HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY MUN SOCIETY

DELEGATE HANDBOOK

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Table of Contents

Introduction to the Model United Nations…………………………………….....3

- What is the United Nations?

- History

- Members - What is Model United Nations?

- Main Organs

- International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Model United Nations Glossary………………………………………………..…..7

Positions at the Conference…………………………...………………………..…11

Research…………………………………………………………………………….....12

- Country Information

- Conference Topics

- UN System - Finding UN Documents

- Useful websites

Policy/Position Papers………………………………………………………..…….21

- What is a position paper

- How to write a position paper

- Logistics

- Sample position paper

Resolution Writing…………………………………………………………..……….24

- What is a resolution

- Headings

- Pre-ambulatory and operative clauses

- Pre-conference resolution writing - Caucusing and lobbying over resolutions

- Sample resolution

Points and Motions………………………………………………………..…...……30

The Conference – Rules of Procedure………………………………………..….32

- Lobbying

- Formal debate procedure - Dress code

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Introduction to Model United Nations

What is the United Nations?

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to

facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, economic

development, social progress, human rights and achieving world peace. The UN is

a central to global efforts to solve problems that challenge humanity.

History

The name “United Nations” was the project initialized by the American president,

Franklin D. Roosevelt. The UN was founded after World War II to replace the League

of Nations and to stop wars between countries and provide a platform for dialogue.

The United Nations officially came into existence on 24th October 1945, when the

charter had been ratified by China, France, The Soviet Union, The United Kingdom,

The United States and a number of other major signatories.

Members

The United Nations currently has 192 member states. All recognized independent

states are a member of the UN with the exception of the Vatican City that has

gained observer status. The UN charter outlines the rules for the membership. They

are –

1. Memberships in the UN are open to all peace loving states that accept the

obligations contained in the present charter and in the judgment of the

organization are able and willing to carry out these obligations.

2. The admission of any such state to membership will be effected by a decision

of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

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What is Model United Nations?

Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the UN that aims to educate its

participants in effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. In a

Model UN conference the participants take the role of a foreign diplomat. Participants

research a country, and then investigate international issues. They debate, deliberate,

consult, and then develop solutions to world problems by forming resolutions.

Main Organs

The United Nations consists of 5 principal organs.

The General Assembly - The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA / GA) is one

of the five principal organs of the United Nations. Its powers are to oversee the

budget of the United Nations, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security

Council, receive reports from other parts of the United Nations and make

recommendations in the form of General Assembly Resolutions.

The Security Council - The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the organ of

the United Nations charged with the maintenance of international peace and

security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the

establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international

sanctions, and the authorization for military action.

The United Nations Economic and Social Council - The Economic and Social

Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations assists the General Assembly in promoting

international economic and social cooperation and development. ECOSOC has 54

members, all of whom are elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term.

The president is elected for a one-year term and chosen amongst the small or middle

powers represented on ECOSOC.

United Nations Secretariat - The United Nations Secretariat is one of the principal

organs of the United Nations and it is headed by the United Nations Secretary-

General, assisted by a staff of international civil servants worldwide. It provides

studies, information, and facilities needed by United Nations bodies for their

meetings. It also carries out tasks as directed by the UN Security Council, the UN

General Assembly, the UN Economic and Social Council, and other UN bodies.

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International Court of Justice - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the

primary judicial organ of the United Nations. It is based in the Peace Palace in The

Hague, Netherlands. Its main functions are to settle legal disputes submitted to it by

member states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions submitted to it by

duly authorized international organs, agencies and the UN General Assembly.

"The political insight, exposure to diversity,

and diplomatic skill that I have gained

through Model UN has proven priceless."

The International Court of Justice (Peace Palace) in Den Haag,

Netherlands

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Model United Nations Glossary

Abstain - During a vote delegates may withdraw from voting rather than vote for or

against. This generally shows that a country does not support the resolution being

voted on, but does not oppose it enough to vote against it.

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

Binding - Having legal force in UN member states. The Security Council resolutions

and the International Court of Justice resolutions are binding (followed through);

resolutions of the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council are not

binding (just suggestions.)

Bloc - A group of nations, parties, or persons united for common action: the Communist bloc

Caucus - A break in which countries can more informally discuss a topic. There

are two types: moderated caucus and un-moderated caucus.

