SHIV NADAR

MODEL UNITED NATIONS GUIDE

2024

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CONTENTS

United Nations Committees……………………………………………………………………… 1

UN Structural Chart …………………………………………………………………………….. 2

UN Charter Articles……………………………………………………………………………… 3

Research and Preparation………………………………………………………………………. 4

Country Information Guide………............................................................................................... 5

Resolution Format……………………………………………………………………………...…..6

Resolution Clauses.……………………………………………………………………………..….7

Resolution Writing in Conference…………………………………………………………….......8

Position Papers…..………………………………………………………………………………....9

Committee Flow….………………………………………………………………………..……....11

SNS Dress Code………………………………………………………………………....................12

SNS Code of Conduct……………………………………………………………………………..13

Helpful Organization References………………………………………………………………...14

Opening Speech…………………………………………………………………………………....17

Sample Position Paper…………………………………………….................................................20

UN4MUN Rules of Procedure…………………………………………...……………………….22

Sample Resolution………………………………………………………………………………...27

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UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEES

The main bodies of the UN are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic
and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) consists of five permanent members (The Peoples
Republic of China, the Republic of France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the
United States of America) and ten rotating member states that are elected for two-year
nonconsecutive terms. UNSC decisions taken under Chapter VII of the UN Charter are legally
binding, and include both Article 41 (Economic Measures) and Article 42 (Military Measures).
This is the only body with the right to enforce these articles.

General Assembly Committees contain all member states and receive one vote. No nation has
the power to veto. GA decisions are NOT legally binding.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has 54 members elected by the GA for three-year
terms. As in the General Assembly, no state has veto power.

International Court of Justice has fifteen judges of different nationalities, elected for nine-year
terms by the UNSC and the GA. Nations can not be forced to appear before the court. All UN
members are members of the court.

Secretariat services the other principal organs of the UN and administers the programmes and
policies laid down by them. At its head is the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General
Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year, renewable term.

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IMPORTANT CHARTER ARTICLES

2.1 “The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.”

2.3 “All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner
that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.”

2.4 “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force
against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner
inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”

2.7 “Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in
matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the
Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter; but this principle shall
not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter Vll.”

25 “The Members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the
Security Council in accordance with the present Charter.”

CHAPTER VII: ACTION WITH RESPECT TO THREATS TO THE PEACE, BREACHES

OF THE PEACE, AND ACTS OF AGGRESSION

42 “Should the Security Council consider that measures provided for in Article 41 would be
inadequate or have proved to be inadequate, it may take such action by air, sea, or land forces
as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such action
may include demonstrations, blockade, and other operations by air, sea, or land forces of
Members of the United Nations.”
51 “Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-
defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security
Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures
taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defence shall be immediately reported to
the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the
Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary
in order to maintain or restore international peace and security. “

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RESEARCH AND PREPARATION

Resources

1. The Background Guide - data from the BG cannot be used in the position paper
2. The Internet - (See Helpful Organizations References page 16)
3. Your Nation’s Embassy
4. BBC/CNN/other reliable news websites- (BBC is more internationally related and has
background info for every country).

Collating your Research

▪ One binder; to include

o Background information to help understand the agenda
o major treaties
o documents
o articles
o resolutions
o anything else listed in your background guide
o successful UN and NGO programs
o recent statistics and studies (the more recent the better, nothing before ’11)
o innovative ideas to address the problems posed.

▪ Resolutions will be primarily statistics and programs/recommendations so it is

recommended to take note of those.

▪ Guidelines
o Clearly sorted into subtopics
o Major treaties are listed
o Stats are available
o Programs are outlined—one or two sentences each.
o A delegate’s point of view on the agenda.

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COUNTRY INFORMATION SHEET

Official Name of Country:________________________________________________________

Geographical Location:_____________ Date of Accession to United Nations:_______________

President/Prime Minister etc.:______________________________________________________

Border States:__________________________________________________________________

Major Allies:___________________________________________________________________

Human Development Index Ranking:_______________________________________________

Gross Domestic Product/ Gross National Product:______________________________________

Least Developed Country (LDC)/ Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC)?__________________

Major Import/Export Goods:______________________________________________________

Major Trading Partners:__________________________________________________________

Recent Conflicts:________________________________________________________________

General Policy towards:

Environment:___________________________________________________________________

International Development:_______________________________________________________

Human Rights:_________________________________________________________________

Social Development:_____________________________________________________________

Peace and Security:______________________________________________________________

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RESOLUTION FORMAT

Committee Name (w/o Abbreviations)

Topic: Resolution Format
Sponsors: Official Names of Sponsoring Countries
Signatories: Official Names of the Signatories

The General Assembly, (or other organ)

Recognizing that one line should be skipped after the title and before and after every following
clause,

Gravely concerned that delegates may forget to use a comma at the end of pre-ambulatory
clauses,

Noting that each resolution begins with the name of the organ,

Recalling that pre-ambulatory clauses CANNOT be amended,

Aware that the format of a resolution may be changed by a Chair or Secretary- General,

1. Nevertheless recognizes that this format is used at most conferences;

3. Welcomes clear and simple wording, explanation, and splitting complex ideas into
sub-operatives;

(a) With a colon introducing the first sub-operative;

(b) With one line between each sub-operative;

(c) With no underlining in the sub-operative;

(d) With a semi-colon at the end of each sub-operative and operative;

i. With one space between a sub-operative and sub-operatives under it;

ii. With no spaces between these clauses;

4. Notes that, when appropriate, an operative having sub-operatives may end in a colon;

5. Observes that a resolution, being only one sentence, always ends with a period.

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➔ Preambular clauses state the problem, operative clauses are the proposed solutions to
them.

