TAISM MUN Preparation Guide
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TAISM MUN
Preparation Guide
The American International School of Muscat (TAISM)
Model United Nations
1TAISM Model United Nations
Preparation Handbook
Contents
Collecting Country Information 3
Researching Topics/Issues 4-7
Finding Information 8-10
Position Papers 10-12
Flow of Debate 13-14
Public Speaking 14-16
Rules of Procedure 17-19
Caucusing 19-20
Resolutions/Amendments 21-25
Dressing for Success 26
Awards Criteria 27
Glossary of MUN Terms 28-32
2TAISM Model United Nations
Preparation Guide1
Collecting Country Information
First, you will need to learn about your country so you can address the issues raised at the
conference as a real UN delegate from that country. To represent your country accurately, start
by answering the following questions:
What sort of government does your country have?
What types of ideologies (political, religious or other) influence your country’s
government?
Which domestic issues might influence your country’s foreign policy?
What are some major events in your country’s history? Why are they important?
Which ethnicities, religions and languages can be found in your country?
Where is your country located and how does its geography affect its political
relationships?
Which countries share a border with your country?
Which countries are considered allies of your country?
Which countries are considered enemies of your country?
What are the characteristics of your country’s economy?
What is your country’s gross domestic product (GDP)? How does this compare to other
countries in the world?
When did your country become a member of the UN?
Does your country belong to any intergovernmental organizations outside the UN
system such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the Organization of
the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)?
Does your country belong to any regional organizations such as the European Union
(EU), the African Union (AU) or the Organization of American States (OAS)?
Does your country belong to any trade organizations or agreements such as the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD)?
Researching Your Country
1. Find your country’s voting records and read speeches on the United Nations
Bibliographic Information System website.
2. Look at the CIA World Factbook for a general overview on your country, and for figures
and statistics as well. Would your country’s government agree with the way your country
is characterized in the World Factbook?
3. Examine news and media sources for recent developments in your country.
4. Read the US State Department report on your country.
1
This handbook is a modified version of the MUN Preparation Guide of The United Nations Association of the
United States. Please see, www.unausa.org
3Researching Conference Topics/Issues
Next, you should develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at your Model UN
conference. Many conferences send out background materials or issue briefs, which can help
jumpstart your research. You may want to look at the sources cited in these materials for more
in-depth information. If the conference background materials pose questions, you should answer
them with your country information in mind. Here are some additional questions to help guide
your research:
What is the problem? How does it affect your country?
What has your country done to combat the problem?
What are the various “sides” in the debate?
Which aspects of the issue are most important to your country?
If your country is not involved with the issue, how can it become involved?
How will your country shape the debate at the conference?
What arguments will other countries make?
How do the positions of other countries affect your country’s position?
Is there evidence or statistics that might help to back up your country’s position?
Researching Issues
Examine news and media sources for up-to-date developments on an issue. Ask your
community, school librarian if you can get access to LexisNexis Academic Universe or
other periodical databases.
Look at the UN Economic and Social Development page, which has an index to some
prominent issues as well as a list of UN agencies that work in various issue-areas. Also,
through the United Nations Documentation Center, you can find resolutions and voting
records from the current and previous years.
Visit non-governmental organization (NGO) websites. NGOs are an important part of
the UN system, in part due to the valuable research and information they generate. Look
for NGOs that address your topic.
Read academic publications. Although they can be complex, they provide in-depth
information on many issues. Professors, students and researchers are constantly
conducting studies and publishing papers.
4Researching the UN System
Understanding the UN system will help you play your role realistically at a Model UN
conference. It is important to understand which bodies and actors make up the UN system, what
the UN can and cannot do, and how international issues are addressed by the UN. Here are some
questions that will help get you started:
What are the important elements of the UN Charter?
What are the main bodies of the UN?
How are the UN’s bodies and agencies organized?
Which countries serve on the body or agency you are simulating?
How does the body or agency you are simulating operate?
What are the most recent UN actions on your issue?
Why did past UN actions succeed or fail?
What conferences and meetings have been held with regard to your issue?
What have UN officials said about your issue?
Guide to the UN Cyberschoolbus
The United Nations Cyberschoolbus, located at www.un.org/cyberschoolbus, is the UN's
information center for students and teachers. Whether you are a student preparing for a Model
UN conference or working on a research project, or a teacher preparing a lesson on hunger or
looking for an activity on landmines, the Cyberschoolbus is likely to have something for you.
Here are ten of the most valuable resources Cyberschoolbus has to offer:
Curricula and Projects
www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/cur
The most fact-packed section of the Cyberschoolbus website is found under the "Curriculum"
link on the right side of the page. If you're a teacher and you want to prepare a lesson on an issue
in international affairs today, this is the spot for you. The Cyberschoolbus provides detailed
curricula, ranging from issues on urbanization and human rights to outer space exploration. Each
curriculum is divided into units and consists of a lesson plan, suggested activities and quizzes.
Curricula include a history of the topic, actions taken by the UN, and ways for students to get
involved. Many of these topics also include online projects designed to enable your students to
talk and interact with students around the world. For example, the landmines curriculum includes
the "Schools Demining Schools" project, which helps students organize fundraising programs
and campaigns that help schools around the world get rid of landmines.
