Model United Nations 101

The Complete Introduction and Research Guide for Model United Nations Conferences

Table of Contents
Contents

How do I research for a MUN? ............................................................................................................. 3

How to research a country? .............................................................................................................. 5

How to research a council? ............................................................................................................... 6

How to research an issue? ................................................................................................................ 7

How to write a Position Paper? ............................................................................................................ 9
How to write the Opening Speech? .................................................................................................... 10
How to write a Resolution? ................................................................................................................ 11
Key Phrases of Resolutions: ........................................................................................................ 11
Resolution Format: ..................................................................................................................... 11
Notes on writing a Resolution: .................................................................................................... 12
Sponsorship and Signatory Status: .............................................................................................. 13
Amendments .............................................................................................................................. 13
Preambulatory Phrases ................................................................................................................... 13
Operative Phrases ........................................................................................................................... 15
The Rules of Procedure ....................................................................................................................... 16
1. General considerations ............................................................................................................... 16
2. The Board of the Council ............................................................................................................. 16
3. Delegations ................................................................................................................................. 16
4. Parliamentary procedure ............................................................................................................ 17
5. Voting procedure ........................................................................................................................ 17
6. Points .......................................................................................................................................... 17
7. Motions ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Useful Links ......................................................................................................................................... 20

How do I research for a MUN?

For a first time MUNer, the thrill of getting an allotment at a MUN is exhilarating. However, almost
immediately, this joy is overshadowed by the looming question How am I suppose to get the
information?

Keep your cool irrespective of the fact you have been allotted a major country (P5 nation, Iran,
DPRK) or a minor party (Amnesty International, Greenpeace). The more your fret over the situation,
the more anxious you become and your focus is lost.

In order to begin your research, you can start with the finding basic knowledge of the country or
organization you have been allotted. The best place to begin would be Wikipedia
(http://www.wikipedia.org).

Once you have reached the page for your allotted country/organization, read up on the following
topics to grasp the general idea of your countrys policy and activities: Politics, Type of Government,
People, Economy, Recent history, Current affairs, Foreign relations, etc. In the case of an
organization, read up on the Mission statement, Reports on the issue at hand, Relations with
nations, Recent news and ongoing activities.

In order to continue with the research, you must find the relation between your country and the
United Nations. You must find information as to the role of your allotted country in the UN and its
importance. For this, one must go to the United Nations portal (http://www.un.org/). Perform the
necessary search to find documents, reports and resolutions involving your country. To update
oneself on the current affairs between the UN and your country, visit the website for the Permanent
Mission of your country to the UN (http://www.un.org/en/members/). If you need to find the
relation of your country to a specific organization of the United Nations, visit the website for that
organization and perform the necessary search (http://www.unsystem.org/).

Other great websites to begin ones research are

1. The CIA World Fact Book (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/)

2. United States Department of State (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/index.htm)
3. BBC Country Profiles http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/country_profiles

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/country_profiles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles

These sites provide all the necessary information required by a delegate of a particular country.
Knowing this information generates a certain comfort with the allotted country, which helps in
further research.

If you have the opportunity, you can contact the nearest embassy of your allotted country and ask
for information from the perspective of an actual citizen of that country. The following website can
help you locate that particular embassy - http://www.embassyworld.com/.

How to research a country?

From the given websites, in order to obtain a sufficient amount of knowledge of your country, the
following steps must be followed: - (Important: The basics are critical. As delegate, it is expected
that you know the basics of your country)

