Model United Nations

International Format

BeginnersDelegate Training

Introduction to Model UN

• What is an MUN ?• Objective of MUN• Skills in an MUN

What is an MUN?

• MUN (Model United Nations) is an extra curricular activity in many schools and universities, which simulates the functioning of the United Nations.

• In a Model UN Conference students assume the roles of countries and organizations represented in the UN in various committees or councils to debate and discuss issues concerning the world.

Objective of MUN

• The Aims of an MUN conference are to encourage debate and sharing of views between students from different schools and of different ethnicities.

• The Ultimate goal of an MUN Conference is to promote awareness of international relations and issues in young people, and to inspire global mindedness and an understanding to the problems of the world and how to combat them, whilst providing an atmosphere where students can progress in their personality, communication skills and open mindedness.

Skills in an MUNDuring a conference, participants employ a variety of communication and critical thinking skills in order to represent effectively. Some of these skills include:

•Public Speaking, •Group Communication, •Research, •Policy Analysis, •Active Listening, •Negotiating, •Conflict Resolution, And •Technical Writing.

Preparing for an MUN

• Research

Research

• The initial step of any MUN is RESEARCH. 

• Extensive knowledge about the country, committee, agenda and the UN is ESSENTIAL.

• Preparedness makes the conference more fun and enjoyable along with a great learning experience.

• The simulation can only be carried out with full enthusiasm if the delegates are prepared.

Research is usually broken down into:

A. Country Information

B. The Agenda

C. The UN System

Optimizing your Research

The main points for research are:

1.Politics and Government;

2.History, Society, Culture and Geography ;

3.Economy and Defense ;

4.International and National current affairs

5.Foreign Policies and International Relations;

Researching your Country or Delegation

The agenda of a committee is the topic for debate and discussion in a committee session. It involves :

1.Background information and history ;

2.Aspects of the agenda covered by the committee ;

3.Country’s stand ;

4.Relation between the issue and the UN ;

5.Opinions of all major powers ;

6.Latest developments ;

7.Speeches, resolutions, statements and news articles ;

Agenda or Issue at hand

It is important for delegates to be well informed about :

1.The United Nations Charter ;

2.The functioning of their respective committees ;

3.Recent United Nations actions on the issue at hand ;

4.Conferences that have been held on the issue ;

5.Statements, resolutions, speeches and press releases of and by the UN.

6. UN Today, UDHR

Understanding the United Nations System

Effective Communication

• Making Speeches• Variation in Speeches• Notepaper Communication

Making Speeches• Writing and delivering speeches is an important

aspect of the Model UN simulation.

• Speeches help delegates convey the positions of their countries, build consensus and create resolutions.

• Although speechmaking is integral to the simulation, many delegates’ biggest fear is public speaking. It is essential that delegates come to the conference well prepared to overcome this fear.

• There are no set guidelines for how to make speeches, delegates should decide how they feel most comfortable addressing the committee. Some delegates use their position papers as their opening speeches; others just write out some key points. Many speak without any aides at all. Its really not that difficult.

• Since public speaking is a skill, it is important to practice, practice, practice !

• More tips for public speaking can be found online at www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Rando13.html

Making Speeches

Variation in Speeches1. When the session begins, make speeches focus on stating country

positions and offering recommendations for action.

2. After blocs have met, speeches should focus on describing bloc positions to the entire body.

3. Move away from general ideas on the topic and instead focus on specific ideas or proposals for action;

4. Then make statements describing their draft resolutions to the committee. Bring up points in the draft resolutions that have yet to be decided or discussed by the body, or points of agreement and disagreement between two contending draft resolutions in order to clearly delineate the differences;

5. Speck in favor or against any amendments that have been created. Convince others of their plan of action and call for input from as many countries as possible in order to secure their draft resolution’s transition into a resolution.

Roll CallEach country’s name is announced by the executive board.

After a delegate hears their country called , they are supposed to answer “present” or “present and voting”

Roll CallEach country’s name is announced by the executive board.