Briefing Papers
www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/briefing
The curriculum section also includes a selection of briefing papers. These papers cover twenty
topics, including governance, international law, child soldiers, technology and poverty. Briefing
5papers are designed to inform teachers about complex UN topics. They are well-structured and
comprehensive; each includes an overview of the topic, progress that has been made, a specific
example of something related to the topic and the steps that will or should be taken in the future.
Each also suggests activities for students, and provides resources for further exploration. Though
the briefing papers are designed for teachers, and can be a valuable addition to any classroom,
they are also perfect for Model UNers who plan to discuss these topics at upcoming conferences!
Model United Nations Headquarters
www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/modelun
The UN Cyberschoolbus has information on Model United Nations, including advice on how to
research for a Model UN conference, start a Model UN team, or find a Model UN conference to
attend, and general FAQ about Model UN. It also has an interactive forum where Model UNers
around the world can share tips and information on country policies. Cyberschoolbus MUN
Headquarters is a useful supplement to UNA-USA's Model UN resources.
Infonation and Country Profiles
www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation
InfoNation gives you all the economic, demographic, technological and social statistics you
could ever want about a country. You can even use InfoNation to compare statistics about as
many as six countries at a time. Country Profiles include maps and information about population,
capital, currency and more. It provides website and address information for each country's
Mission to the United Nations. InfoNation makes an excellent first stop for delegates researching
their country assignment before an MUN conference.
United Nations Virtual Tour
www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/untour
Far from New York? No problem! The UN Virtual Tour, accessible from the Resources section
of the Cyberschoolbus website, walks you through the UN Headquarters from the comfort of
your own home or school. Like the tour given in New York, it showcases the General Assembly,
Economic and Social Council, Security Council, and Trusteeship Council chambers, and
provides a brief description of each. It also visits some of the art inside the UN building,
including the Peace Bell donated by Japan and the Foucault Pendulum donated by the
Netherlands. In some respects, the virtual tour is better than the real tour: unlike the physical one,
the virtual tour also covers the Dag Hammarskjöld Library. At the end, there is a brief quiz on
the UN Headquarters, should teachers choose to make the Virtual Tour a classroom activity.
Introduction to the UN
www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/unintro/unintro
Now that you know what UN Headquarters looks like, it's time to learn about what happens
there. For that, you need the Introduction to the UN, also in the Resources section of the
Cyberschoolbus. Designed for students, the Introduction covers the history, principles and
structure of the UN. It concludes with a link to the organizational chart of the UN from the main
UN website, encouraging students to explore further on their own.
6UN Works
www.un.org/works
It's all very well to know the history and structure of the UN, and to see what its headquarters
looks like, but that doesn't give students an idea of what the UN actually accomplishes or how it
affects people's lives. For that, students (and teachers) should turn to the UN Works page,
accessible either through the Resources section or directly at www.un.org/works. With sections
on Development, Education, Women, HIV/AIDS, the Environment and much more, UN Works
describes, in terms tailored to appeal to students, today's global issues, and how the UN
addresses them. For example, in the Environment section, a page on endangered species tells
how the UN has worked to protect giant pandas, gorillas and other threatened species; the
Development section shows how UN agencies brought electricity to remote Nepalese villages.
Ask an Ambassador
www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/modelun/resp_index.asp
One of the most unique aspects of the Cyberschoolbus, the "Ask an Ambassador" program,
allows students to ask ambassadors from countries around the world their opinions and their
countries' policies on a wide range of topics. Accessible either through the main page of
Cyberschoolbus or through the Model UN Headquarters page, the program showcases a different
ambassador each month.
Unfortunately, the program has not been updated since May 2004. Nevertheless, the archives
contain the question-and-answer sessions with the ambassadors of India, China, Switzerland and
the Russian Federation, which may be useful in studying those countries or preparing to
represent them at a Model UN conference.
The Gallery
www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/gallery
One of the best ways to explore the world is through art. The Cyberschoolbus Gallery presents a
number of art exhibitions, including photography, painting and other media, mostly done by
children. Some exhibits have been: "Aftershocks," a collection of journals and art by teenagers
who survived the Bosnian civil war or the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York;
"Cities of the World," children's drawings of their conception of the urban environment; and "On
Being Myself," photographs of and interviews with ten young people in ethnic minority groups
in Denmark, as they describe what it is like to live as a minority in the mostly-homogeneous
country.
Voices of Youth
www.unicef.org/voy
Accessible through the Community section of the Cyberschoolbus, or directly at
www.unicef.org/voy, Voices of Youth is UNICEF's online bulletin board where children and
teenagers around the world discuss issues that affect their lives. Teachers can use Voices of
Youth to teach their students about the world by connecting them to students in other countries,
while learning about serious global issues. Voices of Youth can open students' eyes, and give
them an entirely new community and set of friends with whom to communicate.
7Finding Information
How to Find UN Documents in Five Steps or Less
The UN has made it easier than ever to find resolutions, treaties, speeches, decisions, voting
records and more on its website. Below is a list of where to locate commonly used documents,
followed by specific instructions.
