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1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents:

2 INTRODUCTION TO MUN .......................................................................... 3

3 KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL MUN................................................................... 3
4 TERMINOLOGY................................................................................................ 4
5 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE................................................................ 8
5.1 POINTS ........................................................................................................ 9
5.2 FORMS OF CAUCUS............................................................................... 10
5.3 MOTIONS ................................................................................................. 10
5.4 ADDRESSING SOMEONE:................................................................... 11
6 PREPARING FOR AN MUN ....................................................................... 12
6.1 OPENING SPEECH ................................................................................ 12
6.1.2 MUN Opening Speech Sample:......................................................... 13
6.2 RESOLUTION ........................................................................................... 14
6.2.1 MUN Draft Resolution Sample.......................................................... 16
6.3 AMENDMENTS ...................................................................................... 17
7 CRISIS ................................................................................................................. 18
8 DRESS CODE, RULES AND REGULATIONS ........................................ 19
9 AWARDS .......................................................................................................... 20
10 CONCLUDING REMARKS ....................................................................... 21

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 2 INTRODUCTION TO MUN

WHAT IS MODEL UNITED NATIONS?

Model United Nations, otherwise known as

MUN, is a simulation of the United Nations
where students take on the role of a
representative (delegate) of one of the 193
Member Countries of the United Nations (UN).
The objective of MUN is to solve the issue at
hand by coordinating with other delegates and
coming up with solutions for the issue. Participating in MUN involves
researching the problem discussed and aligning yourself with your country's
foreign policy and national interests while seeking consensus, cooperation, and
compromise. An MUN conference encourages debate and sharing of views
between students from different schools and different ethnicities. By creating an
atmosphere where students can develop their communication skills and open-
mindedness, MUNs aim to promote awareness of international relations and in
spite delegates to take the initiative of solving pressing issues.

3 KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL MUN

The key to having a successful experience at MUN is thorough and

comprehensive preparation. It is recommended that all delegates become
familiar with the following five areas of study. For more reliable results, when
researching, use the search engine “Google Scholar”. Each area should be
addressed in the following order:

The Topics on Country's

Your Your
united a global policies
country
nations scale on topic

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 4 TERMINOLOGY

Helpful vocabulary can be found here – Make sure you understand what these
words mean and how to use them:

➔ 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.

➔ Formal debate:

The "standard" type of debate at a Model UN conference, in which delegates

speak for a certain time in order based on the speakers' list.

➔ Bloc:

A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a similar opinion on

a particular topic. Blocs typically vote and write resolutions together.

➔ Dais:

The collective name of the chairs or the group of people leading the committee.

➔ Chair:

A member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, rules on points and
motions, and enforces the rules of procedure.

➔ Delegate:

A student acting as a representative of a member state in a Model UN committee.

➔ Delegation:

It is the member state assigned to be represented by a student.

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 ➔ Voting procedure:

The period at the end of a committee session during which delegates vote on
proposed amendments and draft resolutions.

➔ Decorum:

Order in committee. The chair may call decorum if the delegates are loud or
disrespectful to request their attention within the committee

➔ On the floor:

At a Model UN conference, when a working paper or draft resolution is first

written, it may not be discussed in debate. After it is approved by the approval
panel and introduced by the committee, it is put "on the floor" and may be
discussed.

➔ Placard:

A piece of cardstock with a country's name on it that a delegate would raise in the
air to signal to the Chair that they wish to speak.

➔ Vote:

A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or do not support a proposed

action for the committee. Delegates vote by raising their placards in the air. When
voting on resolution papers, a simple majority (50%) is usually sufficient for it to
pass; however, UNSC requires a ⅔ (66.7%) majority.

➔ Abstain:

During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may abstain rather than vote yes
or no. This generally signals that a country does not support the resolution being
voted on, but does not oppose it enough to vote no.

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 ➔ 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 they wish to be
added to the speakers' list by sending a note to the dais.

➔ Second:

To agree with a motion being proposed. Many motions must be seconded before
they can be brought to a vote.

➔ Veto:

The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom,
and the United States to prevent any draft resolution in the Security Council from
passing by voting no.

➔ Motion:

A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole does something.

Some motions might be to go into a caucus, to adjourn, to introduce a draft
resolution, or to move into voting procedure. A delegate may raise a motion by
saying: “Motion to extend time for/against ...”

