ABMUN 2019-2020

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY
FUND
MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Delegates Guide: -
Table of contents
Introduction to the International Monetary Fund………………………………………page 3
Topic 1: Position paper…………………………………………………………………..page 4
Topic 2: MUN terminology………………………………………………………………page 7
Topic 3: Resolution making……………………………………………………………..page 11
How to write a resolution………………………………………………………………page 13
Topic 4: Motions and points…………………………………………………………...page 19
Topic 5: Resources………………………………………………………………………page 2
Introduction to the International Monetary Fund:

Firstly, congratulations on obtaining a prestigious position in our committee. If you

have ANY questions, feel free to email your committee chair Mohannad.
(malabed@aldarcademies.net)

The International monetary Fund, which is commonly referred to as the Fund, is an

international organization. Consisting of 189 countries working to foster global
monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade,
promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and
reduce poverty around the world while periodically depending on World Bank for
its resources.

Formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference primarily by the ideas of Harry
Dexter White and John Maynard Keynes. It came into formal existence in 1945
with under 30 members initially and the goal of reconstructing the international
payment system after the Second World War.

The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary
system—the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables
countries (and their citizens) to transact with each other. The Fund's mandate was
updated in 2012 to include all macroeconomic and financial sector issues that bear
on global stability.
What is a position paper?

Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length. However, most of
the position papers are usually one page in length. Your position paper should
include a brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown of your
country's position on the topics that are being discussed by the committee.

A good position paper will not only provide facts but also make proposals for
resolutions. This is the third part. A position paper is an essential part of MUN
because it lays the foundation for a country’s stance in the topic and gives the
delegate ideas as to what should be said over the course of the conference. Position
paper reading commences after the roll call when all delegates are present and
accounted for. The chair will say, “If there are any motions on the floor, please raise
your placards now” after this you should raise your placard and if you are
recognized, you say, “the delegate of ‘whatever country you represent’ would like
to raise a motion to initiate position paper reading.”

A good position paper will include:

 A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and
committee;
 How the issue affects your country;
 Your country’s policies with respect to the issue and your country’s
justification for these policies;
 Quotes from your country’s leaders about the issue;
 Statistics to back up your country’s position on the issue;
 Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue;
 Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified;
 UN actions that your country supported or opposed;
 What your country believes should be done to address the issue;
 What your country would like to accomplish in the committee’s resolution;
and
 How the positions of other countries affect your country’s position.

Given below is a sample position paper. Certain things such as the ‘delegate
name’ which is given in the sample is not needed.
Paragraph One – Issue and Position

Utilize this paragraph to clearly outline the main problems associated with your
topic. The point of the paragraph is to provide a basic foundation as to the current
situation associated with your topic. After generally describing the issue, give your
country’s policy regarding the issue, and state especially why your country supports
that policy. Policy statements can often be as short as stating your country supports
a certain action followed by a detailed qualification regarding this policy decision.
This section of your position paper should not exceed five to six sentences.

Paragraph Two – Detailed Background Information

This paragraph is an opportunity for you to show the depth of your knowledge about
the past and current situations regard your topic. Be sure to discuss:

▪ Historical origin of the problem, particularly why the problem arose

▪ How does the issue relate to the international community and why is it of
international concern

▪ Previous actions taken to try and solve the problem (if any)

▪ Successes and failures of past actions and why they succeeded or failed

▪ Problems that continue to exist or ones that have not yet been addressed

Devoting two to three sentences per item on this list should allow you to have
sufficiently discussed the topic and to set the foundations for the final paragraph of
your position paper.
Paragraph Three – Proposed Solutions Regarding the Issue

This paragraph is the one that will set your paper apart from the others. After
identifying the problems in paragraph two, utilize this paragraph to list your
solutions to all the problems you enumerated above. The quality of your solutions
could be a great determinant in the overall evaluation of your position paper. Be sure
to discuss:

• Specific proposals regarding how to solve specific issues

• How each individual proposal will be implemented, including the feasibility.

• Global impact of solving the problem or implementing these solutions

Mechanically, your position paper should follow the guidelines set forth by the
conference, such as margin width and font size. I would recommend a few guidelines
though to make your paper look and read professionally. First, limit your position
paper to one page, and do not write about both topics in the same position paper.
Write one position paper for each topic, and print each position paper on its own,
separate piece of paper. Second, place a heading at the top of your paper including
your country, issue, and committee. Feel free to place a picture of your country’s
flag in the header if you so desire.
MUN terminology

When in a conference, proper knowledge of the terms and how you use them dictates
the proficiency of the delegate and puts them at a different level from the other
delegates. So here are the terms that you need to know.