1. The UN Bibliographic Information System (UNBISnet), available at unbisnet.un.org, can
be used to find:
Resolutions passed by the Security Council, ECOSOC, and General Assembly
(1946 onward);
Voting records for all resolutions which were adopted by the General Assembly
(1983 onward) and the Security Council; and
Speeches made in the General Assembly (1983 onward), the Security Council (1983
onward), the Economic and Social Council (1983 onward), and the Trusteeship
Council (1982 onward).
2. The UN News Centre, available at www.un.org/news, can be used to find press releases
from UN bodies and the Secretary-General.
3. The International Court of Justice's website, available at www.icj-cij.org, can be used to
locate ICJ decisions.
4. For research, news and resources on specific topics, the UN's website has a section on
"Issues on the UN Agenda," available at www.un.org/issues.
How to Find Resolutions Passed on Any Topic
1. Go to UNBISnet at unbisnet.un.org
2. Under the heading "Bibliographic Records," click on "New Keyword Search."
3. You are presented with four optional search fields.
Enter a topic or keyword next to "Subject (All)."
If you want to refine your search to one specific body, such as the Security Council,
select "UN Doc. Symbol / Sales No." in the second drop-down menu, and enter the
appropriate resolution code.
For instance, all Security Council resolutions begin with S/RES; all General
Assembly resolutions begin with A/RES; all ECOSOC resolutions begin with
E/Year where year is the year in which the resolution passed. Enter any of these
codes in the second search field, or leave it blank to search all committees on the
topic.
To limit the search results by date, scroll down to the "User Defined Limits" and
select "Year of Publication," the appropriate delimiter, and enter the year of the
resolution.
84. Click on the "Go" button.
5. All the resolutions passed by the UN on that subject will appear in a list. If available, a
link to the actual resolution will be provided in each of the official UN languages.
How to Find Voting Records for a General Assembly or Security Council Resolution
(NOTE: GA resolutions passed before 1983 are not available.)
1. Go to UNBISnet at unbisnet.un.org
2. Under the heading "Voting Records," click on "New Keyword Search."
3. You are presented with four optional search fields. Enter the appropriate resolution
number next to the drop-down reading "UN Resolution Symbol."
4. Click on the "Go" button.
5. The resolution you want will come up. Under the resolution number is a link to the full
text of the resolution. Below that is the full voting history, with Y and N standing for yes
and no votes.
How to Find Speeches on an Issue Delivered by Your Country's Representatives
NOTE: Speeches are only available if they were made in the General Assembly, Economic and
Social Council, Trusteeship Council, or Security Council since 1983; not all speeches made in
this time are yet online. Most speeches made in subsidiary bodies of these organs will not be
available.
1. Go to UNBISnet at unbisnet.un.org.
2. Under the heading "Index to Speeches," click on "New Keyword Search."
3. You are presented with four optional search fields.
Enter the country's name next to the drop-down reading "Country/Organization."
If you would like to limit the topic, enter a keyword next to the drop-down reading
"Topic."
To limit the UN body in which the speech was given, enter the appropriate code
next to the drop-down reading "Meeting Record Symbol." Enter A for the General
Assembly, S for the Security Council, E for ECOSOC or T for the Trusteeship
Council.
4. Click on the "Go" button.
5. All speeches given by your country on this topic will be listed. Click on the link to
display the full text of the speech if it is available.
How to Find All Press Releases on a Topic
NOTE: Only press releases issued in 1995 or later are available.
1. Go to the Press Release Series Symbols Index at
www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/press1.htm. Scroll down until you see your committee.
Record the symbol listed to the right of it.
2. Go to the UN News Centre at www.un.org/news.
3. Under "Press Releases" on the sidebar on the left, click on "Search."
94. The Full Text search page will appear. In the box next to the word "Keywords," type your
topic or a one-word description of it, a space and the symbol you found in Step 2.
5. Click on the "Search" button.
How to Find an ICJ Decision on a Specific Topic
1. Go to the ICJ website at www.icj-cij.org.
2. Click on "Decisions" in the header.
o If you know the year of your case, scroll down until you find it.
o If you know just the topic of the case, or one of the parties, use the "find" function (Ctrl-
F on a PC) and enter the country name or keyword.
3. When you find the case, click on the appropriate link.
4. To see the full text of the decision, click on the "Judgment" link on the left of the page, if
it is available. If it is not available, the case has not yet been decided.
Position Papers
Many conferences require that each delegation submit a position paper—a brief essay detailing
your country’s policies on the topics being discussed in your committee. Writing a position paper
will help you organize your ideas so that you can share your country’s position with the rest of
the committee. If you conduct extensive research, a position paper should be easy to write. If the
conference you are attending does not require a position paper, you should still write one to help
you organize your research and prepare for the possibility that you will be asked to deliver an
opening speech. Most delegates use their position papers as their opening speeches.
How to Write a Position Paper
Writing a position paper might appear to be a daunting task, especially for new delegates. But
with enough research, you will find that writing a position paper will be easy and useful.
Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length. Your position paper should
include a brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown of your country's position
on the topics that are being discussed by the committee. A good position paper will not only
provide facts but also make proposals for resolutions.