Chair - A member of the dais that moderates the 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.

Debate – A formal discussion about the topic at hand, where opinions are expressed.

Decorum - The order and respect for others that all delegates at a Model UN

conference must exhibit. The Chair may call for decorum when he/she feels that

the committee is not being respectful of a speaker.

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Delegate - A student acting as a representative of a member state or observer in a

committee.

Delegation – A group of delegates.

Director - A member of the dais that supervises 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 the voting procedure, 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 tries to find solutions to the problems addressed

by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, the draft resolution will become

into a resolution.

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 team.

Member State - A country that has authorized 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.

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.

Moderator – the Chair or supervisor

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.

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On the floor - At a Model UN conference, when 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 that 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 sign or notice for display in a public place

Point - A request made 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 – where a delegates stands in terms of his given countries opinion (a

delegates stance)

Position paper - A summary of a country's position on a topic, written by a delegate,

before a Model UN conference.

Present and Voting - A formal expression of preference for a candidate for office

or for a proposed resolution of an issue.

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 a section of the UN that

addresses a particular problem or issue.

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Roll Call – The roll call is like an attendance register where the chair

addresses you by your country or government organization and marks you

as present.

Secretariat – The department administered by a governmental secretary, especially

for an international organization.

Secretariat – The department administered by a governmental secretary,

especially for an international organization.

Secretary General - The leader of a Model UN conference.

Signatory - mark or sign made by an individual on an instrument or document to

signify knowledge, approval, acceptance, or obligation.

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. Speakers’ lists are not

used at DIAMUN procedures.

Un-moderated 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.

Veto - The vested power or constitutional right to refuse the approval of measures

proposed by a department. All Permanent 5 nations in the Security Council possess

veto power and can thus, prevent resolutions from passing.

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.

Yield – “To give over possession of.” In MUN delegations often yield the floor to

one another or to the chair.

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Positions at the Conference

Delegate: These are the participants that represent different countries and

committees. Prior to coming to the conference, each delegate researches the given

topics from the standpoint of the country that he/she will represent in the

committee. It is crucial to be as precise as possible when it comes to respecting

country's policies and positions towards topics to be discussed. After doing the

research, delegate writes a position paper where respective country's points of

view are clearly stated.

Observer: Depending on the topic addressed, each committee may be supervised

by an observer. The observer is a representative of a Non-governmental

Organization or International Organization that has the same rights as a delegate

except that he/she may not vote during voting procedures and may not sign nor

sponsor draft resolutions and amendments

Chairperson: The chairpersons supervise the committees. They are responsible for

the overall performance of their committee. The chairpersons assist delegates in the

preparation phase and review all the position papers. During the conference they hold

the presidency of the committee and lead the debate in accordance with the rules of

procedure. The chairpersons intervene between delegates and, if necessary, suspend

the meeting or call to order. The chairpersons do not represent member states of the

committee and do not actively take part in the discussion; they are mainly in charge of

facilitating fruitful debate. Each committee is presided by two chairpersons who are

assisted by one secretary. The chairpersons are the main persons of contact for their

committee's delegates. They care for the well being of their delegates during the

conference as well as during social events.

Secretary General: Secretary-General is responsible for the intellectual content of

the conference. He ensures coordination and cooperation between the Chairs and

between the different committees. He may intervene in the debate to bring up urgent

issues or to present independent expertise to the committee. If clarification is

needed or disagreement occurs regarding the rules of procedure, the Secretary

General has the last word. He is also an important person of contact for the

journalists as well as the press.

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Journalist: Daily newsletters cover the whole event. A team of journalists will be

managed by an Editor-in-chief and will be expected to write analyses, critiques,

surveys, and reports and share all kinds of views with the MUN participants. The

journalist‟s task is to inform all the participants of the workings of each and every

workshop. The news is to be reported in an objective and professional manner.

Journalists are allowed to attend conference meetings and conduct interviews in

order to gather information. Moreover, they will be expected to do some lay-out and

proof-reading work

Secretary: There usually is one secretary per committee. The secretaries give

assistance to the chairpersons of the committees that they are appointed to,

especially by helping with the resolution handling. The Secretaries might also be

asked to assist the Secretary-General or to temporarily replace an absent delegate

or chairperson in a committee. They may also help organize the press conferences.

