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Handbook for Virtual Model NATO

18 May 2021

[Prepared by Mark Webber, version 1 April 2021]

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WELCOME
You have been sent this Handbook because you will be participating in virtual Model NATO
on 18 May 2021. This Handbook should be read in conjunction with other materials sent
separately:

• NATO 101: A Guide to the Alliance’s Purpose, Structure and History

• A Country Brief of the NATO ally you are representing
• Crisis Briefing 1.
• NATO Document PO(2019)0054
• Data on national military and civilian capabilities

In this Handbook, you will be given details of the format of the Model, the Rules of
Procedure delegates will need to follow, and other information on who is taking part and
who is on hand to help.

Model NATO is being hosted by the British Embassy, Lisbon, in partnership with Professor
Mark Webber at the University of Birmingham. Professor Webber has been involved in
running annual International Model NATO events in Washington D.C. since 2008 and was
the academic lead for Model NATO UK run jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office (FCDO) and the British International Studies Association (BISA) in
December 2019 and January 2021. He also ran a Model for schools at the time of the 2014
NATO summit in Wales.

We hope that participation in the Model will increase your awareness of NATO and give you
an insight into the challenges of making decisions in a large international organisation. A
Model such as this has obvious educational benefits, but it is also meant to be enjoyable and
fun. We are confident that the experience of being ‘in role’, articulating the position of your
country and meeting with other delegates, is one that you will find both challenging and
inspiring.

If upon reading this Handbook, you have any questions, feel free to contact its author –
Mark Webber at: [email protected]
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OBJECTIVES
Model NATO provides a unique opportunity for students to study the role, structure, and
activities of NATO through a crisis simulation augmented by the support and advice of
resident academics, officials and specialists.

Specifically, Model NATO is designed to:

• increase awareness of the role, structure, and activities of NATO;

• highlight major military-security, political, and social issues facing NATO and its
member nations;

• generate understanding of the many capabilities and constraints that shape the
foreign policies of NATO members in determining matters of collective security;

• highlight recent changes affecting NATO security policies;

• demonstrate the patterns of cooperation and conflict that characterize intra-NATO

diplomacy in the search for collective security;

• demonstrate the need for cooperative action in an unfolding crisis situation;

• develop skills that are transferable to other settings – in regard to education,

employment, and volunteering.
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OUTLINE SCHEDULE
The Model will be held entirely online and will take up the whole of 18th May 2021. There
will be a briefing for academic faculty on 20th April and for participating students the week
before the Model (date to be confirmed). The student briefing will cover the Model NATO
Agenda, Rules of Procedure and Online Protocol. Zoom details for all these dates will be
sent separately.

On 17th May (i.e. the day before the Model) Crisis Briefing 2. will be circulated. This will give
participating students 24 hours’ notice of the crisis simulation that will be played out at the
Model on the 18th (that Briefing elaborates in detail upon the scenario anticipated in the
previously circulated Crisis Briefing 1).

For the day of the Model, a provisional schedule is below (in local Lisbon time). These
timings may change in order to accommodate guest speakers. The Model will be centred on
sessions of the North Atlantic Council (‘the NAC’). The NAC will consider a Draft Declaration
provided at the start of business (see p.7). The day will finish with closing speeches and
awards.

Schedule

Zoom room opens 08:45

Welcome, opening statements and crisis update 09.00 – 09.30

Delegation consultations 09.30

NAC Session 1. 09.45 – 11.30

Break 11.30 – 11.45

NAC Session 2. 11.45 – 13.00

Crisis update 13.00 – 13.15

Lunch break 13.15 – 13.45

NAC Session 3. 13.45 – 15.15

Break 15.15 – 15.30

NAC Session 4. 15.30 – 17.00

Break 17.00 – 17.15

Secretary General concluding statement 17.15 – 17.30

Concluding speeches and awards 17.30 – 18.00

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MODEL NATO –COUNTRY ALLOCATIONS

University University contact NATO member countries

Universidade Católica USA

Portuguesa – Institute for Latvia
Political Studies (IEP-UCP) Montenegro
Norway
Iceland
Slovakia

Instituto Universitário Militar + Albania

UCP Institute for Political Luxembourg
Studies (IUM/IEP-UCP) Canada
Italy
Greece
Hungary

