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Student Model UN Conference Guide

This document provides information about the upcoming Student International Conference Model United Nations conference, including details about the conference sponsors and host organizations, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that will be focused on, the conference schedule and list of attending schools, topics for committee discussions, and logistical information about position papers, resolutions, rules of procedure, and awards.

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Yael Mercado
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
356 views29 pages

Student Model UN Conference Guide

This document provides information about the upcoming Student International Conference Model United Nations conference, including details about the conference sponsors and host organizations, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that will be focused on, the conference schedule and list of attending schools, topics for committee discussions, and logistical information about position papers, resolutions, rules of procedure, and awards.

Uploaded by

Yael Mercado
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Student International 

Conference Model 
United Nations

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 
About Delegates Beyond Borders LLC. ........................................................................  3 
 

About Southwestern University and Meridian World School.............................  4 


 

The United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals............................  5 


 

Note from Secretary General...........................................................................................  8 


 

Conference Schedule...........................................................................................................  9 
 

List of Schools Attending....................................................................................................  10 


 

Committees and Topics……………......................................................................................  11 


 

Southwestern Map................................................................................................................  13 


 

Awards.......................................................................................................................................  14 
 

Position Papers.......................................................................................................................  15 


 

Resolutions...............................................................................................................................  18 

   
Preambulatory Clauses.......................................................................................................  20 
 

Operative Clauses.................................................................................................................  21 


 

Amendments...........................................................................................................................  22 
 

Rules of Procedure……………………….................................................................................  23 

 

 
SICMUN ll CoSponsors 
SICMUN  is  the  result  of  the  collaboration  between three distinguished organizations.  The 
founders  of  Delegates  Beyond  Borders  LLC  have  long  had  a  working  relationship  with  the 
Model  UN  club  at  Meridian  World  School.  Together  they  were  inspired to create a unique, 
international  MUN  conference  that  would  serve  both  middle  school  and  high  school 
students.  Southwestern  University  was  pleased  to  join  the  partnership  as  host  site, 
providing a beautiful and historic location for the conference.   

About Delegates Beyond Borders, LLC. 


 

‘Ima t e Pot al...Bey Bor s’ 


 
Delegates  Beyond  Borders  LLC’s  mission  is  to  educate,  support  and  inspire 
passionate  young  students  to  inquire  about  and  acquire  knowledge  of  our  current  world 
problems  which  are  relevant  on  a  global  scale,  but  still  essential  locally;  this,  while 
promoting  Awareness,  Empathy,  Tolerance,  and  Service  in  a  safe  and  professional  setting. 
We  want  young  people  to  strengthen  their  own  identity with pride and affection, and then 
be  able  to  recognize  similarities  rather  than  differences  between  themselves  and  other 
young  people  who  share  the  planet  with  them.  “Imagine  the  potential  beyond  borders” 
describes  our  goal  to  bring  students  from  diverse  backgrounds  together  in  order  to  not 
only  develop  a  multitude  of  skills  which  will  be  useful  in  both  their  academic  and  social 
lives;  but  also  to  build  global  relationships  which  can  ultimately  change  the  world  into  a 
better place. 

 

About Southwestern University 
 
Southwestern University is a private, Liberal Arts 
College in Georgetown, Texas. Formed in 1873 from a revival 
of collegiate charters granted in 1840, Southwestern is the 
oldest university in Texas. At Southwestern University, we 
believe that students are not simply the passive consumer of 
current knowledge; they are an active participants in the 
creation of new knowledge. The Southwestern Experience is 
designed to develop the intellectual practices necessary to enhance student abilities in order to 
explore regions of original thought and creative expression. The world is changing—and at an 
accelerating pace. In a 21st-century career, students will be required to advance the frontiers of 
knowledge, adapt quickly to change, problem-solve new and complex challenges, and anticipate 
what’s next. Southwestern prepares their students for these new realities. The combination of a 
flexible curriculum, the development of modern ways of thinking, and real-world experiences allow, 
SU will equip students with the skills required to adapt, create, collaborate, and view challenges 
from multiple perspectives.  

 
About Meridian World School 
 
Meridian is a public, tuition-free charter school funded through state and federal dollars 
like traditional schools. Open to all students who live within the 
boundaries of Williamson County in Central Texas, Meridian is 
the vehicle realized by several Williamson County families that 
worked together with the goal of offering an education that will 
bring a love of learning to the classroom for their children. The 
intent of the Meridian Charter was to become a continuum 
school for the International Baccalaureate Program, offering the 
Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP) 
and the Diploma Program (DP); and it has been this way since 
May of 2017. It is a diverse school with reported 44 different 
native languages spoken by its families. Even with only 1,650 
students from kindergarten to 12th grade, there is a wide 
variety of student culture within its community. Its mission 
statement is: Meridian School will provide an invigorating educational environment that develops 
responsible citizens who can artfully navigate our complex world and enjoy a good life with others.   

 

BACKGROUND ON THE UNITED NATIONS  

The History and the Work of the United Nations  


 
When Did It Start?  