➔ Moderated Caucus:

A type of caucus (a meeting) in which delegates remain seated and the Chair calls
on them one at a time to speak for a short period of time, this is a formal type of
debate.

➔ Unmoderated Caucus:

An unmoderated caucus is a suspension of the rules allowing delegates to

converse freely. Just as in a moderated caucus, a motion (to move into an
unmoderated caucus) must be voted upon and shall include a time limit and topic
for the caucus. The caucus requires a simple majority to pass.

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 ➔ Draft Resolution:

A document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee.

If passed by the committee, the draft resolution then be called resolution.

➔ Sponsors:

Delegates who were major contributors to the draft resolution. The number of
sponsors is usually limited.

➔ Signatories:

Delegates who support a draft resolution, or at least want to see it discussed.

There is no limit on the number of signatories.

➔ Submitter:

The main delegate that submits a clause or resolution.

➔ Co-submitter:

A delegate that signs another delegate's clause to get credit for the joint
submission.

➔ Yield:

Should the speaker wish to end their speech earlier than suggested, they must
state so by yielding:

1. -To the Chair, ie; you give up the rest of your time. The delegate
may say, “The delegate of Russia yields the floor to the Chairs.”
2. -To another delegate, ie; you give up the rest of your time to
another delegate. The delegate may say, “The delegate of Libya
yields the floor to the delegate of China.”
3. -To questions from other delegates or comments to your speech by
other delegates. (Questions are known as Points of Information).
The delegate may say, “The delegate yields the floor to points of
information.”

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 5 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Parliamentary procedure is a vital part of Model UN; it affects how the

committee goes through the debate. A grasp of the motions listed below is
essential to making the most out of Model UN and understanding the
process.

DIPLOMATIC CONDUCT

Delegates are requested to behave respectfully and treat other Delegates and
Supervisors with the highest level of acceptance and courtesy. Deliberate
provocation or insults during heated debates are by no means acceptable ways of
expressing one's views and will not be tolerated. Professionalism in speech,
action, and appearance during the conference is expected. Any kind of
discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, or disability
is prohibited. Please notify a supervisor if any form of discrimination occurs.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance of all conference events is required. Voting procedures that a delegate

misses cannot repeat. Thus, the absence will damage both political interests as
well as the delegate's reputation. Make sure to be punctual and return to the
committee on time after breaks. This ensures a steady flow of committee work
and passing resolutions on time.

ROLL CALL

The committee will be called into session by the chair. All nations will be called in
alphabetical order, each must state whether it is "present" or "present and voting".
This will be counted as attendance. Nations that are "present and voting" must
vote “for” or “against” on any resolution
or amendment throughout that day. Nations stating “present” may abstain.

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5.1 POINTS

During the debate, several points and motions can arise. In general, these
can never interrupt a speaker. If a delegate wishes to make a point, they
should raise their placard. When the delegate is recognized by the Chair,
they will rise and state their point. If the motion is accepted by the Chair,
then the chair will ask for seconds and objections. The various motions
and points are:

➔ Point of personal privilege:

This point is the only point that may interrupt a delegate or the Chair
while they are speaking. A delegate can simply say “Point of personal
privilege” to express discomfort (too cold/hot, permission to use the
washroom etc.)

➔ Point of parliamentary inquiry:

To ask the chair a question regarding the rules, procedures, or topic. This
point can be raised without the chair asking for points and motions. For
example, asking whether it is okay to abstain on an amendment.

➔ The Right of Reply:

May be used if a delegate feels personally offended by a fellow delegate’s

statement. If approved by the chair, the delegate may explain which point
they considered an offense and then will be granted the chance to reply.

➔ Point of information:

Used after a speech to ask a question or address a concern to the speaker.

Points of Information must be phrased in the form of a question and be
relevant to the speech or resolution being presented. This point can be
raised only when the chair asks for points and motions. There will be a
minimum of two mandatory points of information after every speech. The
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 speaker will then be given the opportunity to accept or reject any more
POIs.

➔ Point of order:

Used by a Delegate to remark a formal error by the chair or another

delegate. This point must be stated in a courteous and respectful manner.

5.2 FORMS OF CAUCUS

➔ Moderated Caucus

It is a form of a caucus where the delegates remain seated while the chair calls on
them one at a time to speak. Typically, delegates who are interested in speaking
will raise up their placards. This form of caucus is more of a formal debate.