A sample resolution is present at end of the guide (page 30)*

RESOLUTION CLAUSES

Perambulatory

Adopting Emphasizing Having received

Affirming Expecting Having studied
Alarmed by Expressing its appreciation Keeping in mind
Approving Expressing its satisfaction Noting further
Aware of Expressing its wish Noting with deep concern
Bearing in mind Fulfilling Noting with regret
Believing Fully alarmed Noting with satisfaction
Confident Fully aware Observing
Considering also Fully believing Reaffirming
Contemplating Further deploring Realizing
Convinced Further recalling Recalling
Cognizant Further recognizing Recognizing
Declaring Gravely concerned Referring
Deeply concerned Guided by Reiterating
Deeply conscious Having adopted Seeking
Deeply convinced Having considered Taking into account
Deeply disturbed Having considered further Taking note
Deeply regretting Having devoted attention Viewing with appreciation
Deploring Having examined Welcoming
Desiring Having heard Regretting

Operative

Accepts Draws attention Notes

Adopts Emphasizes Offers
Affirms Encourages Proclaims
Appeals Endorses Reaffirms
Approves Expresses conviction Recommends
Authorizes Expresses its appreciation Regrets
Calls Expresses its concern Reminds
Calls upon Expresses its hope Renews
Commends Expresses thanks Repeats

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Concurs Expresses the belief Requests
Condemns Expresses the hope Resolves
Confirms Further endorses Solemnly affirms
Congratulates Further invites Strongly condemns
Considers Further proclaims Strongly endorses
Decides Further recommends Strongly requests
Declares Further reminds Strongly supports
Declares accordingly Further requests Supports
Demands Further resolves Takes note of
Deplores Have resolved Transmits
Designates Instructs Urges

RESOLUTION WRITING PROCESS IN CONFERENCE

Phase One: The Working Paper

The first informal informal session is generally spent in regional blocks forming ideas and
discussing issues. It is during this time that delegates begin to formulate working papers.

Working paper: a list of ideas, solutions, and/or general clauses that you believe are important
and should be included in an eventual resolution.

The goal in this phase is to create concrete ideas that can be shared with others in the committee
and used to form clauses and finally resolutions. This way, blocs can have something to start a
resolution with and also see what other blocs are considering, with the hope of bringing together
people with the same ideas. Working papers are used to get debate started.

Phase Two: Draft Resolutions

After Working Papers have been circulated, delegates must then transform these ideas into
clauses and resolutions. When ready, delegates will then submit papers to the Executive Board.
Once the Executive Board has accepted and approved it the working paper becomes a draft
resolution.

▪ This is the bulk of your time in conference, you will be leading your group in discussion
and putting forth your specific recommendations while listening to others to come up
with the strongest ideas for the resolution.

Draft Resolution: a resolution submitted to the Executive Board, adhering to the necessary
requirements, evaluated and approved by the Executive Board. Draft Resolutions are the product
of debate and negotiation.

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Draft Resolution Guidelines:

1. Content: If there are multiple draft resolutions presented to the Executive Board that address
the same issues AND express similar actions, the Executive Board will encourage delegates to
speak to both groups of sponsors in order that they might combine their efforts.

2. Comprehension: Executive Board will review draft resolution for readability and
understanding. When necessary, Executive Board will request sponsors to clarify/rewrite any
clauses that are vague and unclear so that the clauses state exactly what they mean to
accomplish.

3. Substance: If the resolution says the same thing over and over, the Dias would encourage
sponsors to review clauses and revise if possible.

POSITION PAPERS

Position papers are a country’s policy statement on the topics under consideration by a
committee. They include identifying the key issues for each topic, including providing relevant
statistics; important international and regional conventions, treaties, declarations, and
resolutions; actions taken by a country to address the issues; and recommendations for actions to
be taken by the committee. In position papers, be concise and informative; leave the
commentary out.

Format and General Tips

▪ 12 pt font
▪ Arial
▪ Single spaced
▪ American English
▪ Three separate paragraphs for each topic (there needs to be a topic sentence for each
paragraph):
▪ paragraph 1—establish importance of topic utilizing appropriate statistics (16-18
lines)
▪ paragraph 2—discuss international and national precedents utilizing appropriate
treaties, resolutions, reports, … (20-22 lines)
▪ paragraph 3—propose solutions and recommendations utilizing specific national and
regional programs (26-30 lines)
▪ Introduction: Includes one sentence indicating the topics before the committee and one
sentence indicating your country’s interest in addressing those topics. It should not exceed 5
lines.

Example position paper attached at the end of the guide (page 21)*

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EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Phase I: The paper will automatically be disqualified if plagiarism crosses more than 7%,
additionally one font shall be used throughout the position paper.

Phase II: Each of the following general categories receives a score of 1-5 with 5 being the best.
The scores are added up and the paper gets a raw number. After determining each category, the
executive board can make minor adjustments.

1—placing the issues in a global context—paragraphs 1, 2

2—discussion of the national and regional significance of the topic (include national and
regional programs)—paragraphs 1, 2
3—use/incorporation of resolutions, reports, and treaties—paragraph 2
4—indication of current positions, policies, programs, and actions of Member State—
paragraph 2)
5—indication of the future objectives of the Member State—paragraph 3

DOs ☺
General
▪ Use country name as much as possible.
▪ Have a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph to indicate what you will be
discussing and to provide transition from one paragraph to another.
▪ Have concluding sentence at the end of each topic that summarizes the position of your
country and that stresses the importance of the international community addressing the topic.
▪ When using an acronym, give its full name in the first mention, and then immediately
afterwards include the acronym in parentheses. For all subsequent references, simply use the
acronym.
▪ When citing a UN resolution, list the UN entity that produced the resolution, the resolution
number, and the year that it is from, rather than simply providing the document code. For
example, cite A/RES/70/1 as General Assembly resolution 70/1 (2015).
▪ Use “Member State” when referring to other states in the UN.
▪ Italicize conventions, treaties, and declarations, and provide the year of adoption. For
example, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
▪ Never use personal pronouns but rather use one’s country’s name.