The  United  Nations  began  on  October  24,  1945,  when  the  UN  Charter  ratified  51 
Member  States.  Today,  people  all  around  the  world  recognize  this  day  as  the  United 
Nations Day. 
Member States  

The  United  Nations  has  193  member  states.  All  member states meet in the General 


Assembly  which  many  people  believe  is  the  closest  thing  to  a  world  parliament.  Every 
country,  no  matter  its  size, wealth, or power has a single vote in this assembly, though none 
of  the  decisions  made  by  this  assembly  are  binding.  Each  of  the  decisions  made  within the 
become  resolutions  which  are  created  through  collaboration  amongst  different 
governments from around the world. 
The  United  Nations  has its headquarters in New York City but, the land surrounding 
the  building  sits  on  is  international  territory.  Furthermore,  the  United  Nations  also  has  its 
own  flag,  its  own  post  office,  and  even  its  own  postage  stamps.  There  are  also  six  official 
languages  of  The  United  Nations:  Arabic,  Mandarin,  English,  French,  Russian,  and Spanish. 
The  United  Nations  also  has  a  European  Headquarters  located  in  Palais  des  Nations  in 
Geneva,  Switzerland.  In  addition  to  these,  the  UN  also  has  assemblies  in  Vienna,  Austria, 
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Amman, Jordan. 

 

What The United Nations Can And Can't Do  
 
Taking  into  account  what  the  United  Nations  can  and  can’t  do,  it  relies  largely  on 
persuasion  and  cooperation  of  its  member  states.  The  UN  cannot  force  any  nation  to  do 
something.  
 
 
The United Nations CAN… 
 
● Use the money in its budget to buy supplies and equipment and pay 
employees to carry out programs all over the world 
● Use its money and personnel to research world problems/conditions and 
possible solutions  
● Use the arbiters and negotiators on its payroll that it can send to troubled 
areas to try to prevent the breakout of violence or to try to restore peace 
after a conflict has occurred 
● Call for nations or groups to come to the table to discuss their conflicts and 
appoint another, uninvolved nation to arbitrate, if that nation agrees 
● Call for summits or meetings to solve special problems 
● Set up new committees whose main responsibilities will be to oversee the 
progress on a certain topic or subset of topics  
● Send peacekeepers to conflict areas 
● Call for economic sanctions on a country in an attempt to coerce that 
country into accepting U.N. regulations on, for example, human rights or 
nuclear non-proliferation 
● Educate and encourage populations to act in certain ways 
 
The United Nations CANNOT… 
 
● Make laws 
● Prohibit or impose behavior on either individuals or nations 
● Declare war on any nation or violate any nation’s sovereignty, or interfere 
with the right of each nation’s government to make and enforce its own laws 
● Force any nation to join in imposing sanctions on another country 
● The U.N. relies on the powers of persuasion, diplomacy, and the cooperation 
of its component member states. It cannot force any nation to do something.    

 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 
The  2030  Agenda  for  Sustainable  Development,  adopted  by  all  United  Nations 
Member  States  in  2015,  provides  a  shared  blueprint  for  peace  and  prosperity  for  people 
and  the  planet,  now  and  into  the  future.  At  its  heart  are  the  17  Sustainable  Development 
Goals  (SDGs),  which  are  an  urgent  call  for  action  by  all  countries  -  developed  and 
developing  -  in  a  global  partnership.  They  recognize  that  ending  poverty  and  other 
deprivations  must  go  hand-in-hand  with  strategies  that  improve  health  and  education, 
reduce  inequality,  and  spur  economic  growth  –  all  while  tackling  climate  change  and 
working to preserve our oceans and forests.  
The  Sustainable  Development  Goals  are  the  blueprint  to  achieve a better and more 
sustainable  future  for  all.  They  address  the  global  challenges  we  face,  including  those 
related  to  poverty,  inequality,  climate  change,  environmental  degradation,  peace  and 
justice.  The  17  Goals  are  all  interconnected,  and  in  order  to  leave  no  one  behind,  it  is 
important that we achieve them all by 2030.

 

Note from SG 
Hello Delegates, Sponsors, Faculty, and Parents, 
 
I’d  like  to  welcome  you  to  SICMUN  II.  My  name  is  Aman  Momin  and  I  am  the  Secretary  General  of  SICMUN  II. 
SICMUN  stands  for  the  Student  International  Conference  Model  United  Nations,  which  started  with  a  group  of  high 
school  students  working  tirelessly  for  over  a  year  to  build  this  conference  from  scratch.  We  have  been  lucky 
enough  to  be  sponsored  by  Delegates  Beyond  Borders  LLC,  who  have  been amazing working with us through this 
entire process.  
 
We  started  preparing  for  SICMUN  II  in  January  2019,  when  we  appointed  the  Under  Secretary  Generals  and 
decided  on  our  conference  theme:  Resilience.  Our  team  of  high  schoolers  is  composed  of  high  achievers  who  are 
extremely  interested in the different aspects of Model United Nations conferences. It has been with the support of 
the  Under  Secretary  Generals  and  our  outstanding  Secretariat  that  this  project  could  continue  the  legacy  of 
SICMUN  I.  SICMUN  is  especially  revolutionary,  due  to  the  fact  that our entire team consists of experienced MUN 
award-winning  high  school  and  middle  school students who have handled all of the details for the conference. Our 
two  adult  teacher  sponsors  with  Delegates  Beyond  Borders,  LLC  have  been  terrific  giving  us  the  necessary 
guidance to make our conference successful. 
 
