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Royal Holloway Model United Nations

GuidebookRHUL Politics and International Relations Society

Compiled by Daniel Atherton, PIR Society President - Dec 2016

Royal Holloway Model United Nations, is an educational simulation and academic competition in which students learn through firsthand experience about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. RHMUN involves and teaches researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

It is fantastic to launch such a prestigious and prodigious opportunity for Royal Holloway Students. This conference will combine the immense experience and deep passion the student body has for Model United Nations to create something worthwhile and lasting.

Conference Schedule

Friday 27th January

7:00pm - Formal Opening Ceremony8:00pm – Coffee Break

8:30pm – Agenda Setting10:00pm – Closure of session

Saturday 28th January

10:00am – Formal Session12:30pm – Lunch Break

1:30pm – Formal Session4:00pm – Coffee Break

4:30pm – Formal Session6:30pm – Closure of Session

9:00pm – RHMUN Social at MEDICINE

Sunday 29th January

10:00am – Formal Session12:30pm – Lunch Break

1:30pm – Formal Session4:00pm – Coffee Break

4:30pm – Formal Closing Ceremony6:00pm – Formal Closing Social in Crosslands


Opening Ceremony

At the start of the conference, a large opening ceremony will be held in the Windsor Auditorium to officially open the RHMUN Conference. All delegations will be invited to attend. If they do not attend, they will not be allowed to participate in the conference schedule.

The opening ceremony will feature a keynote speech with a guest speaker, an introduction to the conference schedule, and an overview of the delegations present.

Following an official vote to open the ceremony, delegations will leave and split into their respective committees to begin the process of Agenda Setting.

General Structure of the Committees

The conference simulates the most central and characteristic work of the United Nations. Delegates will represent an assigned country in their committee, assuming their mantle and agenda, interacting with other country delegations in a professional simulation of International Relations. Delegates will participate in committee simulations for the four major organs of the United Nations.

The committees will be organised as follows:

General Assembly - The main deliberative organ of the UN system, comprised of all Member States of the UN.

o The GA addresses issues related to the maintenance of international peace and security, the peaceful settlement of disputes, international law, development, and human rights issues.

The General Assembly is the largest committee at the conference, catering for up to 193 state delegations, and additional further Observer States and Organisations.

Security Council – The Security Council is the primary organ of the UN mandated to maintain international peace and security.

o Ten members serve two-year terms and five are permanent members with veto power. Permanent members can veto resolutions. Security Council resolutions are binding on the Member States of the UN when adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter.


The Security Council is the smallest committee at the conference, comprising of only 15 state delegations.

Committee Activity

The substantive work of committees at NMUN conferences generally takes the form of resolutions. A committee will work towards the development of resolution[s] based on the topic in question.

There are two constituent parts of the debating procedure of the committee. First is the Formal Debate where they will address the entire committee and share their delegation’s information and ideas, whilst also have the opportunity to divulge the work they are undertaking outside of formal debate, and call upon delegations for specific actions or discussion. Second is the Informal Debate which opportunity to discuss their position with other delegates. Informal debate is the primary vehicle through which delegates discuss, draft and revise working papers and amend resolutions. The provisional agenda items are based on NMUN Agenda Items.

The bulk of informal negotiation and the construction of working papers will occur within, or in the close proximity of, the committee rooms during informal debate.

The specific tasks undertaken during suspension of the meeting, and as such informal debate, include the following:

Building relationships with fellow delegations and discussing a position;

Seeking out information on the positions and thoughts of other delegates;

Determining whose positions are similar; Drafting, developing, and (in some cases) merging working papers; Looking to encourage others towards supporting ones position and

the work of one’s bloc(s); Engaging in negotiations and compromising with different

delegations.

Closing Plenary Ceremony and Awards

At the end of the conference, a large ceremony will be held in the Windsor Auditorium to officially close the RHMUN Conference. All delegations will be invited to attend. At this event, the adopted resolutions will be


documented to the entire assembly of delegations. Committee awards will also be announced, with certificates given. There is no competition between countries and no victorious delegation.

Each committee will grant awards to specific delegates based on their understanding of the topic in question, their actions as the delegation, and their embrace of the conference process and principles.


General Assembly – Windsor Auditorium

Potential Committee Agenda Items

Topic 1:The Role of Science and Technology in International Security and

DisarmamentTopic 2:

Global Nuclear DisarmamentTopic 3:

Increasing Women’s Role in Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

The General Assembly, with 193 State Delegations in addition to several further Observer States and Organisations, is the largest of all United Nations bodies. As one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, the General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative body of the organization. The General Assembly’s role within this framework is to foster high-level multi-lateral dialogue and negotiations on affairs of disarmament and international threats to peace. In order to accurately simulate the committee, it will be key for delegates to emulate the normative and best practice-setting approaches of the General Assembly, as opposed to operational work.


