Atlantic College Model

United Nations Conference

2011 Delegate Handbook
 Contents

Section 1: MUN? Never heard of it................................Page 5

Section 2: The Rules................................................Page 6

Section 3: How do we talk again?.................................Page 8

Section 4: The delegate's guide to resolutions..................Page 9

Section 5: Help! I don't understand..............................Page 11

 Preface

"The first ingredient of political stability is an informed citizen. The first

ingredient of economic progress is a skilled worker. And the first
ingredient of social justice is an enlightened society. Education is thus
the key to global peace and prosperity”- Kofi Anan

This guide has been made for the ACMUN 2011 conference. It is here to
help you whilst preparing for an MUN Conference; whether you need help
researching a country, a topic, or learning about MUN procedures. This
guide is split into three parts. You can study it chronologically, or go
directly to the section you would like to learn more about. To see the
content of the guide, please refer to the following pages, The Contents
Pages to direct yourself to the desired aspect of MUN you would like to
further study.

This guide has been made in a way that it does not overwhelm the
reader by the different procedures one carries out during an MUN
conference, but rather, it has been designed in a way that allows one to
learn about MUN in a way that does not require reading unnecessary
information to understand the desired article of study.

I would hope from this guide, you would benefit it, and that it would help
you to understand MUN in a more coherent manner. I hope that this
guide will allow you to follow the steps in the guide and that it would
place you on the right road in your MUN career; in being a successful
MUN Club Member.

Though MUN can seem intimidating, be it your first or your tenth

conference experience, the key to success is good preparation. From this
guide, I hope that your preparation skills will change and will allow you to
be confident and successful at debate and expressing your views and
ideas.

Best of luck,

The ACMUN Team

Q: What is MUN?
MUN (Model United Nations) is an activity at Atlantic College and in many
other schools and universities where students assume the roles of
countries represented in the United Nations in specific committees and
debate concerning issues around the world.

Q: What is the aim of the ACMUN '11?

A: The aims for the ACMUN Conference are to encourage debate and
sharing of views between students from different schools and ethnicities.
The ultimate goal of an MUN conference is to promote awareness
international awareness and issues in young people, and to inspire global
mindness and an understanding of the problems in the world and how to
combat them, whilst at the same time providing an atmosphere where
students can progress in their communication skills and open mindness.

Q: What are some of the benefits of the ACMUN

Conference?
A: For almost 60 years, teachers and students have benefited from and
enjoyed this interactive learning experience. It not only involves young
people in the study and discussion of global issues, but also encourages
the development of skills useful throughout their lives, such as research,
public speaking, problem solving, conflict resolution and compromise and
cooperation.
Many of today's leaders in law, government, business and the arts
participated in Model UN during their academic careers:
• UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon
• US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer
• Actor Samuel L. Jackson
• Ryan Seacrest from American Idol.
• Former World Court Justice Stephen M. Schwebel
• ABC’s This Week anchor George Stephanopoulos
• Former first-daughter Chelsea Clinton
• Under-Secretary General for Public Information, Kiyotaka Akasaka
Q: What should I wear to a Model UN conference?
A: Dressing professionally and appropriately is an important aspect of
Model United Nations preparations. Just like being polite and having
proper manners, dressing appropriately is an important way to show
respect for the nation you are representing, for your fellow delegates and
for the United Nations. At ACMUN, delegates may wear their own
national dress; however, most conferences require western business
attire. Western business attire, or international standard business attire,
serves as customary dress for workplaces. It includes wearing a suit,
which is made up of pants, a matching jacket, a button-down dress shirt,
and a tie. Conservative dress shoes and socks are also important. Skirts
and dresses may also be worn as long as they fall to a respectable length
and do not expose a lot of skin. The main thing to remember is to always
insure that your appearance is tidy and put together, and that you are
well covered.

SPECIAL RULES OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

“Were sticking over 30 different nationals in a room to come up
with a solution to some of the world's toughest problems...do we
really expect them to get along?”