SICMUN  has  been  set  up  to  promote  great  debate  and  the  core  ideals  of  the  United  Nations,  to  bring  students 
from  all  over  the  world  together,  and  to  express the importance of finding possible solutions to real problems that 
affect  our  world.  Students  who  wish  to  attend  SICMUN  II  are  expected  to  model  the  ideal  behavior  that  can  be 
observed  from  the  United  Nations  by  representing  their  countries’  stances  on  the  various  topics  that  have  been 
chosen this year.  
 
Finally,  I  would  like  to  officially  introduce  you  to  our  theme  for  this  year  –  Resilience.  Over  many  long  discussions 
and  debates,  our  Under  Secretary  General  team  and  our  Executive  Board  team  decided  this  year‘s  theme  to  be 
Resilience  due  to  its  importance  in  the current status quo of our world. While it is so important to be a good leader, 
activist,  or  even  a revolutionary, it is even more crucial to be open-minded and accepting of Mankind, regardless of 
one’s  race,  gender,  religion,  or  cultural  differences.  Thus,  Resilience was chosen. We invite you all to consider these 
aspects of diplomacy while debating during SICMUN II.  
 
On behalf of the SICMUN Under Secretary Generals and Secretariat, I would like to welcome you to SICMUN II. 
 
Best regards, 

 

Preliminary Conference Schedule 
Registration for delegations 
Location: TBD 
Time: 8:15-8:55  
 
Opening ceremony 
Location: TBD 
9:00-10:00 
 
Committee session 1 
Location: Olin Building 
10:10-12:00 
 
Lunch 
Location: McCombs Building (staggered) 
Lunch A 12:00-12:45  
Lunch B 12:50-1:35 
Lunch C 1:35-2:10 
 
Committee session 2 
Location: Olin Building 
A: 12:45- 2:30 
B: 1:15-2:30 
 
Break  
Location: Olin Building 
2:30- 2:45 
 
Committee session 3 
Location: Olin Buidling 
2:45-4:00 
 
Break  
Location: Olin Building 
4:00-4:15 
 
Session 4 
Location: Olin Building 
4:15- 6:00 
 
Closing Ceremonies 
Location: TBD 
6:00-7:00 

 

LIST OF SCHOOLS ATTENDING 
 
Austin High School 
 
The Emery/Weiner School 
 
Instituto Celayense 
 
The Magellan International School 
 
Meridian World School 
 
Rouse High School 
 
Sharpstown International School 
 
Sunhills Valley High School

 
10 
Committees and Topics: High School 
 
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (SC) 

Topics: 

1.Radicalization and Recoupment of Terrorism in Eastern Asia 

2.Global Implementation of Proactive Policing Strategies 

UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL POLITICAL AND DECOLONIZATION COMMITTEE 


(SPECPOL) 
 

Topics: 

1.The Effects of Neo-colonialism in Africa 

2.Usage of AI to Analyze Footage and Privacy of the Individual 

UNITED NATIONS WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) 

Topics: 

1.Government Funded Medical Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities 

2.Government-provided Feminine Products for Women and Girls 

JOINT CRISIS (JC) 

Topic: 

1.Myanmar Government and the Rohingya Muslims 

 
11 
Committees and Topics: Middle School 
 
 

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (SC) 

Topics: 

1.Online Piracy and its Repercussions 

2.Violence and Security at International Borders 

 
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (HRC) 

Topics: 

1.Improving Access to Education for Refugees 

2.Combating Consistent Persecution of Indigenous Peoples  

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP) 

Topics: 

1.Ocean Acidification and Global Warming 

2.Climate Change and Displacement 

 
12 
 
SOUTHWESTERN MAP

 
13 
AWARDS 
 
At  SICMUN,  we  recognize  exemplary  delegates  who  actively  participate  in  the 
committee’s  debate  with  three  awards  of  distinction:  The  Best  Delegate  Award,  The 
Distinguished Delegate Award, and the Honorable Mention Award. 
 
All delegates looking to win an award must showcase: 
● An attitude of benevolence and goodwill towards others   
● Helpful negotiations in tough situations and predicaments  
● Continuous cooperation with other delegates   
● Initiative taken to promote peace and friendliness   
● Action taken to circumvent destruction, disaster, or further conflict 
 
The  Best  Delegate  award  will  be  given  to  the  delegate  who,  in  their  committee, 
demonstrates  exceptional  debate  skills,  use  of  parliamentary  procedure,  continuous 
diplomacy, and great initiative to resolve conflict. 
 
The  Distinguished  Delegate  award  will  be  given  to  the  delegate  who  shows  great 
knowledge  of  the  topic  through  bringing  new  ideas  to  the  debate,  use  of  parliamentary 
procedure, and good diplomacy.  
 
The  Honorable  Mention  award  will  be  given  to the delegate who exemplifies a good 
amount of knowledge about the topic, an attempt to role play accurately, and is sufficient in 
using parliamentary procedure. 
 