"MUN has taught me to appreciate

contemporary pol i t ics, and understand the

fundamental pil lars of fair and equal societ ies "

UN Headquarters in New York THIMUN Den Haag

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Research

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. Follow these links for tips on researching each of the three

components:

• Your country and its positions;

• The issues to be debated at the conference; and

• The UN system.

Researching 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

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?

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• 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)?

• 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 country‟s permanent mission to the UN.

• Find your country‟s 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 country‟s

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.

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Researching Conferencing Topics

It is important to develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at the Model

UN conference. Here are some 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?

• Is there evidence or statistics that might help to back up your country‟s position?

Tips for Researching Issues

Check out news and media sources for up-to-date developments on an issue. 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 non-governmental 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. 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.

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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 UN‟s 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?

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.

1. The UN Bibliographic Information System (UNBISnet), available at

unbisnet.un.org, can be used to find:

o Resolutions passed by the Security Council, ECOSOC, and General Assembly

(1946 onward);

o Voting records for all resolutions which were adopted by the General

Assembly (1983 onward) and the Security Council; and

o 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).

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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.

o Enter a topic or keyword next to "Subject (All)."

o 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.

o To limit the search results by date, scroll down to the "User Defined Limits"

and select "Year of Publication," 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.

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How to Find Voting Records for a General Assembly or Security Council Resolution

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

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.

o Enter the country's name next to the drop-down reading

"Country/Organization."

o If you would like to limit the topic, enter a keyword next to the drop-down

reading "Topic."

o 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

or E for ECOSOC.

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.

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How to Find All Press Releases on a Topic

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.

o If you know the year of your case, scroll down until you find it.

o 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.

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Useful Websites

www.un.org – UN website

www.un.int – UN Member states portal pilot

www.unbisnet.un.org - UN Bibliographic Information

System www.cia.gov - CIA World Factbook

www.globalpolicy.org – Countries‟ Policies on

different issues www.embassyworld.com – Embassy/

Foreign Affairs website

"M U N i s a b o u t w e a r i n g a s u i t

and debat i ng l i k e a bos s "

Delegates preparing their position papers

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Policy/Position Papers

What is a Position Paper?

A position paper is an arguable opinion about an issue from a country‟s perspective.

The aim of the position paper is to summarise a country‟s stance on a topic and

provide a condensed overview of the research that has been conducted. The

information in the position paper must pertain to the topic at hand, and follow a logical

order. It is advisable that a position paper includes a brief background knowledge of

the roots of the problem. However, it is more important that it includes the relevance

of the topic to the country, the country‟s policies regarding the topic, and any possible

solutions that the country is proposing. A position paper is most useful as a reference

to a delegate, and is often used as a basis for creating speeches and writing

resolutions.

How to write a Position Paper

This is the format in which you must use to write your position papers:

• Committee Name

• Committee Topic

• Country Name

• Name of the Delegates

Brief Background of the Topic

• Historical background and causes of the problem

• What nations are directly involved with or affected by the issue?

• What effect does this problem have on the international

community? Committee Involvement and Previous Actions

• How is the committee involved? How did it originally become involved and

what actions has the it taken on this issue (i.e. resolutions, conferences, aid

contributed,etc.)?

• Organs, NGOs and other UN affiliated groups that are involved in the situation

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Country Policy, Involvement and Proposed Solutions

• Your nation‟s involvement (if any) with the topic

• Your nation‟s position/policy on the topic and opinion on the UN‟s actions

regarding the topic

• Your nation‟s past actions regarding the topic (i.e. voting records,

resolutions sponsored, conferences attended, and conventions

signed.)

• Your nation‟s proposals or plans in dealing with the issue

Logistics

• One A4 page per topic (maximum)

• Paragraph form

• Single spacing

• Font size: 11 or 12

• Font style: Times New Roman

• 1-inch margins on all sides

• Do not include maps, graphs, drawings, etc.

" T h e co n f e r e n c e - f r o m s e r io u s d e ba t e t o

m a k i n g f r i e nd s - w as a n e x p e r i e n ce o n e

co u l d n o t m i ss ."