Universidade NOVA de Lisboa North Macedonia

(UNL) Romania
Bulgaria
Germany
Turkey
Estonia

Universidade Lusíada Croatia

United Kingdom
Lithuania
The Netherlands
Portugal
Belgium

University of Birmingham Prof Mark Webber Czech Republic

Slovenia
[email protected] France
Denmark
Spain
Poland

BACKGROUND
Model NATO’s principal purpose is to respond to a major crisis through decisions of its
supreme decision-making body – the North Atlantic Council or ‘the NAC’ (acting at the level
of Foreign Ministers).
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You will have been provided with information on the general nature of the crisis prior to
arrival at the Model (Crisis Briefing 1). Further details (Crisis Briefing 2.) will be circulated on
17th May, 24 hours before the Model commences.

The crisis will involve a series of natural disasters occurring simultaneously throughout the
Mediterranean and North Atlantic areas. While not involving a military or terrorist incident,
NATO’s military and civilian infrastructure and the combined capabilities of its allies are,
nonetheless, seen as vital for dealing with the crisis and its aftermath.

The crisis will be spread across a very wide geographic area, is of huge magnitude and
involves massive loss of life. NATO is unable to prevent the crisis from occurring and so its
role is to deal with the consequences. The scale of unfolding events is such that NATO will
be required to take tough decisions on what to prioritise, what assets to release, what
geographic areas to focus on, what command structures to put in place, and what level of
risk to tolerate when putting military and civilian personnel in harm’s way.

Included below is the agreed agenda for the NAC. At the opening of business, (subject to the
relevant Rules of Procedure) items may be added or merged with the agenda that is
presented.

In researching and then articulating your country’s position, you should pay particular
attention to the national assets at your disposal (both military and civilian) which might
contribute to a NATO crisis-response operation. Given that your country may itself be the
site of a major incident, you should also look into what existing national emergency plans
your country has in place and what additional support you may seek from your NATO allies.
And you should bear in mind that the crisis will involve NATO working alongside emergency
and crisis responders from EU and UN agencies, as well as NGOs and private security
contractors. To help in this task you have been sent separately a country brief, a ‘NATO 101’
guide (with further links) and data on national military and civilian capabilities.

AGENDA
Meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the Level of Foreign Ministers, 18th May 2021.

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CHAIR: Secretary General (Kennedy Anderson)

Deputy Secretary General (Emily Sharer)
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SUBJECT: Measures taken in response to the emergency in the Mediterranean and

North Atlantic areas.

ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

1. To agree this Agenda.

2. Confirmation and clarification of reported data on the emergency situation.

3. To consider a draft Declaration on NATO’s Crisis Response. To include:

a. Identification of NATO and national assets for a coordinated response.

b. Priority setting: – determining NATO’s operational and geographic focus.
c. Composition of a Force Requirements Catalogue for emergency response.
d. Command arrangements of the emergency response.
e. Partner arrangements (EU and UN agencies, NATO Partner countries and
NGOs)
f. Suspension of other NATO business.

TASK: To agree a coordinated and comprehensive response by NATO to the

emergency in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic areas – involving where
appropriate NATO Partners, international organisations and external
agencies.

A package of measures to be summarised in an agreed Final Declaration for release no later

than 17.15.

ASSISTANCE AT THE MODEL (HOME GOVERNMENT)

NATO is an alliance of nation states. Each of its member countries (sometimes referred to as
‘the nations’) is sovereign. NATO possesses no supranational powers. Countries, therefore,
operate under national instructions and in pursuit of national objectives. This does not
mean a NATO-wide interest is missing or that agreement is impossible. In fact, NATO has a
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long record of agreeing upon significant, shared objectives. That it can agree explains the
longevity of the Alliance and its ability to adapt.

Your job as a delegate is to pursue a national purpose with a predisposition toward a

common NATO interest. You will seek to promote your country’s interests, but you should
also be open to compromise and trade-offs. You should only withhold agreement on a NATO
decision if there is a very obvious and vital national interest at stake.