 
 

 
14 
POSITION PAPERS 
 

Position Papers for SICMUN:  


On  a  document  that  can  be  submitted  as  a  PDF,  using  the  format  and  description  on  the 
next  page,  we  encourage  every  delegate  to  write  a  Position  Paper  on  both  of  their  committee’s 
topics, covering the information required.   
 
Sponsors,  it  is  encouraged  all  delegates  have  a  copy  of  their  own  position  paper,  to  be  an 
asset in committee.  
 
How to Write a Position Paper:  
Your position paper is broken up into 3 main paragraphs.  
 
● The  first  section  of  your  position  paper  is  where  you  should  go  into  general  country 
information and the issues your country faces related to your topic.  
● The  second  part  of  you  position  paper  is  where  you  state  your  country’s  major  points  of 
concern  with  the  topic  at  hand  as  well  as giving an in depth position on the topic. This is the 
main  body  of  your  position  paper  and  it  should  be  an  analysis  of your country’s position on 
the  topic  discussed.  The  content  in  this  part  of  your  position  paper  should  include  your 
country’s  foreign  policies,  any  past,  present,  and  future  actions  taken  by  your  country 
domestically and internationally, and any other important information that applies.  
● The  third  and  final  section  of  your  position  paper  should  be  a  proposal  of  ideas  that  your 
country  would  like  to  see  in  a  resolution  as  well  as  other  ideas  that  your  nation  has 
supported of been in favor for in the past.  
 
 
 
Sending In Your Position Paper & Committee Assignments:  
 
Delegates  should  submit  ONE  Position  Paper  per  topic  that  is  either  typed  or  neatly hand 
written  and  submitted,  with  committee  assignments,  by  FIRST  COMMITTEE  SESSION  to  be 
considered for an award.   
Please  EMAIL  a  PDF  format  of  the  position  paper  to  the  committee  chair  that  the position 
paper  is  written  for.  If  you  are  a  part  of  a  school,  please  have  your  sponsor  submit  all  position 
papers  on  behalf  of  your  school.  Sponsors,  please  submit  entire  delegation  Position  Papers  in  a 
folder organized by country.  
 

 
15 
 
EXAMPLE: 

Committee: The International Atomic Energy Agency


Topic: Disposal of Nuclear Waste
Country: The Kingdom of Spain
School Name: Meridian World School

Esteemed chair, distinguished delegates, and honorable guests; the Kingdom of Spain believes that
inaction and inability to come together and settle upon an ideal solution for the disposal of nuclear waste is
one of the most important, appalling issues that the United Nations faces today. A solution from this highly
regarded body is needed. Nuclear waste is agreed upon by the World Nuclear Association to be one of the
least hazardous toxic industrial wastes, and yet without a solution, all of the countries represented here
today face a dismal future with the role that nuclear energy and waste play in global warming.
Additionally, massive reactors dump water that is supercharged with incredibly toxic chemicals and
radiation into the ocean daily, poisoning the water and rippling through the food chain.
The Kingdom of Spain has maximized their efforts to limit and properly dispose of nuclear waste
through processes such as the selection of sites appropriate for disposal of short-lived intermediate-level
radioactive waste (ILW) or low-level radioactive waste (LLW), and the formation of the Empresa Nacional
de Residuos Radiactivos (ENRESA), a body which revises Spain’s current plan of action every four years
or upon governmental request in order to maintain one that keeps up with the changes and the demands of
citizens, bodies such as the UN, and other nations. The IAEA and the United Nations throughout many
committees have had lengthy discussions and pursued a solution to this issue but it is an elusive, expensive
one that still is in need of a plan. The delegate believes that the key role of the United Nations as a whole
could be to educate the public by endorsing and funding a program that could be agreed upon by the
Security Council and IAEA that outlines the benefits of proper nuclear waste disposal as well as the
dangers of incorrect disposal, and even what that could eventually mean for future generations across the
globe. The delegate stresses that Spain desires future generations not to wonder what a polar bear was,
because at this time the UN was so inactive and indecisive that they left the ozone layer as a crisp.
In terms of a solution; the delegation of Spain previously spoke of forms of disposal, and reaffirms
that the most advantageous and advisable forms of disposal are geological disposal and even near-surface

 
16 
disposal, so as to minimize pollution and assist in the fight against global warming. The differentiation
between the two will rest upon the determination of the waste to be LLW, ILW, or high-level radioactive
waste (HLW). Spain believes the ideal short-term course of action is the creation of a global database
which makes the level of the radioactive waste produced at major and massive reactors internationally
accessible, which can then be used to determine which reactors are in need of a safe or appropriate site
outside of their country to deposit the waste they produce. Spain applauds nations such as Sweden and
Finland for being productive in the selection of appropriate disposal sites and leaving the preliminary
stages of planning. After the formation of this database, Spain would like to promote the idea of sharing
available nuclear disposal sites by willing nations in order to streamline the disposal process, including the
transportation of the waste. Long-term and for HLW, Spain believes that the ideal solution is to even
further minimize the energy output of nuclear reactors and additionally, even their usage in order to slow
global warming and protect the ozone layer. Many prominent nuclear generating stations return around
two-thirds of the energy that is produced by the reactor out into the atmosphere, which consequently heats
the ozone layer. Spain would emphasize that if every nation could set goals and report their progress, it
would be much easier to. In order for every nation to have an active role in the development of this
long-term plan, Spain proposes that an even more specialized body in the UN is created for the use of the
upkeep of international toxic waste policies, the monitoring of the global database idea, cooperation with
NGOs and the progress of individual nations.