Statistics
▪ Use specific stats Due to a literacy rate of 54%., not Due to a low literacy rate…
▪ Utilise statistics not post a 5 year time frame.

Recommendations
▪ Address all subtopics.
▪ Aim for 3 UN programs and 1 NGO program for each subtopic.

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▪ When looking for programs, first try to find programs located within your country then look
for programs in your region. Also, try to find unique programs such as bees locating
landmines because they are memorable.
▪ Keep recommendations in line with what your country would do.
▪ When making a recommendation, answer the who, when, why, how, and how much.
▪ Write programs the same way you would operative clauses. Mauritania supports programs
such as…; Antigua and Barbados recommends implementing the ______ program…
▪ If you have a program, make sure there is a recommendation to go with it. The easiest way to
achieve this if you are getting stuck is to write The United States recommends implementing
programs such as the ____________ in order to achieve the goals of ___________. Don’t
use this too much, it is just a backup.

DON’Ts ☹
▪ DO NOT USE statistics, programs, or treaties mentioned in background guide or that can
easily be found or that are commonly referenced.
▪ Avoid “fluff” – omit connecting phrases (“however,” “in order to,” “as well as,” “therefore,”
etc.)—making the paper stronger and less wordy.
▪ Remember that MUN is about consensus building. No matter how much your country hates a
policy or another country do not say it (unless it is Israel—seriously).
▪ Never criticize your own country. If there is something negative you’ve done (or continue to
do) portray it as if you are making progress on the issue. Ex: Sudan was an active participant
in the recent Beijing Women’s Conference. NOT: Sudan has been widely criticized for
torturing, kidnapping and selling women and children, but…

COMMITTEE FLOW

▪ Meeting is called to order (this is formal formal session)

▪ Executive Board makes announcements
▪ Executive Board sets a speaker’s list. Raise your placard or submit a piece of paper to
the Executive Board to be added to the list.
▪ Roll Call (state your country name and say “present”)
▪ Opening Statements (opening speech explaining your country’s stance and solutions while
maintaining neutrality)
▪ Motion to suspend meeting for informal informal session (this is first negotiating session)
▪ Return to formal informal session (typically lasts 15-20 minutes)
▪ Delegates recognized after raising placard
▪ Delegates report to committee about progress of negotiations in informal informal
session (provide update speeches)
▪ Closing debate
▪ Closing debate will enter the committee into voting procedure.
▪ During voting procedure pay utmost attention to the proceedings of the committee.

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SNS DRESS CODE

Boys
▪ Jacket and tie (if possible)
▪ Socks must be dress socks (no white socks)

Girls
▪ Shoes
▪ Open toe is not allowed; peep-toes are allowed.
▪ Bring an alternative to high heels, you will most likely need it.
▪ Skirt/pants
▪ Nylons with skirt with jacket (if available)
▪ Slip with light colored/ unlined skirts
▪ If you have belt loops, wear a belt (unless there is detailing that indicates they are for
decorative purposes only, such as buttons that interfere)
▪ Skirts should fall either right above the knee, at the knee, or right below the knee—
short skirts are unprofessional and skirts too long look sloppy—unless you are really
tall.
▪ Black denim ≠ dress pants
▪ No corduroy
▪ No sun/spring/Easter dresses
▪ No leggings
▪ Shirts
▪ Camisole is a must, preferably a long one. If you can’t reach above your head without
showing skin, find a new shirt.
▪ Shirts must be tucked in, unless they are cut to be left loose
▪ Short sleeve blouses okay, but with skirt

Overall Tips
▪ Bring a stain stick
▪ Mints, not gum
▪ Hair should be a natural color
▪ Consider developing a personal brand—i.e. be known for always wearing a bow tie, a red
bow in your hair, a noticeable pin, … Embrace wearing a particular item every day

SHIV NADAR SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

Delegates are expected to present themselves professionally while at conference. Most notably,
this means there is to be no rude/obnoxious/harassing behavior. Any appearance of impropriety is
not acceptable.

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HELPFUL ORGANIZATION REFERENCES

AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHING

Food and Agricultural Organization FAO
Int’l Fund for Agricultural Development IFAD
World Food Programme WFP
World Trade Organization WTO

CULTURE
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO
World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO
World Tourism Organization WTO

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FINANCE

Committee for Development Policy CDP
Commission for Sustainable Development CSD
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia ESCWA
Economic Commission for Africa ECA
Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP
Economic Commission for Europe ECE
Economic Commission for Latin American and the Caribbean ECLAC
Int’l Labour Organization ILO
Int’l Monetary Fund IMF
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD
United Nations Development Programme UNDP
United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO
United Nations Office for Project Services UNOPS
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development UNRISD
World Bank (group):
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IBRD
International Development Association IDA
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency MIGA
Int’l Finance Corporation IFC
Int’l Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ICSID
World Trade Organization WTO

EDUCATION
International Labour Organization ILO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO
UN Children’s Fund UNICEF

EMPLOYMENT

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Int’l Civil Service Commission ICSC
Int’l Labour Organization ILO
World Food Programme WFP

HEALTH
Int’l Labour Organization ILO
World Food Programme WFP
World Health Organization WHO

HUMANITARIAN AID AND RELIEF

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Office of the UNHCR
World Food Programme WFP
World Meteorological Organisation UN Habitat
UN Habitat

INDUSTRY
Int’l Labour Organization ILO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO
World Tourism Organization WTO
World Trade Organization WTO