 Abstention: A vote during the voting process; to abstain is to be considered

as not voting. An abstention does contribute to the passage of a draft
resolution/report segment. Note: Member States may only abstain if they are
“Present” during formal roll call. Example: A draft resolution that received 30
votes in favor, 10 votes against, and 40 abstentions would still pass due to a
larger number of votes in favor, as compared to votes against.

 Appeal of the Chair: A motion to challenge the decision of the Chair and
refers to a specific NMUN rule.

 Chair: People who are in charge of leading the committee’s formal debate in
accordance to the NMUN Rules of Procedure.

 Economic and Social Council: The Economic and Social Council is the
principal organ of the UN responsible for the economic and social work of the
organization.
 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 majority vote if more people vote yes than vote no (in the case of
substantive votes, ignore abstentions). To determine if something passes,
compare yes votes to no votes only. Tie votes fail.

 Model United Nations: 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 (see below). Procedural: all members of the committee vote;
Substantive: only Member States vote.

 Motion Out of Order: An incorrect (non-NMUN) motion or a motion used

at the incorrect time during the conference.

 Moderated Caucus: This occurs when position paper reading has finished.
The chair will say, “The position paper reading is now over. If there are any
motions on the floor, please raise your placards now” after this, you raise your
placards and if you are recognized, you should say, “the delegate of ‘whatever
country you represent’ would like to raise a motion for initiating a moderated
caucus for a time of … minutes”

 National Model United Nations: An experiential education program in

which groups of students are organized as delegations and are assigned to play
the role of Member States of the UN.

 Non-governmental organization: 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.
 Operative Clauses: Proposes a new measure(s) and/or an extension of an
existing measure(s), which has not already been outlined in a previous
resolution.

 Perambulatory Clause: Sets up historical context and relevant international

law for a resolution, which justifies future action.

 Present: Establishes a delegation as present in the committee, with the

opportunity to abstain during substantive votes.

 Present and Voting: Establishes a delegation as present in the committee.

There is no opportunity to abstain during substantive votes; delegations must
vote “yes” or “no.”

 Principal Organs: Principal Organs are established pursuant to the Charter

of the United Nations. There are six principal organs of the UN: the General
Assembly (Art. 9), the Security Council (Art. 23), the Economic and Social
Council (Art. 61), the Trusteeship Council (Art. 86), the International Court
of Justice (Art. 92), and the Secretariat (Art. 97). Each organ maintains its
own area of responsibility from international peace and security (Security
Council) to human rights and economic affairs (ECOSOC). The only organ
that is currently inactive is the Trusteeship Council.
 Programs and Funds: Programs and Funds are established pursuant to
Article 22 of the Charter of the United Nations in order to meet needs not
envisaged in the founding of the UN, such as addressing the needs of
Palestinian refugees, development assistance, food aid, or the environment.
They are subordinate to the UN, but since they are immediately controlled by
distinct inter-governmental bodies and are financed through voluntary
contributions rather than assessed contributions.

 Proposal: In the NMUN 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.

 Related Organizations: Related organizations are not officially part of the

UN, but their support and cooperation is outlined by special arrangement.
Related organization's all have their own separate members, governing
bodies, executive heads, and secretariats.

 Right to follow up: Used to respond to the delegate after they have said
something. You should say, “Request the right to follow up”. The chair will
then decide and say, “Right granted/denied”

 Secretariat: The Directors, the Assistant Directors, the Under-Secretaries-

General, and the Assistant Secretaries-General, are designates and agents of
 the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary General, and are collectively
referred to as the “Secretariat.”

 Secretary-General: Member of the NMUN Secretariat. Chief administrative

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 the resolution paper forward for consideration of the committee.
They are only allowed to vote and cannot speak for the resolution.

 United Nations: An intergovernmental organization established in 1945,

designed to promote international cooperation.

 Unmoderated caucus: This occurs after the moderated caucus is over. The
chair will start by saying, “The moderated caucus is now over. If there are any
motions on the floor, please raise your placards now.” You then raise your
placard and if you are recognized, you should say, “The delegate of ‘whatever
country you represent’ would like to raise a motion for initiating an
unmoderated caucus for a time of … minutes”.
 An unmoderated caucus is informal. Delegates are allowed to get up from
their places and talk to other delegates. This is the time where alliances are
formed, and blocs are made. Blocs are a group of delegates who form an
alliance due to common interests. There are usually two blocs but there can
be more than two blocs. An unmoderated caucus is when the resolutions are
made.

Resolution making:

A resolution paper is a document that contains all proposed solutions to the topic.
Once made, the resolution is shown to all the delegates and if delegates feel that they
wish to change any clauses, then they can say so. Once the change has been
suggested, the delegates vote on whether the clause should be changed or not. In the
end, after all the clauses are finalized, the entire committee votes on whether the
resolution is passed or not.

