MUN training

The Format of MUN conferences Roll Call Setting the Agenda When Model UN committees have more than one topic available Motion: “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. Delegates vote (simple majority required)

Debate (begins with a motion that sets a speakers list – time, # of follow up questions, etc.) Formal Debate: revolves around a speakers list A country may only be on the speakers list once Informal Debate (between formal speeches): moderated caucuses (the chair calls on delegates on-by-one) and unmoderated caucuses (the committee breaks for a temporary recess) After several countries state their positions, the committee breaks for caucuses to develop regional positions

How to make an opening speech Thank the presiding official. Provide 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. Explain how your country’s position relates to the positions of other member states. 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 country’s 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. Opening speech (sample).doc

How to write a resolution Terms: Resolution: a document that has been passed by an organ of the UN that aims to address a particular problem or issue. The UN equivalent of a law. Sponsor: One of the writers of a draft resolution. 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 discuessed.

Preambulatory Clauses The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a present participle (called a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can include References to the UN charter Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with the issue General statements on the topic, its significance and its importance

Operative Clauses Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each operative clause begins with a verb and ends with a semicolon. Should be organized in a logical progression. Resolution (sample).docx