Sample Position Paper

Committee: Special, Political and Decolonization (General Assembly 4) Topic: Missile Defence Systems Country: Argentina Delegate: Jane Smith, Dubai International Academy

Throughout the 20th

Century countless technological advances have resulted in many new

inventions, from electric cookers and photocopiers to jet engines and the pacemaker. These

are all examples of how technological advances have benefitted society. However, there is

a dark side to every success. The moment weapons of mass destruction were invented; the

world was at a risk of being annihilated. For defence purposes, countries began to seek to

outdo each other in an arms race, with the objective that intimidation and mutual assured

destruction would lessen an enemy‟s capacity to attack.

Argentina currently has no active ballistic missile program. Argentina‟s most ambitious

ballistic missile program was the Air Force‟s Cóndor II effort, which began around 1982, but

was dismantled in the early 1990s. The effort to establish missile program stemmed from a

defeat by the British in the Falklands Islands War in 1982. This program received technical

support from a consortium of European firms and funding from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and

Iraq. Concerns that missile technology was reaching the Middle East caused the United

States to pressure Argentina to end the program, and Argentina acted accordingly.

Argentina also became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime in 1993.

From the 1960s Argentina‟s nuclear program and missile activities aroused concern that our

country was seeking to develop nuclear weapons and possibly aid other countries in

developing and delivering them. However, Argentina has never produced nuclear weapons,

nor does it intend to.

However, Argentina has pursued an ambitious program of nuclear energy, and is the first

South American country to use nuclear power, with two operational nuclear power plants

supplying 7% of the country‟s electricity. In the early 1990s Brazil and Argentina

established a bilateral inspection agency to verify both countries‟ pledges to use nuclear

energy only for peaceful purposes. Argentina also acceded to the Treaty on the Non-

Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear weapon state in 1995.

In July 2007 Argentina tested a new rocket as part of a plan to develop a satellite launcher

for national use and commercial purposes. The new missile, Tronador, was launched on a

test range and the successful launch opened the door to the second phase of the program,

Tronador II, which is designed to use liquid fuel and carry a payload of more than 200kg in a

400km high orbit. Last July, in awareness of the stigma of the Condor II, Argentinean

authorities aim to maximise transparency and make sure the Tronador project adheres to all

international agreements.

Argentina is a strong supporter of developing nuclear programs for the purpose of using

nuclear energy as a source of sustainable energy. However, Argentina continues to

promote disarmament and non-proliferation as members of the NPT, and encourages

transparency on all levels to ensure that all nations remain safe from a nuclear missile

threat. Furthermore, Argentina encourages all countries to embrace all treaties on non-

proliferation and abolish any missile defence programs and to pursue disarmament.

Argentina believes that this may be the only way to maintain stability in an ever- changing

world.

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Resolution Writing

What is a resolution?

Resolutions are the tools with which the United Nations aims to solve problems.

They are statements from the international community expressing the desire and

need to change a certain situation and the ways in which it can be done. At the

United Nations, a country or NGO drafts a resolution, and lobbies it with other

diplomats. In order for a resolution to pass, more diplomats have to vote in favour

of the resolution than against it. Even though you will certainly incorporate your

country/NGO‟s policy on the issue into your resolution, bear in mind that the

resolutions that tend to pass are those that are for the „greater good‟, and not for

the sole benefit of one nations or NGO. Resolutions at Model United Nations

conferences show how a country or NGO feels about a certain issue. It is the

pretext for lobbying and forming alliances. Resolutions at conferences need to go

into the specifics of a given topic i.e. if financing is the topic, the resolution needs to

say exactly how financing will happen, who will finance, and how much is needed.

Headings

The heading of a resolution needs to contain three things: the forum the resolution is

being debated in (e.g. Security Council, ECOSOC, Human Rights Council, etc.), the

topic or question the resolution addresses (e.g. The Exploitation of African countries

through industrialized and industrializing nations), and the main submitters (authors)

of the resolution – it has to be the full name of your delegation (e.g. The Kingdom of

Belgium).

Preambulatory Clauses

The first half of the resolution consists of perambulatory clauses. These clauses

define the issue, recognize its importance, state any previous resolutions or action

addressing the issue or mention important statistics. Basically, they acknowledge and

describe the problem. Preambulatory clauses are not numbered, and must start with

present of perfect particles (e.g. recalling, recognizing) or with adjectives (e.g. aware,

concerned). They must end with a comma (,) and are always separated using a blank

line.