To assist you in navigating these tricky diplomatic waters, advice will be on hand from
academic faculty and student mentors. These people will also act as Home Government, a
body that will take up permanent position during the Model in a designated Zoom Room.
Home Government will give advice on national positions and, when necessary, issue
delegates with instructions from their home capitals. A Model allows students as much
latitude as possible in decision-making so only rarely will such instructions be issued, but
when they are, they should be regarded as binding.

RULES OF PROCEDURE

PART I. PURPOSE

1. The Model is a simulation of the actual proceedings of NATO as they take place at its
meetings through negotiation and debate.
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2. The Agenda contained in this Handbook is circulated to Delegates prior to the

commencement of the Model. The Agenda acts as a basis for discussion and
negotiation in committee.

3. The Model consists of a single committee: the North Atlantic Council (‘the NAC’).
The NAC is tasked with agreeing a Final Declaration in response to an emergency.

PART II. REPRESENTATION

4. Each participating university represents six NATO countries and sends delegates for
these countries to the Model.

5. For each country, representation on the NAC can be by a single-person or a two-

person delegation (a ‘single’ or ‘double’ delegation in other words). If a double
delegation is registered, only one person can be active in the NAC at any time (see
also Online Protocol and Guidance below).

6. Each university taking part is overseen by an attending member of academic faculty,

who will ensure correct conduct is maintained for the duration of the Model.

7. Each delegation acts on behalf of its national policy position and so can be advised
and instructed by Home Government to act in the NAC accordingly.

PART III. SECRETARIAT

8. The sponsoring institutions shall provide the staff for the Model including the
Secretary General and Deputy. These officers plus any others designated to Home
Government, the Awards Committee, as well as representatives of the sponsoring
institutions themselves will form the Secretariat of the Model.

9. The Secretary General will have full powers to ensure the proper functioning of the
NAC. In all matters, the Secretary General can devolve these powers to the Deputy.
The Secretary General and Deputy, having conjoined powers, are referred to
hereunder as ‘the Chair’ of the NAC.

10. The Chair will carry out its responsibilities through interpretation and enforcement
of these Rules of Procedure. The Chair shall declare the opening and closing of each
session of the NAC, direct discussions, accord the right to speak, limit debate,
oversee voting and announce decisions. The Chair shall rule on Points of Order and
will be the final arbiter of any disputes arising as a result of the interpretation of
these Rules.

PART IV. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

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11. Business commences with a Roll-Call of delegates. The Chair may declare a meeting
open if two-thirds of the Delegates to the NAC are present. At any time during a
session of the NAC, a Delegate may make a Motion to Take a Roll Call in order to
request that the Chair confirm the number of delegations that are present. This
motion must be seconded and requires a two-thirds majority to pass. Such motions
may be ruled dilatory at the Chair’s discretion.1

12. The first standing item is receive opening statements (a tour de table) from all
Delegates present (these will be limited to 30 seconds per delegate).

13. The tabled Agenda follows. The main item under consideration is a Draft
Declaration. Business proceeds by debating the content of the Draft. That debate
will entail review of the text or of proposed amendments.

14. For Debate, a Speakers’ List is compiled for each Part of the Declaration under
consideration. That List indicates those Delegates who have requested speaking time
either to support existing operative paragraphs of the Declaration or to propose
amendments. Debate proceeds according to the order of the Speakers’ List.

15. Proposed Amendments add, delete, or alter part of the Draft Declaration. For an
Amendment to be in order it must have a Sponsor, a Seconder and at least two listed
Signatories. (Note: collecting a Second and Signatories may require consultation
among Delegates via an Unmoderated Caucus – see Paragraph 20 below).
Amendments must be submitted in the correct format to the Chair (see sections on
Introducing Amendments and Online Protocol and Guidance below).

16. Debate commences with the relevant Amendment being introduced by its sponsoring
Delegate. Other Delegates may speak in favour or against at the invitation of the
Chair. Time spent debating each Part or Paragraph of the Draft Declaration (known as
Draft Text) is limited by the Chair. If no formal Amendments are tabled, debate on the
Draft Text (or parts thereof) is resolved by vote (see Part V).

17. When moving to consideration of an Amendment, its sponsor must indicate if the
Amendment is Friendly or Unfriendly. If Friendly – and deemed so by all other
Delegates - it is automatically adopted into the Draft Declaration. If the Amendment
is deemed Unfriendly by any of the Delegates (including its Sponsor), then it is open
to debate. Debate on Unfriendly Amendments is resolved by vote (see Part V).