After a delegate hears their country called , they are supposed to answer “present” or “present and voting”

Setting the AgendaThe first order of business for the committee is the

consideration of the agenda. The only motion in order at this time will be in the form of The nation of [country

name] moves that [Topic Area X] be placed first on the agenda. The motion requires a second and is debatable. A

provisional speakers list shall is established with two people speaking for and two people speaking against the

motion. After this the committee shall move into an immediate vote. A simple majority is required for the

motion to pass.

Setting the AgendaThe first order of business for the committee is the

consideration of the agenda. The only motion in order at this time will be in the form of The nation of [country

name] moves that [Topic Area X] be placed first on the agenda. The motion requires a second and is debatable. A

provisional speakers list shall is established with two people speaking for and two people speaking against the

motion. After this the committee shall move into an immediate vote. A simple majority is required for the

motion to pass.

FLOW OF DEBATE

DebateDebate

DebateDebate

Speaker’s List

(Formal Debate)

Speaker’s List

(Formal Debate)

Caucus ( Informal Debate)

Caucus ( Informal Debate)

Moderated CaucusModerated Caucus

Unmoderated Caucus

Unmoderated Caucus

Working Papers and Draft

Resolutions

Working Papers and Draft

Resolutions

CLOSURE OF DEBATE

CLOSURE OF DEBATE

END OF LISTEND OF LIST

VOTING PROCEDUREVOTING PROCEDURE

Rules of Procedure

Rule ExplanationTo pass, Vote Required:

Motion to Open and Close Speakers List

At some Model U.N. conferences, once the speakers list is closed it is closed for the remainder of the session or topic. However, at most Model U.N. conferences the speakers list can be opened and closed multiple times. Once the speakers list is exhausted, it means no one else wishes to speak, debate is over, and the committee then moves into voting procedure. This motion requires an immediate vote.

Simple Majority

Motion to set Speakers Time

This is a motion to set or change the speaker’s time. It is a procedural motion, which requires two (2) delegates speaking for the amount of time motioned for, and two (2) delegates speaking against.

Simple Majority

Motion to Suspend Meeting

This motion is made to end the committee session until the next session. This motion is most commonly made to end committee session for the purpose of lunch or dinner. This motion requires an immediate vote. Not Debatable

Simple Majority

Motion to Adjourn Meeting

The motion of adjournment means that all business of the Committee or Council has been completed, and that the Committee or Council will not reconvene until the next annual session. This motion requires an immediate vote.

Not Debatable.

Simple Majority

Motion to Suspend Debate

This motion is made to suspend the formal debate for the purpose of a regular caucus or a moderated caucus. When moving to suspend the meeting, the delegate should specify a certain amount of time and the purpose. This motion requires an immediate vote. Not Debatable.

Simple Majority

Motion to Adjourn Debate or Table Debate

Motion to adjourn debate is a tactic to put all of the work that the committee has completed on the topic in which they are discussing on hold and to table it, returning to it at later time. This motion requires two (2) delegates speaking for the adjournment of debate and two (2) delegates speaking against the adjournment of debate.

2/3rds Majority

Motion to Close Debate

This motion is made in order for the committee to move into voting procedure. Once a delegate feels as if they have made their country’s position clear, there are enough draft resolutions on the floor, and everyone is ready, a delegate makes a motion to move into voting procedure by moving for the closure of debate. This motion requires only two (2) delegates speaking against the closure of debate and zero (0) delegates for the closure of debate.

2/3rds Majority

Appeal to the Chair’s Decision

This motion is made when a delegate feels as if the chairperson has made an incorrect decision. The delegate wishes to challenge the chairperson and does so by formally making a motion to appeal the chairperson’s decision. This motion may be made verbally or in writing. The opposing delegate speaks and the chairperson defends his or herself before the vote.

2/3 Majority

Rule Explanation

Point of Personal Privilege

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a Point of Personal (PHYSICAL) Privilege and the Chair shall immediately address the point.

A Point of Personal Privilege must refer to a matter of personal comfort or safety and/or the well-being of the members of the committee.

The Chair may refuse to recognize a Point of Personal Privilege if the delegate has not shown proper restraint and decorum, or if the point is dilatory in nature. It may interrupt the speaker

Rule Explanation

Point of Order

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of Order to indicate an instance of improper parliamentary procedure.

