TCET MUN 2013 CONFERENCE HANDBOOK - THAKUR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE 2013
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TCET MUN 2013
THAKUR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE 2013
CONFERENCE HANDBOOK
1 Thakur College of Engineering & Technology
TCET MUN 2013
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
13th September, 2013 (Friday) – DAY 1
Morning
8:30 am – 9:30 am Venue Registrations Open and Lobbying Session
9:30 am – 11:00 am Opening Ceremony
11:00 am – 11:30 am Breakfast
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Session 1
Afternoon
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Session 2
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm Hi-Tea
Evening
4:45 pm – 6:00 pm Session 3
14th September, 2013 (Saturday) – DAY 2
Morning
8:30 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am – 12:00 noon Session 4
Afternoon
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Session 5
4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Hi-Tea
Evening
4:15 pm – 6:00 pm Session 6
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15th September, 2013 (Sunday) – DAY 3
Morning
8:30 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am – 12:00 noon Session 7
Afternoon
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Session 8
Evening
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Closing Ceremony
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Introduction to United Nations
The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the UN
Charter had been ratified by a majority of the original
51 Member States. The day is now celebrated each
year around the world as United Nations Day.
The purpose of the United Nations is to bring all
nations of the world together to work for peace and
development, based on the principles of justice,
human dignity and the well-being of all people. It
affords the opportunity for countries to balance global
The UN emblem shows the world held
interdependence and national interests when
in the “olive branches of peace”.
addressing international problems.
There are currently 192 Members of the United Nations. They meet in the General
Assembly, which is the closest thing to a world parliament. The UN is central to global
efforts to solve problems that challenge humanity. Cooperating in this effort are more
than 30 affiliated organizations, known together as the UN system. Day in and day out,
the UN and its family of organizations work to promote respect for human rights, while
also promoting gender equality and the advancement of women, protecting the
environment, fighting disease and reducing poverty. UN agencies define the standards
for safe and efficient air travel and help improve telecommunications and enhance
consumer protection. The United Nations leads the international campaigns against
drug trafficking and terrorism. Throughout the world, the UN and its agencies assist
refugees, set up programmes to clear landmines, help expand food production and lead
the fight against AIDS. In September 2000, Member States, represented at the highest
level — including 147 Heads of State and Government — expressed their collective
vision in the Millennium Declaration.
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Introduction to Model United Nations
To facilitate the understanding of the functioning of the United Nations, Model United
Nations Conferences were introduced dating back to 1920s where students in the
United States of America were participating in collegiate simulations of the League of
Nations, the predecessor to the United Nations. However, the oldest continuous Model
United Nations Conference is said to be dated back in 1955 is the Harvard Model United
Nations Conference. Therefore, the practice of Model United Nations is now a very
effective technique to involve the students and the youth to amplify their knowledge
about various worldwide topics affecting the human race.
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the of the United Nations that aims
to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations,
diplomacy and the United Nations agenda. Wherein, the participants role-play as
diplomats representing a nation or NGO in a simulated session of an organ (committee)
of the United Nations, such as the Security Council or the General Assembly. Participants
research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate,
deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. During a conference,
participants must provide work for a variety of communication and critical thinking
skills in order to represent the policies of their country. These skills include public
speaking, group communication, research, policy analysis, active listening, negotiating,
conflict resolution, note taking, and technical writing.
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Essentials of a Model United Nations
I. RESEARCH
The first step in preparing for a rewarding Model UN experience is to gather
information. Give yourself plenty of time before a conference to research, read
and then formulate your arguments. While conducting research, try to keep in
mind that your primary goal is to represent your country as realistically as
possible. To do so, you will need to research three different areas, stated below:
1. YOUR COUNTRY AND ITS POSITIONS;
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:
o What sort of government does your country have?
o What types of ideologies (political, religious or other) influence
your country’s government?
o Which domestic issues might influence your country’s foreign
policy?
o What are some major events in your country’s history? Why are
they important?
o Which ethnicities, religions and languages can be found in your
country?
o Where is your country located and how does its geography affect
its political relationships?
o Which countries share a border with your country?
o Which countries are considered allies of your country?
o Which countries are considered enemies of your country?
o What are the characteristics of your country’s economy?
o What is your country’s gross domestic product (GDP)? How does
this compare to other countries in the world?
o When did your country become a member of the UN?
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o 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)?
o 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)?
o Does your country belong to any trade organizations or
agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) or the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD)?
2. THE ISSUES TO BE DEBATED AT THE CONFERENCE;
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 jump start 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:
o What is the problem? How does it affect your country?
o What has your country done to combat the problem?
o What are the various “sides” in the debate?
o Which aspects of the issue are most important to your country?
o If your country is not involved with the issue, how can it become
involved?
o How will your country shape the debate at the conference?
o What arguments will other countries make?
o How do the positions of other countries affect your country’s
position?
o Is there evidence or statistics that might help to back up your
country’s position?