➔ Un-moderated Caucus

It is an informal debate where delegates may leave their seats. An overall caucus
time and purpose of the un-moderated caucus must
be stated. Although speaking formally is not required for an un-moderated
caucus, limits must be set.

5.3 MOTIONS

➔ Motion for an Un-moderated Caucus:

Raised if the delegate wants to suspend the rules and have an informal discussion
without the speaker’s list. This is used to sort countries into blocs and to write
working papers and draft resolutions. The delegation proposing this motion
should suggest a time and topic for it, for example: “Motion to move into an un-
moderated caucus on the illicit trafficking of opium within the USA for 10
minutes.”

➔ Motion for a Moderated Caucus:

A formal debate, delegates cannot yield their time at the end of their speech. The
Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a short period of time. The
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delegation putting it forward must include the duration of the caucus, speaker’s
time, and topic.

➔ Motion for Clause-by-Clause voting:

Used if a delegate wishes to vote on each clause separately. This motion must be
raised before voting on this draft resolution has started. The motion requires a
two-thirds majority vote.

➔ Motion to Extend/Limit points of information

This changes the amount of time each Delegate may speak. Example: “The
Delegation of [...] moves to extend points of information”. If a motion to close the
speakers list for points of information is raised, no more speakers may be put on
the list. The speakers still on the list have a right to speak. After the last person
has spoken, the House moves immediately into Voting Procedure or entertaining
amendments.

5.4 ADDRESSING SOMEONE:

The need of addressing another Delegate or Chairperson in order to talk

to him/her or react to a held speech will frequently occur during the
conference. Do not use personal pronouns.

The correct way to address a Chair is:

»Distinguished
Chair«

The correct way to address of another Delegate is:

»Fellow Delegate« or »Honorable Delegate of

…«

When stating a personal opinion:

»The Delegate of [...] (referring to yourself) «

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 6 PREPARING FOR AN MUN

6.1 OPENING SPEECH

The Opening Speech typically lasts for about 1 minute and it is the first speech
you give to the committee. It is the best opportunity for you to explain your
country policy and the key sub-issues you would like the committee to focus on.
Opening Speeches are the main way for countries to determine who they want to
work with, so it’s important to prepare a speech that conveys your countries
views on the topics. There are many tips and strategies on how to deliver an
Opening Speech but use your Position Paper as a guide when you are starting
out.

How to Write an Opening Speech

There are few things to keep in mind when preparing for an opening speech:

During the beginning of the speech, it is

customary to address chairs and delegates
present by starting your speech as such (or
similarly to) ‘Honorable chairs and fellow
delegates,’
The main body of your speech should
address all the issues to be discussed in your
committee. Some delegates think this part of
the speech should be funny or entertaining. This is not what the speech is about.
Keep it diplomatic, concise, and straight to the point. The main concern should be
to clarify the issues faced in the delegation’s country. The closing remarks should
express the delegation’s willingness to cooperate with the house (the dais) to find
global solutions for the issues being discussed. This should be something along
the lines of ‘The delegate looks forward to an efficient debate to help combat the
issues at hand’.

The easiest way to organize your opening speech is in three parts:

◆ Hook: An engaging way to grab your audience’s attention

◆ Point: Your country policy on the topic
◆ Action: Your possible solutions to the topic.

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 6.1.2 MUN Opening Speech Sample:

Committee: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Topic: Changing visa policy to combat illegal migration

Country: United Kingdom

Honorable chair distinguished delegates,

The United Kingdom is strongly against making visas easily accessible. While the
death of the 39 Chinese found inside a refrigerated lorry from Bulgaria on October
23rd, 2019, is regrettable, our only option is informing potential migrants of the
danger to themselves.
Illegal migration into Britain is around 650,000—give or take a couple hundred
thousand. Many of these immigrants enter countries on tourist visas and then stay in
the country.
Changing the laws will only give smugglers more opportunities.
Britain proposes the UN create translated online platforms to apply for legal visas,
while also showing the dangers of illegal migration. The UN should invest in the
proliferation, so this information reaches the right people. The smugglers who get past
our x-ray machines, canine units, heartbeat monitors and carbon-dioxide sniffers are
extremely resourceful. If we loosen visa laws, they will adapt and continue to take
money from the poor but now with the white hats, we handed them to them.

Country’s Stance / clash: the perspective of the state and the

Confrontation of ideas, specifically the important two-sided issue
within the topic that you want the committee to discuss.