Like real UN, MUN councils may have lengthy agendas and many
delegates want to convey their country’s positions. To help maintain
order, the MUN Conference has adopted certain rules of procedure to
establish when a delegate may speak and what he or she may address.
Group discussions or meetings require rules for their operation. Such
rules are commonly called “Parliamentary Procedure”. These rules
regulate the procedure in meetings. They allow meetings to be carried
out in an organised and effective way. Hopefully.

Rule 1: Points of Order

A Point of Order is defined as an objection to procedure
• Relates to procedural matters only
• During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of
Order if there is misuse of Parliamentary Procedures or if the Chair has
taken a wrong decision
• The Point of Order must be raised immediately after the error has been
made
• A delegate may rise to a Point of Order by saying as he puts his placard
up ( and without being recognized by the chair) “Mr. Chairman., I rise to a
Point of Order.’
• A delegate rising to a Point of Order may not speak on the substance of
the matter under discussion
• The delegate must not make a long speech but should be short
• A member who misuses a Point of Order may lose this privilege for the
rest of that day's session
• May interrupt a speaker who has the floor and is speaking.
• A speaker having the floor when a Point of Order is raised must take
his/her seat until the Point of Order is decided.

Rule 2: Points of Information

This is a question a delegate might have for the speaker after s/he has
finished his/her speech
• May not interrupt the speaker who has the floor
• Must be directed to the Chair even though aimed at the Speaker who
has the floor
• May be asked by a delegate when he/she wants to ask a question or
needs some clarifications
• A point of Information must be formulated as a short question, for
example "Is the Speaker aware that "
or "Does the Speaker (not) realize that ".
A short introductory statement of reference may precede the question,
for example, "The Speaker stated in his speech that is he not aware ?"
• All answers to questions are addressed to the Chair.
TIP: Points of Information are not only used to make the speaker look like
s/he has said something wrong; it is very helpful to an argument but do it
in a form of a question.
Rule 3: Points of Personal Privilege
This is a motion used to let the Chair and the speaker know that
something is bothering you
• When wishing to bring across a point of personal privilege simply raise
your country’s name card and say “Point of Personal Privilege”
• Examples of personal discomfort include that the speaker is too quiet,
unclear, or that for any reason you need to leave the room.
Rule 4: Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
This is a question directed to the Chair on parliamentary procedures in
regard to time and related issues

Rule 5: Interruption of Speeches

• A speech may NOT be interrupted by any point, EXCEPT by a Point
of Personal Privilege referring to audibility.
• All other points e.g. Order, Parliamentary Inquiry, Information to the
Chair or Speaker, will be dealt with only when the Speaker yields the
floor to Points of Information, or to another delegate or back to the Chair.

Some Common Motions

• Motion to Move into Voting Procedure: If the meeting seems not to be
productive, you may raise your country’s name card and say “Motion to
move into voting procedure” if another delegates agrees, s/he will
second this motion. If there are no objections, then voting procedure will
take place.
• Motion to Suspend for a Caucus - During general debate on an agenda
item, a delegate may offer a motion to suspend the meeting for the
purpose of going into caucus to informally discuss the agenda item and
prepare resolutions pertaining to the agenda item. A motion to suspend
for a caucus requires a second, and cannot interrupt a speaker. A motion
to suspend for a caucus is not debatable, so the Chair should
immediately call for a vote on the motion. The motion is approved if a
majority of the delegates vote in favor of the motion (abstentions are
considered "no" votes).

Behaviour

Behaviour in an assembly is very important. NO TALKING BETWEEN

DELGATES WILL BE TOLERATED. All communication between delegates
will be through notes passed. MUN meetings are very serious and is a
forum to discuss world issues such as declaring war on another nation
and therefore is not funny and laughing is out of order. Respect must be
kept when speaking as well. If the Chair deems it necessary, s/he may
issue a warning to a delegation who repeatedly breaks parliamentary
procedure.
After two warnings, a delegate will be asked to leave the conference.

MODE OF ADDRESS
'So how do we talk at one of these formal debates?'