Topic Introductions

Topic 1:The Role of Science and Technology in International Security and

Disarmament

The United Nations (UN) first noted the role of science and technology in the General Assembly’s initial resolution 1, “Establishment of a Commission to Deal with the Problems Raised by the Discovery of Atomic Energy” adopted on 24 January 1946, where Member States acknowledged the significant impact that harmful technological advancements can have on international security and disarmament. The First Committee acknowledged that technological and scientific progress need to be guided in a peaceful direction to ensure its benefit to humanity.

While much of the First Committee’s early work concerning the potential of these advancements was centered around preventing technological arms races, recent innovations extend beyond the traditional scope of conflict and are expected to have a significant impact on policymaking and the operational success of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Technological advancements are increasingly identified as crucial components in addressing all SDGs, and the UN profoundly recognizes the significant degree of cooperation required to facilitate their success in a world of constantly evolving communication, information, and industrial technologies.

While much of the early discussion of science and technology by the First Committee targeted the security implications, greater research has revealed the need for continuous monitoring of scientific and technological progress. With this comes encouraging peaceful innovation and preventing arms races that give incentive to harmful advancements.

Regardless of which specific instrument of disarmament is referenced, to effectively promote the common themes of multilateral cooperation and investment in beneficial technologies, the General Assembly prioritizes collaboration with CSOs and other international organizations to gain the most accurate and timely information on challenges that inhibit progress. Although the methods and tools of violence and destruction usually take the spotlight, the potential for converted nuclear material and diverted weapons development funding into peaceful application are equally important to progress on the SDGs. Innovation, disarmament and international security, and the outcome of the SDGs are factors that are


closely connected, and addressing these issues simultaneously is the most efficient method for achieving success.

Topic Introductions

Topic 2:Global Nuclear Disarmament

Nuclear weapons have become the defining hallmark of total warfare since the end of World War II.187 The first nuclear bomb was developed during the Manhattan Project in 1945, and then used in warfare against Japan, in the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In addition to large-scale casualties, the nuclear weapons also released significant amount of radiation into the surrounding area, ultimately affecting citizens’ health, and the natural environment for years following the war.

The fallout of the bombs and the resulting radiation demonstrated the consequences of using nuclear armament in warfare. The traumatic aftermath helped to establish the legitimate threat that nuclear weapons represented to the world, and proved that the permanent threat of nuclear warfare was antithetical to achieving sustainable global peace.

As a nuclear reprisal to military threat would ultimately have widespread and long-term consequences outside of the immediate conflict, the UN is committed to the complete eradication of nuclear weapons to provide for a more secure world and ensure the wellbeing of humanity.

While there have been successes on the reduction of nuclear capability and the promotion of international norms, many challenges remain to total disarmament. The lack of adherence to international guidelines continues to remain a big challenge when attempting to reach an international agreement on nuclear disarmament. The presence of new threats in the twenty-first century like non-state actors are also forcing international community to redefine its pre-existing norms on disarmament.

However, the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action from the Iran Nuclear Deal has demonstrated that it is possible to come to an agreement pertaining to nuclear weapons and disarmament. Stopping the spread of nuclear weapons, bringing Member States on the negotiating table through various incentives, and holding states and non-state actors accountable is of the utmost importance for the UN General Assembly.


Total global disarmament is the means to more secure and peaceful beneficial world, and achieving this goal through negotiation and consensus will be the ultimate test of the General Assembly’s capabilities.

Topic Introductions

Topic 3:Increasing Women’s Role in Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

Increasing the role of women in issues of peace and security is an established goal of the United Nations (UN); however, the specifics of involving women in disarmament and nonproliferation are relatively a recent theme within the General Assembly.

Though the participation of women in peace and security processes has been rising, a study of 31 major peace processes between 1992 and 2011 showed that only 9% of negotiators were women, and only 4% of the military in UN missions were women, with the majority of these being support staff. As of 2016, civil society research shows that any given intergovernmental meeting on disarmament has less than 25% female participants, and almost half of delegations are composed of men. In 2015, only 54 countries had formulated national actions plans on women, peace, and security issues, with the majority of these lacking follow-through mechanisms or any reference to disarmament and non-proliferation.