INTERNATIONAL TRADE
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD
World Trade Organization WTO

NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Commission for Sustainable Development CSD
United Nations Development Programme UNDP
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO
United Nations Environmental Programme UNEP
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC
United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC
World Meteorological Organization WMO
World Trade Organization WTO

ORGANIZATION/LEGAL
Informational Systems Coordination Committee ISCC
Int’l Civil Service Commission ICSC
Int’l Court of Justice ICJ
Int’l Criminal Court ICC
Int’l Labour Organization ILO
United Nations Crime and Justice Info. Network UNCJIN

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United Nations Information Centres UNICs
United Nations Informational Service at Vienna UNIS
United Nations Institute for Training and Research UNITAR
United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute NICRI
United Nations Office at Geneva UNOG
United Nations Office at Vienna UNOV
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development UNRISD
United Nations Volunteers UNV
World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO
World Trade Organization WTO

POPULATION
United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF
United Nations Population Fund UNFPA

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Int’l Atomic Energy Agency IAEA
Int’l Telecommunication Union ITU
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO
United Nations Institute for Training and Research UNITAR
World Meteorological Organization WMO
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons OPCW

SOCIAL CONDITIONS AND EQUITY

Center for Int’l Crime Prevention CICP
Commission for the status of Women CSW
High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR
Int’l Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda ICTR
Int’l Criminal Tribunal Former Yugoslavia ICTY
Int’l Labour Organization ILO
Int’l Narcotics Control Board INCB
Int’l Research and Training Institute for the Adv. of Women INSTRAW
Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention ODCCP
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA
United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations DPKO
United Nations Development Fund for Women UNIFEM
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Office of the UNHCHR
United Nations Int’l Drug Control Programme UNDCP
United Nations Office at Vienna UNOV
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development UNRISD

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Int’l Civil Aviation Organization ICAO

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Int’l Maritime Organization IMO
Int’l Telecommunications Union ITU
Office for Outer Space Affairs OOSA
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO
Universal Postal Union UPU
World Trade Organization WTO

OPENING SPEECHES

I. CONTENT of your speech:

A. Each sentence is like a sentence of your position paper… EXCEPT that the “pre-
ambulatory” part of the sentence should be as short as possible.
B. Try and utilise a statistic within the first sentence, to grab the audience’s attention—but
make it brief, super interesting and make sure it is NOT a common statistic.
C. 1. There is no need to recall reports, conventions, resolutions, etc.
2. You will need to preface each recommendation for the sake of your audience—but
make this part of the sentence as short as you can! Be concise!
D. SAY YOUR COUNTRY NAME IN EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE
E. Each recommendation should be the BEST that you have
F. Make sure to use ACTION words (like “recommends” instead of “supports”) in
every sentence
F. Use a program in every sentence! Look for programs with cool names or acronyms. The
more memorable the name is, the more likely it is to catch your audience’s attention and
stick with them after you sit down.
G. Keep sentences as short as possible. This makes it easier for our audience to pay attention
and follow your points. This can be tricky! It is important to include why the resolution
will be effective and useful.
H. Don’t overuse certain clauses (i.e. Don’t use “recommends” or “gravely concerned” in
every sentence.)
I. It’s important to specify full name’s for uncommon UN agencies, however most names
that are relevant to your committee can be mentioned as acronyms.

II. FORMATTING your speech (for your own comfort during delivery):
A. Use a big font size—I use 16-pt. font
B. Use a bullet for each sentence that draws your eye.
C. Try and deliver your speech without referring to it on your device or paper too often.

III. DELIVERING your speech:

A. Delivery is just as important as content

B. The speech should be well-rehearsed… this means nearly memorized!
C. You should deliver the speech in a confident, loud voice

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 D. DO NOT be monotone. Be passionate!
E. Plant your feet hip-width apart and don’t sway or shift weight
F. Stand tall!
G. Be aware of your hand gestures and filler words (try to minimize those!)
H. It is very important to maintain good eye contact and address the entire committee.

IV. GIVING your opening speech at conference:

A. The Executive Board will likely set an opening speech time limit of 60-90 seconds
B. The opening speech is one of the most important parts of conference.
1.It gives you the opportunity to talk to everyone at once. This is your big shot to be
impressive! You need to sound super knowledgeable, passionate, and good to work with!
This is a chance for you to sell your skills to your committee

2. It is the ONLY speech of conference that you have a chance to prepare for:
i. The majority of speeches at conference will be given based off of a few
scribbled notes you were able to jot down between the end of informal
informal sessions and getting called on to speak in formal informal
session.

ii. Since you get to prepare your speech ahead of time, there is absolutely NO
EXCUSE for doing it poorly.

A sample opening speech has been attached below, with the the topics, “Integrating a Gender
Perspective in the Planning and Implementation of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and
Reintegration Processes,” “Improving women’s Health as a Means to Achieve Gender Equality,”
and “Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Context of the Global Economic and Financial
Crisis.”

• Thank you Honorable Chair and Fellow Delegates. The Gambia would like to set the
agenda at _____, _____, _____.

• The Gambia believe women’s participation in peace negotiations to be key in building a

sustainable peace, and supports Women Peacemakers Program-The African Desk, which
trains and mentors women to participate in negotiations, as well as disseminates the work
of other female peacemakers.

• Cognizant of the variety of needs in post-conflict communities, Gambia strongly endorses

using holistic approaches such as Empowering Adolescents and Young Girls Affected by
the War Through Reproductive Health Services, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Reintegration
Opportunities, a partnership of the Sierra Leonean government and UN agencies to
provide psychosocial support, literacy and vocational training, child care services, health
education, and feeding programs for participants.