Learning to write a resolution is very important because the ultimate goal of the
committee sessions is for delegates to come up with written solutions to the problems
they are trying to solve. The primary authors of the resolution will also be recognized
as the leaders in the committee which distinguishes them from everyone else for
awards.
Basics of a resolution:

Who: Who writes a resolution? Any delegate in the committee can write a resolution
(although in rare instances an observer state is not allowed to directly write a
resolution). The author of a resolution is called a sponsor. Most resolutions have
multiple sponsors because it takes a group of countries to share good ideas and to
come to a consensus. Some conferences allow delegates to sponsor multiple
resolutions for each topic while others only allow delegates to sponsor one per topic.
However, there are signatories. Signatories are countries that have not written the
resolution and not speaking for the resolution but still vote for it rather than against.

What: What is a resolution? A resolution is a document that contains all the issues
that the committee wants to solve and the proposed solutions to that issue. It’s called
a resolution because that’s what the United Nations calls the documents they produce
(here are some real 2011 Security Council resolutions). Technically, the resolution
should be called a draft resolution before it is voted upon and then called a resolution
after it is successfully passed during voting bloc.

When/Where: When and where are resolutions written? Most conferences require
students to write resolutions during the conference. Specifically, resolutions are
usually written during unmoderated caucus (sometimes called informal caucus)
where delegates are free to roam around the committee to collaborate on ideas with
each other, and sometimes students work outside in hallways or computer labs as
well.

Resolution writing becomes more focused during the latter sessions of committee
when different country policies are clear and different ideas have been mentioned
already. These conferences will not allow any pre-written resolutions. A few
conferences have “docket style” debate. This is when students are required to submit
resolutions to the conference in advance and the chairs pick the best ones and put
them into a docket. The delegates focus only on the resolutions in the docket when
they get to the conference and work on amending them.

Why: The ultimate purpose of a committee session is to pass a resolution. All the
speeches, debate, negotiation, and teamwork is supposed to lead up to a resolution
which contains all the proposed solutions to the issue. The resolution(s) that the
majority of the committee agrees upon will be passed during voting bloc and the
sponsors will be informally commended for building consensus on good ideas. Most
conferences allow multiple resolutions to pass as long as they do not contradict each
other, but a few conferences allow only one resolution to pass.

How to write to write a resolution?

How do I write a resolution and what does the format look like?

First, here is an example of how a resolution looks like:

[Text Wrapping Break]A resolution is actually really simple to write. It has three
main parts: the heading, the pre ambulatory clauses, and the operative clauses. We’ll
break down the example above into these three parts below.

1. Heading

The heading contains four pieces of information: the committee name, the sponsors,
the signatories, and the topic (not necessarily in that order depending on each
individual conference’s rules).
2. Pre ambulatory clauses

The pre ambulatory clauses states all the issues that the committee wants to resolve
on this issue. It may state reasons why the committee is working on this issue and
highlight previous international actions on the issue. Pre ambulatory clauses can
include:

▪ Past UN resolutions, treaties, or conventions related to the topic

▪ Past regional, non-governmental, or national efforts in resolving this topic

▪ References to the UN Charter or other international frameworks and laws

▪ Statements made by the Secretary General or a relevant UN body or agency

▪ General background info formation or facts about the topic, its significance, and
its impact.
It’s very simple to write a pre ambulatory clauses. First, take a statement that you
want to write about (perhaps an issue you want to solve or a specific fact from one
of the five bullet points above). You then take that statement, combine it with an
underlined pre ambulatory phrase, and end it with a comma. Here are some example
pre ambulatory phrases that you can choose from.

For example, my country wants to address the issue of how Ebola spread rapidly in
sub-Saharan Africa. I pick a pre-ambulatory phrase from above —I’ll use “Alarmed
by” —and then I combine it to say:

Alarmed by the 17% increase in Ebola contraction among sub-Saharan African

countries in the past year,

Strategy Tip: In general, you want fewer pre-ambulatory clauses than operative
clauses. More operative clauses convey that you have more solutions than you have
problems.
3. Operative clauses

Operative clauses state the solutions that the sponsors of the resolution proposes to
resolve the issues. The operative clauses should address the issues specifically
mentioned in the pre ambulatory clauses above it.