Women also have a unique relationship with arms. The Inter-Parliamentary Union and Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue released an extensive report in 2007 about reducing gun violence, and noted that women “are subject to a disproportionate range of non-fatal threats involving the misuse of small arms,” often corresponding with their marginalized social status and lack of protections.

Despite some progress since Security Council resolution 1325, the UN still faces significant challenges in order to involve women equally in non-proliferation and disarmament processes. Goals such as educating women to self- advocate in high-level dialogues; including reference to gender in key disarmament and non-proliferation documents; and the specific requirements of gender-specific disarmament capacity-building, remain elusive.

Regardless of UN progress on this issue, women are still increasingly representing a significant group in disarmament processes, as well as valuable resources in negotiating post-conflict culturally relative contexts.


As the international community has access to increasing research on the role of gender in disarmament and nonproliferation, it is key that existing gender mainstreaming tools be adapted to increase the role of women in disarmament and non-proliferation efforts at the UN.

Further Areas of Research for Delegates

Topic 1:

As delegates begin their research on this topic, they should consider the following questions: How can the First Committee further incentivize disarmament? What challenges hinder innovative progress in proliferation of peaceful-use nuclear applications? How can the First Committee effectively support peaceful innovation? Can the First Committee counter the incentives of arms races? What can the First Committee do to more effectively partner with industry innovators, in order to ensure the First Committee is supporting innovation designed to benefit the SDGs? Is the General Assembly adequately structured to sponsor beneficial innovations?

Topic 2:

Given the current challenges to global nuclear disarmament, delegates should consider some key questions while beginning research, including: How should the international community address the lack of adherence of Member States to international norms and preexisting agreements on nuclear safety? How can the international community emulate the successes of the Iran Nuclear Deal in future negotiations? How should the General Assembly First Committee address the threat of non-state actors and their possible acquisition of nuclear capability? What are some of the methods that the General Assembly First Committee can foster dialogue for greater international collaboration on nuclear matters? How will resolution 71/L.41 alter nuclear negotiations in the future? While there are no easy answers, it is up to the General Assembly to create the consensus that can lead to a more nuclear-secure world.

Topic 3:

While researching solutions, delegates should consider questions such as: how can we best involve women at high- level discussions of disarmament and nonproliferation? What role does the UN play in supporting existing grassroots and community-level women’s organizations in disarmament processes? How can the UN most effectively aid Member States create opportunities for women’s participation at the national, regional, and sub- regional levels of efforts on disarmament and non-proliferation? How can


the UN better train disarmament staff to respond to gender-specific needs in dialogues and negotiations? And finally, how do we ensure an equal level of policy support for both high-level discussion and on-the-ground work following conflict, in order to ensure that women are represented at all levels of disarmament and non-proliferation?

Security Council – Moore Building Lecture Theater

Potential Committee Agenda Items

Topic 1:Protection of Civilians in the Context of Peacekeeping Operations

Topic 2:The Situation in Libya

Topic 3:The UN-AU Partnership on Peace Operations

The Security Council, being the smallest committee with only 15 State Delegations, will require a smaller, more intimate room to meet in. It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with the


maintenance of international peace and security as well as accepting new members to the United Nations and approving any changes to its United Nations Charter. Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action through Security Council resolutions; it is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states.

Topic Introductions

Topic 1:Protection of Civilians in the Context of Peacekeeping Operations

The origins of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping date back to 1948 when UN military observers were first deployed to the Middle East. At that time, the primary goal of peacekeeping was to maintain ceasefires and address inter-state conflicts, through a monitoring and reporting function.

With more than 60 years in existence, peacekeeping has gained a multidimensional character and now encompasses a wide range of activities, including the protection of civilians (PoC). Nevertheless, it was not until 1999 that the Security Council declared PoC as central to its peacekeeping mandates and gave the first ever PoC mandate to the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). The seminal Report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations (Brahimi Report) (2000) presented a thorough review of the UN peace operations and stipulated that PoC must be an intrinsic part of peacekeeping.

Despite progress in terms of prioritizing PoC in mandates for peacekeeping operations, the implementation of such mandates has not always been successful.

Civilians account for the vast majority of casualties in today’s armed conflicts. The UN has recognized that the PoC is a core responsibility of the UN peacekeeping and strives to bring together the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretariat, especially by DPKO and DFS, as well as other national and international protection actors in order to provide better protection to civilians. Successful PoC requires concerted and coordinated action among all protection actors and it has to adapt constantly to evolving environments, changing nature of conflicts and other challenges.