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 • Gambia is alarmed that women affected by conflicts are often excluded in DDR
programs, and encourages DDR processes to include elements similar to Burundi’s
Female Former Child Soldier Reintegration that established residential centers that
provided health, vocational, legal and counseling services.

SAMPLE POSITION PAPER

Delegation from Kenya
Position Paper for the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)

The topics before the United Nations (UN) High-Level Political Forum are Building Partnerships to
Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Ending Abuse, Exploitation, Trafficking and All
Forms of Violence against and Torture of Children. Kenya looks forward to collaborating with fellow
Member States to achieve comprehensive and inclusive solutions on these important topics.

Building Partnerships to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

Kenya notes that, according to The Partnering Initiative-UNDESA’s report, Maximizing the Impact of
Partnerships for the SDGs (2018), effective partnerships bring together diverse resources on behalf of
shared objectives. Kenya recognizes that, according to the IMF’s 2019 report, Fiscal Policy and
Development: Human, Social, and Physical Investment for the SDGs, low-income developing countries
need to increase, on average, their GDP by 15.4%, amounting to US $520 billion annually, to achieve the
SDGs, which highlights the need for additional partnerships. Kenya is alarmed that the Intergovernmental
Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IBES) estimates one in four species are
at risk of extinction. Kenya acknowledges the role of partnerships in promoting anti-corruption
transparency policies necessary to achieve SDG 16 Targets 5 and 6 focused on ensuring peace, justice,
and economic stability.

Kenya recognizes that partnerships have expanded significantly since adoption of the 2030 Agenda for
S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t , a n d a p p l a u d s U N - D E S A’ s S D G P a r t n e r s h i p s P l a t f o r m ,
which facilitates information sharing and dissemination of best-practices concerning creating effective
SDG-focused partnerships. Kenya, noting the success of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science,
Technology, and Innovation for the SDGs, emphasizes the importance of utilizing ICTs to strengthen
networks, interactions, and facilitation among relevant stakeholders. Kenya commends regional
partnership initiatives, highlighting as a model the Western Indian Ocean Coastal Challenge,
where Member States bordering the Indian Ocean collaborate on financing mechanisms, share technical
support, and advocate for science-based decision-making regarding climate resilient development. Kenya
notes that partnerships between Member States and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have
increased disaster preparedness in low-income developing countries through the provision of low or no
interest loans, a critical need in the face of accelerating climate change impacts. Kenya emphasizes the
necessity of including marginalized persons in all political processes, including the building of
partnerships, as highlighted by the UN Committee for Development Policy’s (UN-CDP), Leaving No One
Behind report, which lays out a three-pronged approach: examining disadvantages, empowering those at
risk of being left behind, and enacting inclusive, far-sighted SDG policies.

To build partnerships to achieve the SDGs, Kenya suggests Member States within the HLPF focus on
three major areas: ensuring transparent partnerships through data sharing and a dedication to ending
corruption, easing the processes by which partnerships are developed, and involving marginalized
persons in building partnerships.Kenya encourages Member States to develop initiatives such as the
Kenya Philanthropy Forum, which promotes multi-stakeholder engagement in Public-Private Partnerships
(PPPs) to create harmonized, centralized philanthropic programs. Drawing attention to the Regional
Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development’s Eastern and Southern Africa program that offers
participating Member States mapping and surveying services such as aerial photography to encourage
smarter natural resources assessment and management, Kenya requests the United Nations Economic

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Commission for Africa (UNECA) to expand funding to promote further collaborative participation by
Member States. Kenya highlights as a model Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data,
which serves as an invaluable convener, facilitator, and catalyst, building trust and encouraging
collaboration among stakeholders to fill critical data gaps and ensure data is accessible and useable to
end extreme poverty, address climate change, and pave a road to dignity for all by 2030. Kenya,
emphasizing the need for Member States to incorporate PPPs in all SDG-related initiatives, suggests as a
model its own Advanced PPP Projects, directed by Kenya’s National Treasury, which establishes clear
descriptions of ongoing projects to ensure a straightforward process for implementing partnerships and
ensuring quick execution.

UN4MUN RULES OF PROCEDURE

GENERAL REMARKS

Rule 1—SCOPE:
The rules included in this guide are applicable to all committees. Each rule is self sufficient
unless modified by the Secretariat, in which case the modification will be deemed from adopting
before the session begins. No other rules of procedure would apply. If a situation arises that has
not been addressed by the Rules of Procedure, the Committee Secretary will be the final
authority to guide you on which rule to apply.

Rule 2—LANGUAGE:
English shall be the official and working language of the conference at all times.

Rule 3—DECORUM:
Delegates must conduct themselves as diplomats at all times and should show courtesy to other
Delegates, the Secretariat, Executive Board, and conference staff. They must present themselves
in formal business attire. The Chair will immediately call to order any Delegate who fails to
comply with this rule. The Secretary-General may expel any Delegate for failing to adhere to this
rule.

Rule 4—REPRESENTATION:
A member of the Committee is a representative who is officially registered with the Conference.
Each member will be represented by one or two delegates as given in the country matrix for each
committee and will have one vote on each Committee.

Rule 5—PARTICIPATION OF NON-MEMBERS:

Representatives of accredited observers will have the same rights as those of full members,
except that they may not sign or vote on draft resolutions or amendments. These representatives
reserve the Right to Vote only procedural matters and not substantive matters.

Rule 6—Attendance:
At the beginning of each committee session, the Rapporteur will call on Member States and Non-
Members in English alphabetical order to state their attendance. Members will reply ‘present’,
with no distinction between ‘present’ and ‘prevent and voting’.