1) Know the basics Full name of the country (Eg: - United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland), Capital of the country, Demonym of the country (Eg: - Spain Spanish),
Continent to which your country belongs (for bloc formation) and Languages of your country
2) Bloc your country belongs to and its relation with other bloc members
3) Politics and the Government Head of State, Type of government, Effect of religion or
monarch
4) Geography and People Access t the country, Surrounding geographical features, Influence
on the country, Literacy rate of the people, Poverty issues, etc.
5) Economy Per capita income, Major imports and exports, Trade relations with other
countries, Unemployment rates, Participation in
6) Defence and Offensive power Nuclear country, Presence of WMD, Strength of Army, Navy
and Air Force, Nature of the army, Affiliation with nuclear powers, Currently engaged in
warfare, Bloc to which your country belongs, Allies and Enemies, Size of arsenal, Affiliation
to private military organizations
7) Environment and Power Power consumption, Affiliation to environmental organizations,
Use of natural resources, Use of renewable and non-renewable sources of energy
8) Influence and Foreign Relations Role in the Security Council, Role in the General Assembly
and other specific organizations, Allies of the nation, Major opposition, Year of joining the
UN, Organizations to which the country is part of.
Certain countries have an Observer status. This is because the issue being discussed directly
pertains to that country. Thus, to prevent the country from partaking in voting procedures, the
country is given an observer status.

How to research a council?

When you are assigned a country, you are assigned a particular council as well. The nature of the
council will depend on the number of councils being simulated at the MUN. The most common are
the General Assembly (Plenary GA) and its sub-committees (GA 1,2,3,4,5,6), the Security Council
(comprising of the permanent P5 nations and the other 10 rotating members are non-permanent)
and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the different sub-committees. Apart from these
councils, there are specific organizations/councils that deal with special topics, such as the
International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court (ICC), World Trade Organization
(WTO), etc. The GA sub-committees are also specific

GA 1 Disarmament and International Security Commission (DISEC)

GA 2 Economical and Financial Commission (ECOFIN)
GA 3 Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Commission (SOCHUM)
GA 4 Special Political and Decolonization Commission (SPECPOL)
GA 5 Administrative and Budgetary Commission
GA 6 Legal Commission

Sometimes, councils with little or no affiliation to the UN may be simulated. Common councils are
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Ad-hoc Crisis Commissions, etc.

The following steps can be used to learn about the council that you have been assigned: -

1) Know the basics Full name of the committee and the abbreviation, Year of establishment,
Location of the headquarters, Type of organization, Major or sub-committee
2) Reason for the establishment of the council, Nature of the council (Non-governmental,
Intergovernmental, UN affiliated)
3) The current purpose and role of the organization, Current activities
4) Different fields in which the organization is involved
5) Documents, communiqus or resolutions that have been issued by the council
6) Your countrys part in the passing of these documents
7) Your countrys stance in the council (For or Against issues)
8) The Rules of Procedure (see later) that are specific to the council. (Refer to UN Charter)

How to research an issue?

Agendas are set according to the council and, depending on the timeline; they are based on events
occurring around that time. The agendas address separate issues that the council is expected to
resolve at the end of the MUN, by the passing of a unanimous resolution or majority resolution.

To get a basic idea of an issue, Wikipedia is your best source of basic information. However, for more
a more detailed understanding of the issue and your countrys influence in the situation, further
research must be done as to find resolutions and news reports regarding the topic. Bear in mind,
during the MUN Conference, the only accepted forms of proof are UN documents or documents of
that council and Reuters news reports.

The following websites could help enhance the understanding of the agenda: -

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

CNN International (http://edition.cnn.com/)

BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/)
UN Security Council Resolutions (http://www.un.org/documents/scres.htm)
UN General Assembly Resolutions (http://www.un.org/documents/resga.htm)
List
of
UNSC
Resolutions
(Wikipedia)
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolutions_1901_t
o_2000)
6) Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/)

Some steps that can help in researching an issue are: 1) Highlight the key words in the agenda and define them
2) Research the organizations, conventions and documents related to these key words
3) Find information on the current situation through the news
4) Gather proof in the form of statistics and reports
5) Discover your countrys past and current position on the issue at hand
6) Research previous treaties signed, conferences attended, past or current involvement in the
issue
7) For or Against. Based on your foreign policy, prepare an argument.