Furthermore, PoC must be mainstreamed into developing of protection strategies and overall planning of the peacekeeping operations and a better implementation of protection mandates must be ensured. Last but


not least, compliance with international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee law must be improved and accountability for violations must be consistently pursued.

Topic Introductions

Topic 2:The Situation in Libya

Since the revolution against the former regime and its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been characterized by violence and political instability. In September 2011, six months after the first violence clashes occurred, the Security Council adopted resolution 2009 on “Libya” to establish the United Nations (UN) Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

UNSMIL aims to ensure the transition to democracy through mediation between the conflict parties to address the issues threatening the fragile security situation. In December 2015, the UN was able to mediate the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA), a milestone to enable peace and security after years of civil war. This agreement and the resulting current political momentum is a unique chance for the country to maintain sustainable peace, which still faces various security threats.

The former administration of Tripoli, which relies on the support of powerful regional militias still partly opposes the LPA, which makes its implementation more difficult. In October 2016, militias took over parliamentary headquarters in the capital calling for a new government and, in the eastern part of the country, forces led by General Khalifa Haftar expressed their opposition to the new UN-backed government. Libya also still lacks a nationwide ceasefire.

In post-Gaddafi Libya, Jihadist groups, including the Islamic State (IS), have increased their influence in the northern part of the country. These groups benefit from acquiring large stockpiles of arms and ammunition left behind by the former regime in the aftermath of the war. Reconciliation is complicated due to various human rights violations, the country’s past and displaced communities.

The Security Council plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the country and support the implementation of the recently signed LPA.


To understand and achieve these tasks, the history of the conflict which led to the current situation needs to be considered. Only if all mentioned security threats and the growing humanitarian and human rights issues can be addressed adequately, there is a chance to maintain peace and security and stabilize the country.

Topic Introductions

Topic 3:The UN-AU Partnership on Peace Operations

Since the end of the Cold War, the United Nations (UN) has increased its efforts to maintain peace and security through peacekeeping missions in complex scenarios, such as police missions, human rights monitoring missions, and multidimensional operations.

Currently, the UN deploys over 100,000 personnel (military and civilian) with a budget of 7.87 billion USD. Since 1948, 69 peacekeeping operations (PKOs) have been deployed by the UN Security Council, 56 of them since the end of the Cold War. In order to be able to manage the growing need for peace operations, the UN has developed more structured cooperation with regional and sub regional organizations.

There are currently 16 missions worldwide, nine of which are located in Africa.311 As 87% of all peacekeepers are stationed on the African continent, the UN’s partnership with the African Union (AU) has become essential.

Along with the AU, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have been close partners of the UN in conducting PKOs. The partnership with the EU is the most institutionalized, as the two organizations have created several cooperative mechanisms, such as high-level meetings between the UN Secretary- General and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and joint Security Council briefings.

The AU has become a very important partner of the UN in its conduct of peace operations. This is due to the increasing need of resources and partners to cope with the developing need for peacekeeping operations in the African continent. Both the UN and the AU have created a comprehensive legal framework for their cooperation, and have established a network of institutions that cooperate and develop joint


standards and policies. However, there are still many trials ahead for this partnership.

A general lack of resources and finances provide the greatest challenges to this cooperation, as well as joint practices for cooperation in the field. The UN and the AU will need to find ways to secure the material and human resources in order to cooperate more efficiently.

Further Areas of Research for Delegates

Topic 1:

PoC has become an integral part of UN peacekeeping, but several challenges still exist. Bearing this in mind while conducting research, delegates should consider questions such as: How can the integration of PoC components into peacekeeping strategies be improved? How can PoC mandates be better implemented on the ground? How can the cooperation of diverse protection actors be strengthened? What is the importance of peacekeeping partnerships? How can be ensured that the three tiers contained in the DPKO/DFS Operational Concept on PoC in UN Peacekeeping Operations are indeed mutually reinforcing? How the accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law can be enhanced?

Topic 2:

Moving forward, delegates should consider the following questions: How can the participation of all tribes and groups be encouraged? What kind of mechanisms can be implemented to form one Libyan army and at the same time disarm all other groups? How might the Security Council improve the capacity of UNSMIL to better address these challenges? How can the institutional capacity-building be strengthened to guarantee an impartial and independent judiciary and fully investigate human rights violations?

Topic 3:

Regarding the evolution of peacekeeping and the cooperation between the UN and the AU, the following questions need to be considered: how can the UN help the AU to enhance its capabilities at both the political and operational levels? What possibilities exist to further institutionalize this partnership? What ways are there to increase the financing of PKOs and how can missions be financially sustained? How can the potential of the


ASF be supported by the UN and its partners? What are ways to develop joint practices for the cooperation in the field such as handing over missions between the organizations?