18. The Chair may limit the number of Amendments or request that Delegates combine
similar amendments. Amendments are considered in the order in which they are
received.

1 During debate, the Chair may encourage Motions from Delegates. A Motion can be proposed orally. For
relevant Motions, see Paragraphs 11, 20, 21, 24, 31, 32 and 39.
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19. Amendments may be withdrawn by their Sponsor at any time prior to voting.

20. A Delegate may, with the support of a Seconder, move a Motion for an
Unmoderated Caucus. Should the Chair entertain it, that Motion is immediately put
to a vote. To pass, such a Motion requires a two-thirds majority of the Delegates
present and voting. If passed, the NAC moves into an Unmoderated Caucus. During
this time, Delegates are permitted to converse, and negotiate with each other
without any formal rules or limitations. An Unmoderated Caucus can take place in
the main Zoom Room. However, if multiple issues are up for discussion (such as
competing drafts of text) then the Chair can open up Breakout Zoom Rooms (see
Online Protocol and Guidance below). Delegates are encouraged not to spend more
time in Unmoderated Caucus than is necessary – they are most useful for the writing
and discussion of draft Amendments, and for the lobbying of preferences among
delegates. A Motion when presented must specify the time duration of the proposed
Unmoderated Caucus and, if relevant, the themes to be discussed in Breakout
Rooms. If the Motion is passed, the Chair retains the right of interpretation -
determining the number of Breakout Rooms to be opened, their duration and the
themes to be discussed.

21. In addition to an Unmoderated Caucus, other options exist for a Suspension of the
Rules. Motions for Suspension require a Sponsor, a Seconder, and a two-thirds
majority of delegates present and voting. Any such Motion should refer to one of the
following:

(i) Moderated Caucus: in which the sponsoring Delegate specifies a topic,

speaking time and total time for the caucus and calls upon other Delegates to
speak through the raising of hands. The sponsoring Delegate is allowed the
option of being the first or final speaker of the caucus.
(ii) A Popcorn Debate: here too the sponsoring Delegate specifies a topic,
speaking time and total time for debate. The sponsor speaks first and then
selects any other delegation to speak next. That delegation then speaks and,
in turn, selects the next speaker. The process continues until the agreed time
is exhausted.
(iii) A Round Robin: the sponsoring Delegate specifies a topic and delegate
speaking time. Every Delegate speaks for that time (delegates may not pass on
or exceed the speaking time) starting with the sponsoring delegate. From
there, delegates speak in country alphabetical order until all Delegates have
participated.
(iv) Question and Answer (Q&A) Period: used to direct questions at the Sponsor
of a tabled Amendment. The Sponsor of the Q&A must specify a length of
time for the Q&A (calculated as a total period embracing both questions and
responses) and the issue upon which questions are to be raised. If the Motion
passes, the Chair will ask Delegates wishing to ask a question to raise their
hands.
(v) Straw Poll: this is used to quickly gauge the NAC’s support for a question,
topic, idea, amendment etc. When making the Motion, its Sponsor should
specify what question is to be addressed. If the Motion passes, the Chair will
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then present that question and offer the delegates the chance to respond yes,
no, or abstain by a simple raising of hands. Responses to a straw poll are non-
binding.

22. Debate on an Agenda item is closed at the discretion of the Chair (for example, when
the Speakers’ List is concluded).

23. At the discretion of the Chair, Draft Text may be accepted and recorded without
debate (for instance, in the case of appended statements relating to national
contributions to capability and force catalogues). The Chair shall, if necessary, allow
time in NAC session for the compilation of such statements.

24. A Delegate with the support of a seconder, may move for Closure of Debate on the
Agenda item under discussion; whether or not any other Delegate has signified
his/her desire to speak. To pass, this motion requires a two-thirds majority of those
present and voting.

PART V. VOTING PROCEDURE

25. Votes on Motions, otherwise known as Procedural Votes (see Paragraphs 11, 20, 21,
24, 31, 32 and 39), are normally conducted by a show of hands (see Online Protocol
and Guidance) and are passed by a two-thirds majority.