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3. 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:
o What are the important elements of the UN Charter?
o What are the main bodies of the UN?
o How are the UN’s bodies and agencies organized?
o Which countries serve on the body or agency you are simulating?
o How does the body or agency you are simulating operate?
o What are the most recent UN actions on your issue?
o Why did past UN actions succeed or fail?
o What conferences and meetings have been held with regard to
your issue?
o What have UN officials said about your issue?
II. POSITION PAPERS:
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.
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A good position paper will include:
o A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic
and committee;
o How the issue affects your country;
o Your country’s policies with respect to the issue and your country’s
justification for these policies;
o Quotes from your country’s leaders about the issue;
o Statistics to back up your country’s position on the issue;
o Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue;
o Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified;
o UN actions that your country supported or opposed;
o What your country believes should be done to address the issue;
o What your country would like to accomplish in the committee’s
resolution; and
o How the positions of other countries affect your country’s position.
III. 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.
Although 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.
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IV. RULES 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. A few conferences adapt their rules
of procedure directly from the United Nations rules while most use variations of
the Roberts Rules of Order. At a Model UN conference, there is formal debate as
well as informal debate, called caucusing.
o FORMAL DEBATE:
During formal debate, the staffs maintain 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.
o CAUCUSING/INFORMAL DEBATE:
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.
MODERATED CAUCUS: The purpose of a moderated caucus is to facilitate
substantive debate at critical junctures in the discussion. In a moderated
caucus, the Director will temporarily depart from the Speakers' List and
call on delegates to speak at his/her discretion. A motion for a moderated
caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of
debate.
The delegate making the motion must briefly explain its purpose and
specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty-five minutes, and
a time limit for the individual speeches. Once raised, the motion will be
voted on immediately, with a simple majority of members required for
passage. In the case of multiple moderated caucuses, the Director will
rank the motions in descending order of length and the Committee
members will vote accordingly.
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The Director may rule such a motion out of order and his/her decision is
not subject to appeal. No motions are in order between speeches during a
moderated caucus. A delegate can and will be ruled out of order if the
delegate's speech does not address the topic of the moderated caucus. If
no delegate wishes to speak during a moderated caucus, the caucus shall
immediately end. A moderated caucus may be extended only twice but
only after the caucus has ended. A single moderated caucus may never
last longer than fifty minutes.
UNMODERATED CAUCUS: A motion for an un-moderated caucus is in
order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. The
delegate making the motion must briefly explain its purpose and specify a
time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes. The motion will
immediately be put to a vote. A majority of members present is required for
passage. A motion for extension of the un-moderated caucus, submitted in
writing and signed by a simple majority of members present, is in order
before the time has elapsed. An un-moderated caucus on the same purpose
shall not exceed thirty minutes. The Director may rule the motion or the
extension out of order, not subject to appeal.
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.
V. RULES REGARDING SPEECHES:
Speaker’s List:
The Committee will have an open Speakers List for the Topic Area being
discussed. The Director will either set a speaker's time or entertain motions to
set a speaking time. Separate Speakers Lists will be established as needed for
procedural motions and debate on amendments. A country may add its name to
the Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the Director, provided
that country is not already on the Speakers List, and may remove its name from
the Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the Director. At any time
the Director may call for members that wish to be added to the Speakers List.
11 Thakur College of Engineering & TechnologyTCET MUN 2013 The names of the next several countries to speak may be posted for the convenience of the Committee. The new Speakers List for the second topic area will not be open until the Committee has proceeded to that topic. A motion to close any Speakers List is never in order. Time-Limit on Speeches: The time allotted to each speaker during formal debate is limited. The minimum time-limit will be fifteen seconds. At the beginning of a session, the time limit will be set to ninety seconds. When a delegate exceeds his/her allotted time, the Director may call the speaker to order without delay. The Director shall indicate that the time is about to elapse, so the delegate can conclude his/her speech. Yielding: A delegate granted the right to speak on a substantive issue, may yield in one of the following three ways at the conclusion of his/her speech: to another delegate, or to questions. YIELD TO ANOTHER DELEGATE: His/her remaining time will be offered to that delegate. If the delegate accepts the yield, the Director shall recognize the delegate for the remaining time, and he/she may not yield again in any form. YIELD TO QUESTIONS: Questioners will be selected by the Director and limited to one question each. Follow-up questions will be allowed only at the discretion of the Director. The Director will have the right to call to order any delegate whose question is, in the opinion of the Director, not designed to elicit information. Only the speaker's answers to questions will be deducted from the speaker's remaining time. YIELD TO CHAIR: Delegate may yield his/her time to the Chair who will then proceed to recognize the other Delegate on the Speaker’s List. Only one yield is allowed per speech (i.e. no yields on yielded time). There are no yields allowed if the delegate is speaking on a procedural matter or his/her time has expired. A Delegate must declare any yield by the conclusion of his/her speech. 12 Thakur College of Engineering & Technology
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Right to Reply:
A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another
delegate may submit a Right of Reply only in writing to the Committee staff. The
Director will grant the Right of Reply at his/her discretion; this decision is not
appealable. A delegate granted a Right of Reply will not address the Committee
except at the request of the Director. A Right of Reply to a Right of Reply is out of
order.