First we’ll start with the obvious: do not use slang when speaking in a
conference, all speeches should begin with “Mr./Ms. Chair, ladies and
gentlemen of the house…” and not: “Yo wutup?!”
Remember, you are trying to solve a world issue, not hosting a party with
all your friends
Well, first off you as a delegate will never refer to another delegate or
chair by their name during formal debate. No matter how well you know
the person! Never refer to yourself in the first person and only third
person must be used when referring to all other delegates and
chairpersons.
Some examples:-
• Mr./Madam Chairperson
• I rise to a Point of Information/Point of Order/Point of Privilege
• The delegate of the UK wishes to speak in favour of/against this
Resolution
• Will the (honourable) delegate of Russia please clarify…
• Is the Chair/the Speaker (not) aware that
• Does the Speaker (not) agree with me that
• The Speaker stated in his speech ... Does he (not) realize that
- The delegate of Malaysia wishes to yield the floor to the Chair or Thank
you Chair
- I move to amend the Resolution by striking/inserting/ adding the words
- The delegate of Iran urges the House to give me their support by voting
for/against this Resolution/amendment

All references to other speakers should be:

• in the third person
• Points of Information should begin with a phrase such as: "Is the
speaker aware that "
• Points of Information should never begin with a phrase such
as: "Do you think”

Within a speech, a speaker could say:

• "As my (dear, learned, honourable) delegate from Mauritius has told
the house".

Within a speech, a speaker should not say: "you said”

RESOLUTIONS
“More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny.
We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why
we have the United Nations.”
- Kofi Annan

During a committee session resolutions are essential to promote debate

and create solutions to issues that are being discussed. Resolutions
not only acknowledge the issues that are being debated, but they also
present a series of steps that can be taken to resolve the conflict.
Writing resolutions can be challenging since they must appeal to a
broad range of members with differing concerns if they are going to
be successfully passed. Resolutions usually state a policy that the UN will
undertake, but they also may be in the form of treaties, conventions and
declarations in some bodies. The operative clauses are the basis for the
debate. They set out what further action and measures could be taken to
help solve the problem. A resolution is just a suggestion of a solution

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN WRITING RESOLUTIONS

The following list includes important points to consider when writing a
resolution, either in advance or for submission at the Conference. This is
by no means an exclusive list, but should provide a good starting point to
make your resolutions as realistic as possible. Points to consider include:
• In the preambulatory clauses, describe the recent history of the
situation and the issue as it currently exists;
• Reference previous United Nations resolutions passed on the topic,
when available;
• In the operative (activating) clauses, include actions which will solve
the problem, not just make a statement;
• Don't be blatantly political in the content of the resolution -- this may
damage efforts to reach a consensus on the issue;
• Take into account the points of view of other nations whenever
possible;
• Write the resolution from your country's side of the "international" or
"United Nations" perspective, not just from your country's individual
point of view;
• Refer issues which need further discussion to appropriate, existing
bodies;
• Don't create new Committees/Commissions/Working Groups/etc.
without considering funding for these groups, or if other, similar bodies
already exist.

The Preamble section

• The clauses in the preamble of a resolution (Preambulatory clauses)
state the reason for which the commission is addressing the topic and
can highlight past actions on the issue
• Each clause begins with a present participle (called a preambulatory
phrase or initiating phrase)
• The preambulatory or initiating phrase must be underlined.
• Each clause ends with a comma.

Operative Clauses
• Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a
resolution.
• They explain what the committee will do to address the issue.
• Each Operative clause begins with a verb (called an operative phrase)
• Each Operative clause ends with a semicolon.
• Operative clauses should be organized in a logical progression, with
each containing a single idea or proposal.
• They are always numbered.
• If a clause requires further explanation bullet point lists set off by
letters
(a,b,c) or Roman numerals can also be used.
• After the last operative clause the Resolution ends with a full stop.

