Table of Contents

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

How do I research for a MUN?

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

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

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

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

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

Other great websites to begin ones research are

1. The CIA World Fact Book (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/) 2. United States Department of State (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/index.htm) 3. BBC Country Profiles http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/country_profiles

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

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

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

How to research a country?

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

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

How to research a council?

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

GA 1 Disarmament and International Security Commission (DISEC) GA 2 Economical and Financial Commission (ECOFIN) GA 3 Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Commission (SOCHUM) GA 4 Special Political and Decolonization Commission (SPECPOL) GA 5 Administrative and Budgetary Commission GA 6 Legal Commission

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

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

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

How to research an issue?

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

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

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

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

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

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

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

How to write a Position Paper?

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

What Does A Position Paper Consist of?

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

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

Make sure your Position Paper does not exceed 300 words.

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

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

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

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

How to write the Opening Speech?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to write a Resolution?

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

Key Phrases of Resolutions:

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

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

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

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

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

Notes on writing a Resolution

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

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

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

Sponsorship and Signatory Status

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

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

Preambulatory Phrases
Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Bearing in mind Believing Confident Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious

Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Desiring Emphasizing Expecting Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction Fulfilling Fully alarmed Fully aware Fully believing Further deploring Further recalling Guided by Having adopted Having considered Having considered further Having devoted attention Having examined Having heard Having received Having studied Keeping in mind Noting with regret Noting with deep concern Noting with satisfaction Noting further Noting with approval

Observing Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Seeking Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming

Operative Phrases
Accepts Affirms Approves Authorizes Calls Calls upon Condemns Confirms Congratulates Considers Declares accordingly Deplores Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims Further reminds Further recommends Further requests Further resolves Has resolved Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Regrets Reminds Requests Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns Supports Takes note of Transmits Trusts

The Rules of Procedure

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

2. The Board of the Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7.3. Motion to Suspend Debate (Motion to Caucus) Upon the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate, the committee may consider a motion to Suspend Debate for the purpose of a moderated or un-moderated caucus. This motion requires a simple majority vote (50%+1)

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

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

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