Many conferences will ask for specific details in a position paper, so be sure to include all the
required information. Most conferences will provide delegates a background guide to the issue.
Usually, the background guide will contain questions to consider. Make sure that your position
paper answers these questions.
10A good position paper will include:
A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and committee;
How the issue affects your country;
Your country’s policies with respect to the issue and your country’s justification for these
policies;
Quotes from your country’s leaders about the issue;
Statistics to back up your country’s position on the issue;
Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue;
Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified;
UN actions that your country supported or opposed;
What your country believes should be done to address the issue;
What your country would like to accomplish in the committee’s resolution; and
How the positions of other countries affect your country’s position.
Position Paper Tips:
Keep it simple. To communicate strongly and effectively, avoid flowery wording and stick
to uncomplicated language and sentence structure.
Make it official. Try to use the seal of your country or create an “official” letterhead for
your position paper. The more realistic it looks, the more others will want to read it.
Get organized. Give each separate idea or proposal its own paragraph. Make sure each
paragraph starts with a topic sentence.
Cite your sources. Use footnotes or endnotes to show where you found your facts and
statistics. If you are unfamiliar with bibliographic form, look up the Modern Language
Association (MLA) guidelines at your school’s library.
Read and reread. Leave time to edit your position paper. Ask yourself if the organization
of the paper makes sense and double-check your spelling and grammar.
Speech! Speech! Do you plan to make an opening statement at your conference? A good
position paper makes a great introductory speech. During debate, a good position paper will
also help you to stick to your country’s policies.
Let the bullets fly. Try not to let your proposals become lost in a sea of information. For
speechmaking, create a bulleted list of your proposals along with your most important facts
and statistics so that you will not lose time looking for them during debate.
11Sample Position Paper
Committee: International Labor Organization
Topic: Globalization and Development
Country: Romania
In the past two decades the rapidly growing world trend has been toward globalization.
With the emergence of the internet as a means of communication and the increasing
accessibility of international trade physical barriers are not the only barriers withering
away. Protective tariffs are plummeting and free trade agreements are becoming more
prevalent. Romania appreciates that globalization creates favorable situations for
expansion of commercial as well as economic assets. In the past year Romania has seen a
foreign direct investment (FDI) increase of 199%. Inward FDI increased from EURO 234
million in 2005 to EURO 699 million in 2006. However, Romania realizes that increased
globalization does not automatically produce more equality.
Globalization and Development can contribute to the advancement of the overall
international human condition; however, the delegation of Romania recognizes that
without proper regulation the potential for advancement will remain limited to an elite
few individuals, businesses, and nations. Unless checked and aimed toward the common
good, globalization cannot effectively serve the global community. Crucial in dealing
with the complexities of globalization, good governance must act with solidarity and
responsibility. Romania believes that in involving people in globalization we must
promote moral values, democratic principals, inclusive global political culture,
institutions that safeguard both individual civil rights and inherent freedoms, and the
common good. In addition, coping with the influx of information from globalization
governments must act with solidarity and insight. Access to digital education will
undoubtedly result in the confidence of citizens in their respective administrations and
allow for a greater degree of transparency, and therefore a lesser degree of corruption.
Romania believes the multinational business community has the ability and the obligation
to support pertinent values in human rights, labor standards, and environmental
preservation. As stated by the president, Mr. Traion Basescu, Romania feels a "heartfelt
attachment to multilateralism, as an effective instrument designed to identify the adequate
answers to the challenges brought by globalization."
Romania is party to the majority of multilateral treaties and conventions identified as
such by the Secretary General in the context of the Millennium Summit in 2001.
Romania has always supported innovative and effective ways of establishing cooperation
within and between regional organizations. As one of the newest members of the
European Union, Romania is an active member of the World Trade Organization, and
looks forward to offering its support to the redirection of globalization to best benefit the
global community.
12Flow of Debate
It is sometimes helpful to think of a Model UN conference as if it were a play in which delegates
are the actors and Secretariat members are the directors. The storyline of a stage show is similar
to what MUNers call the “flow of debate” – the order in which events proceed during a Model
UN conference. Just like scenes in a theatrical performance, debate unfolds in several different
parts. The chart below shows the various stages of debate that take place during a Model UN
simulation. Being familiar with how the action will proceed, from the first “scene” to the last, is
an important way to prepare yourself for a Model UN conference.
Roll Call
The Chairperson will announce each country’s name. After delegates hear their country, they
should answer "present."
Setting the Agenda
When Model UN committees have more than one topic available, the body must set the agenda
to begin working on one of these issues. At this time a delegate typically makes a motion, stating
"The country of [name] moves to place [topic A] first on the agenda, followed by [topic B] and
then [topic C]." Once the motion has been made, three delegations must speak in favor of the
motion, and three other delegations will speak against it. These speeches should alternate
between those in favor and those opposed. Once these six speeches have been given, a vote is
taken. Setting the agenda requires a simple majority vote.