Rules of Procedure

The Rules of Procedure are core to the organizational decorum of the committee. As such, it is important to be fully aware of each rule and how to use them. The rules generally come in the form of ‘motions’, and can be enacted through asking the Dais either when invited to motion, or through communicating during Unmoderated Caucus or via note.

Motion Purpose Debate Vote Explanation

Point of Order*

Correct an error in procedure None None

Refers to a specific rule that has been undertaken incorrectly by the Dais.

Appeal of the Chair*

Challenge a decision of the Dais

None Majority Question the Chair’s ruling

Suspension of the Meeting

Recess meeting for a defined period of time

None MajorityUsed to go into Informal Debate (SC) or Unmoderated Caucus

Adjournment of the Meeting

End Meeting None MajorityUsed only on final day; ends committee proceedings

Closure of Debate

Vote on all draft resolutions 2 con 2/3

Majority

Ends all discussion on current topic and proceeds to accept resolutions

Adjournment of Debate

End current topic debate, move to next topic

2 pro / 2 con

Majority (Roll Call)

Moves on to next topic without consideration of any current draft resolutions

Set the Speaker’s Time

Set or change the time allotted to each speaker

2 pro / 2 con Majority

Rarely used in large committees; prior approval from the Dais required

Close (or reopen) the Speakers’ List

No additional speakers may be added to the list

None MajorityOnce a closed list is exhausted, the committee goes directly into voting procedure


Adoption of the Agenda

Approval of agenda order None Majority Used during first

committee sessionRoll Call Vote*

Vote by roll call, rather than by show of placards

None None Automatically granted if requested

Adopt by Acclamation*

Adopt a draft resolution as a body by consensus

None NoneOnce motioned, Chair will ask if there are any objections

Division of Question*

Consider clause(s) separately from rest of draft resolution

Procedural:

2 pro / 2 con

Substantive:None

Majority

Separates segments of text ahead of voting for a resolution, can then be accepted or rejected aside from the resolution

Flow of Committee Procedures

Setting the Agenda

Setting the agenda is the first order of business for most committees. The NMUN Secretariat, in most cases, drafts a provisional agenda of three topics. The committee decides the order in which the topics will be discussed, and debate proceeds in the order determined. The order of the entire agenda must be set at the same time; for example, the committee cannot decide to discuss Topic I and to postpone the decision on the other two topics until debate on Topic I is complete.

To begin, the Chair will Open the Speaker’s List. Delegates will be invited to raise their placards to be placed on the list. At the Chair’s discretion, the list will be drawn in the order of delegates raising their placards.

The Chair will continue to call for additions to the speakers list as well as for any motions. However, delegates can request to be added to the list at any point through passing a note to the Dais or approaching it during Informal Caucus.

The committee typically discusses setting the agenda in both formal and informal session. Once a majority seems apparent, a delegate will move to vote on their preferred order. Motions for setting the agenda will be taken one at a time by the Director and voted on in the order received. The first motion to receive the support of a simple majority of the committee will be adopted, and the agenda will be set according to the terms of that motion.


Example: "The delegation from the Russian Federation motions to set the agenda in the following order – Topic III, Topic I, Topic II." If this motion receives the support of the majority of the committee, the agenda will be discussed in that order.

Formal Debate

Once the agenda has been set, the committee automatically discusses the first topic, and a new speakers’ list is opened. No motions are necessary for this to occur. The subject matter of the debate is the topic itself, and delegates are free to discuss the topic broadly, proposals for action, as well as any draft resolutions or draft report segments approved by the Dais. Delegates should not refer to specific working papers in their speeches during formal debate; however, they can discuss the ideas contained in these working papers.

Formal Debate (Cont.)

Formal Debate is the discussion of topics, Working Papers, and Draft Resolutions. Following the Speaker’s List, delegates will stand and speak for the allotted amount of time. It is during this time that delegations will outline their expectations, goals, or national interests, as well as present information and updates regarding the topic at hand. Delegates can directly refer to other delegations present, including inviting them to discuss during Informal Caucus.

Informal Debate (Security Council)

Informal Debate can be used aside from Formal Debate as a means to make public conversation. It is highly relevant in smaller delegations, such as the Security Council, as a form of moderated debate. Delegates speak for a shorter amount of time, are able to cede their speaking time to allow delegations to respond directly, and to focus debate on a specific subject.

