romania believes
that in involving people in globalization we must promote moral values, democratic principals,
inclusive global political culture, institutions that safeguard both individual civil rights and
inherent freedoms, and the common good. In addition, coping with the influx of information
from globalization governments must act with solidarity and insight. Access to digital
education will undoubtedly result in the confidence of citizens in their respective
administrations and allow for a greater degree of transparency, and therefore a lesser degree
of corruption.
Romania believes the multinational business community has the ability and the obligation to
support pertinent values in human rights, labor standards, and environmental preservation. As

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stated by the president, Mr. Traion Basescu, Romania feels a "heartfelt attachment to
multilateralism, as an effective instrument designed to identify the adequate answers to the
challenges brought by globalization."

Romania is party to the majority of multilateral treaties and conventions identified as such by
the Secretary General in the context of the Millennium Summit in 2001. Romania has always
supported innovative and effective ways of establishing cooperation within and between
regional organizations. As one of the newest members of the European Union, Romania is an
active member of the World Trade Organization, and looks forward to offering its support to
the redirection of globalization to best benefit the global community.

Reference: http://www.unausa.org/Document.Doc?id=16

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 A 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.

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Public Speaking Tips

Prepare: Decide how you feel most comfortable delivering your speech. You may
choose to use your position paper text as your opening speech or you may write out
some key points. In time, you may feel comfortable speaking without any written notes
at all. If you plan to use a word or phrase that is unfamiliar to you, make sure you learn
its meaning and how to pronounce it properly.
Practice: Rehearsing your speech is the best way to perfect your public speaking skills.
Try practicing in front of a teacher, a parent, or fellow Model UNers from your class or
club. When you listen to a speech, provide constructive feedback rather than criticism.
When someone critiques your speech, accept the feedback graciously and use it as a
tool to strengthen your public speaking.
Consider your audience: Make your speech appropriate to the age and experience-
level of the other delegates at the conference. Remember that the beginning of the
speech should captivate your audience and make them want to hear more.
Eliminate unnecessary filler words: Fillers are words and phrases such as "umm,"
"well," "sort of, and like". These words take away from the message you are trying to
convey. Some additional fillers to avoid are so, "you know," "I think," "just".
Use meaningful pauses: Leaving a moment of silence between sentences can be a
powerful public speaking tool. Pausing after an important point or before answering a
question will help to hold the audiences attention. A pause can also give you time to
formulate your next statement.
Breathe: Try to breathe from your diaphragm the organ below your lungs that
controls your respiration. You are breathing properly if you can see your abdomen
rising and falling with each breath. Try to inhale and exhale completely.
Pace yourself: Dont talk too fast or too slow. Remember that most speakers have a
tendency to talk too quickly.
Choose a powerful posture: Be aware of your posture when you speak. Slouching,
tilting your head and crossing your arms or legs will take away from your message.
Stand up straight, relax your shoulders, plant your feet firmly and keep your knees
unlocked to help you communicate confidence.
Project your presence: Speaking in a low to medium volume can help to project
authority, but make sure that you are speaking loud enough to be easily heard. Focus
on speaking with enthusiasm and energy.
Gesture: It is worthwhile to use your face, hands, arms and body to help you
communicate as long as your motions do not distract the audience from your speech.
Connect with your audience: Glance at your notes rather than reading them so that
you can make eye contact with the other delegates. It is often helpful to speak directly
to individual members of the audience.
Get to the point: Speak concisely so that your audience does not lose your main
arguments among less-important details.
Be positive: Rather than criticizing another point of view, critique it in a constructive
way. Always provide alternatives and be sure to back up your arguments.

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Example of Opening Speech

Honourable President, Esteemed Fellow Delegates,

The Delegation of Japan would like to stress that we live in exponential times. The world has
grown so large that as we all live within a little distance from one another; and with the society
that we have today, we are constantly in demand of progress and development. Japan would
like to ask the house, where is the limit to this growth? How will we be able to sustain this
development and not overuse our sources provided for us? Japan hopes that at this MUN
Conference, we will all be able to establish agreement and not simply fail resolutions, but
consider the creation of productive amendments to amend resolutions in order to help the
world,not only for us at the United Nations, but to set a general example for the future, so that
we are able to distinguish our limits to growth.

