24 th February 2010 Pre-Summit Training Session (Writing a Declaration)

transcript

24th February 2010Pre-Summit Training Session

(Writing a Declaration)

Timothy YapDeputy Secretary-General

AgendaAgenda

WHAT IS A DECLARATION?WHAT IS A DECLARATION?

One (very) long sentenceE.g. UDHR In MAS: To state a country’s stance and course of action on a certain issueLine space between each clauseAcronyms and abbreviations have to be written out in full the first time they are usedSchool names DO NOT appear on resolution

DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION

Submitters’ List

Preamble (Preambulatory clauses)

Operative clauses

E.g. Main Submitter (drafter of declaration) : Russian FederationQuestion (issue at hand) : The question of the adoption of an international framework for sustainable development in view of climate change.

E.g. Co-Submitters (delegations approving for the declaration to be debated): Ukraine, India, Sudan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Greece

Known as “Preamble”Gives an overview of the background of the problemEstablishes a reasoning behind the calls for action in the operative clauses

PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES: As stated above, the preambulatory clauses are a series of sentence fragments which denote the reasons for taking action. These should not propose any action. They should begin with a preambulatory phrase (which should be underlined), a list of which is provided below, have a line spacing between each clause, and end with a comma. Expressing its appreciation of the work of UNICEF in promoting the rights of children in poverty-stricken countries and especially in Sub-Saharan Africa,

E.g. (Given a topic on Climate Change/Sustainable development) Alarmed by the emerging climate change crisis and the possible adverse effects and trends of global warming such as rises in sea levels and severe damages to the climate system,Aware of the pertinence of sustainable development in the face of climate change,Deeply disturbed by the Earth’s rapidly depleting natural resource base,Recognizing the need for more international cooperation over and above the individual efforts displayed by countries,Recalling the Kyoto Protocol, which was introduced on 11 December 1997 to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and engage in emissions trading if countries maintain or increase emissions of these gases,

Operative ClausesSolution to issue at hand Must be specific (explain details and feasibility of

solution) Calls for concrete action Addressing NGOs or countries involved and stating

their participation in the resolution Showing benefits to be gained and encouraging

countries and NGOs to support it

OPERATIVE CLAUSES: Again, as earlier stated, the operative clauses are a series of sentence fragments which propose action on the issue of discussion. These should be numbered and should begin with an operative phrase (which should, once again, be underlined, and a list of which is provided later), have a line spacing between each clause. Each clause should end with a semi-colon, except for the last clause which should end with a full stop. Sub-clauses should be numbered a), b), c) and so on, and sub-sub clauses should be numbered i), ii), iii) etc. E.g.:

Operative clauses and sub clauses are indented

1. Sub clauses are lettered ie: a,b a. Sub clause 1 b. Sub clause 2;

2. Sub-sub clauses to be numbered ie: i, ii b. Sub clause 2

i. Sub-sub clause 1.

E.g.:1. Calls for the creation of an International Fund to

Rehabilitate Child Soldiers (IFRCS), under the auspices of UNICEF, in order to:a. Provide basic necessities for ex-child soldiers who

have been rescued by volunteers/UNICEF, including but not limited to:

i. Food, water, lodging and healthcareb. Provide psychological counselling for ex-child

soldiers;

STAGES OF WRITINGSTAGES OF WRITING

Pre-conferenceDeveloping a policy statement and formulating delegation’s stand on the issueDrafting of declaration

STAGES OF WRITINGSTAGES OF WRITING

During the ConferenceLobbying

Diplomatic, informal interaction with other delegates to win support for the drafted declarationDiscussing and merging ideas with other delegatesConvincing other delegates of your declarationLooking for co-submitters

Receiving approval from chair Debating (and passing) of declaration

PASSING A DECLARATIONPASSING A DECLARATION

Registration for vetting by Approval PanelConsists of SG, DSG and SD for HCMAS

Requires a consensus to pass in the forum

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGeneral Tips

Write operative clauses first, preambles serve only to contextualize the operative clausesUse introductory phrases appropriatelyMark out clearly the benefits for the countries and NGOs involvedShow a clear and feasible course of action

Things to considerRead through every clauseBe open to new suggestions and ideas Take note of the concerns of other countriesBe aware of religious or social sensitivities

24 th February 2010 Pre-Summit Training Session (Writing a Declaration)

Documents