 
 
 

 
17 
 
RESOLUTIONS 
   
Writing a Resolution 
A  resolution  is  “a  formal  expression  of  opinion  or  intention  made,  usually  after 
voting,  by  a formal body.” The formal body in our case is each specific committee. These will 
be written by delegates in committee and must adhere to the power of the United Nations. 
 
Finding a Topic and Writing your Resolution  
The  research  done  for  your  Position  Paper  is  what  will  be  your  guide  into  writing  a 
resolution.  You  should  make  your  topic  as  specific  as  possible  and you want it to be unique 
when  you  compose  it  with  other  delegates.  When  writing  a  resolution,  consider  the  ideas 
of the other delegates and make sure you are all on the same page. 
 
Formatting Instructions  
A Resolution is split up into the following parts:  
Heading, Preambulatory and Operative Clauses.  
 
Throughout the sections, each line of the entire paper is numbered.  
 
HEADING  
The  heading  serves  as  identification  for  the  resolution,  and  its  organizing 
information.  In  the  heading  should  be  the  committee’s  name  that  the  resolution  is 
being  submitted  to,  the  topic  of  the  resolution,  along  with  the  delegation  or  group 
of  delegations  that  is  submitting  the  resolution.  Finally,  the  name  of  the  committee 
will be written in full form, followed by a comma, to begin the resolution. 
 
Example: 
 
1. SUBMITTED TO: THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL  
1. TOPIC: Education and Healthcare 
2. PROPOSED BY: Mexico 
3.  
4. THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, 
 

 
18 
PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES 
The preambulatory clauses introduced the resolution and the issues related to the  
topic.  They  explain  the  problem  and  tell  the  issue  for  the  solution  you  will  suggest  in  the 
operative  clauses.  The  first  word  of  each  preambulatory  clause  sets  the  “tone”  for  the 
statement which follows (and must be in ALL CAPS).  
 
IMPORTANT: Preambulatory clauses are indented once after the committee name above. 
Each is followed by a comma (,). The second to last clause includes the word “and” after the 
comma, and the last clause in the preamble is followed solely with a colon (:). 
 
Cont’d example: 
5.  
6. ALARMED with the poor literacy rate in third-world countries, 
7.  
8. ACKNOWLEDGING that the current number of illiterate women is approximately 493.5 
9. million worldwide, and 
10.  
11. CONSIDERING that the efforts to reduce that number have been insufficient so far: 
 
OPERATIVE CLAUSES  
The  operative  clauses  of  a  resolution  are  proposing  to  solve  the  problem described 
in  the  preamble.  The  first  word  or  phrase  (for  examples,  see  below)  of  each  operative 
clause  is  a  verb,  indicating  the  clause  which  follows.  It  must be in ALL CAPS. Language and 
tone  play  an  important  role  in  determining  the  strength  of  your  operative  clauses.  Each 
operative  clause  is  numbered,  in  addition  to  the  line  numbers  to  the left of each line of the 
resolution.  Each  operative  clause  ends  with  a  semicolon  (;), except the last, which ends with 
a  period  (.).  Each  sub-clause  should  be  preceded  with  a  letter  and  followed  by  a  comma  (,). 
Additionally,  the second to last clause, whether sub-clause OR full clause, should include an 
“and” after the semicolon.  
 
HELPFUL: A resolution is ALWAYS formatted as one extended sentence. 
Cont’d example: 
12.  
13. 1. PROCLAIMS that the HRC should consider using Stanford University’s Global Millenium 
14. Education program and the Global Partnership for Education in order to; 
15. a. Provide education to all people without regard to race, gender, previous   
16. financial and/or social instabilities; and 
17. 2. ENCOURAGES all members of the HRC to consider and pass this resolution.   

 
19 
PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES 
Some possible initiating phrases for preambulatory clauses: 
 
Alarmed by  Fulfilling  Reaffirming 

Approving  Fully aware  Realizing 

Bearing in mind  Emphasizing  Recalling 

Believing  Expecting  Recognizing 

Confident  Expressing its appreciation  Referring 

Contemplating  Fulfilling  Seeking 

Convinced  Fully aware  Taking into consideration 

Declaring  Further deploring  Taking note 

Deeply concerned  Further recalling  Viewing with appreciation 

Deeply conscious  Guided by  Welcoming 

Deeply convinced  Having adopted  Keeping in mind 

Deeply Disturbed  Having considered  Noting with deep concern 

Deeply Regretting  Having examined  Noting with satisfaction 

Desiring  Having received  Noting further 

Emphasizing  Expecting   

   

 
20 
OPERATIVE CLAUSES 
Some operative clause examples are located below  
 
 