26. Votes on the Draft Text and Amendments thereto are known as Substantive Votes.
These are subject to a separate procedure (see Paragraph 30).

27. The Chair has the right to enter into Voting Procedure on Draft Text or an
Amendment at any time, should the circumstances require it.

28. Immediately prior to such a vote, the Chair shall describe to the Delegates the item
to be voted on and shall explain the consequences of a ‘yes or a ‘no’ vote. Voting
shall begin upon the Chair’s declaration ‘we are in voting procedure’ and end when
the results of the vote are announced.

29. After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, delegates may not
communicate with each other.

30. Draft Text and Amendments thereto shall be adopted by Consensus. A Delegate is
assumed to be in agreement unless s/he states otherwise. The Chair will bang the
gavel three times, saying ‘without objection’ before each strike. If any Delegate has
an objection to the text passing, they must make known that objection through a
raised hand before the third strike. If without objection, the Draft Text is adopted. If
an objection is made, the vote has failed and debate on the Draft Text in question is
automatically reopened for further amendment(s). At this point, those Delegates
that objected to the passage of the Draft Text must submit immediately one or more
Amendments (either orally or in writing) to be debated in the usual manner. If the
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Chair is satisfied that an Amendment is not forthcoming from an objecting Delegate

or Delegates, their objection is voided. If all objections have been voided in this
manner, the Draft Text is considered to have passed in the vote.

31. If the Draft Text is irretrievably controversial (i.e. it fails to generate consensus even
with amendments), the Chair may abandon it or suggest a Motion to Defer (by
which the contested language is pended for later consideration in light of a Motion
to Reintroduce). These Motions require a two-thirds majority of those present and
voting. Any of these Motions may be introduced by the Chair or from the floor by a
Proposer and Seconder.

32. During voting procedures, a Delegate with the support of a Seconder, may move
to Divide the Question, so that parts of Draft Text or an Amendment can be voted
on separately. The Delegate making this Motion must specify which pieces are to be
voted upon separately, with each piece being at least one full clause. The Motion to
Divide is carried by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. If carried, then
the appropriate parts of the Draft Text are put to a vote with consensus required for
passage.

33. Absent delegates do not count in voting procedure.

PART VI. POINTS OF ORDER

34. The conduct of business is subject to the following Points of Order:

a) Point of Information
b) Point of Inquiry
c) Right of Reply.

Requests to the Chair for Points of Order are communicated by raised hands. All
requests are subject to the discretion of the Chair. An argument for or against items
in debate shall not be recognized as a valid point of order. The Chair may refuse to
recognize Points of Order if it is their judgment that the Delegate has not maintained
the restraint and decorum which should govern the use of such a right, or if in their
judgment the point is clearly dilatory in nature.

35. A Point of Information is raised to the Chair if a Delegate wishes to obtain a

clarification of procedure or further information on the matter before the
NAC. Delegates may not interrupt a speaker on a Point of Information.

36. A Point of Inquiry may be used to question a speaker on a matter of fact. Such a
Point may not be used to interrupt a speaker. A questioner will address the Point of
Inquiry to the Chair, who will then ask the speaker if he/she wishes to offer
clarification.
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37. The Chair may accord a Right of Reply if a specific country delegation is mentioned
in the intervention of another Delegate. If granted, the Delegate is permitted
speaking time to articulate his/her position.

PART VII. CONCLUSION OF BUSINESS

38. Business is suspended or concluded either when the NAC times out or reaches
agreement on a Draft Statement. The conclusion of business is announced by the
Chair.

39. In its final session, the NAC will give priority to those parts of the Draft Declaration
yet to be agreed. Omnibus Votes are permitted in this final session. Such a
procedure involves consideration of the whole draft Declaration in a single vote. A
Motion to Move to an Omnibus Vote can be introduced by the Chair or by a
Delegate with the support of a Seconder and subject to a two-thirds majority. Prior
to the holding of an Omnibus Vote, Delegates will be accorded speaker’s rights at
which time they will be permitted to articulate Reservations on the Draft Declaration
(these reservations will be collected in an Annex but are not construed as a
withholding of consensus nor as a request for an amendment to text). An Omnibus
Vote is conducted in line with the procedure specified in Paragraph 30. At the Chair’s
discretion, it may take the form of a Roll-Call Vote. Here, Delegates have the option
to vote yes, no, yes with reservations, or pass. The Chair will go down the roster in
country alphabetical order. Delegates make known their preferences verbally.

