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Opening Speech Outline

The document provides guidance on writing an opening speech for a formal debate. An opening speech should be no longer than 90 seconds, summarize the country's position paper, and explain the country's position on the issue as well as proposed resolutions. It should introduce the country and the issue, explain why it is important to both the country and United Nations, discuss actions already taken, and list recommendations for the committee. An example opening speech on addressing HIV/AIDS in Sudan is also provided.

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80 views2 pages

Opening Speech Outline

The document provides guidance on writing an opening speech for a formal debate. An opening speech should be no longer than 90 seconds, summarize the country's position paper, and explain the country's position on the issue as well as proposed resolutions. It should introduce the country and the issue, explain why it is important to both the country and United Nations, discuss actions already taken, and list recommendations for the committee. An example opening speech on addressing HIV/AIDS in Sudan is also provided.

Uploaded by

Ana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Opening Speeches

Your Opening Speech is given at the beginning of the formal debate or the Speaker’s List. It is
basically a summary of what you have written in your Position Paper and tells the rest of the
delegates your country’s basic position on the topic and possible ideas for resolutions. It
should be NO LONGER than 90 seconds. This means keeping your speech around half a page.
Below, you will find the basic format your speech should follow.

Using your Position Papers, you are going to write an Opening Speech. Be sure to use clear,
concise language – you only have 90 seconds to fit everything in! Practice your speech at home
to make sure it is the right length and that you use good public speaking skills.

Your Opening Speech is your introduction of yourself and your country – make it a good first
impression!

“Thank you honorable Chair and esteemed delegates,


The country of _____________ feels the issue of _________________ is….”
Explain why it is important to the United Nations
Explain why it is important to your country
Talk about statistics that illustrate the problem in your country
“This committee should understand that due to these problems….”
Explain the effects of the problem on your country
“The government of ____________ has been trying to deal with the issue of __________
by…”
Talk about actions your country has taken on a national level to address the
problem
Talk about actions your country has taken on an international level
“The country of ____________ encourages the committee to:”
List your recommendations for the committee, which will be what you want to see in the
resolutions at the end of the debate.
“In conclusion, the country of __________ believes that:”
Summarize your previous statements.
“Thank you for your time.” or “Thank you honorable Chair.”

EXAMPLE OPENING SPEECH:


Thank you Honorable Chair and Esteemed Delegates. Today the
delegation of Sudan is here to discuss one of the most aggravating issues
in the world, the HIV virus, most commonly known as AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is a serious problem that affects over 1.1 million people in Sudan
alone. Within the next ten years, more than half of Africa’s population will be
threatened by it. Because of our country’s poverty, state health facilities offer
no treatment for HIV/AIDS other than voluntary tests and council. Overall,
the HIV/AIDS virus acts as a significant brake on the economic growth and
development of our country as well as globally, since the people affected are
forced to leave their jobs.
Given the current and past state of our country, Sudan has only just begun the
process of creating more health centers and educational programs to prevent
the spread of HIV/AIDS. Globally, Sudan has collaborated with various
other African countries to jumpstart continent-wide campaigns to fight
HIV/AIDS. However, there is still much work and support needed to end this
epidemic.
As a result of our close connection to this issue, Sudan proposes that the UN
Committee: #1 offers financial support to continue and increase the
endeavors in Africa to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. And #2 Calls upon
member-states to make health gains in HIV/AIDS treatment and in finding an
eventual cure a priority.
Sudan is very much devastated by this issue and strongly urges all delegates
to consider our proposals. Thank you for your time and I yield my time to the
Chair.

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