Generally, a delegate would motion to motion for suspension of the meeting for the purpose of Informal Debate with a set overall time, a set speaker’s time limit, and a topic of discussion that is relevant to the topic at hand. Delegates can make use of Informal Debate to emphasize key aspects of the topic at hand, question fellow delegations, and gauge the interests of fellow delegations. Whilst Informal Debate is not highly popular, it can prove to be extremely useful in resolving controversy and conflict that exists between many member states on a specific topic related to the overall topic.


Unmoderated Caucus

Unmoderated Caucus allows delegates to leave their seats and discuss the topic freely without set speaking time limits. It as such enables the free sharing of ideas to an extent not possible in Formal or Informal Debate. Delegates can make use of Unmoderated Caucus to establish blocs and to write working papers and draft resolutions. It is also a break in formal procedure of the committee, allowing Delegates to use facilities such as bathrooms, printers, and food outlets.

Whilst at first Unmoderated Caucus may form a smaller percentage of committee business, acting as a means to discuss and break formality, towards the end of the conference it may make the bulk of business as delegates formulate and discuss Working Papers and voting intentions on Resolutions.

General Considerations

Roll call will be taken at the beginning of each day’s session, at which point delegates will be required to state whether they are Present and Voting. If a delegate is present and voting, they will be expected to vote during every voting procedure, however, if a delegate is just present, they will be able to abstain from any voting procedure.

Delegates should be aware of the importance of maintaining decorum during and outside of session. This includes not entering the room when the doors are closed, as to not interrupt Formal and Informal Debate. Delegates are also advised to avoid impugning the sovereignty of fellow delegates, and to generally maintain civility and formality when speaking. If a delegate believes that a fellow delegation has impugned his or her sovereignty, then that delegate should approach the Dias. This is also the case for any time a delegate believes a fellow delegation has acted out of order or disrupted the decorum of the proceedings.

Formulating Speeches

Speeches are integral to debating in committee. The role of the speech varies widely throughout the entire conference, ranging from establishing your delegation’s interests during Agenda Setting, to effectively


advertising your working group’s pursuits to the entire committee towards the end.

In small committees, a delegation may speak on multiple, regular occasions, giving it the chance to establish a concurrent and sustained rhetoric and conversation as part of the committee’s pursuits. In larger committees, a delegation may only speak on a couple of occasions, which means that such speeches are pivotal in setting apart one delegation from another. Overall, speeches must be memorable and succinct, whilst also being appropriate for the environment and topic at hand. In Informal Debate, a speech can become core to negotiations and deliberations, whilst also necessitating quick thinking combined with effective preparation.

Whilst speeches should not be prepared ahead of the conference, a speech can be effectively drawn together if time necessitates it, and prior preparation is critical in this aspect. Core to a good speech is the intended impact, the delivery, and the content conveyed to fellow delegates. An effective delegation will combine fact and emotion to convey their core principles in a literate and powerful way.

Resolution Writing

The resolution is what you are ultimately working towards throughout the conference and this is the piece which outlines your proposals in detail and what is voted on. It is the culmination of a delegate and committee’s work. A resolution is the most appropriate means of applying political pressure on Member States, expressing an opinion on an important issue, or recommending action to be taken by the United Nations or some other agency.

The goal of formal debate and caucusing is to persuade enough countries in the committee to support a particular solution to the topic under discussion. Resolutions formally state the agreed-upon solution by outlining the relevant precedents and describing the proposed actions. The committee is not limited to one resolution per topic; often the committee will pass multiple resolutions dealing with different aspects of a topic.

The sponsors of a working paper are often the ones who created the content of it and who will be most responsible for seeing it through until it is voted on as a resolution. Sponsors of a working paper have the right to


allow friendly amendments or to force a committee vote on an amendment.

Signatories are Member States that are interested in bringing the working paper forward for consideration by the committee. They often support the content of the paper but were not necessarily instrumental in creating it and may ultimately disagree with its content.

The required number of signatures for a paper to be submitted usually totals 20% of the membership in attendance. After approval by the Dais, a working paper is assigned a number, considered a draft resolution. At this time, the names of all sponsors and signatories are removed from the document.

A draft resolution only becomes a resolution if it is approved by the committee in voting procedure. Delegates should be aware during the process, that the committee should not pass contradicting resolutions but speak with a coherent voice.

UN resolutions follow a common format. Each resolution has three parts: the heading, the preambular clauses, and the operative clauses. The entire resolution consists of one long sentence, with commas and semi-colons throughout, and only one period at the very end. The first word in each clause should be italicized.