Also strongly condemns  Endorses  Repeats 

Also urges  Expresses its appreciation  Requests 

Appeals  Expresses its hope  Requires 

Appreciates  Expresses its regret  Solemnly affirms 

Approves  Further invites  Stresses 

Authorizes  Further proclaims  Strongly advises 

Calls  Further recommends  Strongly condemns 

Calls for  Further reminds  Strongly encourages 

Calls upon  Further requests  Suggests 

Commends  Further resolves  Supports 

Concurs  Has resolved  Takes note of 

Condemns  Instructs  Transmits 

Confirms  Introduces  Trusts 

Congratulates  Invites  Underlines 

Considers  Notes  Underscores 

Decides  Notes with satisfaction  Urges 

Declares  Proclaims  Welcomes 

Declares accordingly  Reaffirms   

     
 

 
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AMENDMENTS 
   
  If  a  delegation disapproves of a certain idea or ideas in your resolution, then they can work 
with  your  delegation  and  work  on  an  Amendment  Form  to  remove  or  add ideas that other 
delegations were opposed on.  
  If  your  delegation  would  be  in  favor  of  another  delegations  resolution,  but  can't 
agree  with  every  point  it  contains,  or  want  to  add  something,  an  amendment  may  be  in 
order.  Working  with  the  author  of  the  resolution  first,  to  see  if  you  can  agree  on  new 
wording.  If  so,  it  would  be  called  a  "Friendly"  Amendment.  Friendly  amendments  are 
automatically approved and added to the resolution.  
  Amendments  can  also  be  "Unfriendly."  An  unfriendly  amendment  is  submitted  by 
someone  other  than  the  author  of  the  resolution,  without  the  author’s  approval.  It  has  to 
be  debated  and  voted  on  separately,  before  the  final  vote  on  the  resolution  and  may  also 
change the resolution drastically.  
   
There  are  three  types  of  amendments  (not  a  huge  difference  between  them,  but 
when  a  resolution  is  typed  up  later,  how  clearly  details  are  described  can  make  a  big 
difference):  
 
  #1 - To eliminate words or phrases, mark through those to be eliminated.  
  #2  -  To  insert  new  words  or  phrases,  write  in  the  new  word(s),  OR  indicate  the 
location  of  the  insertion  by  noting “Insert A, B, C…” and print the language to be inserted in 
the appropriate space on the Resolution Amendment Form.  
  #3  -  To  change  one  or  two  words  or  a  phrase,  mark  through  the  word(s)  to  be 
changed  and  write  in  the  new  words,  or  mark  through  the  words  to  be  changed,  indicate, 
Indicate  Insert  A,B,C…  and  print  the  new words in the appropriate space on the Resolution 
Amendment Form.   

 
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RULES OF PROCEDURE 
 
Quorum: 
At  the  opening  of  every  committee  session  the  Chair  shall  call  the  roll  to determine which 
delegations  are  present.  The  number  of  delegations  present  at  the  time  of  the  roll  call 
determines  whether  or  not  there  is  a  sufficient  number  of  member  countries  to  conduct 
business  within  the  committee.  Delegates  must  declare  present  or  present  and  voting  at 
every  roll  call  in  order  to  establish  voting  privileges.  At  least  one-third  of  all  delegations 
must  be  present  for  business  discussion  to  occur,  and  a  majority  of  delegations  must  be 
present for voting to take place.  
Amendments: 
An  Amendment  to  a  resolution  adds to, deletes from, or revises any part of that resolution. 
All  amendments  must  be  submitted  in  writing  to  the  committee  Chair  before  they  are 
considered  by  the  body.  Copies  of  the  Amendment  Form are available from the committee 
Chair  and  may  be  requested  via  a  note  to  the  chair  during  committee  or  can  be  picked  up 
from the chair during an unmoderated caucus.  
 
Friendly Amendment: 
For  an  amendment  to  be  deemed  friendly  it  must  have  the  support  of  the  sponsors  of  the 
resolution  that  is  on  the  table  being  amended.  If  the  amendment has this support then it is 
automatically added to the resolution with no vote by the committee. 
 
Unfriendly Amendment: 
If  an  amendment  is  rejected  by  any  of  the  sponsors  of  the  resolution  on the table then the 
amendment  is  deemed  unfriendly.  After  the  amendment  is  deemed  unfriendly  then  the 
committee  may  choose  to  vote  to  add  the  amendment  to  the  resolution  (50%+1),  open 
debate on the amendment or table debate on the amendment. 
The  Chair  may  rule  any  amendment  "out  of  order  which  is  judged  to  be  a  waste  of  the 
committee’s  time.  Amendments  of  this  nature,  for  example,  might  change the intent of the 
resolution or make trivial or absurd changes in its wording.  
 
Motions: 
*NOTE: Any motion may be ruled "out of order" by the chair if there is not sufficient time or 
reason to execute it* 

 
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Point Of Order 
This point may be raised when you feel that a delegate or the Chair is not abiding by 
correct parliamentary procedure (as laid out for the conference). A point of order is 
allowed to interrupt the speaker. 

Point of Personal Privilege 


Use  when  a  delegate  experiences  personal  discomfort  that  hinders  their  ability  to 
participate in committee.  

Point of Inquiry 
To  ask  a  question  in  regards  to  the  way  the  committee  is conducted. It may also be used to 
ask the chair a questions regarding parliamentary procedure during a normal session. 