Key: Facts: Shows why your Call to Action will make the biggest difference
and explains why your country has the position it does.

Call to action: statement designed to give instructions for an

immediate response. It needs to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable,
Relevant and Timely (SMART)

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 6.2 RESOLUTION

The purpose of formal and informal debates is the production of Draft resolutions.
Nations with similar ideas about a topic usually get together to work on a paper, such a
group is called a bloc. After that they try to convince other nations to support their
paper. Frequently, another country will come along and agree to a few points on your
paper and suggest adding something or changing one clause or the other- this is called
an amendment.

A draft resolution will be submitted to the Chairs with one main submitter and the rest
of the delegates in the bloc as co-submitters. Delegates from the bloc will then read
the resolution out loud and give a speech explaining it. The speech is usually given by
the main submitter, but they may yield the floor to a co-submitter.

Resolution Formatting Guidelines:

➔ Heading:

The heading of the resolution should include the topic being discussed; the main
submitters followed by the co-submitters.

➔ Body:

The body of the resolution is comprised of two sets of clauses:

Pre-ambulatory clauses, which describe the problem being addressed, recalls past
actions taken, explains the purpose of the resolution, and offers support for the
operative clauses that follow. Each clause in the preamble begins with an
italicized word or phrase and ends with a comma.

Example pre-ambulatory clauses include:

Acknowledging, Acting, Affirming, Alarmed by, Alarmed, Anxious, Appreciating,

Approving, Aware of, Bearing in mind, Believing, Cognizant, Concerned, Confident,
Conscious, Considering, Contemplating, Convinced, Declaring, Deeply concerned,
Deeply conscious, Deeply convinced, Deeply disturbed, Deeply regretting, Deploring,
Desiring, Determined, Emphasizing, Encouraged, Expecting, Expressing appreciation
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Operative clauses suggesting the actions which will be taken by the body, or in
other words, the proposed solutions. Delegates may refer back to their position
papers when writing the resolution. These clauses all begin with present tense
active verbs, which are generally stronger words than those used to begin pre-
ambulatory clauses. These verbs are underlined. All operative clauses are
numbered, and (with the exception of the last, which ends with a period) are
followed by a semi-colon.

Example operative clauses include:

Accepts, Acknowledges, Adopts, Advises, Affirms, Also calls for, Also recommends, Also
strongly condemns, Also urges, Appeals, Appreciates, Approves, Authorizes, Calls, Calls
for, Calls upon, Commends, Concurs, Condemns, Confirms, Congratulates, Considers,
Decides, Declares, Declares accordingly, Demands, Deplores, Designates, Directs, Draws
the attention, Emphasizes, Encourages, Endorses, Expresses its appreciation, Expresses its
hope, Expresses its regret, Further invites, Further proclaims, Further recommends,
Further reminds, Further requests, Further resolves, Has resolved, Instructs, Introduces,
Invites, Notes, Notes with satisfaction, Proclaims, Reaffirms, Recalls, Recognizes,
Recommends, Regrets, Reiterates, Reminds, Renews its appeal, Repeats, Requests,
Requires, Solemnly affirms, Stresses, Strongly advises, Strongly condemns, Strongly
encourages, Suggests, Supports, Takes note of, Transmits, Trusts, Underlines,
Underscores, Urges, Welcomes,

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 6.2.1 MUN Draft Resolution Sample

General Assembly Third Committee

Sponsors: United States, Austria, and Italy

Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands, and Gabon

Topic: "Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex

emergencies" The General Assembly,

Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality, and inalienable rights of all global
citizens, [Use commas to separate preambulatory clauses]

Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with
UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance,

Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental
organizations,

Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of
reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm,

1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with
countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [Use semicolons
to separate operative clauses]

2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian
Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;

3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination
of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies;

4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary
donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid
deployment forces;

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 5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political,
economic, and social situations and events of all countries.

6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for
humanitarian assistance; and

7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance

through reconstruction and development. [End resolutions with a period]

6.3 AMENDMENTS

Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An

amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes, or changes an
operative clause in a draft resolution. There are two types of amendments:
➔ A friendly amendment:

A change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree to. Once the
amendment is signed by all the sponsors of the draft resolution and
approved by the committee chair, it will be automatically incorporated
into the resolution.