Preambular Clauses

The purpose of the preambular clause is to supply historical background for the issue as well as justify the action. Preambular clauses usually begin with a participle and cite appropriate sections of the UN Charter, past UN resolutions, and precedents of international law relevant to the topic; refer to factual situations or incidents; and additionally include altruistic appeals to the common sense or humanitarian instincts of Members with references to the Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, etc.

Some common preambular clause beginnings include the following:• Affirming• Alarmed by• Aware of• Bearing in mind• Believing• Confident• Contemplating• Convinced

• Declaring• Deeply concerned• Deeply conscious• Deeply convinced• Deeply disturbed• Deeply regretting• Desiring• Emphasizing

• Expecting• Fulfilling• Fully alarmed• Fully aware• Fully believing• Further deploring• Further recalling• Guided by


• Having adopted• Having considered• Having considered further• Having devoted attention• Having examined • Having heard• Having received

• Having studied• Keeping in mind• Noting further• Noting with deep concern• Noting with regret• Noting with satisfaction • Observing

• Realizing• Recalling• Recognizing• Referring• Seeking• Taking note• Welcoming

Operative Clauses

The solution in a resolution is presented through a logical progression of sequentially numbered operative clauses. These clauses may recommend, urge, condemn, encourage, request certain actions, or state an opinion regarding an existing situation. Each operative clause calls for a specific action. The action may be as vague as denunciation of a certain situation or a call for negotiations, or as specific as a call for a cease-fire or a monetary commitment for a particular project.

Some common operative clause beginnings include the following:

• Accepts• Affirms• Approves• Authorizes• Calls• Condemns• Confirms

• Considers• Declares accordingly• Deplores• Designates• Draws attention• Emphasizes• Encourages• Endorses

• Expresses its hope • Further invites• Further proclaims• Further recommends• Further reminds• Further requests• Further resolves• Have resolved

Recommended Preparation

It is highly recommended that delegates prepare extensively for the conference. Core to their preparation should be researching their country’s interests and objectives with regards to the committee they will be attending.

We advise that delegates research their country through the following websites:

http://imuna.org/resources/country-profileshttps://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

It may be of further use for delegates to read over materials provided for the 2017 National Model United Nations Conference covering the same topics as will be explored during the RHUL Model United Nations Conference.

For General Assembly delegates, we advise reading the following document:


https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

http://imuna.org/resources/country-profiles

http://www.nmun.org/ny17_downloads/BGGs/NY17_BGG_GA1.pdf

For Security Council delegates, we advise reading the following document:http://www.nmun.org/ny17_downloads/BGGs/NY17_BGG_SC.pdf

In addition to the general information provided in the aforementioned documents, we highly recommend researching their delegation and committee’s previous actions through the official United Nations research portal:

http://research.un.org/en

“Royal Holloway Model United Nations, here in Egham, is an exceptional opportunity that allows students to come to understand and value world cultures, the process and procedure of debate and compromise and most of all it provides an enriching activity that gives students a hands on understanding of the mechanisms and actions of the United Nations, preparing students for future diplomacy and debate in the professional world. We look forwards to delving into thought provoking and enlightening discussion, addressing stimulating and radical ideas, as well as seeing student come to life in the vivid environment of Royal Holloway Model United Nations.”

Daniel J. AthertonPIR President, RHMUN Founder, Secretary-General, 2016/17

Glossary

Abstention A vote during the voting process; to abstain is to be considered as not voting in favor or against. As the below example illustrates, an abstention may indirectly contribute to the passage of a resolution because only a majority of votes in favor is required.

Adjournment of Debate Ends debate on a topic, and on all draft resolutions/report segments for that topic, without voting on any proposed draft resolutions/report segments. A motion for reconsideration can reopen debate on this topic.

Adjournment of the Meeting Ends the meeting until the next conference year. Appeal of the Chair A motion to challenge the decision of the Chair, referring to a specific

RHMUN rule. Chair Persons who are in charge of leading the committee’s formal debate in

accordance with the RHMUN Rules of Procedure. Dais A raised platform or table at the front of the room where members of the

RHMUN Secretariat are seated. This includes the Director, Assistant Director, Chair and/or Rapporteur. Often, the term “the Dais” is also


http://research.un.org/en

http://www.nmun.org/ny17_downloads/BGGs/NY17_BGG_SC.pdf

http://www.nmun.org/ny17_downloads/BGGs/NY17_BGG_GA1.pdf

utilized to refer to these individuals collectively. Decorum Overall respect for the formal committee process and speakers.Deputy Secretary- General (DSG)

Member of the RHMUN Secretariat.