Debate
Formal Debate: Formal debate revolves around a Informal Debate: Informal debate involves
speakers list. The Chair begins by asking all discussion outside of the speakers list.
delegates interested in addressing the other During moderated caucuses, the Chair calls
members to raise their placards. The Chair then on delegates one-by-one so that each can
chooses delegates to be placed on the speakers address the committee in short speeches.
list. A country may only be on the speakers list During unmoderated caucuses, the
once, but delegates may add their country to the committee breaks for a temporary recess so
end of the list after their speech. that delegates may meet with each other and
discuss ideas.
1a. When the session begins, speeches focus on 1b. After several countries state their
stating country positions and offering positions, the committee breaks for caucuses
recommendations for action. (often in blocs) to develop regional positions.
2a. After blocs have met, speeches focus on 2b. Writing begins as countries work
describing bloc positions to the entire body. together to compose draft resolutions.
3a. Delegates now make statements describing 3b. Countries and groups meet to gather
13their draft resolutions to the committee. support for specific draft resolutions.
4a. Delegates try to garner more support through 4b. Delegates finalize draft resolutions.
formal speeches and invite others to offer their
ideas.
5a. Delegates make statements supporting or 5b. Draft-resolution sponsors build greater
disagreeing with specific draft resolutions. support for their resolution and look to
incorporate others’ ideas through friendly
amendments.
6a. Delegates present any amendments they have
created.
Close of Debate
Once the speakers list is exhausted, the committee automatically moves to voting. Also, once a
delegate feels that his or her country’s position is clear to others and that there are enough draft
resolutions on the floor, he or she may make a motion to proceed into voting procedure by
moving for the closure of debate.
Voting Procedures
Once a motion to close debate has been approved, the committee moves into voting procedure.
Amendments are voted on first, then resolutions. Once all of the resolutions are voted on, the
committee moves to the next topic on the agenda.
Public Speaking
Public speaking is one of the most important skills you will use as a Model UN delegate. You
will need to convey your member state’s positions, help build consensus and formulate
resolutions. Usually, the length of time a delegate is allowed to speak is set by the conference
organizers. Delegates can make a motion to increase or decrease the time allotted to each
speaker. If another delegate seconds the motion, then the committee will vote on changing the
speaker’s time.
You will have numerous opportunities to speak in your committee during a Model UN
simulation. The Chair will maintain a speakers list of delegates who would like to make formal
speeches. During caucusing you will have an opportunity to speak informally to delegates in
your committee, but it is still important to keep the principles of effective public speaking in
mind.
14Although speaking is an important part of any Model UN simulation, many delegates fear
speaking in front of a large group. The best way to cope with these fears is to be well-prepared.
You should research as much as possible about your country and the issue the committee will be
debating. You should be comfortable explaining your country's position and have ideas on what
you would like to include in the committee’s resolution. If you come to the conference prepared,
you will be eager to speak in committee and project confidence.
How to make an opening speech
First, you should thank the presiding official by saying "Thank you Mr./ Madame/
Honorable Chair/ President…"
Then begin by providing a brief history on the issue as it relates to your country.
Speak about how the issue is currently affecting your country.
Provide your country's position on the issue. Include an explanation for your country’s
stance, such as economic or security concerns or political or religious ideology.
You may choose to give an explanation of how your country's position relates to the
positions of other member states such as the major powers or countries in your regional
bloc.
You should discuss some of the past actions taken by the UN, member states and NGOs
to address the issue.
Present ideas for a resolution, stressing your country’s objectives for the resolution.
Talk about the role that NGOs or regional organizations have to play in addressing
the issue.
Indicate to the committee members whether your country is willing to negotiate.
How to make speech during debate
Again, you should thank the presiding official by saying "Thank you Mr./ Madame/
Honorable Chair/ President…"
Encourage collaboration among member states by proposing ways that your country
would be willing to work with other member states.
By referencing what other delegates have said, you can show support for your allies or
indicate which proposals your country does not favor.
Present ideas for draft resolutions.
Explain why your country does or does not support other draft resolutions.
Public Speaking Tips
Prepare: Decide how you feel most comfortable delivering your speech. You may
choose to use your position paper text as your opening speech or you may write out some
key points. In time, you may feel comfortable speaking without any written notes at all. If
you plan to use a word or phrase that is unfamiliar to you, make sure you learn its
meaning and how to pronounce it properly.
15 Practice: Rehearsing your speech is the best way to perfect your public speaking skills.
Try practicing in front of a teacher, a parent, or fellow Model UNers from your class or
club. When you listen to a speech, provide constructive feedback rather than criticism.
When someone critiques your speech, accept the feedback graciously and use it as a tool
to strengthen your public speaking.
Consider your audience: Make your speech appropriate to the age and experience-level
of the other delegates at the conference. Remember that the beginning of the speech
should captivate your audience and make them to want to hear more.
Eliminate unnecessary “filler” words: Fillers are words and phrases such as "umm,"
"well," "sort of,” and “like". These words take away from the message you are trying to
convey. Some additional fillers to avoid are “so,” "you know," "I think," "just," and "uh."
Use meaningful pauses: Leaving a moment of silence between sentences can be a
powerful public speaking tool. Pausing after an important point or before answering a
question will help to hold the audience’s attention. A pause can also give you time to
formulate your next statement.
Breathe: Try to breathe from your diaphragm – the organ below your lungs that controls
your respiration. You are breathing properly if you can see your abdomen rising and
falling with each breath. Try to inhale and exhale completely.