There will come a time during the conference when the agenda is set aside to make way for a Crisis
situation. This sudden declaration of crisis is a test. It is meant to test the delegates knowledge of
their countrys foreign policy with respect to issues other than the agenda. It also tests the wit of the
delegates.
If all the above steps are followed, and your research is thorough, you should have more than
enough to have an effect in council. Other than facts, you will need a diplomatic tone and method.

How to write a Position Paper?

A Position Paper is a document that compiles the views of your country or group on the particular
agenda respective to your council. It explains your countrys history, involvement and policies
followed with respect to the issue. It can also contain solutions that you wish to propose for the final
resolution.

What Does A Position Paper Consist of?

In order to produce a useful Position Paper, you ought to carry out thorough research. You should
also bear in mind that a Position Paper consists of five parts in which you:

1. Explain and define the issue and its most important terms;
2. Provide a short summary of recent international action related to the issue;
3. Refer to key documents that relate to the issue;
4. State the countrys general position on the issue;
5. Make suggestions of your own that are in line with your countrys policies to provide a solution to
the issue.

Make sure your Position Paper does not exceed 300 words.

To sum up, the Position Paper sets out to answer three basic questions:

1. What is the background to your countrys point of view on the issue?

2. What is your countrys current position on the issue?
3. What does it hope to achieve in relation to the issue?

Additionally, you might add strength to your position by answering the following question:

4. What have other member states that share my countrys view done in this area?

How to write the Opening Speech?

The council, once the agenda is set, opens with the General Speakers List. The delegates who raise
their placards give their opening speeches. To prepare and opening speech, one needs to
understand the structure of the opening speech.

All good speeches have a clear and argumentative structure. In general, most speeches should
include the following aspects:

1) The Hook
Start with something interesting to capture the listener. Maybe this is an anecdote, maybe a
particularly alarming statistic, or maybe a fictional story that demonstrates your point. It just
has to be something that immediately warrants attention and, ideally, a certain amount of
respect from everyone in the room.

2) The Facts
Next, integrate the necessary background material and research you think are important.
This should basically be the act of verbally gathering evidence for your case--the final point
that you will make in the closing of you speech. Dont give a laundry list of statistics or dry
facts. You will need to find the balance between giving a report and telling an interesting
story with your speech.

3) The Conclusion
A good speech leads the audience from an interesting example, through the accumulated
evidence, and arrives finally at a strong point pertaining to your countrys policy or plan for
action.
At the end of your speech, your audience should remember you and the main point of what
you said.

Even if you have to repeat the thesis of your speech at the end, make sure that your stance on the
issues at hand is obvious.

How to write a Resolution?

The culmination of all the sessions of council always leads to the formation of a resolution, in which
all the different blocs or the council as a whole compile the information discussed in the form of
preambulatory clauses and their ideas and solutions as operative clauses. The resolution is required
in order for the council to be deemed a success.

Key Phrases of Resolutions:

While healthy debate and constructive caucusing are very important to MUN, they exist simply to
lead the delegates to a final product. Below is a list the basic terms relating to different components
of resolutions:

1) Clause: one section of a resolution, containing one argument or one action

2) Phrase: Phrases are the first word(s) of a clause. They introduce the clause and define the
nature of its recommendations. See Appendix A for a list of operative and preambulatory
phrases.
3) Preambulatory Clause: The preambulatory clauses (also called preambles) of a resolution
state the reasons for addressing the topic. Preambles can reference the UN charter and past
international actions. Each clause begins with a perambulatory phrase and ends with a
comma.
4) Operative Clause: Actions and recommendations made in a resolution are written in the
form of operative clauses (or operatives, for short). Each operative is numbered, begins with
an operative phrase, and ends with a semicolon. Operative should be organized logically
with each clause containing a single idea or proposal. The resolution ends in a period after
the last operative.
5) Amendment: An amendment is a change that a delegate would like to introduce to the
resolution once it has already been submitted to the chair

Resolution Format

Basically, a resolution should be written as one continuous sentence. Resolutions have a very
specific and strict format that allows the reader to easily follow the resolution and avoids confusion
or ambiguity within the clauses. All resolutions submitted by working groups at the conference must
adhere to this format:

Committee Name
Resolution Number
Topic:
Sponsors:
Signatories:
The (Committee Name),

Preambulatory Phrase (preambulatory clause),

Preambulatory Phrase (preambulatory clause),
,
1. Operative Phrase (operative clause);
2. Operative Phrase (operative clause):
a. (Sub-clause),
b. (Sub-clause),
c. (Sub-clause):
i. (Sub-sub-clause),
ii. (Sub-sub-clause),
iii. (Sub-sub-clause);
;
7. Operative Phrase (operative clause).