VI. BASICS RULES OF PROCEDURE:
Before proceeding to the basics Model UN rules of procedure a delegate must
effectively understand the Flow 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 Model UNers call the “flow of debate”
– the order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference. 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 Informal Debate: Informal debate
around a speakers list. The Chair begins by involves discussion outside of the
asking all delegates interested in addressing speakers list. During moderated
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the other members to raise their placards. caucuses, the Chair calls on delegates
The Chair then chooses delegates to be one-by-one so that each can address the
placed on the speakers list. A country may committee in short speeches. During
only be on the speakers list once, but unmoderated caucuses, the committee
delegates may add their country to the end breaks for a temporary recess so that
of the list after their speech. delegates may meet with each other and
discuss ideas.
When the session begins, speeches focus on After several countries state their
stating country positions and offering positions, the committee breaks for
recommendations for action. caucuses (often in blocs) to develop
regional positions.
After blocs have met, speeches focus on Writing begins as countries work
describing bloc positions to the entire body. together to compose draft resolutions.
Delegates now make statements describing Countries and groups meet to gather
their draft resolutions to the committee. support for specific draft resolutions.
Delegates try to garner more support Delegates finalize draft resolutions.
through formal speeches and invite others to
offer their ideas.
Delegates make statements supporting or Draft-resolution sponsors build greater
disagreeing with specific draft resolutions. support for their resolution and look to
incorporate others’ ideas through
friendly amendments.
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.
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Basic Model UN Rules of Procedure Required to Pass
A motion to set the speakers time sets or changes the amount
Simple majority vote
of time each delegate has to speak.
A motion to open either a general or special speakers’ list
Simple majority vote
allows delegates to sign up to speak.
Delegates propose a motion to go into moderated or
Simple majority vote
unmoderated caucus.
A motion to adjourn debate ends the committee session until
Simple majority vote
the next session,which might be the next year’s conference,
or after lunch or dinner.
A delegate makes a motion to close debate and go into role
call voting, usuallywhen the delegate has made his or her
Two-thirds majority vote
country's position clear and there are enough draft
resolutions on the 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 specify the errors they believe were Decision
made in the formal committee 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 No vote
other delegate is speaking) in order to ask the chairperson a
question regarding 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 No vote
experiencing, such as not being able to hear another
delegate’s speech.
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 conferences, this formal challenge must be Two-thirds majority
made in writing. The appealing delegate speaks and the
chairperson defends himself or herself before the vote.
VII. WORKING PAPER:
Delegates may propose working papers for committee consideration. Working
papers are intended to aid the Committee in its discussion and formulation of draft
resolutions and need not be written in resolution format or cover all the points of
the discussion. Working papers are not official documents, but do require the
signature of the Director to be copied and distributed. Once distributed, delegates
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may begin to refer to that working paper by its designated number. Otherwise
debate on the topic carries on normally.
VIII. RESOLUTION:
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.
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Tips for Resolution Writing
o Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference
organizers. Each conference may have a slightly different format.
o 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.
o Try to cite facts whenever possible.
o 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.
o Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the
resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas.
o Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past
resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action.
o 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.
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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
Operative 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.
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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 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.
Amendments:
Delegates may amend any draft resolution which has been introduced. Only one
amendment may be introduced at any given time. An amendment must have the
approval of the Director and the signatures of one fifth of the number of delegations
present at the beginning of the committee session in order to be introduced.
19 Thakur College of Engineering & TechnologyTCET MUN 2013 Amendments to amendments are out of order; however, an amended part of a draft resolution may be further amended. There are no official sponsors of amendments or friendly amendments. Perambulatory phrases may not be amended. The final vote on the amendment is procedural. A motion to introduce an approved amendment is in order when the floor is open and after it has been approved by the Director, copied and distributed. The Director, time permitting, shall read the amendment. A procedural vote is then taken to determine whether the amendment shall be introduced. If the motion receives the simple majority required to pass, general debate will be suspended and a speakers list 'for' and 'against' the amendment will be established. A motion to close debate will be in order after the Committee has heard two speakers for the amendment and two against or all the speakers on one side and at least two on the other side. Following the normal procedure, the Director will recognize two speakers against the motion to close debate, and a vote of two-thirds is required for closure. When debate is closed on the amendment, the Committee will move to an immediate vote. Amendments need a simple majority to pass. If the amendment passes, it is then part of the draft resolution. After the vote, debate will resume according to the general Speakers List. 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. 20 Thakur College of Engineering & Technology
TCET MUN 2013
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.
