1. What is a resolution? A written statement expressing an opinion
about an issue
A way to outline a solution
Solution first, resolution second!

2. Why would you write a Resolution?
To state a position and give recommendations
A resolution is a way to:
Express an opinion
Criticize or put pressure on member states
Recommend that action
be taken

3. Who writes a resolution?
A single country OR
A group of countries
that share the same ideas on an issue

4. Resolutions At a Glance
The best way to think about a resolution is as a sentence with three main parts:
The header indicates the committee, the topic and the sponsor country;
The preambulatory clauses provide context, describing why the issue is important and what previous actions have been taken; and
The operative clauses describe what actions the committee should take to solve the problem.

5. Format
One long sentence separated by commas (,) colons (:) semi-colons (;)
A period only appears at the very end!
3 main parts:
Heading
Preamble
Operative clauses

6. The Heading A way to identify the resolution Identifies 3 things:
Committee
Topic
Sponsor Country
Format: On separate lines at top left hand corner

7. Example Heading Committee: General Assembly
Topic: Raising health standards throughout the world
Sponsor: Brazil

8. The Preamble Describes why this Resolution is important Can include:
U.N. Charter
Other resolutions
What the UN has said about issue
Other groups working on problem
Do your research!
Format: Each phrase followed by a comma (,)
Last clause followed by a colon (:)

9. Example of a Preamble
Taking into account that many people are living in poverty,
Noting with approval the steps taken by the General Assembly in dealing with this problem,
Alarmed by the standard of living in many countries,
Seeking to increase health standards throughout the world:
Comma
Colon

10. Example of words for the preamble
Acknowledging
Alarmed by
Appreciating
Aware
Concerned
Keeping in mind
Recognizing
Taking into consideration

11. Operative Clauses Describe what action should be taken Format:
Reasonable solutions that the committee can enforce.
Format:
Begin each phrase with an operative word or phrase.
End each clause with a semi-colon (;) and the last with a period
Number each phrase
Underline the Operative word or phrase

12. Examples of Operative Clauses
1. Calls upon member states to increase economic aid to countries with poor health standards;
2. Trusts that the Economic and Social Council will address this issue accordingly;
3. Invites the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to work on this problem;
4. Encourages the use of non-governmental organizations in solving this problem.
Semi-colon
Period

13. Examples of words in Operative Clauses
Decides
Declares
Directs
Encourages
Recommends
Reminds
Requests
Suggests
Supports

14. Sample Resolution The General Assembly,
Recognizing that China is a permanent member of the Security Council,
Taking into account that China has threatened war with Taiwan :
Urges the nations of the world to consider sanctions against China;
Condemns China using live ammunition in its military exercises.

15. Resolution Writing: Do’s
Do write the correct names of the country and committee that you are in
Do use many different sources to support your point
Do look at the problem from different points of view
Do present realistic solutions in your resolution
Do represent your country and its actual foreign policy

16. Resolution Writing: Don'ts
Don’t abbreviate the names of the countries
(e.g. Great Britain is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Don’t use “I” when referring to yourself; say “we” or “the delegate from ____”
Don’t make a resolution very long, but be specific when giving solutions

17. Art of Diplomacy Diplomacy
The conduct by government officials of negotiations and other relations between nations.
The art or science of conducting such negotiations
Skill in managing negotiations, handling people, etc., so that there is little or no ill will;

18. Art of Diplomacy in Resolution Writing
“Diplomacy is thinking twice before saying nothing.”
- Unknown
It is important to be diplomatic because:
Demonstrating courtesy is essential
Resolutions often address sensitive topics
Diplomacy can help you
achieve what you want