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Rule 7—Quorum:
Quorum denotes the minimum number of delegates who need to be present in order to open
debate. One-fourth of the expected members of a committee shall be present for committee
session to be opened. Regardless of the quorum, the Chair may open any meeting and commence
with its proceedings at his/her discretion. A quorum is required to have a substantive vote, i.e. to
vote on a resolution and/or amendment.

Rule 8—STATEMENTS BY THE SECRETARIAT:

The Secretary-General, Director-General, or any member of the Secretariat may at any time
reserve the right to make either written or oral statements to the Committee.

Rule 9—GENERAL POWERS OF THE Executive Board

The Executive Board consists of the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Rapporteur. The specific
responsibilities of the Executive Board members are as follows:
* Chair—declares the opening and closing of each meeting of the committee; manages
the committee proceedings and maintains order; makes recommendations, in collaboration with
the Secretary, about the direction of debate and negotiations; provides substantive feedback on
the work product of negotiations.
* Vice-Chair—takes over management of the committee in the chair’s absence; assists
the Secretary and Chair in building consensus within the committee when appointed as
Facilitator by the Chair; performs other duties as necessary.
* Rapporteur—takes roll call; record votes; works collaboratively with the Secretary,
Chair, and Vice-Chair to facilitate the work of the committee.

Rule 10—AGENDA:
The Secretariat shall communicate the agenda to the delegates before the conference.

Rule 11—REVISION OF THE AGENDA:

Additional items of important and urgent nature may be placed on the agenda during any regular
session by the Secretary-General, who may do so at his/her discretion.

OPENING THE DEBATE

Rule 12—SETTING THE AGENDA:

The agenda is set far in advance of conference and is taken up automatically without the need for
a motion. A 2-day conference will usually only have time to discuss a single agenda, if it is to be
discussed and acted upon thoroughly. Crisis sessions at the UN can only take place in a Security
Council, but in the event of a crisis or emergency in the Model UN, the Secretary-General may
call upon a committee to table debate on the current topic area so that the other urgent matters
can also be addressed. After a resolution has been addressed and voted upon, the committee will
return to debate the tabled topic.

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CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

Rule 13—SPEAKERS LIST:

After the Agenda has been determined, the Speaker’s List will be established for the purpose of
formal debate (this is the opportunity for delegates to give opening speeches discussing their
country’s perspective on the agenda item.) If no motions are made, the default time will be set at
90 seconds.

MOTIONS

Rule 14—SUSPENSION OF MEETING—FORMAL INFORMAL:

A “formal informal” consultation is a mixture of both formal and informal debate. It occurs when
the committee is not in an informal-informal session, and DOES NOT involve a motion. The
Chair calls upon delegates as they raise their placards to address the committee for a specific
amount of time (maximum time of 60 seconds).

Rule 15—SUSPENSION OF MEETING—INFORMAL INFORMAL:

An “informal informal” consultation is a temporary recess during which rules of procedure are
suspended. During this time delegates can meet informally with each other and the committee
staff to discuss draft resolutions and other issues. Such a motion will not be debated but will be
immediately put to a vote. In the case of multiple motions for suspension of the meeting of
differing lengths, the Chair will rank the motions in descending order of length and the
committee will vote accordingly. The first motion to pass will determine the length of the
suspension. This is the state in which the committee will spend most of its time, negotiating to
reach a consensus on the text. The maximum duration for an informal informal is 30 minutes
with an extension being possible for half the previously specified time duration.

Rule 16—ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING:

During the discussion of any matter, a representative may motion for the adjournment of the
meeting. Such motions will not be debated but will be immediately put to a vote. Any continued
consideration of an item on the agenda will take place at another session. This motion can be
used at the end of a session.

Rule 17—ADJOURNMENT OF DEBATE:

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may propose the motion to adjourn the debate on
the item under discussion. In addition to the proposer of the motion, two representatives may
speak for the motion and two representatives may speak against, after which the proposal will be
put to a vote. Adjournment of debate ends parts or all of the agenda item being discussed during
the conference. This can be used to block action on specific draft resolutions and is known as a
‘no-action motion.’

Rule 18—CLOSURE OF DEBATE:

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A delegate may at any time motion for the closure of debate on the item under discussion. A
delegate can motion for this after they feel that sufficient progress has been made on draft
resolutions, and they are ready to be adopted by consensus, or to be forced to a vote. Permission
to speak on the closure of the debate shall be accorded only to two speakers opposing the
closure, after which the motion shall be immediately put to vote.

Rule 19—ORDER OF PROCEDURAL MOTIONS:

The motions indicated below shall have precedence in the following order over all other
procedures or motions in the meeting:
a—to suspend the meeting;
b—to adjourn the meeting
c—to adjourn debate on the item under discussion
d—to close debate on the item under discussion

POINTS

Rule 20—POINT OF ORDER:

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a ‘point of order’ if the delegate
believes that the Chair is not following the Rules of Procedure or is not being sufficiently active
in ensuring that other representatives do so. The point of order shall be immediately ruled on by
the Chair in accordance with the Rules of Procedure.

Rule 21— POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE:

During a formal informal session a delegate may raise a Point of Personal Privilege to address
issues that may hinder their participation on committee, including, for example, a situation in
which the committee is excessively noisy. Such a point may not interrupt a speaker.

Rule 22— POINT OF PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY:

During a formal informal session a delegate my raise a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry in order to
obtain a clarification about rules of procedure or the general functioning of the committee. Such
a point may not interrupt a speaker.

Rule 23— POINT OF INFORMATION:

A point of information may be recognised after speeches given within the Speaker’s List.
* A delegate post their speech may yield the time to:
• to the Executive Board
• to points of information (POIs)
The point allows delegates to ask questions regarding the contents of a speech, the points is
addressed to the Executive Board and is answered through the Executive Board.