Dilatory A motion is dilatory if it may obstruct or delay the will of the committee (i.e. motions to suspend the meeting proposed immediately after several previous suspension motions failed).

Draft Resolution or Draft Report Segment

A working paper that has been accepted by the Dais, which is discussed and voted on by the body.

Explanation of Vote Allows a sponsor of a draft resolution/report segment to explain why they voted against the draft resolution/report segment after it had been amended or changed by a division of the question.

Friendly Amendments Amendments proposed by ALL the sponsors of a draft resolution. Once approved by the Dais, these amendments are automatically included in the draft resolution.

General Assembly The main deliberative organ of the UN system, comprised of all Member States of the UN.

Majority Vote A threshold at which many motions pass. A motion passes with a simple majority vote if more people vote yes than vote no (in the case of substantive votes, ignoring abstentions). To determine if something passes, compare yes votes to no votes only. Tie votes fail.

Model United Nations (MUN) Educational conferences that simulate the purpose and practices of the UN. Motion A request to do something during formal debate; motions are voted on by

the body. Procedural motions: all Member States and observers of the committee vote. Substantive motions: only Member States vote.

Motion Out of Order An incorrect (non-RHMUN) motion or a motion used at the incorrect time during the Conference.

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

NGOs, also known as civil society organizations or CSOs, are nonprofit groups independent from governments. Normally organized around specific issues, NGOs deliver a variety of public and humanitarian services.

Observer Non-Member State or organization granted status to participate in deliberations. Observers may not sponsor resolutions or vote on substantive matters, but they may act as a signatory and must vote on procedural matters.

Operative Clause Proposes a new measure(s) and/or an extension of an existing measure(s), which has not already been outlined in a previous resolution.

Point of Order Corrects an error in procedure and refers to an RHMUN-specific rule. Preambular Clause Sets up historical context and relevant international law for a resolution,

which justifies future action. Present Attendance status that establishes a delegation as present in the committee,

with the opportunity to abstain during substantive votes. Present and Voting Attendance status that establishes a delegation as present in the committee

without the opportunity to abstain during substantive votes; delegations must vote “yes” or “no.”

Procedural Vote Votes on motions before the body; all delegations present must vote. Proposal In the RHMUN Rules of Procedure, “proposal” means any working paper,

draft resolution or draft report segment, an amendment thereto, or a portion of a draft resolution or draft report segment divided out by motion.

Quorum A minimum of one-third (or 33%) of the members of the body; based on the total number of Member States, excluding Observers/NGOs, according to the first session’s attendance.

Rapporteur Person responsible for maintaining the speakers’ list, order of the resolutions on the floor, verifying vote counts, and other administrative matters.

Reconsideration Reopens debate on a topic, and on any draft resolutions/report segments on the floor for that topic, that was previously adjourned (ended without a


substantive vote). Regional Commissions Regional commissions are established pursuant to Article 68 of the

Charter of the United Nations and report to the Economic and Social Council. They are also considered a subsidiary organ/body. Examples include the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Related Organizations Related organizations are not officially part of the UN, but their support and cooperation are outlined by special arrangement. Related organizations all have their own separate members, governing bodies, executive heads, and secretariats.

Right of Reply Response to comments that have disparaged the sovereign integrity of a delegate’s state.

Secretariat The Directors, the Assistant Directors, the Under-Secretaries-General, the Assistant Secretaries-General, the Chiefs of Staff, and the Assistant Chiefs of Staff are designates and agents of the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General, and they are collectively referred to as the “Secretariat.”

Secretary-General Member of the RHMUN Secretariat. Chief logistics officer of the Conference.

Security Council The Security Council is the primary organ of the UN mandated to maintain international peace and security.

Signatories Member States/NGOs or Observers who are interested in bringing a working paper forward for consideration of the committee.

Sponsors Member States who created the content of a working paper and will be most responsible for ensuring that it will be voted on as a draft resolution/report segment.

Substantive Vote Votes taken during voting procedure to accept a draft resolution/report segment, an unfriendly amendment, and/or the annex to a draft resolution/report segment (division of the question); votes are disclosed after counting by the Dais.

Suspension of the Meeting Informal debate for a brief period of time. Often incorrectly referred to as “caucusing.” Note: Delegates do not need to state a purpose for suspending the meeting.

United Nations An intergovernmental organization established in 1945, designed to promote international cooperation.


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