Pace yourself: Don’t talk too fast or too slow. Remember that most speakers have a
tendency to talk too quickly.
Choose a powerful posture: Be aware of your posture when you speak. Slouching,
tilting your head and crossing your arms or legs will take away from your message. Stand
up straight, relax your shoulders, plant your feet firmly and keep your knees unlocked to
help you communicate confidence.
Project your presence: Speaking in a low to medium volume can help to project
authority, but make sure that you are speaking loud enough to be easily heard. Focus on
speaking with enthusiasm and energy.
Gesture: It is worthwhile to use your face, hands, arms and body to help you
communicate as long as your motions do not distract the audience from your speech.
Connect with your audience: Glance at your notes rather than reading them so that you
can make eye contact with the other delegates. It is often helpful to speak directly to
individual members of the audience.
Get to the point: Speak concisely so that your audience does not lose your main
arguments among less-important details. Try not to speak in circles. Instead, go straight
to your most important point.
Be positive: Rather than criticizing another point of view, critique it in a constructive
way. Always provide alternatives and be sure to back up your arguments.
16Rules of Procedure
Like real UN bodies, Model UN committees have lengthy agendas and many delegates who want
to convey their country’s positions. To help maintain order, Model UN conferences adopt rules
of procedure to establish when a delegate may speak and what he or she may address. Some
conferences adopt a few simple rules, while others use lengthy and complex rules of procedure.
Because each conference is independent – there is no governing body for Model UN – rules of
procedure vary. A few conferences adapt their rules of procedure directly from the United
Nations rules while most use variations of the Roberts Rules of Order. It is essential to
familiarize yourself with the rules of each specific conference you plan to attend.
At a Model UN conference, there is formal debate as well as informal debate, called caucusing.
Formal Debate: During formal debate, the staff maintains a speakers list and delegates speak in
the order they are listed. At this time, delegates have an opportunity to share their views with the
entire committee. Delegates make speeches, answer questions, and introduce and debate
resolutions and amendments. Formal debate is important to the committee’s work. By not
knowing the rules of procedure, delegates slow down the debate and hold back their committee’s
progress.
Moderated Caucus: During a caucus, which is a temporary recess, the rules of procedure are
suspended. To go to a moderated caucus, a delegate makes a motion to suspend debate and the
committee votes. Caucusing helps to facilitate discussion, especially when there is a long
speakers list. A moderated caucus is a mixture of both formal and informal debate. Anyone may
speak if they raise their placard and are called on by the Chair.
Unmoderated Caucus: In an unmoderated caucus, delegates meet informally with one another
and the committee staff to discuss and negotiate draft resolutions, amendments and other issues.
What are the rules and procedures at a Model UN conference? View a chart of basic Model UN
points and motions.
17Chart of Rules and Motions
Basic Model UN Rules of Procedure Required to Pass
A motion to set the speakers time sets or changes the amount of time
Simple majority vote
each delegate has to speak.
A motion to open the speakers list allows delegates to sign up to
speak. At some conferences a motion to close the speakers list closes
the list for the remainder of the session or topic. However, at most Simple majority vote
Model UN conferences the speakers list can be opened and closed
multiple times. This motion requires an immediate vote.
Delegates propose a motion to suspend debate for the purpose of
holding a caucus. If you move to suspend the meeting, be sure to Simple majority vote
specify the purpose and the amount of time.
A motion to adjourn meeting ends the committee session until the
next session, which might be the next year’s conference, or after lunch Simple majority vote
or dinner.
A motion to adjourn debate (also known as motion to table debate)
is not the same as a motion to adjourn the meeting. Rather, it is used to
Two-thirds majority
table, or put on hold, all of the work that the committee has completed
vote
on a particular topic. At some Model UN conferences you can return to
this topic later, while at others the topic cannot be discussed again.
A delegate makes a motion to close debate in order to move the
committee to a vote, usually when the delegate has made his or her Two-thirds majority
country's position clear and there are enough draft resolutions on the vote
floor.
A point of order is used when a delegate believes the chair has made
an error in the running of the committee. The Delegate should only Decision of
specify the errors they believe were made in the formal committee Chairperson
procedure, and may not address the topic being discussed.
A point of inquiry (also known as a point of parliamentary
procedure) can be made when the floor is open (i.e. when no other No vote
delegate is speaking) in order to ask the chairperson a question
18regarding the rules of procedure.
A delegate may raise a point of personal privilege in order to inform
the chairperson of a physical discomfort he or she is experiencing, such No vote
as not being able to hear another delegate’s speech.
A delegate raises a point of information in order to pose a question to
a speaker during formal debate. The speaker chooses whether or not to Decision of speaker
yield his or her time to points of information.
A delegate makes an appeal to the chair’s decision when he or she
feels the chairperson has incorrectly decided a point or motion. At some
Two-thirds majority
conferences, this formal challenge must be made in writing. The
vote
appealing delegate speaks and the chairperson defends himself or
herself before the vote.
Caucusing
Caucusing, or informal debate, is an important part of the Model UN simulation because it
provides an opportunity for delegates to collaborate, negotiate and formulate draft resolutions.