Voting Procedure:
Votes will be taken in committee in two manners: -
• Open Vote/Procedural Voting: All voting is considered procedural with the
exception of voting on draft resolutions. Delegates must vote on all procedural
motions and no abstentions are allowed for procedural voting. A motion that
requires a simple majority to pass needs more than half of the committee members
to vote affirmatively.
• Roll Call Vote/Substantive Voting:
The only substantive voting will be voting on draft resolutions. After debate has
been closed on the general topic area, the committee will move into substantive
voting procedures and the chambers are then sealed. After debate is closed on the
topic, and before voting procedure begins a specific draft resolution any delegate
may request a roll call vote on the draft resolution. Such a motion may be made from
the floor. A motion for a roll call vote is in order only for substantive motions.
o In a roll call vote, the Director will call countries in alphabetical order starting
with a randomly selected member.
o In the first sequence, delegates may vote "Yes," "No," "Abstain," or "Pass." A
delegate may request the right to explain his/her vote only when the delegate
is voting against the policy of his/her country; such a vote is termed "with
rights", in which case the delegate shall say: 'Yes with rights' or 'No with
rights'. The delegate may only explain an affirmative or negative vote, not an
abstention from voting.
o All delegates who had requested the right of explanation will be granted time
to explain their votes. The speaking time will be set at the discretion of the
Director, not to exceed forty-five seconds.
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o The countries which passed in the first round will then be asked to state their
vote in the second round – they may not pass again, or request rights at this
point.
o In the final round, countries will be asked if they wish to reconsider their
votes. After this, the votes will be tallied, and the draft resolution or
amendment will be declared to have passed, failed or been tabled.
22 Thakur College of Engineering & TechnologyTCET MUN 2013
Sample Working Paper
Committee: Asian & Pacific Council
Topic: Rehabilitation after the Financial Crisis, 1997
Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma and other republics of South East Asia feel the need to set
up a separate monetary fund for the pan-Asian region. The reasons for this are as
follows:
1) Currently, the five largest donors to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are the
United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, and Japan, in that order, while
the five largest recipients of loans from the IMF are Indonesia, China, Somalia, Malaysia
and The Gambia. (These statistics are made up - this is a SAMPLE working paper) The
countries which donate the most have the least association with those that need aid the
most, and to rectify this discrepancy to a certain extent Indonesia, Malaysia and Burma
recommend that a separate Asian Monetary Fund (AMF) be set up.
2) Asian nations often find themselves at philosophical odds with the pro-capitalist IMF
and often have to capitulate on their own views and policies in order to obtain IMF
loans. It would be, in our opinion, much better to borrow money from those
sympathetic to our ideas.
3) In Asia, wealth tends to be distributed among individuals more than the state - which
is often bankrupt. The IMF system for private donation is outmoded and underfunded.
The AMF would definitely call for Asian entrepreneurs from all over the world to
contribute to help out their home governments.
4) Asian Nations often find themselves with IMF loans that are nonmonetary in nature
and so effectively useless. However, due to the donor-receipient divide, a lot are held
back from complaining because they think it would only seem ungrateful and deny them
future loans. They would not face this problem if donors were fellow Asian nations.
5) Islamic states often prohibit the collection of interest, and since all IMF loans are
interest based, these nations often have to capitulate on their religious law to borrow
money. In our opinion, membership to the AMF could be as follows:
23 Thakur College of Engineering & TechnologyTCET MUN 2013
# Only those countries willing, at some point, to contribute to the AMF may join. This
involves bearing an even share in losses if loans are irretrievable.
# Only those nations interested in giving and receiving almost interest free loans need
apply.
# Only those nations with internationally convertible currencies should be permitted to
join, the AMF is completely against capital controls.
# It is preferred that AMF members are not IMF members. While this may seem divisive
and unnecessary, it is a key step in freeing Asia from Western Dominance.
24 Thakur College of Engineering & TechnologyTCET MUN 2013
Sample Resolution
General Assembly Third Committee
Resolution GA/3/1.1
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”
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 perambulatory
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,
The General Assembly,
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;
25 Thakur College of Engineering & TechnologyTCET MUN 2013
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]
26 Thakur College of Engineering & TechnologyYou can also read