Example of Initiating Phrases for Preambulatory Clauses

Affirming Alarmed Approving Aware of Bearing in
mind
Believing Cognizant Concerned Confident Conscious
Considering Contemplatin Convinced Declaring Deeply
g concerned
Deeply Deeply Deeply Deeply Deploring
conscious convinced disturbed regretting
Desiring Determined Emphasising Encouraged Endorsing
Expecting Fulfilling Fully alarmed Fully aware Further
deploring
Further Grieved Guided by Having Having
recalling adapted considered
Having Having Having heard Having Keeping in
decided examined reviewed mind
Mindful Noting Observing Reaffirming Realising
Recalling Recognising Referring Reiterating Seeking
Stressing Taking into Taking role Welcoming Wishing
account

Example of Initiating Phrases for Operating Clauses

Accepts Acknowledge Adopts Affirms Appeals
s
Applauds Appreciates Approves Authorizes Calls upon
Concurs Condemns Confirms Congratulate Considers
s
Decides Declares Demands Deplores Designates
Directs Emphasises Encourages Endorses Expresses
Further Instructs Invites Notes Proclaims
 Reaffirms Recommends Regrets Reiterates Reminds
Renews its Repeals Requests Stresses Strongly
appeal condemns
Suggests Supports Takes role of Transmits Trusts

Opening Speeches /Position Papers

“If the United Nations once admits that international disputes can be
settled using force, then we will have destroyed the very foundation of
the organisation and our best hopes of establishing a world order” –
Dwight D. Eisnhower
Opening Speeches and Position Papers are the same thing. Their name
changes depending on your region of the world. A Policy Statement is a
speech made by a delegate in a committee explaining their position on a
specific topic. Delegates are requested to write policy statements on
issues that appeal most to their delegation, as that way they can be
better prepared and contribute with constructive debate on an issue that
impacts their delegation.
The Policy Statements states your delegation’s feelings towards an issue,
and what they believe should be done about the issue in a succinct
manner. The statement must also include what their delegation has done
in response to the issue at hand and what they would suggest that their
delegation would like to do in response to the issue.
Please note that when researching your delegation’s policies towards
issues, there would be a chance that you cannot find adequate
information. Remember that if that happened, you should then look into
the policies of their delegation’s allies.
Even though some conferences won’t require you to write one, it is
always better to, as you’ll have a policy, which you can refer back to
during debate to see your delegation’s views. If you are called up to
speak by the chair in the interest of debate, you can always refer to your
policy“Honourable
when you are Chair, Esteemed
unsure what toFellow
say! Delegates,
Below,The
youDelegation
can find aofsample
Japan feels
Policythat The Democratic
Statement. People’s
This Policy Statement
Republic of Korea has not complied with the Nuclear Non
was written by Japan in the DISEC on the issue of “North Korean Nuclear
Proliferation Treaty and has continued their production of illicit
Disarmament”.
Nuclear Power. By North Korea generating Nuclear Power
without any observation by the IAEA,OPCW or the United
Nations, North Korea poses themselves as a threat to the
international community as they would abuse all rules on
obtaining such power therefore causing a violation of the UN
Charter on Peace and Security of Member States. Japan wishes
that a solution would be raised allowing satisfaction to both
North Korea and the member states allowing a stable
cooperation in North Korea’s Nuclear Advancement. Japan
further wishes that if North Korea does not comply to the terms
of the house, sanctions and such measures should be imposed,
as Japan and South Korea are most at threat from North
Korea’s Nuclear Power. The Delegation of Japan hopes for
constructive debate and fruitful ideas to be given in debate on
 Some tips from the ACMUN President
A. When you, the delegate, take the floor:
1. Be confident. Show the delegates that you know your topic well.
2. Maintain professionalism. The more professional you are the more
serious people will take you.
3. Slow down when speaking. Project your voice and annunciate every
word. If you sound confident and strong people will be willing to
listen to you.
4. Don’t read off a paper when speaking for or against a resolution.
Have a few key points written down and then discuss the topic.
5. Be friendly. Thank the delegate for their question. Remember you
are trying to make allies, not enemies.
6. Be positive and don’t take criticisms personally.
7. If you are the main submitter of a resolution, try to be the last
speaker in open debate. The final thing you want other delegates to
hear is positive information about the resolution.
8. If you aren’t sure how to answer the question, ask the Chair to have
the delegate repeat the question. This allows you more time to
think or understand the question.
9. Plan with other delegates to use the same key phrases over and
over again: “this resolution will improve the living conditions or
migrant workers”, “this resolution is a violation of national
sovereignty”. Repeating the message will ensure that the other
delegates know your main point.
10. You are under no obligation to answer any questions at all.
The Chair will ask if you are open to any “Points of Information”, or
questions after you have finished speaking. If you are not, just say
so. However, it is advisable to be open to P.O.I., even more
advisable to limit the number of questions. So, limit the number of
questions to be asked by other delegates in order to keep delegates
 happy and to appear confident and firm in your country’s opinion
(whether you are or not).
11. If you want a certain country to support you and speak
immediately after you, then ask the chair if you may lead the floor
to that country. Unless there are time constraints, the chair will
usually grant that request without hesitation. Keep in mind that the
floor can only be yielded to another delegate ONCE. After Speaker
#2 finishes, then the floor must be yielded back to the chair
immediately.