PART VIII GENERAL

40. The official language of Model NATO is English.

41. Delegates shall dress in business attire for the duration of NAC meetings.

INTRODUCING AMENDMENTS

Model NATO involves detailed consideration of a Draft Declaration. That Draft is open to
Amendment as explained in the Rules of Procedure (see Paragraphs 15-20). Writing and
presenting Amendments is an essential aspect of a Delegate’s participation. Knowing how to
articulate the ‘language’ of the Model is, therefore, key to your success.
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Take a look at real NATO declarations to see how clear articulation is achieved. Good
examples include:

• The 2019 London Declaration:

https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_171584.htm
• The 2018 Brussels Declaration on Transatlantic Security and Solidarity:
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_156620.htm
• The 2014 Wales Declaration on the Transatlantic Bond:
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_112985.htm
• The 2010 NATO Strategic Concept:
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_68580.htm
• The 2006 Comprehensive Political Guidance:
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_56425.htm

To submit an Amendment at the Model, the form below should be used (this will be
available as separate Word and Google documents). The purpose of an Amendment is to
seek clarity, strike out what is regarded as an objectionable phrase or an unworkable
proposal, and improve upon suggestions already tabled. In drafting an Amendment, you
need to bear in mind whether your suggestion is ‘Friendly’ or ‘Unfriendly’. This distinction is
important for how the Amendment is debated (see Rules of Procedure Paragraph 17). An
Amendment which is Friendly is one which agrees with the broad thrust of Draft Text but
aims to improve upon it in matters of detail and implementation. An Amendment which is
Unfriendly, by contrast, raises objections to the purpose or substance of Draft Text itself.
Once submitted, the proposed Amendment will be allocated an identifier number to be
referred to in debate.

Proposed Amendments for debate are relayed to the Chair via the sharing function on
Google Docs (or, if required, by e-mail attachment).

And remember, an Amendment to be in order for debate requires a Sponsor, a Second and
two Signatories (see Rules of Procedure Paragraph 15).

PROPOSED DRAFT AMENDMENT

SUBJECT: (e.g. giving priority to NATO allies with child fatalities)

AMENDMENT TO DRAFT TEXT (e.g. amendment to Draft Declaration Paragraph #)

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PRINCIPAL SPONSOR: (e.g. name of NATO ally proposing the Amendment)

SECONDER: (e.g. name of NATO ally that is the second supporter)

SIGNATORIES (TWO MINIMUM) (e.g. names of supporting allies)

DRAFT: (indicate which of the following)

Addition

Deletion

Substitution

Provide text of amendment below ….

Online Protocol and Guidance

General

• Model NATO will be held virtually using a Zoom platform complemented by Google
Suite products (Docs, Sheets, and others as deemed necessary). All Delegates should
ensure that they have the most up to date version of Zoom, as well as an
institutional or personal Google account. Both are available free of charge. Prior to
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the Model, each delegation will be provided with the links for accessing the Model
NATO Zoom rooms.
• Prior to commencing Model NATO activities, a rehearsal event will be held
(time/date TBA) to allow delegates and faculty advisors the opportunity to practice
using the technology.
• During the Model, technical issues or concerns should be relayed to the NAC Chair.

Zoom Rooms

• The NAC will meet using a dedicated Zoom link. All procedural activity, moderated
debate, and voting will take place in this space. Unmoderated Caucuses (see below)
can occur in both the main room and Breakout Rooms provided by the Chair.

Unmoderated Caucuses

• If a Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus passes (see Paragraph 20 of Rules of

Procedure), the discussion will automatically begin in the main Zoom room. If
multiple issues are up for discussion, such as competing resolutions, the Chair will
open up Breakout Rooms for use by Delegates.
• The Sponsor of the Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus must specify the time
duration of the proposed Unmoderated Caucus. If relevant, the themes to be
discussed in Breakout Rooms should be specified prior to commencing the
Unmoderated Caucus. This information can be provided in the Zoom chat bar.
• Once opened by the Chair, Delegates may enter and exit the Breakout Rooms freely.
Delegates are also permitted to remain in the main Zoom room. Breakout Rooms can
be accessed by clicking on the tab at the bottom of their screen, as shown here.