Notes on writing a Resolution

Preambulatory Clauses:

Each preamble begins with a preambulatory phrase. The clause must meet the following criteria:
1. The preambulatory phrase must be italicized.
2. The first word of the clause must be capitalized.
3. Preambles are not numbered.
4. Each preamble ends with a comma.
5. Skip a line between each clause. Indent all lines of each clause after the first line.
6. Preambles cannot have sub-clauses.
7. Acronyms and abbreviations should be written out completely when they first appear in the
resolution. Thereafter, they can be abbreviated.

Operative Clauses:
Each preamble begins with an operative phrase. The clause must meet the following criteria:
1. The operative phrase must be underlined.
2. The first word of the clause must be capitalized.

3. Operative phrases are numbered.

4. Each operative clause ends with a semi-colon. The last operative clause ends with a period.
5. Skip a line between each clause. Indent all lines of each clause after the first line.
6. Operative clauses may have sub-clauses. Sub-clauses should be indented, and listed next to
letterings a., b., etc. Sub-sub-clauses should be indented once more beyond sub-clauses, and listed
next to numberings i., ii., etc.
7. Acronyms and abbreviations should be written out the first time they appear in the resolution.
Thereafter they can be abbreviated.

Sponsorship and Signatory Status

A resolution requires sponsors and/or signatories to be presented on the floor. The number of
sponsors and signatories must add to one-fifth of the committee.
A sponsor takes part in the writing of a resolution, while a signatory simply wants to see the
resolution debated.

Amendments

An amendment changes a resolution by adding, striking out, or substituting a word or phrase. There
are two types of amendments: friendly and unfriendly, all of which must be submitted to the Chair in
writing. Amendments may not be amended, and may not amend the preamble of a resolution.
Friendly Amendments: A friendly amendment is agreed upon by all sponsors of the resolution. It
automatically becomes part of the resolution upon being submitted.
Unfriendly Amendments: An unfriendly amendment is not supported by one or more of the
sponsors. An unfriendly amendment requires signatures from one-fifth of the body to be considered.
Unfriendly amendments are voted upon at the closure of debate, before their respective
resolutions, in the order submitted, and are treated as individual entities (similarly to resolutions).
An unfriendly amendment requires a two-thirds vote to become included in the resolution.

Preambulatory Phrases
Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Bearing in mind
Believing

Confident
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious

Deeply convinced

Observing

Deeply disturbed

Reaffirming

Deeply regretting

Realizing

Desiring

Recalling

Emphasizing

Recognizing

Expecting

Referring

Expressing its appreciation

Seeking

Expressing its satisfaction

Taking into account

Fulfilling

Taking into consideration

Fully alarmed

Taking note

Fully aware

Viewing with appreciation

Fully believing

Welcoming

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 with regret
Noting with deep concern
Noting with satisfaction
Noting further
Noting with approval

Operative Phrases
Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls upon
Condemns
Confirms
Congratulates
Considers
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its appreciation
Expresses its hope

Further invites
Further proclaims
Further reminds
Further recommends
Further requests
Further resolves
Has resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Regrets
Reminds
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Trusts

The Rules of Procedure

1. General considerations
1.1. Scope.
The following rules apply to the Model United Nations Conference. Please note that the Board
is responsible for determining the rules that are in order to facilitate debate and discussion. In
case of conflict of interpretation, the Chair is the final authority for determining the
applicability of the Rules of Procedure.
1.2. Diplomatic Courtesy.
During Council sessions, delegates are expected to exercise diplomatic courtesy when
addressing members of the Council and the Board. The Board has the authority to address
diplomatic warnings to delegates who obviously violate the diplomatic courtesy. In case that
the delegates conduct seriously hampers the process within the council, the Chair reserves
the right to request his expulsion from the conference room.

