2 Letters of Greeting
6 Secretariat
9 Schedule
10 Conference Policy
11 Keynote Speaker
12 Hotel Floor Plan
14 Committees Programme
20 Rules of Procedure
27 Resolution Writing
30 Sample Resolution
31 Flow of Debate
32 Delegate Social
33 Where to Eat
v m u n
2018
High above us, the International Space Station orbits the Earth every 90 minutes. From this vantage point some 400 kilometres above the planet, there are no borders. There is simply a job to do, and a team of men and women from around the world who work in seamless cohesion to overcome obstacles and get that job done.
It is the ultimate diplomatic mosaic.
At the Vancouver Model United Nations, students are learning about
the importance of diplomacy, tact, co-operation and debate to solve problems. They will look past borders and perceived differences, and embrace the fact that we share this world and its resources.
In the process, they will discover an indisputable truth: we are all
responsible for our treatment of each other and our environment. We decide what tomorrow will bring.
Good luck to all the participants. I wish all of you well as you begin
your discussions.
Julie Payette
November 2017
High above us, the International Space Station orbits the Earth every 90 minutes. From this vantage point some 400 kilometres above the planet, there are no borders. There is simply a job to do, and a team of men and women from around the world who work in seamless cohesion to overcome obstacles and get that job done.
It is the ultimate diplomatic mosaic.
At the Vancouver Model United Nations, students are learning about
the importance of diplomacy, tact, co-operation and debate to solve problems. They will look past borders and perceived differences, and embrace the fact that we share this world and its resources.
In the process, they will discover an indisputable truth: we are all
responsible for our treatment of each other and our environment. We decide what tomorrow will bring.
Good luck to all the participants. I wish all of you well as you begin
your discussions.
Julie Payette
November 2017
January 19–21, 2018
Dear Friends:
I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone taking
part in the Vancouver Model United Nations (VMUN) 2018.
Student founded and led, VMUN provides delegates with a unique opportunity to
experience first-hand how the UN operates. In the process, you will learn more
about the issues facing the world today and gain a deeper understanding of Canada’s
role on the international stage. In addition, you will have the chance to hone your
public speaking, leadership and negotiation skills, and to make friends with your
peers from across the country and around the world.
It is great to see so many students actively getting involved in the world around them
and trying to make a difference. Your voices matter and the things you do today can
have a tremendous impact on the world.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my best wishes for a productive
and memorable session of deliberations.
Sincerely,
The Rt. Hon. Justin P.J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook welcome
U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL --
MESSAGE TO THE VANCOUVER MODEL UNITED NATIONS Vancouver, 19-21 January 2018
It is a pleasure to greet this Model United Nations.
Today, people around the world are interconnected. Conflict, environmental destruction, poverty and injustice affect everyone. We have to work in common cause for our common humanity. All parents want a better life for their children. All religions value peace. All communities thrive when they value diversity. At Model United Nations, you broaden your horizons. By learning and networking, you can be part of the efforts of the United Nations to establish peace, secure human rights and enable all people to live in dignity.
I have called for a surge in diplomacy for peace – and for a new emphasis on preventing conflicts. We are also working to improve living conditions everywhere through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In all of these areas, we can benefit from your enthusiasm and your ideas. I hope
that you will follow our social media accounts and stay fully engaged in your communities. The United Nations stands with you as you stand up for our shared values. Together, let us create a more compassionate, inclusive and peaceful world.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook welcome
U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL --
MESSAGE TO THE VANCOUVER MODEL UNITED NATIONS Vancouver, 19-21 January 2018
It is a pleasure to greet this Model United Nations.
Today, people around the world are interconnected. Conflict, environmental destruction, poverty and injustice affect everyone. We have to work in common cause for our common humanity. All parents want a better life for their children. All religions value peace. All communities thrive when they value diversity. At Model United Nations, you broaden your horizons. By learning and networking, you can be part of the efforts of the United Nations to establish peace, secure human rights and enable all people to live in dignity.
I have called for a surge in diplomacy for peace – and for a new emphasis on preventing conflicts. We are also working to improve living conditions everywhere through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In all of these areas, we can benefit from your enthusiasm and your ideas. I hope
that you will follow our social media accounts and stay fully engaged in your communities. The United Nations stands with you as you stand up for our shared values. Together, let us create a more compassionate, inclusive and peaceful world.
Dear Delegates, Chaperones, and Esteemed Guests,
On behalf of the Secretariat, it is my honour to welcome you to the 17th annual session of the Vancouver Model United Nations conference.
Over the past year, our team has worked tirelessly to prepare all the necessary components — from our refreshed committees programme, featuring pertinent issues in general assemblies to exhilarating historical crisis simulations, to improvements to our registration platform — to make this weekend a truly unforgettable experience for every attendee.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to foster debate, diplomacy, and collaboration between students from all around the world. Whether this is your first year attending VMUN or you’re returning as a seasoned MUN veteran, we encourage you to make the most of your weekend and to immerse yourself in the contention of the global issues that we are all facing. Undoubtedly, you will make new friends, gain new insights, and inspire many others to do the same. This is your chance — as future leaders — to lead today.