Point of Information 
To  pose  a  question  directly  to  a  speaker.  This  point  may  be  raised  after  a  speaker  yields to 
questions. It is used to ask a question of the speaker relating to the speech just given. 

Right of Reply 
A  right  to  speak  in  reply  to  a  previous  speaker's  comment,  invoked  when  a  delegate  feels 
personally insulted by another's speech. This is up to the chair's discretion. 

Motion for a Straw Poll 


Use  in  order  to  assess  the  committees  feelings  on  a  resolution  or  question.  Conducted  by 
placard  voting  procedure  but  outcome  does  not  mean  the  resolution  and  or  topic  is 
officially voted on. 

Motion for a Round Robin 


Where  all  delegates  have  an  opportunity  to  speak  in  consecutive  order  once.  When 
motioning, the delegate must include a speaking time. 

Motion for a Moderated Caucus 


Suspends  the  speakers  list  for  a set period of time with a set speaking time for delegates to 
have  a  discussion.  This motion brings the body into a moderated debate on the issue on the 
floor  for  a  specified  amount  of  time.  The  moderating  officer  will  then  recognize  speakers 
for  a  specified  amount  of time, who cannot yield to anyone but the Chair at the end of their 
speech.  This  motion  requires  a  second,  is  not  debatable,  and  needs  a  simple  majority  to 
pass. This motion may not be made once debate has been closed. 

 
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Motion for Unmoderated Caucus 
Temporarily  suspends  debate  for  a  specified  amount  of  time,  during  which  delegates  may 
leave  their  seats  and  speak  freely.This  motion  temporarily  suspends  the  meeting  for  a 
specified  amount  of  time.  Use  it  to  create  resolutions,  talk  to  other  delegates,  or  anything 
else  you  may  need  to  do. It requires a second, is not debatable, and needs a simple majority 
to pass. 

Motion to Table the Topic 


Suspends  the  debate  on  a  topic;  topic  can  be  reopened  at  a  later  point  in  the  session.This 
motion  tables  a  topic  (ending  debate  on  the  topic)  until  it  is  reopened  with  a  Motion  to 
Reconsider.  This  motion  requires  a  second,  is  debatable  (two  speeches  in  favor  and  two 
against), and needs a two-thirds majority to pass. 

Motion for a Roll Call Vote 


This  motion  requests  that  the  Chair  conduct  a  roll-call  vote  on the resolution. To vote on a 
working  paper  by  going  through  the  list  of  delegates  with  each  delegate  responding:  for, 
against,  for  with  rights,  against  with  rights,  or  abstain.  This  motion  only  requires  a  second 
to be accepted. 

Motion to Enter Voting Procedures 


Before  a  resolution  may  be  voted  upon, a delegate must motion to enter voting procedure. 
If  this  motion  carries,  the  doors  are  closed  and  the  committee  is  in  voting  procedure. 
Delegates  who  indicated  during roll-call that they are “present and voting” may not abstain 
from voting  

Motion to Limit/Extend Debate 


Limits  or  extends  the  amount  of  time  that  a  delegate  is  allowed  to  have  the  floor,  and  can 
also be used to extend a moderated caucus, amount of questions, or regular caucus 

Motion to Introduce a Working Paper 


Motion  used  by  delegate  after  Chair  has  reviewed  and  approved  draft  resolution  to  bring 
resolution to debate 

Motion to Adopt by Consensus 


This  motion  requests  that  the  body  adopt  the  resolution  by  consensus,  meaning  that  no 
delegation  would  be  casting  a  “no” vote if the resolution were to be voted upon normally. A 
delegation may abstain, but should one delegation object, the motion is out of order. 

 
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Motion to Introduce an Unfriendly Amendment 
If  after  an  amendment  is  introduced  and  it is deemed unfriendly this is used to put it up for 
a  vote  by  the  committee.  This  motion  brings  an  amendment  that  has  already  been 
submitted  to  the  Chair  with  the  appropriate  number  of  signatories  to the floor for general 
debate  and  a  vote  when  the  debate  is  closed  on  the  resolution.  No  second is required. It is 
only  for  unfriendly  amendments,  for  friendly  amendments  are  just  considered 
automatically part of the resolution. 

Motion to Move into Voting Procedures on Unfriendly Amendment 


Puts  an unfriendly amendment up for a vote by the committee. This will be a simple placard 
vote unless another form of voting is requested. 

Motion to Reconsider 
Reopen  debate  on  an  issue  that  was  previously  tabled.  Must  be  motioned  by  a  delegate 
who previously mentioned against or for the resolution depending on which side won. 

Motion to Open Session 


This  is  the  first  motion  of  the conference and is made to move into formal debate and open 
the  primary  speakers  list.  If  there  are  multiple  topics  on  the  agenda,  the  body  will  first 
debate  on  the  order  they  are  to  be  discussed  until  there  is  a  motion  to  set  the  agenda.  All 
delegates  wishing to be added to the speakers list should raise their placards at the request 
of  the  chair  or  send  a  note  to  the  Chair.  Speaking time during debate may be limited with a 
Motion to Limit Debate.  