2. The Board of the Council

2.1. Composition.
The Board of the Council will be composed of the Chair, Vice Chair and the Substantive
Director.
2.2. Authorities and Responsibilities.
The Chair shall exercise ultimate authority over his/her Council proceeding in an equitable and
objective manner. The Chair is responsible for all procedural matters pertaining to the Council,
including, but not limited to, moderating debate, determining the applicability of the rules and
if necessary, clarifying the meaning of the existing rules.

3. Delegations
3.1. Members
All member nations of the committee in question.
3.2. Non-Council Members
When an issue before the Council involves a state non-party to the United Nations, the
Chairpersons reserve the right to invite the delegation to be present during Council sessions in
which the issue is being discussed.
3.3. Debating Privileges
An Observer Member may participate in debate in all means as allowed to the Members of
the UN. However, s/he may not be a Sponsor to a Draft resolution, or cast a vote on the Draft
resolution (s) at hand.

4. Parliamentary procedure
4.1. Roll Call.
Attendance shall be conducted by the Vice Chair by a Roll Call at the beginning of every
session. Delegates shall establish their presence in the Council by raising their placards and
declaring Present or Present and Voting. In case a Delegate answers to his/her roll call as
Present and Voting, s/he may not abstain from voting on the Draft resolution (s)
4.2. Procedural Matters.
Procedural matters are those matters relating to the structure of the Council session as
defined in the Rules of Procedure. They include, but are not limited to, establishing speaking
time, motions and adjournment of the council session. All delegates must vote on procedural
matters and no delegate may abstain. Roll Call vote is not in order for procedural matters.
4.3. Recognition.
A Delegate may only address the Council if he/she has received permission from the Chair.
4.4. Interruptions.
A Speaker may not be interrupted by another delegate, unless the delegate has risen to a
Point of Personal Privilege.

5. Voting procedure

Unless otherwise specified, no motions are debatable and all require a simple majority vote to
pass.
5.1. Simple Majority.
A procedural matter requires a simple majority to pass implying that fifty percent plus one
vote (50% + 1) of the Council must vote in favour of the matter to pass. If the vote is a tie, the
matter will be considered to have failed.
5.2. Special (2/3) Majority.
A special majority simply means that for a pre-specified matter, 2/3rd of the present strength
of the Council must vote in favour for it to pass.

6. Points
6.1. Point of Personal Privilege.
A Delegate may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege if a matter impairs him/her from
participating fully in Council activities. The Chair shall try to effectively address the source of
impairment. This point may interrupt a Speaker only due to inability.
6.2. Point of Order.
A Delegate may rise to a Point of Order if a rule of procedure is not properly observed by a
Delegate or by the Board. The Chair will rule on the validity of the point. A Delegate rising to a
Point of Order may not comment on the topic of discussion. A Point of Order ruled dilatory by
the Chair may not be appealed. This point may interrupt a Speaker.

6.3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry.

A Delegate may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to request an explanation on the Rules
of Procedure by the Chair. This point may not interrupt a Speaker.
6.4 Point of Information
A point of information can be raised by a delegate to the speech of another delegate. This may
not interrupt a speaker.
6.5. Right of Reply
The Chair may recognize the Right of Reply only in instances of a grave personal insult. Rights
of Reply must be submitted in writing to the Chair, and may only be granted after a speech is
completed. No ruling on this matter is subject to appeal. A Right to Reply to a Right to Reply
will not be entertained.
6.6 Appeal to the Chairs Decision
An appeal is made when a delegate feels that the Chair has made an incorrect ruling. The
delegate formally challenges the Chair in writing by sending a note to the dais, moving to
appeal the Chairs decision. The appeal will be taken to the Vice Chair who will decide if the
appeal will be considered. Once the motion is acknowledged, the Vice Chair will hear from
both the delegate and the Chair before making a decision.