During a Model UN conference, caucuses can be either moderated or unmoderated.
When a committee holds a moderated caucus, the Chair calls on delegates one at a time and each
speaker briefly addresses the committee. During an unmoderated caucus, the committee breaks
for a temporary recess from formal proceedings so that delegates can work together in small
groups. To hold a caucus, a delegate must make a motion and the committee must pass the
motion.
Many delegates prefer to speak during a moderated caucus rather than being placed on the
speaker’s list. In a moderated caucus, speakers are usually able to convey one or two key points
to the entire committee or share new ideas that have developed through the course of debate. A
delegate sometimes chooses to make a motion for a moderated caucus if his or her name is close
to the end of the speakers list. By speaking in a moderated caucus, delegates are able to address
the committee much earlier.
In most cases, more than half of committee time is used for unmoderated caucusing. Many
delegates feel this is the easiest way for them to collaborate and start to formulate draft
resolutions.
19Effective Caucusing
Enter the caucus with a plan in mind: Formulate ideas on what your country would like
to see included in a resolution. Decide which clauses you are willing to negotiate on and
which you are not.
Find delegates in your regional bloc: This is the easiest way to seek out allies. However,
if you find that the group you are working with is not meeting your needs, do not be afraid
to switch groups.
Provide ideas: Tell others what your country is hoping to achieve. If you do not agree with
an idea, do not hesitate to say that it is against your country’s policy.
Negotiate: While it is often necessary to give up something that you want, make sure that
you are not giving up anything too important.
Listen: By listening to what others are saying you will able to build on other people’s ideas
and add more to the discussion. Listening also shows respect for each delegate in your
group.
Do not interrupt: Allow other delegates to finish their thoughts rather than interrupting
others in the middle of a sentence. It sometimes helps to write down your idea so that you
can bring it up when the delegate is finished speaking.
Record ideas: Start to formulate a resolution in writing. Rather than waiting until the last
minute, begin recording fellow delegates’ ideas right away.
Be resourceful: By providing fellow delegates with resolution text, maps or information as
they need it, you will show that you are valuable to the group.
Have one-on-one conversations: Speaking with an individual or in a small group is the
best way to find out a delegate’s position on an issue. Larger groups are better suited to
brainstorming.
Stay calm: In caucuses, delegates can sometimes “lose their cool.” Staying calm will not
only help your group be more effective, but will be noticed by the conference staff. Always
keep your voice at a normal level. If you see that you are becoming upset or raising your
voice, excuse yourself from the group for a few minutes.
Use time effectively: Make sure you have enough time to hear everyone’s ideas so that you
can discuss them during formal debate. Try not to waste time arguing over small details that
do not seriously affect the draft resolution.
Show respect: Never give orders or tell other delegates what they should or should not do.
Be polite and treat all your fellow delegates with respect.
Provide constructive critique: Rather than negatively criticizing another delegate, focus
on providing constructive critique. If you dislike an idea, try to offer an alternative. Critique
ideas, not people.
Establish connections with other delegates: Although it can be tempting to call a fellow
delegate “Pakistan,” “Brazil” or “Sweden”, you can form a better connection with a
delegate by learning his or her name and where he or she comes from. Ask the delegate
about his or her ideas and impressions of the debate. Showing interest in your fellow
delegates at the beginning of the conference will help you gain more support later on and
can help you to form lasting friendships.
20Resolution Overview
The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutions—written suggestions for
addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are drafted by delegates and voted on
by the committee, normally require a simple majority to pass (except in the Security Council).
Only Security Council resolutions can compel nations to take action. All other UN bodies use
resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions for future action.
Draft Resolutions
Draft resolutions are all resolutions that have not yet been voted on. Delegates write draft
resolutions alone or with other countries. There are three main parts to a draft resolution: the
heading, the preamble and the operative section. The heading shows the committee and topic
along with the resolution number. It also lists the draft resolution’s sponsors and signatories (see
below). Each draft resolution is one long sentence with sections separated by commas and
semicolons. The subject of the sentence is the body making the statement (e.g., the General
Assembly, Economic and Social Council, or Security Council). The preamble and operative
sections then describe the current situation and actions that the committee will take.
Bringing a Resolution to the Floor for Debate
A draft resolution must always gain the support of a certain number of member states in the
committee before the sponsors (the delegates who created the resolution) may submit it to the
committee staff. Many conferences require signatures from 20 percent of the countries present in
order to submit a draft resolution. A staff member will read the draft resolution to ensure that it is
relevant and in proper format. Only when a staff member formally accepts the document and
assigns it a number can it be referred to in formal debate.
In some cases a delegate must make a motion to introduce the draft resolution, while in other
cases the sponsors are immediately called upon to read the document. Because these procedures
can vary, it is essential to find out about the resolution process for the conference you plan to
attend.
Resolution Writing
Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference organizers. Each
conference may have a slightly different format.
Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution calls for a new program, think
about how it will be funded and what body will manage it.
Try to cite facts whenever possible.
Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that cannot be met. Make sure
your body can take the action suggested. For example, the General Assembly can’t sanction
another country – only the Security Council can do so.
Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the
resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas.
Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past
resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action.