The Point of Order will be immediately decided by the Chair in accordance with these rules of procedure. The Chair may rule out of order those points that are improper.

A representative rising to a Point of Order may not speak on the substance of the matter under discussion.

A Point of Order may only interrupt a speaker if the speech is not following proper parliamentary procedure.

Rule Explanation

Point of Information

After a delegate gives a speech, and if the delegate yields his or her time to Points of Information, one Point of Information (a question) can be raised by delegates from the floor. The speaker will be allotted the remainder of his or her speaking time to address Points of Information. Points of Information are directed to the speaker and allow other delegations to ask questions in relation to speeches and resolutions.

Point of Inquiry

If there is no discussion on the floor, a delegate may raise a Point of Inquiry to request clarification on procedure. A Point of Inquiry may never interrupt a speaker.

Resolution Process

• What is a Resolution?• Resolution-making

What is a Resolution ?

•In a country’s government; official documents are drafted which aim to solve a specific situation. In the United Nations, similar documents are also drafted; called Resolution.

•The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation.

•Written suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue.

•All UN bodies (except the Security Council) use resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions for future action.

•Security Council resolutions compel nations for action and are directive.

THE RESOLUTION-MAKING PROCESS1. First Unmoderated Caucus – Forming blocs

After the committee has explored the causes, effects and solutions of the problem, an unmoderated caucus should be raised. During this unmoderated caucus, delegates should seek out the blocs with which they would want to form the resolution.

• Similar foreign policy W.R.T. agenda

• Similar geographic location (AU, EU, SAARC)

• Part of the same treaty (NATO)

2. Second Unmoderated caucus – Working papers

During this unmoderated caucus, delegates should try to form working papers. • Working papers are a collection of solutions for the

agenda, in no specific format. • They must have the support of at least 20% of the

committee to be considered.• One country can support as many working papers

as it chooses.

THE RESOLUTION-MAKING PROCESS3. Third Unmoderated Caucus – Draft resolutions

During this unmoderated caucus, working papers must be converted to draft resolutions.Draft resolutions are also a set of solutions, but have a very specific format.

• Have 2 types of clauses – Preambulatory and Operative

• Preambulatory clauses are introductory clauses. Basically give the why of the draft resolution, i.e. why it is being written, history of the agenda, past action. Format – Bulleted, end with comma

• Operative clauses are the actual solutions. Format – numbered, end with a semi-colon, last operative ends with full-stop

• Clauses can only begin with specific phrases, which must be underlined

• Two types of support for draft resolution

• Sponsors (3-6) – support all clauses of draft resolution

• Signatories (as many as possible) – disagree with some clauses, but want to see draft resolution discussed.

Total support required (sponsors + signatories) = 20%

• One country can sponsor one draft resolution, sign many.

THE RESOLUTION-MAKING PROCESS4. Formal debate on draft resolutions

• Two sponsors of each draft resolution read out clauses and answer points of information (similar to speaker’s list)

• All rules of Parliamentary Procedure followed

• This is an excellent time for delegates to point out weaknesses in the draft resolutions and propose amendments.

5. Amendments

• Any delegate can propose to amend a draft resolution.

• Two types of amendments – friendly and unfriendly

• Friendly amendments – supported by all sponsors. Passed automatically. Mostly minor errors or last-minute changes.

• Unfriendly amendments – not supported by one or more sponsor. Brought to committee for roll-call vote. Requires simple majority (50% + 1 vote).

THE RESOLUTION-MAKING PROCESS6. Voting

• After discussion and amendments, draft resolution is put to vote.

• Alphabetical roll-call voting takes place.

• Four types of votes allowed – Yes, No, Pass, Abstain.

• Yes – Delegate agrees with the resolution completely.

• No – Delegate disagrees with resolution strongly

• Abstain – Delegate is unsure of his stance towards resolution, and abstains, i.e. neither ‘Yes’ nor ‘No’.

• Pass – Delegate is unsure of his stance towards resolution, and asks for more time to make his decision. After tallying all other votes, delegate will be asked for final vote, and cannot Abstain. Helps see how allies have voted

• If passed by simple majority, it becomes a resolution.