25

Operative Clauses

Operative clauses are the second half of the resolution. They are the clauses that

are focused on during debate. Operative clauses indicate what action a resolution

calls for; methods for solving the problem at hand. Each clause must address only

one point or issue. Operative clauses can contain sub-points in order to be

informative and elaborate. Sub-points serve to detail specific aspects of a point,

and are to be numbered (a, b, c); sub- subpoints are to be numbered (i, ii, iii).

Resolutions aim to provide solutions to problems discussed at the United Nations.

They are not meant to condemn or take drastic actions, which are likely to be voted

against in debate. It is also important to stay concrete and realistic when writing

operative clauses. Every clause needs to be viable to real life situations. If any action

is called for, briefly explain how it should be carried out. The final clause serves as a

conclusion that ties the whole resolution together: it is usually reserved for expressing

hope that countries will work together on the issue, or that the committee remains

seized of the issue.

"MUN is unlike any other activity, it 's a whole

new world where ideas and opinions flow freely.

It teaches not only diplomatic procedure, but

builds a confidence and personality unlike any

classroom. MUN is a way of life, and a means

to start life. A MUN Student doe s not see the

world as a flat black and white textbook, but a

diverse, colourful globe, full of passion, energy

and dreams. Dreams that are brought to life by

students, the key holders of the future."

26

Pre-conference Resolution Writing

All delegates are advised to write a draft resolution before the conference.

Resolutions must relate to the issue the delegate has focused research on, and must

contain both short term and long term solutions to the problem.

Tips for first time delegates

Show your resolution to your fellow delegates, your MUN director prior to the

conference in order to receive some constructive feedback.

Lobbying

Not only are resolutions supposed to be discussed with ally countries but also with

as many countries as possible. This will happen during lobbying time at the

conference – usually before formal debate. Lobbying is extremely vital to the

success of the resolution for improving it in an informal setting – adding, removing,

and editing clauses as well as merging it with other resolutions. This is extremely

important, as a good resolution is never written in isolation. Lobbying helps you to

understand the perspectives of diplomats in regards to your resolution as well as get

a feel of who will support or oppose your resolution during debate. At most

conferences, once your draft resolution has been lobbied and finalized, it needs to

be submitted to the Approval Panel, where it will be checked for format, grammar, and

content. Only after it is approved can it be submitted within your committee. If it

is not approved, you will need to modify it and present it to the Approval Panel

again.

Sample Resolution

This resolution addresses the problems of globalization and migration. It serves to

reiterate that the international community needs to regard and acknowledge that

international movement has many problems. Many migrants are subjected to an

extreme violation of human rights as they enter foreign countries. This resolution

seeks to provide concrete solutions for member nations to adopt in order to ensure

that the well being of its immigrants.

27

FORUM: Economic and Financial Committee (GA 2)

QUESTION OF: Globalization and interdependence: International migration and development

MAIN SUBMITTER: Kenya

SIGNATORIES: Romania, St. Lucia

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

Noting that approximately three percent of the world‟s population resides outside their place of birth: as migrants,

Highlighting the radical differences in the living standards between More Economically Developed Countries (MEDC‟s) and Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDC‟s),

Recalling resolutions 53/169 (1998), 54/231 (1999), 55/212 (2000), 56/209 (2001), 57/274 (2002), 58/225 (2003), 59/240 (2004) and 60/204 (2005) on the role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence,

Recalling also the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that all humans are born and free and entitled to all rights and freedoms, without any distinction of colour, race or origin,

Recalling further the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights,

Realizing that globalization effects all countries in many ways, exposing them to progressive and damaging occurrences,

Recognizing that no culture or community be disregarded, in response to avoiding the risk of a mainstream monoculture for it presents itself as a threat should the developing world remain poor and omitted,

Concerned at the negative outcome of international financial commotion which affects people on a social and economical level,

Deeply concerned about the insufficiency of courses to increase the similarities of living standards between More Economically Developed Countries (MEDC‟s) and Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDC‟s), thus fuelling poverty particularly in developing countries,

Referring to the Millennium Goals, one of which strives to eradicate poverty on every front,

28

1. Emphasizes that the promotion and protection of human rights in all forms is first and foremost the responsibility of the State;

2. Reaffirms that all countries hold primary responsibility for their own development, and that national policies and development strategies should be persistently active to achieve sustainable development;