7. Motions
7.1 Motion for Establishment of Agenda Simple majority
7.2. Motion to open Speakers List and Motion to change Speakers time.
With this Motion, the Speakers List is opened and delegates are asked to place their names
on the same. It requires a simple majority vote in its favour to pass. In case the Speakers List
exhausts at any time during debate, the Council must immediately close debate and move into
voting. The default time per speaker is 90 seconds, and this may be modified using a Motion
to Change Speakers time. In case a delegate has some remaining time after his/her speech is
concluded, s/he may yield it in the following ways:
Yield to another delegate: His/her remaining time shall be given to another delegate. For this,
atleast 30 seconds must remain from Speakers time used till now.
Yield to Points of Information: Delegates shall be selected by the Chair to put forth questions
to the Delegate at the Podium.
Yield to the Chair. Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish his/her speech to
be subject to comments. The Chair shall then move on to the next speaker.
Once a delegate yields his/her time, the second delegate (the one who has been yielded to)
may not yield any remaining time.
7.3. Motion to Suspend Debate (Motion to Caucus)
Upon the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate, the committee may consider a
motion to Suspend Debate for the purpose of a moderated or un-moderated caucus. This
motion requires a simple majority vote (50%+1)

Moderated Caucus: The recommendation for a moderated caucus must include a time limit
for delegate remarks and a time limit for the entire caucus. During moderated caucus, the
chair shall recognize delegates for remarks without the use of a speakers list and yields shall
be out of order. No points apart from Points of Personal Privilege shall be entertained during
the Moderate Caucuses unless the Chair so specifies.
Un-moderated Caucus: The recommendation for an un-moderated caucus requires a time
limit to be made. Un-moderated caucuses allow delegates to have informal discussions.
7.4. Motion to Table Debate on a Topic.
During the discussion of any matter, the committee may consider a motion to adjourn debate
on the item under discussion at the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate. If the
motion is seconded, two representatives may speak in favour of and two against the motion.
Then, the motion shall immediately be put to a vote. A two-thirds majority is required for
passage. If a motion to table debate is passed, the topic is considered tabled and no further
actions or votes will be taken on it for the time being
7.5. Motion to Resume Debate on a Tabled Topic
A topic may be reintroduced to the committee so that debate can resume through the same
process. The motion to resume debate on a tabled topic shall require a two-thirds majority for
passage.
7.6. Motion to Close Debate on a Draft Resolution
A Delegate may move to Close Debate in order to end debate on a draft Resolution, whereby
the Council will enter voting procedure on all amendments on the floor. If the Chair rules the
Motion in order, there will be only one (1) Delegate speaking against the Motion. A two-thirds
(2/3) majority vote is required to pass the Motion to close debate.
7.7. Motion to Close Debate on the Topic Area under Discussion.
A Delegate may move to Close Debate in order to end Debate on the Topic Area under
Discussion whereby the Council will enter voting procedure on all Draft Resolutions on the
floor. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, there will be only one (1) Delegate speaking
against the Motion. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote is required to pass the Motion to close
debate.
7.8. Motion to Adjourn Meet
This motion may be raised in order to adjourn the meeting for purposes of lunch/tea breaks or
until the next session. A simple majority vote in its favour is required for it to pass.

Useful Links

http://www.unausa.org/munpreparation
http://www.unausa.org/munglossary

Disclaimer

This guide has been created with the assistance of several resources across the Internet. While it is
not possible to comprehensively list all sources due to the sheer quantity, the creators of this guide
would like to credit UNA-USA and Thessis MUN for content on Resolution Writing and Rules of
Procedure. Bear in mind that the Rules and Guidelines mentioned, while followed by a large majority
of United Nations Conferences, may tend to vary between MUNs and Executive Boards of different
committees.