DRAFT RESOLUTIONS

Rule 24—DRAFT RESOLUTIONS:

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Any Member State may submit a draft resolution to the Secretary for which no minimum
percentage of support is required. However, since resolutions are sought to be adopted by
consensus, it is advised that representatives build significant multilateral support before
submitting a draft resolution. Ideally, only one draft resolution should be accepted by the
Executive Board, which has been discussed and made acceptable to all delegates during informal
consultations.

Rule 25—AMENDMENTS:
Amendments to a draft resolution shall be submitted formally in writing to the Secretary. When
an amendment is moved to a draft resolution, the amendment shall be voted on first. When two
or more amendments are moved to a proposal, the committee shall first vote on the amendment
furthest removed in substance from the original proposal and then on the amendment next
furthest removed therefrom, and so on until all the amendments have been put to the vote.
Where, however, the adoption of one amendment necessarily implies the rejection of another
amendment, the latter amendment shall not be put to the vote. If one or more amendments are
adopted, the amended draft resolution shall then be considered or voted upon. A motion is
considered an amendment if it merely adds to, deletes from, or revises part of the draft
resolution. There is no distinction between friendly and unfriendly amendments, as consensus for
amendments must be built during informal informals, and amendments by sponsors of the
resolution are to be included without debate into the resolution text. Formal informals can also be
used to discuss amendments.

Rule 26—DIVISION OF THE QUESTION:

A delegate can request division of the draft resolution, i.e. a separate vote on paragraphs or parts
of the draft resolution, before the adoption of the whole text. This applies to parts of a paragraph,
an entire paragraph, or several paragraphs. If the request is challenged, there will be a vote to
decide whether the draft resolution can be divided such that the paragraph(s) can be voted on
separately to the rest of the draft resolution. After two delegates each have spoken for and against
the request, there will be a vote based on simply majority. If by majority, the request is passed,
immediately after the voting the paragraph, the entire draft resolution will be considered. If all
operative parts of the draft resolution have been rejected, the draft resolution shall be considered
to have been rejected as a whole. This is usually considered an undiplomatically aggressive
move, and is discouraged.

VOTING

Rule 27—VOTING ON DRAFT RESOLUTION:

It is assumed that draft resolutions will be adopted by consensus and therefore shall not require
voting. However, in the event that the draft resolution cannot be accepted by consensus, the
meeting will go into a vote. Decisions will be made by a simple majority of the members present
and voting, except on important questions including recommendations with respect to the
maintenance of international peace and security. This applies to both draft resolutions and
amendments. The meeting shall normally vote by a show of placards but any delegate may

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 request a roll-call vote. The Chair may permit delegates to explain their vote either before or
after the voting.

Rule 28—CONDUCT DURING VOTING:

After the President/Chairperson has announced the beginning of voting, no delegate shall
interrupt the voting unless on a point of order in connection with the actual voting procedure.
The President/Chairperson may permit members to explain their vote either before or after the
voting. The time given for these explanations may be limited by the President/Chairperson. The
President/Chairperson shall not permit the proposer of an amendment to explain his vote on his
own proposal or amendment.

SAMPLE RESOLUTION

Committee: General Assembly Second

Topic: Foreign Direct Investment in Development
Sponsors: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Madagascar,
Mongolia, Morocco, Oman, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
Signatories: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Benin, Bulgaria, Central African Republic, Chad,
Côte d’ Ivoire, Cuba, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras,
Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Jordan, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico,
Namibia, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Peru, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Congo,
Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States, Uruguay,
Yemen

The General Assembly Second Committee,

Guided by Chapter IX of the Charter of the United Nations, Article 55, Section (a) and the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to promote higher standards of living, employment
opportunities, solutions of international economic, social, and health related problems, and
international cultural and educational cooperation,

Calling upon all private investors to follow internationally adopted calls for proper conduct as
outlined in the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment, the Monterrey Consensus,
and MDG 8,

Affirming the ten principles of the Global Compact launched by the UN Secretary General in 2000,
and other corporate-ethics agreements’ potential to encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that
respects human rights, labor concerns, environmental concerns, and anti-corruption standards while
eliminating double standards,

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Endorsing the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Standards of Codes and Ethics for countries
seeking FDI along with the consideration of Transparency International’s Corruption Perception
Index to aid in developing good governance policies,

Noting that good governance measures such as transparency, accountability, predictability, and lack
of corruption are necessary to attract investors, as outlined in A/RES/61/229 and aware that
privatization attracts FDI, as outlined in A/RES/59/240,

Recognizing the work that the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has done to
provide political risk insurance and guarantee the promotion of FDI through education and
strategic analysis for developing countries, as indicated by the 885 guarantees already issued and
$17.4 billion already insured,

Noting with deep concern that the lack of infrastructural development, lack of knowledge about
healthy foreign investment, and shortage of information for potential investors limits the abilities of
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to attract foreign investment,

Realizing that FDI has the ability to boost a country’s development by providing private foreign
funding of vital infrastructure, greater employment opportunities for native citizens, legal economic
use of natural resources, increased productivity and efficiency, and pecuniary spillovers which
facilitate sustainable growth,

Alarmed that, according to the World Bank, international telecommunications bandwidth prices are
20 to 40 times higher in some developing regions than those in the developed world,

Reaffirming the conclusions of the 2005 World Summit Outcome, which addresses the role of
science and technology for development, specifically concerning information technology transfers
and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and A/RES/58/200 which upholds the role of the
technological diffusion in developing countries to strengthen their respective private sectors,

Concerned that, according the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Outlook,
electricity is significantly more available to the developed world than the developing world,
limiting investment possibilities and technology,

Recalling the importance of FDIs in building necessary infrastructure, especially the development
of roads and rail,

Further noting the role the World Bank and regional banks play in providing developmental aid,