➔ An unfriendly amendment

A change that substantially changes the content of a clause. The committee

must vote upon it. This also refers to delegates who did not write this
resolution at all but see potential in it if several changes are made. The
sponsors of the amendment will need to obtain a required number of
signatories to introduce it. Before voting on the draft resolution, the
committee votes on all unfriendly amendments.

Writing an amendment is fairly simple. You have to make an operative

clause that adds, deletes, or changes an operative clause in a draft
resolution. For example:

➔ Delete operative clause 7.

➔ Add an operative clause that says “11. Recommends the following

rules and regulations to be ... "

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 ➔ Change operative clause 3 to “3. Calls upon all nations to develop an

in- depth understanding of the risks…”

Writing resolutions is initially a difficult task for any delegate. However,

with time and practice, you will become fluent in writing them and will
have memorized your favorite clauses so that you can easily turn any
statement into a clause. If you are the delegate writing the resolution, then
people will naturally come to you to see what you’re working on - it’s a
great way to make allies and friends in the process. If you want to get the
most out of MUN, it is highly recommended that you get involved in
resolution writing.

7 CRISIS

Delegates address crises in special committees where they are informed

through targeted, brief crisis updates. In these committees, delegates are
expected to work with their peers to find a solution to the crisis.

In any crisis, delegates must have deeply researched the topic of the
committee to be able to effectively address a brand new–though likely
symptomatic–issue in the fast-paced environment. Since crises are so
integral to the committee, debate itself is often guided more by the
backroom crises rather than the front room solutions. When crisis updates
are delivered, the dynamic of the committee shifts towards hyper-
efficiency as delegates race to scribble down

ideas for response. The quality and promptness of the committee’s

response to the previous update typically defines the contents of the next
crisis update, depending on the quality of the crisis staff. The purpose of
crisis updates is to simulate the reality of real-life global issues.

The philosophy of a MUN crisis is as follows. A regular Model UN topic

ends when a resolution is passed. You do not see the outcome of the

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resolution. You clap and move on to the next topic. In a crisis, a much
smaller (or larger) decision is made which works like a mini resolution
except that you immediately see the outcome and must deal with it. It is
dealing with the consequences of your actions which makes crisis so
unique and compelling.

8 DRESS CODE, RULES AND REGULATIONS

I. Delegates must be on time while attending all conference activities.

II. The attire must be appropriate and formal. Skirts and dresses must

fall below the knee. Sneakers are not allowed during the

conference. Formal shoes or heels may be worn. Heels must not be

more than 4 inches high.

III. All delegates who wear scarves should have their hijab on at all

times and dress accordingly, pictures will be taken throughout the

event.

IV. Singing, informal jokes, clowning, talking, etc.… during committee

are out of order, and any such incident will be marked. The chairs

can decide an appropriate punishment.

V. Delegates cannot use inappropriate words or insulting words

towards anyone.

VI. Eating during the debate is not in order.

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VII. Delegates cannot use inappropriate words or insulting words

towards anyone.

VIII. Delegates who do not follow the set rules will be clipped. Upon

being clipped once, the delegate will be exempted from ALL

awards.

9 AWARDS

Awards will be given at the closing ceremony to delegates according to

their participation, skill, and sportsmanship. There are three formal
awards and an honorable mention.

➔ Best delegate

➔ Best speaker

➔ Best position paper

Informal awards are given within the committee and are decided by the
delegates and chairs

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10 CONCLUDING REMARKS

I hope this guide will help you prepare for the conference. When it comes
to being a delegate, there are many different styles. The best way to
approach a MUN conference is to realize that being a delegate is about
compromise and diplomacy - not insulting someone’s work, even if you
view it as flawed. Respect other people’s work. You should always be
open minded about the solutions which people are proposing - whilst
abiding by your country’s foreign policy. If you’re opposed to a solution,
then say why without insulting or disrespecting anyone. It shows that
you’re above plain opposition and you appreciate the effort that other
people have put into their work.

Your Chairs are the figure of authority in a committee, all delegates must
respect the authority of the chair - most of them will be experienced
delegates with a few awards to their names. Furthermore, no matter how
friendly you have become with your chairs and fellow delegates over the
few days, try not to make your speeches too informal. It’s very important
that you first represent your country to the committee before you
represent yourself to your new friends.
However, with all this being said, MUN is about meeting people and
forming friendships with the people in your committee. It is an activity
which can teach you to become a global citizen in a world which is deeply
divided, so DO NOT WORRY, HAVE FUN, AND GOOD LUCK!!

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