3. Requests all States and international organizations to thoroughly review their policies and approaches to migration and apply due methods when considering regional and international cooperation to combat the problems of undocumented or irregular migration, while granting priority to the human rights of migrants, in default of discrimination;

4. Urges concrete measures are adopted by all States to prevent the abuse and violation of human rights of migrants during transit, counting airports, ports, migration checkpoints and borders by

a. Training public officials in the respective facilities to regard migrants with respect and in accordance to the law of the State, and to only conform according to the applicable law when prosecuting migrants, especially refraining from forms of torture as it is violating human rights

b. Only implementing laws which deal with the prosecution of migrants that do not violate the right to one‟s life during the migrant‟s transit in the respective State;

5. Strongly condemns any and all manifestations of racial, social, discriminatory and xenophobic prejudice when in contact with migrants in all States by implementing the existing laws against those who commit racist and xenophobic acts, with special emphasis on border areas, so as to fully eradicate impunity;

6. Requests professionals in developed countries to continue working towards applying scientific and technical knowledge for developing countries so as to increase their independence;

7. Urges financial and technical assistance be rendered to developing countries so as to

a. Create the human and institutional capacity required when pursuing national policies that improve modernization systems

b. Encourage investments in science and technology education to equip future generations with tools to participate in the fast growing industries of the global economy;

8. Further urges the critical need to create and establish an unbiased, transparent and democratic international system in view of building and strengthening the partnership between developed and developing countries in international financial and economic decision-making and promoting economic development in a world economy that benefits all people;

9. Decides to remain actively seized on the matter.

29

Preambulatory and Operative Phrases These phrases can be used assist delegates with writing draft resolutions.

Preambulatory Phrases

Operative Phrases

"M o d e l U n i te d N a t io n s i s a pl at f or m t hat has

al l ow ed m e t o gai n f r om t he cr eat i on of

in te rn a t io n a l re la t io n s h ip s in a m u l t i - cul t ur al

soci et y t hat w e, as par t i c i pant s, st r i ve t o

bet t er . "

30

Points and Motions

Points

Points are questions that delegates can ask the chair or speaker without having to

take the floor. They raise their placard and state their point once recognized by the

chair.

Point of information

A point of information is the most common type of point. It is used when a delegate

would like to make an amendment or ask the speaker a question on the debated

item. Delegates can ask for a follow up once the speaker has replied, unless they

are rejected by the chair. Points of information must always be phrased in the form

of a question and can be an aggressive query to throw off the speaker, or can

support the speaker by asking them to clarify information, which is then highlighted

for other delegates.

Point of Personal Privilege

This is point is addressed to the chair and concerns the well being of the delegate. The

delegate may have a problem with the room temperature or may be disturbed by

something. The only point that can interrupt a speaker is a point of personal privilege

due to audibility that is raised on the delegate speaking cannot be heard.

Point of Enquiry

This point is addressed to the chair when the delegate is confused about a rule of

procedure rule.

Point of Order

This point is addressed to the chair, when the delegate thinks there has been a

mistake in the order of a debate or a procedure.

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Motions

A motion is a suggestion of some sort by a delegate to the house and requires a

“second” as support from another delegate. If there are objections, a motion is voted

on or could also be overruled by the chair.

Motions to Movie into Open Debate

This motion can be used to during a closed debate when a delegate would like to turn

it into an open debate.

Motion to Movie into Time Against

When the house is debating in favour of the resolution or amendment (during closed

debate), this motion can be used as an appeal to move directly into time against.

Motion to Move to the Previous Question

This motion can be used by a delegate, if entertained by the chair, to end debate

and move straight into the process of voting for the resolution or amendment in

question.

Motion to Extend Debate Time

This motion can be used by delegate to extend debate time once the set time has

ended.

Motion to Adjourn Debate

This motion is used to temporarily suspend the debate on the current resolution and

move on to debate the next resolution. This usually happens when a delegate feels

they would be in a better position to debate, after lobbying some more.

Motion to Divide the House

This motion calls for a re-vote in the event that the vote on a resolution is close. It

may also require the chair to ask one delegate at a time whether they are for or

against a resolution, in which case delegates may not abstain.

Motion to Reconsider a Resolution

This motion can be used to ask the chair to reconsider a resolution that has been

voted on already. This is often used in the case when a delegate feels that

important points of a resolution were not addressed and need to be further debated.