It’s very simple to write an operative clause. First, take a solution that you want to
include in the draft resolution. You then take that solution, combine it with an
underlined operative phrase, and end it with a semicolon (the last operative clause
ends with a period). Operative clauses are also numbered. This differentiates them
from pre-ambulatory clauses, helps show logical progression in the resolution and
makes the operative clauses easy to refer to in speeches and comments. Here are
some example operative phrases from UNA USA’s website that you can choose
from:
For example, my first solution is to distribute low cost medicines for Ebola to sub

Saharan African countries. I pick an operative phrase from above I’ll use “Calls
upon” and then I combine it and number it to say:

1. Calls upon the developed countries and major pharmaceutical countries to provide
low cost, generic medicines for Ebola to sub Saharan African countries;

Strategy Tip: Usually more details in an operative clause will make it stronger or at
least make the idea more clear to other delegates. A simple way to strengthen each
operative clause is to answer the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of each
resolution. These details can actually be broken down into sub operative clauses
underneath the main operative clause.
How to write an amendment:

Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a

written statement that adds, deletes or changes an operative clause in a draft
resolution. The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution
by allowing delegates to change the operative clauses (the pre ambulatory clauses
cannot be modified). There are two types of amendments:

1.A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree
with. After the amendment is signed by all of the draft resolution’s sponsors and
approved by the committee chair, it will be automatically incorporated into the
resolution.

2. An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolution’s

sponsors do not support and must be voted upon by the committee. This also refers
to delegates who did not write this resolution at all but see potential in it as long as
several changes are made to it. The sponsors of the amendment will need to obtain
a required number of signatories in order to introduce it. Prior to voting on the draft
resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments.

Writing an amendment is very simple. All you have to do is make an operative clause
that adds, deletes, or changes an operative clause in a draft resolution. Examples
include:

• Adds an operative clause that reads “14. Encourages all Latin American countries
to…”
• Deletes operative clause 9. Changes operative clause 1 to read “1. Calls upon the
Red Cross to provide low cost medicines…”

How debate works?

Role call

Resolution announced to be debated

Main submitter called to the floor

Main submitter reads operative clauses

Main submitter makes a 3 minute speech about the resolution (why is it good?

Main submitter answers points of information (questions)

Main submitter yields the floor back to the chair or another delegate (“I yield the
floor back to the chair”)

Tips:

1. Come Prepared.

2. Maintain Diplomacy.

3. The best debater is the best listener.

4. Find a “universal principal” everyone agrees on.

5. Capture the audience’s attention.

6. Use Facts.

7. Capitalize on your strengths.

Motions and points:

There are different points in MUN which have different purposes

 Point of personal privilege: Refers to the comfort of the delegate. For

example: “Point of personal privilege! Can you open the window?” “Point of
personal privilege! May the speaker raise their voice”
 Point of order: used when there is a wrong fact stated by one of the delegates.
You say “point of order! And then correct them” after they have finished
speaking!
 Point of Parliamentary Enquiry: Point of information to the Chair
concerning rules of procedure. Example: “Could the Chair please explain to
the house what is meant by closed debate?”
 A point CANNOT interrupt a speaker UNLESS it’s a point of personal
privilege due to audibility (voice of speaker)

“Motion to move into voting procedure” It’s a request to stop debate and
move directly into voting procedure Delegates can agree by raising their
placards. It can be granted or denied by the chair.

Yielding:

Delegates can only yield once consecutively. One delegate cannot take the floor,
speak, then yield the floor to another delegate and then have them yield the floor to
a third delegate.
What is the purpose of M.U.N?

The MUN delegation consists of 2 meetings every week, in which the

majority of the sessions you will be assigned homework and projects that
must be completed on time and to the best of your ability.

From this experience, we hope to teach you skills that can applied to many
situations, mainly the conference.

For example, Public speaking, debating skills, development of confidence

and leadership skills, teamwork, awareness of global issues and development
social skills.

As a delegate, what do we expect from you?

Professionalism in speech, actions, and appearance by all participants. In our

weekly meetings we don't expect this as we will be informal to an extent.
Although, when instructed we urge you to display professionalism for your
benefit because this will be followed in the conference.

Most importantly, we expect you attend all the meetings, complete your
work to a high standard, ask questions when struggling, communicate any
issues or suggestions and be respectful to other delegates as this is a learning
process, we expect mistakes to be made.
Resources:

https://bestdelegate.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-model-un-a-beginners-guide-
to-achieving-success/

http://www.google.jo/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved
=0CBwQFjAAahUKEwjmv8C8pMzHAhVoWdsKHYPlCHQ&url=http%3
A%2F%2Fwww.nmun.org%2Fdownloads%2FNMUNDelegatePrepGuide.p
df&ei=A5jgVaayMeiy7QaDy6OgBw&usg=AFQjCNG6BU-
_b6EkSuw749OFUD7gvKhfJA

https://www.nmun.org/conferences/new-york/prepare-for-
committee/committee-materials.html