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Recalling the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report that highlights a competitive
market as the most beneficial market structure for developing pro-growth policies and best address
the needs of the poor,

Acknowledging the importance of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and their role in
licensing, registration, promotion and attraction of FDI,

Appalled that 1 in 10 people surveyed by Transparency International reported paying a bribe for
some service in 2006, and emphasizing that bribery and corruption together make doing business
unprofitable and unappealing to foreign investors,

Recognizing programs such as the German Agro Action Office, as examples of outward FDI
successfully applying to small-medium enterprises (SMEs),

Bearing in mind the objective and principles of the Brussels Declaration and the Programme of
Action for the LDCs to meet global goals of poverty eradication, sustainable economic growth and
integration of the LDCs into the global economy,

1. Suggests that all developing countries, in compliance with A/RES/55/2, continue reform
processes towards more predictability and transparency, providing assurances to private
investors that they deal with reliable partners;

2. Emphasizes that all Member States should ratify and fully implement the United Nations
Convention Against Corruption as a means of promoting transparency and good governance
policies which many investors feel are necessary;

3. Stresses the importance of further trade barrier reductions, as the World Trade Organization
has prioritized under various round of negotiations, to enable developing countries better
access to world markets;

4. Encourages Member States to encourage local participation in Transnational Corporation

(TNC) operation, through the inclusion of:

a. Civil society and firm alignment through local stakeholder participation in the firm’s
decision making process;

b. The promotion of minority and ethnic inclusiveness in employment and hiring

practices;

5. Proposes that Member States support the four core values outlined within the Global
Compact in eliminating double standards and considering cultural and societal factors to
create and maintain a sustainable FDI environment, such as:

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 a. Abolishing child labor, forced labor and employment discrimination;

b. Promoting environmental responsibility through the spread of environmental

friendly technology;

c. Protecting internationally recognized human rights;

d. Combating bribery and extortion;

6. Further encourages Member States to strengthen PPPs, especially in telecommunication,

energy, and other infrastructure related areas, while simultaneously strengthening the
private sector for the purpose of creating more attractive destinations for FDI;

7. Suggests that the United Nations Convention on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) create
an information sharing network to evaluate both quantitative and qualitative investment
growth through mechanisms such as:

a. Issuing annual reports on investment progress to Member States, civil society, non-
governmental organizations, and regional bodies, measured by:

i. Per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth;

ii. Employment rates;
iii. Inward and outward FDI flows;
iv. The number of foreign firms investing within the host state;

b. Establishing an annual Comparative Quality Index which qualitatively analyses

UNCTAD’s reports;

i. Issuing written reports to each Member State, civil society, non-governmental

organizations and regional bodies;
ii. Verbalizing the overall effectiveness of FDI by state, region, and type of
economy;
iii. Indicating which investors are most effective in the realms of creating
employment, diversifying the economy, establishing sustainable growth, and
engaging in PPPs;
iv. Matching host countries to investors, providing the most efficient FDI
environment;

8. Further suggests joint insurance partnerships between MIGA and regional insurance
agencies such as the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATIA) to decrease risks of
investment by spreading the costs of insurance over multiple bodies;

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9. Invites Member States to work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
in creating yearly regional governance conferences, modeled after the African Governance
Forum, to address good governance practices with goals of:

a. Strengthening PPPs within the region;

b. Encouraging the exchange of business related information amongst all stakeholders;

c. Promoting anti-corruption practices and more transparent government actions and

accounting;

d. Providing long term commitments to sustainable governance activities;

e. Introducing best practices and pro-private sector reforms as defined in the World
Bank’s Doing Business 2006 report, such as:

i. Reforming licensing requirements;

ii. Allowing businesses more effective operation;
iii. Enhancing ease of registering businesses and property;
iv. Increasing access to credit information;
v. Improving shareholder access to information;
vi. Consolidating and clarifying tax collection agencies;

f. Encouraging LDCs to create or strengthen existing IPAs and collaborate with the
World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) in order to
strengthen the private sector;

10. Recommends the use of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) created programs by

regional bodies modeled after the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Connect
Africa, bringing together heads of state and private investors to provide telecommunications
links throughout the region with the goal of supporting affordable communication to
enhance growth and attract investment;

11. Calls upon the United Nations Information and Communication Technology Task Force
(UNITC) in collaboration with UNCTAD to assist in the development and implementation
of UNICT policies, and to promote technological transfers, which are beneficial to
increasing FDI inflows;

12. Further recommends the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) set up
an Foreign Direct Investment Facilitation Fund (FDIFF), administered by the Commission
on Sustainable Development, to provide companies that assist in the development of LDCs
with low-interest loans and grants, with the following suggestions of criteria:

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 a. All participating companies do so on a voluntary basis as a means of increasing
investment opportunities based on the following principles:

i. FDIFF will give loans to companies based on the country’s ranking in the
Human Development Index (HDI); therefore, a company investing in a
lower-ranked country will receive a larger loan;
ii. Rates will be assessed annually and apply to all future loans, all outstanding
loans will be repaid according to the rate in which they were assessed;
iii. Development in social, environmental and governance improvement
programs in conjunction with FDIFF;
iv. Other considerations and situations will be deffered to ECOSOC;

b. Companies shall invest portions of profits accrued through FDI in social spending,
environmental protections, and good governance;

c. FDIFF shall be financed by developed countries, international financial institutions

and civil society;

13. Stresses the importance of the full involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the
implementation of the Monterrey Consensus at all levels, and also stresses the importance
of their full participation in the follow-up process, in accordance with the rules and
procedures of the General Assembly, in particular the accreditation procedures and
modalities of participation utilized at the International Conference on Financing for
Development and in its preparatory process.

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