32

The Conference – Rules of Procedure

These procedures are valid in all General Assembly Committees, ECOSOC and the Special Conference.

Lobbying:

All forums have lobbying time during which informal discussions take place

Groups naturally take form to discuss an issue. It can seem difficult, especially if it

requires the delegate to approach new people. Lobbying makes debate much

more productive and is an essential part of the conference. If delegates work with

the resolutions they have prepared individually in order to make a single one that

satisfies most delegates, more time will be free in the debate to focus on

improving on the existing clauses by adding details or taking away vagueness or

contradictions. Also, lobbying makes resolutions more appealing which increases

their chances of passing and leads to productive debate.

If you are asked to read a resolution and co-submit it and you don‟t want to, make

sure you are clear about why you don‟t want to, and be polite. This is both for the

sake of diplomacy and respect, but also because you don‟t want a “delegate-enemy”

to contest everything you say during debate

Formal Debate:

Order of Debate

1. Opening by the chair

2. Roll call

3. Drawing up the agenda

4. Reading out the operative clauses of the resolution by the main submitter

5. Setting debate time and mode

6. Speakers delivering speeches and answering questions

7. Voting on the resolution

8. Repeating point 4 to 6 for each resolution

9. Closing by the chair

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Debate Procedure

1. After lobbying, delegates sit in alphabetical order, and the chair opens the session.

2. Roll call is taken. All delegates should be there on time, and those late or

absent will be noted down and the MUN directors will be informed.

3. The chair instructs delegates on which resolution they will debate and

resolutions are handed out.

4. The main submitter takes the floor, meaning they go up to the front of the

forum and has the right to speak. The main submitter reads out the operative

clauses of the resolution.

5. The chair sets debate time, i.e. the amount of time the resolution will be

debated on, as well as the type of debate. There are two types of debate; open

and closed. Open debate means delegates may speak either in favour or

against at any time, while in closed debate the first half of the debate is

restricted to speakers in favour and the second half to speakers against.

6. Once this is done, the chair asks the main submitter whether they are willing to

make a speech. It is very rare for people to decline; usually they give a little

speech on the resolution, highlighting the key points and explaining why it is a

good resolution. After the first speaker has delivered their speech, there are 3

options.

i. Points of information may be asked by the main

submitter if they are willing to answer them. The chair

then chooses who will ask the point of information.

ii. The main submitter may indicate that they are not

open to points of information, and is therefore asked

to yield the floor to the chair, which means they give

the right to speak back to their chair and return to

their seat. In this case the chair will ask if there are

any delegations willing to take the floor, and then

chooses who will be the next speaker.

iii. The main submitter may also yield the floor to

another delegation, which means he chooses who

the next speaker will be, normally because he knows

the speaker will speak along the same lines as they

did.

34

A succession of speakers follows who speak on the resolutions and may then

answer points of information. Speakers explain why they think the resolution is

good or bad, highlighting its main strengths or weaknesses and urging the house

to vote in favour or against. The forum may also improve the resolution by

making amendments to it.

7. Once „debate time has elapsed‟ and the forum has had a balanced debate, it

„moves to the previous question‟ (previously known as the voting procedure).

During voting procedure the doors are sealed by the administrative staff and

note-passing is suspended.

a. Delegates may vote either in favour or against, or abstain.

NGOs, IGOs, and non-member states do not have a right to vote.

b. A simple majority is often needed for a resolution to pass, in which

case the delegates clap at the constructive accomplishment. If a

resolution fails, clapping is not in order.

c. After the voting procedure had been ended a number of delegates

have the right to explain why they voted the way they did. If this is

done, each „side‟ gets to speak.

8. After a whole resolution has been debated and voted on, there is usually a

break, open or closed door (i.e. delegates may leave of have to stay in the

room), and then a new resolution is debated.

9. After all resolutions have been debated, or at the end of the day, the

chair closes the session.

Amendments

In addition to speaking on the resolution, delegates may submit amendments. An

amendment is a change to the resolution, and can usually only be done on the

operative clauses since perambulatory clauses are not really debated.

Amendments must only concern one clause; they may add a clause, strike a

clause, or change an already-existing clause.

The procedure to amend a resolution is like a mini-debate. The delegation with an

amendment submits it by writing it on an amendment sheet and sending it to the

chair. The delegate then has to take the floor and say that they submitted an

amendment, which the chair will then decide whether to entertain or not.