Thank you, Japan would like to yield the floor back to the chair.

Resolution Overview
The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutions written 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

26
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.

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.

Sample Resolution Paper

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,

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,

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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;

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.

Reference: http://www.unausa.org/munpreparation/resolutions/sample

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 Dressing

Dressing professionally and appropriately is an important aspect of Model UN preparations.

Just like being polite and having proper manners, dressing appropriately is an important way
to show respect for the nation you are representing, for your fellow delegates and for the UN.

Clothing Females Males

A suit always looks professional. Be sure to A suit always looks professional. Be sure to
Suits
keep suits clean and wrinkle-free. keep suits clean and wrinkle-free.

No t-shirts. A blouse, sweater, or button-

down shirt of any kind is appropriate.
Dresses are also appropriate as long as No t-shirts. A collared/button-down shirt
Tops
they are not revealing and adequate in is appropriate and do not forget a tie!
length (follow the rules below for skirt
length).

No jeans or shorts. Slacks and suit-pants

are acceptable. Skirts must be worn with
pantyhose/stockings and should not be No jeans or shorts. Slacks, preferable in
Bottoms
more than two inches above the knee. dark colors, are appropriate.
Bottoms should have a subtle pattern;
avoid loud designs.

No sneakers or open-toe sandals.

No sneakers or open-toe sandals. Loafers
Remember: high-heeled shoes may look
Shoes or other types of dress shoes are
pretty, but they can also be very
preferred.
uncomfortable, so use your discretion.

Keep hair clean and out of your face for a Keep hair clean and out of your face a
Hair
professional look. professional look.

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 Model UN Preparation
The first step in preparing for a rewarding Model UN experience is to gather information. Give
yourself plenty of time before a conference to research, read and then formulate your
arguments. While conducting research, try to keep in mind that your primary goal is to
represent your country as realistically as possible. To do so, you will need to research three
different areas.

Your country and its positions;

The issues to be debated at the conference; and
The UN system.

Collecting Country Information

When researching your position at a Model UN conference, you will first need to learn about
your country so you can address the issues raised at the conference as a real UN delegate from
that country would. 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 country's
government?
Which domestic issues might influence your country's foreign policy?
What are some major events in your country's 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?
Which countries are considered enemies of your country?
What are the characteristics of your country's economy?
What is your country's 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)?

30
Tips for Researching Your Country

Look up your country's 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 country's voting records and read speeches on the United Nations Bibliographic
Information System website.

Check out news and media sources for recent developments in your country.

Suggested Websites

http://www.countryreports.org/
http://www.infoplease.com/countries.html
http://www.nationsonline.org/

Researching Conference Topics

Once you have learned about the country you represent and it's government, people, and
economy, you should develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at your
committee. Many conferences send out background materials or issue briefs, which can help
jump start 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 country's position?

31
 Model UN Glossary
Abstain: During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may abstain rather than vote yes or
no. This generally signals that a country 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 "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.

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. Blocs typically vote together.

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. The dais is also the
raised platform on which the chair traditionally sits.

32
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 committee.

Delegation: The entire group of people representing a member state or observer in all
committees at a particular Model UN conference. They are usually all from the same school.

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. This
usually indicates the movement between formal and informal debate and the process of
drafting, debating and voting on resolutions.

Gavel: The tool, shaped like a small wooden hammer, which 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.

33
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 193 member states.

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 procedure.

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.

34
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, as well as assisting in and keeping track of administrative duties in the committee
room.

Resolution: A document that has been passed by an organ of the UN that aims to address a
particular problem or issue.

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 brought to a vote.

Secretariat: The staff of a Model UN conference.

Secretary-General: The leader of a Model UN conference.

35
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 vote 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.

Vet: 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 procedure: The period at the end of a committee session during which delegates vote
on proposed amendments and draft resolutions.

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 Global Issues for Debates
Africa
Agriculture
Atomic Energy
Children
Climate Change
Decolonization
Demining
Democracy
Development
Environment
Family
Food
Governance
Health
Human Rights
Human Settlements
International Law
Oceans / Law of the Sea
Peace and Security
Persons with Disabilities
Population
Refugees
Terrorism
Volunteerism
Water
Women

37