21 Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to explain
what the committee will do to address the issue.
Preambulatory Clauses
The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is addressing the
topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a present
participle (called a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can
include:
References to the UN Charter;
Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;
Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency;
Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with
the issue; and
General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.
Sample Preambulatory Phrases
Affirming Expecting Having studied
Alarmed by Expressing its appreciation Keeping in mind
Approving Expressing its satisfaction Noting with regret
Aware of Fulfilling Noting with deep concern
Bearing in mind Fully alarmed Noting with satisfaction
Believing Fully aware Noting further
Confident Fully believing Noting with approval
Contemplating Further deploring Observing
Convinced Further recalling Reaffirming
Declaring Guided by Realizing
Deeply concerned Having adopted Recalling
Deeply conscious Having considered Recognizing
Deeply convinced Having considered further Referring
Deeply disturbed Having devoted attention Seeking
Deeply regretting Having examined Taking into account
Desiring Having heard Taking into consideration
Emphasizing Having received Taking note
Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming
22Operative Clauses
Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each operative
clause begins with a verb (called an operative phrase) and ends with a semicolon. Operative
clauses should be organized in a logical progression, with each containing a single idea or
proposal, and are always numbered. If a clause requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off
by letters or roman numerals can also be used. After the last operative clause, the resolution ends
in a period.
Sample Operative Phrases
Accepts Encourages Further recommends
Affirms Endorses Further requests
Approves Expresses its appreciation Further resolves
Authorizes Expresses its hope Has resolved
Calls Further invites Notes
Calls upon Deplores Proclaims
Condemns Designates Reaffirms
Confirms Draws the attention Recommends
Congratulates Emphasizes Regrets
Considers Encourages Reminds
Declares accordingly Endorses Requests
Deplores Expresses its appreciation Solemnly affirms
Designates Expresses its hope Strongly condemns
Draws the attention Further invites Supports
Emphasizes Further proclaims Takes note of
Further reminds Transmits
Trusts
Sponsors and Signatories
Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its
substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN, since
countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the draft resolution
to pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution and only the sponsors can approve immediate
changes.
Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but
still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments.
A certain percentage of the committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution
in order for it to be accepted.
23Friendly and Unfriendly Amendments
Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a written
statement that adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft resolution. The amendment
process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to change certain
sections. There are two types of amendments:
A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with. After the
amendment is signed by all of the draft resolution’s sponsors and approved by the committee
director or president, it will be automatically incorporated into the resolution.
An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolution’s sponsors do not
support and must be voted upon by the committee. The author(s) of the amendment will need to
obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it (usually 20 percent of the
committee). Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly
amendments.
Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a great deal of debate and compromise.
They are the tangible results of hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a result, it is important
to become familiar with the resolution process and practice drafting resolutions using the proper
structure and wording.
24Sample Resolution:
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;
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]
25Dressing for Success
Dressing professionally and appropriately is an important aspect of Model UN preparations. Just
like being polite and having proper manners, dressing appropriately is an important way to show
respect for the nation you are representing, for your fellow delegates and for the United Nations.
At some conferences, delegates may wear their own national dress; however, most conferences
will require western business attire. Western business attire, or international standard business
attire, serves as customary dress for workplaces. It entails wearing a suit, which is made up of
trousers, a matching jacket, a button-down dress shirt, and a tie. Conservative dress shoes and
socks are also important. Skirts and dresses may also be worn as long as they fall to a decent
length. The main thing to remember is to always insure that your appearance is tidy and put-
together, and that you are well-covered.
Clothing Females Males
A suit always looks professional. Be sure A suit always looks professional. Be sure
Suits
to keep suits clean and wrinkle-free. to keep suits clean and wrinkle-free.
No t-shirts. A blouse, sweater, or button-
down shirt of any kind is appropriate.
Dresses are also appropriate as long as No t-shirts. A collared/button-down shirt
Tops
they are not revealing and adequate in is appropriate and do not forget a tie!
length (follow the rules below for skirt
length).
No jeans or shorts. Slacks and suit-pants
are acceptable. Skirts must be worn with
pantyhose/stockings and should not be No jeans or shorts. Slacks, preferable in
Bottoms
more than two inches above the knee. dark colors, are appropriate.
Bottoms should have a subtle pattern;
avoid loud designs.
No sneakers or open-toe sandals.
No sneakers or open-toe sandals. Loafers
Remember: high-heeled shoes may look
Shoes or other types of dress shoes are
pretty, but they can also be very
preferred.
uncomfortable, so use your discretion.
Keep hair clean and out of your face for a Keep hair clean and out of your face a
Hair
professional look. professional look.
26Awards Criteria
The conference Chairs will offer two awards to delegates during this year’s event: “Outstanding
Delegate” and “Distinguished Delegate.” Candidates for these awards will demonstrate all of the
following characteristics during the conference:
1. A thorough and accurate knowledge of the issues;
2. Accurate representation of the interests and policies of one’s country;
3. Professional in manner and speech;
4. Positive and constructive participation;
5. Excellent public speaking;
6. Adept at parliamentary procedure;
7. Appropriately respectful and diplomatic; and
8. Active participation in caucuses and debates throughout the conference.
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