35

If the amendment is to be entertained, the chair sets closed debate time, usually 3

minutes in favour and 3 minutes against. The same procedure as with resolutions

then follows, and speakers can only talk about the amendment.

Amendments to the second degree (an amendment to an amendment) can be

entertained and follow the same procedure, usually with 1 minute in favour and 1

minute against. If amendments to the second degree pass, the change is made to the

original amendment.

Once debate time has elapsed, UN member states vote on the amendment, either for

or against (abstaining is not in order). If the amendment fails, the submitter of the

amendment retains the floor. If it passes, the resolution is amended and debate

continues.

"War is an invention of the human mind.

The Human mind can invent peace."

-Norman Cousins

36

Dresscode

Girls

Boys

Suit

A suit is the most appropriate choice for

the conference; it should be formal,

neat and an appropriate colour.

A suit is the best for the conference; it

should be black and formal. It should be

cleaned and ironed.

Tops

A blouse or shirt is appropriate. No t-

shirts. No branding or informal designs.

Dresses of adequate length of knee

height is also acceptable.

A clean and ironed buttoned shirt of an

appropriate colour with no informal

designs or brands. Also a formal tie

fastened to the neck.

Bottoms

Dark trousers or suit trousers are

acceptable. Skirts or dresses that are

knee height are also acceptable, in a

respectable colour and design. Should

be no jeans or shorts.

Dark suit trousers are best, ironed and

formal. There should be no jeans or

shorts. Belts are permitted if formal, no

colourful buckles or designs.

Shoes

Formal shoes, heels or flats. Required

to be comfortable. Of an appropriate

colour. No trainers or open toed shoes.

Formal dark leather shoes, no trainers or

sandals. No branded sports shoes.

Should be comfortable.

Badges

All delegates must carry their

information badge for access and

identification. Either round the neck or

on a clip.

All delegates must carry their

information badge for access and

identification. Either round the neck or

on a clip.

Accessories

Accessories must be kept to a

minimum, one necklace, formal

earrings, no large hoops or multiple

bracelets. Keep it simple.

Watches and simple necklaces are

allowed. No large rings or accessories.

Formal belts are allowed.

Make-Up

Same as accessories must be kept to a

minimum. Try and look formal and

approachable, no dramatic colours or

styles.

Preferably no make up. Maintain a

formal and presentable appearance.

Hair

Try and keep it formal. Possibly tied up

in a single ponytail. No eccentric

colours or accessories.

Keep it simple and formal. Possibly

brushed and neat. No dramatic styles or

colours.

37

" I f ee l l i k e t h e r e a l r e p r e se n t a t i ve o f

m y co un t r y . A t m y f i r s t co n f e r e n c e I

f e l t a b i t n e r v o u s bu t a s t h e s e ss io n

g o t o n , I b e c a m e m o r e co n f i d e n t an d

m ad e a lo t o f f r i e nd s . I t w a s a

w o r t h w h i l e e x p e r i e n c e . "

Dubai International Academy’s MUN Calender 2010-2011

The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) Singapore, November 2010 THIMUN Singapore is a four-day conference for secondary school students held at the renowned Hwa Chong Institute in Singapore. This year‟s conference theme is Climate Change.

www.thimunsingapore.org

The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN), January 2011 THIMUN is a five-day simulation of the United Nations for secondary school students, taking place in The Hague, The Netherlands. It is the largest conference for secondary school students in the world. www.thimun.org

Dubai International Academy Model United Nations (DIAMUN), March, 2011 DIAMUN is a four-day simulation of the United Nations for secondary school students, held by Dubai International Academy. DIAMUN 2011 will be the third conference that DIA will host.

www.diadubai.com/diamun/2011

WE Model United Nations Conference (WEMUNC), August 2010 WEMUNC is a four-day simulation of the United Nations for secondary school students, co- organised by UNA-China and Weland International and is held annually in Beijing, China. www.wemunc.org

38

Bibliography

http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/modelun/prep.html

www.un.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Economic_and_Social_Council

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Secretariat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Court_of_Justice

http://www.un.org/aboutun/unhistory/

http://www.un.org/Overview/uninbrief/

http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=900501

http://www.zagimun.org/zagimun/what-is-model-un

The United Nations pamphlet (About the UN) MUNISH – Handbook