B. When handed a resolution that you, the delegate, has never seen
before you should ask these questions about each resolution and
remember these tips:
1. Is this resolution realistic? Can it be done?
2. Does it have a strong clauses that actually solve something or is it
just an “air” resolution? One that sounds good but really says
nothing.
3. What are the fundamental operations mechanisms for change? How
does this resolution intend to change the status quo?
4. Does this resolution comply with the moral ideals of my country?
5. How will this resolution benefit my country should it pass?
6. Are there any new thoughts/ideas/approaches or is it just
conventional?
7. Have these actions already been implemented?
8. Are there any actions that are in violation to the UN Charter?
9. Are there any specific clauses that support/violate your country’s
policies?
10. How can I help strengthen the wear parts of a country’s actual
position? What is the reality of the country’s present actions?
11. What will the impact be on my country’s national sovereignty?
12. Mark every clause, bad, or not sure. This will give you a game
plan on what you want to point out, ask questions on, or what
clauses to amend, or change. Analyse and point out the flaws or the
benefits of every resolution.

C. When recognized to state a Point of Information, a question, by the

chair:
1. After a delegate competes their speech, the chair will inquire
whether the speaker is open to Points of Information. If the speaker
is open to questions (and the speaker may or may not be), then you
 should raise your country’s name card to ask a question. If your
country is recognized, then you may rise and state your P.O.I.
Address your question concisely to the delegate, and allow the
speaker to answer. Do NOT engage in an argument or conversation
with the speaker, whether you agree with the answer or not.
2. The only appropriate time to pose a P.O.I. is when the char asks for
them. Do NOT raise your country’s name care before the chair asks,
it is technically out of order. A P.O.I. is exactly that: a Point. No more
than one question can be asked per Point of Information.
3. When stating a P.O.I. , the delegate to whom the point is directed to
must be addressed with respect. An example: “Most honourable
delegate of Japan…”.
4. Make sure you make the best out of each question, as you only get
a few.
5. Be as specific as possible when you ask a question. This will ensure
that your point comes through clearly.
6. Try to phrase it in such a way that is can’t be answered with a yes
or no statement.
7. Listen carefully to other speeches so you don’t repeat points
already discussed.
8. Try to write your question down first. Work on the wording from your
seat not when you are asking the question.
9. Pre-plan on what you wan to do with the resolution (pass it or fail it)
so that you can come up with constructive questions to prove your
arguments.
10. Ask another delegation to ask a question for you if you have
already been called on several times.
11. Immediately challenge the speaker if they state a fact without
supporting it: “This resolution is vague.” Ask: “Which clauses,
specifically, are vague?” Why do you classify clauses 6 on line 45 as
vague?”
“The fact that Model United Nations exists to
uphold the values of the United Nations among
the young is particularly important, since it is
from the young that we should draw our energy
and inspiration as we strive to make the United
Nations effective and responsive to the needs of
the people worldwide.” - Kofi Annan