Recess 
To  suspend  debate  and  the  session  for  a  period  of  time.  This  motion  suspends  the  body 
between  sessions.  This  motion  requires  a  second,  is  not  debatable,  and  needs  a  simple 
majority to pass. 

Motion to Adjourn the Meeting 


Used  at  the  end  of  last  committee  session  of  conference  until  next  year.  This  motion 
adjourns  the  committee  sessions  for  good.  It  will  only  be  entertained  by  the  chair  at  the 
end  of  the  last  committee  session.  This  motion  requires  a  second,  is  not  debatable,  and 
needs a simple majority to pass. 

 
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Motion to Set the Agenda 
Committee  will  vote  on the order in which the topics will be discussed. This motion is made 
with  a  specific  topic  mentioned  to  be  debated first and the other second. Two speakers for, 
two against, and requires a simple majority to pass. 
 
 
Voting: 
  Each  member  nation  shall have one vote. No delegate may cast a vote on behalf of another 
nation. 
  If  a  delegate  responds  "present  and  voting"  in  role  call  this  means  the  delegate  must  cast 
an affirmative or negative vote on substantive matters. 
  Members  must  signify  “present”  or  "present  and voting" at any roll call or, in writing (if not 
present during roll call) in order to establish voting privileges for their nation.  
After  the  Chair  has  announced  the  beginning  of  voting  procedure,  no  representative  may 
interrupt  the  proceedings, except with a point of order in connection with the actual voting 
procedure.  No  one will be allowed to enter or leave the room. There will be no note passing 
during  voting  procedure.  Voting  procedure  is  not  complete  until  the  vote  has  been 
announced. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Parliamentary Procedure 
Interrupt 
Order of 
Motion  Action  the  Second  Debatable  Amenable  Vote 
Precedence 
Speaker 
To point out an error in 
Point Of 
1  parliamentary procedure or  Yes  No  No  No  No 
Order 
another delegate’s actions 
Use when a delegate 
Point of  experiences personal 
2  Personal  discomfort that hinders their  Yes  No  No  No  No 
Privilege  ability to participate in 
committee 
To ask a question in regards to 
Point of 
3  the way the committee is  Yes  No  No  No  No 
Inquiry 
conducted 
Point of  To pose a question directly to a 
4  No  No  No  No  No 
information  speaker 
To reply when a delegate 
offends the country that you  Chair's 
5  Right of reply  No  No  No  No 
are representing or personally  Discretion 
offends you 
Use in order to assess the 
committees feelings on a 
resolution or question. 
Motion for a  Chair's 
6  Conducted by placard voting  No  No  No  No 
Straw Poll  Discretion 
procedure but outcome does 
not mean the resolution and or 
topic is officially voted on 
All delegates must speak in 
Motion for a  Chair's 
7  consecutive order on one  No  No  No  No 
Round Robin  Discretion 
specific topic 
Temporarily suspends debate 
Motion for  for a specified amount of time, 
8  Unmoderated  during which delegates may  No  Yes  No  yes  50%+1 
Caucus  leave their seats and speak 
freely 
Suspends the speakers list for a 
Motion for 
set period of time with a set 
9  Moderated  No  Yes  No  yes  50%+1 
speaking time for delegates to 
Caucus 
have an informal discussion 
Motion to  Suspends the debate on a topic; 
1 for 1 
10  Table the  topic and can be reopened at a  No  Yes  No  50%+1 
against 
Topic  later point 

 
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To vote on a working paper by 
going through the list of 
Motion for a  delegates with each delegate 
11  No  Yes  No  No  50%+1 
Roll Call Vote  responding for, against, for with 
rights, against with rights, or 
abstain 
Debate is closed and note 
Motion to  passing is suspended for the 
2 for 2 
12  enter voting  purpose of voting on  No  Yes  no  50%+1 
against 
procedures  resolution/amendments; with a 
normal placard vote 
Limits or extends the amount 
of time that a delegate is 
Motion to 
allowed to have the floor, and 
13  limit/extend  No  Yes  no  no  50%+1 
can also be used to extend a 
debate 
moderated caucus, amount of 
questions, or regular caucus 
Motion to  Motion used by delegate after 
Introduce a  Chair has reviewed and 
14  No  Yes  no  no  50%+1 
Working  approved draft resolution to 
Paper  bring resolution to debate 
Motion to 
Adopt a draft resolution as a  Chair's 
15  Adopt by  No  Yes  no  no 
body by consensus  Discretion 
Consensus 
Motion to  If after an amendment is 
Introduce  introduced and it is deemed 
16  No  Yes  no  no  50%+1 
Unfriendly  unfriendly this is used to put it 
Amendment  up for a vote by the committee 
Motion to 
move into 
voting  Puts an unfriendly amendment 
17  No  Yes  no  no  50%+1 
procedures  up for vote by the committee 
Unfriendly 
Amendment 
Reopen debate on an issue that 
was previously tabled. Must be 
Motion to  motioned by a delegate who  1 for 1 
18  No  Yes  No  50%+1 
Reconsider  previously motioned against or  against 
for the resolution depending on 
which side won 
Motion to  To suspend debate and the 
20  No  Yes  No  No  50%+1 
Recess  session for a period of time 
 

 
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