• Delegates may choose to appoint an unofficial ‘moderator’ for each Breakout Room,
to ensure a productive conversation occurs. When there is one minute remaining, a
notification will appear informing delegates that the Breakout Room will soon close.
Delegates will automatically return to the main Zoom Room once the Unmoderated
Caucus expires.

Home Government

• A separate Zoom Room will be established for Home Government. If the NAC is in
session, countries with a single delegation will need to inform the Chair (through the
private chat function) that they are temporarily leaving the NAC in order to visit
Home Government. Once finished with Home Government, delegates will re-enter
the NAC via the Zoom Waiting Room.
• For double delegations, the student not involved in the NAC, is permitted to enter
Home Government for advice at any time.
• Note: if a single delegation has vacated the NAC to enter Home Government they
will have temporarily lost their voting rights. A vote in the NAC cannot be recalled if a
delegate is absent. Single delegations might, therefore, consider visiting Home
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Government during scheduled breaks or messaging Home Government with a

question via the Zoom chat function or e-mail.

Etiquette and Best Practices for Zoom Debate

• During sessions of the NAC, as well as any other full meetings (such as opening and
closing ceremonies), Delegates should ensure their microphone is muted. Delegates
should unmute when called upon to speak. During Unmoderated Caucuses, all
Delegates may be unmuted. Cameras should be on at all times unless a student is
part of a two-person delegation (see below) or has otherwise communicated an
urgent and temporary need to the Chair.
• The name identifier visible in the Zoom window of delegates should signify the
country being represented (note: when in session, the NAC Chair will refer to
Delegates by country not by name).
• Delegates may wish to place a false background in their Zoom window which helps
identification (e.g. a national flag).
• The chat function will be enabled in Zoom. Delegates will be able to send messages
publicly to everyone or privately to other individual participants (including the Chair).
• For universities using double delegations, only one delegate should be visible. If a
two-person delegation is using two screens, only one screen should be turned on at
any given time.
• Any delegate leaving Zoom while the NAC is in session should inform the Chair
(through the private chat function) of their intention. Delegates will re-enter the NAC
via the Zoom Waiting Room.
• Faculty present as observers in the NAC should remain muted and with their camera
off.

Speaking

• Short introductory statements will be made by all Delegates at the commencement

of NAC business. Thereafter, the Chair will indicate when they are accepting requests
to speak, at which point Delegates should use the ‘raise hand’ feature in Zoom. This
can be done by opening the ‘Participants’ tab at the bottom of the page, as shown

here.

• It remains at the discretion of the Chair to set the order and length of time permitted
to speakers in the NAC (unless Rules are suspended or Delegates are in an
Unmoderated Caucus – see Rules of Procedure Paragraphs 20-21).

Points of Order and Motions

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• Delegates wishing to make a Point of Order or introduce a procedural Motion should

use the raise hand function in order to alert the Chair.
• At the Chair’s request, delegates wishing to second a Motion can communicate their
preference verbally.

Voting

• For Procedural Votes on Motions (see Paragraph 25 of Rules of Procedure), the Chair
will call for votes in favour or against (abstentions are not permitted).
• Substantive Votes on text and amendments require consensus. Voting procedure is
laid out in Paragraph 30 of the Rules of Procedure.

Documents and Draft Text

• The Draft NAC Statement will be managed by the Chair as a shared document via
Google Docs.
• At the Chair’s discretion, the Statement (and other documents) can also be visualised
in Zoom using the Share Screen function.

CERTIFICATES AND AWARDS

All individual Delegates to Model NATO will receive a Certificate of Participation.

In addition, certificates will be awarded in the following two categories:

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• Outstanding Delegation (awarded to the country delegation regarded as having

made the most constructive contribution to the aims of the Model)

• Distinguished Delegation (awarded to the country delegation regarded as having

made an exemplary contribution to the aims of the Model)

These awards will be overseen by an Awards Committee comprised of the NAC Chair,
student mentors and academic faculty.