This weekend would not have been possible without the unwavering support of all the teachers, staff, sponsors, and most importantly, your interest in global affairs. On behalf of all of us at Vancouver Model United Nations, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to create something as special as VMUN, and we look forward to sharing an amazing weekend with you.
Sincerely,
Ken Hong Secretary-General Vancouver Model United Nations 2018
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook secretariat
ken hong Secretary-GeneralKen is a senior at St. George’s School. While his recollections of the committee room mostly feature half-baked resolutions and clumsy interactions, his six years of participation in Model United Nations have imbued him with a passion for global affairs and an appetite for cordial contention. Outside of MUN, he can often be found consuming wholesome content on the internet, forgetting his +c’s and struggling with curly-∂’s, mistaking the gerund for the gerundive, or unwinding himself in the kitchen. Rumor has it that he can even be spotted at local anime conventions from time to time. Ken is looking forward to a memorable weekend filled with deliberation and diplomacy and sincerely hopes that VMUN 2018 will be a fantastic experience for everyone.
callum shepard Chief of StaffCallum Shepard is a Grade 12 student at St. George’s School and is excited to serve as Chief of Staff for VMUN 2018. He has been involved in MUN since Grade 8; due to his passion for international affairs, he quickly fell in love with MUN. VMUN 2018 will be his 5th and final iteration of VMUN – attending as both delegate and staff member in the past. When not editing backgrounders, he can be found curled up with a good book, enjoying Vancouver’s culinary diversity, debating the merits of Post-Keynesian Economics, or enjoying the spectacular natural beauty of British Columbia. Callum hopes to give the delegates a memorable weekend of engaging, educational, and exhilarating debate and hopes you all have a fantastic experience at VMUN 2018.
andrew wei Director of LogisticsEntering his final year in St. George’s School, Andrew is overjoyed to be serving as VMUN’s Director of Logistics, having been involved in MUN for five incredible years. Having participated in his first MUN in grade eight, he instantly fell in love with the feelings of exhilaration and euphoria that occur in every conference, whether it be the heated debate that takes place in a moderated caucus or the last-minute lobbying before a vote is called. Outside of the wild world of MUN, Andrew enjoys rowing, running, following obscure elections across the globe, struggling with InDesign, integrating over three dimensions and deciphering Caesar’s musings on invading Gaul. Andrew wishes all delegates the best of luck in their deliberations!
jerry jiao Director-GeneralJerry is a sleep-deprived senior hailing from Fraser Heights Secondary with a penchant for politics, philosophy, and unfortunately, puns. From attending his first conference just to avoid homework for a day to now scouring every opportunity to further his ever-growing passion for debate and diplomacy, he has loved every bit of this journey that has equipped him with an invaluable independence of thought and helped him gain a real appreciation for current events. When he isn’t binge watching Buzzfeed’s “Worth It”, Jerry enjoys being involved with the community, playing sports such as badminton and ultimate frisbee, and trying out new flavors of bubble tea. He is delighted to be serving as your Director-General this year and hopes to see you at VMUN 2018!
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook secretariat
jadine ngan USG General AssembliesJadine is currently a senior at Richmond Christian School, thrilled to serve on the VMUN Secretariat for her fourth and final year of high school Model UN. Since her first fast-paced, highly-caffeinated experience at a conference, she has been enthralled by the world of MUN and appreciates the leadership opportunities, lasting friendships and personal growth with which her involvement has presented her. In her spare time, Jadine enjoys reading, writing, and playing guitar. She can also be found combing Vancouver for the best ice cream, feeding her rampant stationery addiction, and watching Jeopardy reruns. As the USG General Assemblies, she looks forward to facilitating an unforgettable weekend for all at VMUN 2018.
eric zhang USG Specialized AgenciesEric Zhang is a senior at St. George’s School, and has been participating in MUN since Grade seven. His personal favourite MUN moments include making horrific grammar mistakes — to the dismay of his dais — in the IPC, trying to stop bio-terrorists in WHO, and helping his committee understand that “mangrove trees” are not the same as “man-growing trees” or “mango trees”. Outside of school, you can find Eric playing basketball and ultimate frisbee, absorbing wholesome knowledge through reading scholarly articles, or playing chess. Eric is absolutely honoured to be serving as the USG of Specialized Agencies at VMUN 2018, and looks forward to bringing all delegates, staff, and teachers the best experience VMUN has to offer.
angelina zhang USG Delegate AffairsAngelina is a junior at Crofton House and is ecstatic to be serving as the USG Delegate Affairs. Having first entered the world of MUN as a shy Grade 8, she has since embarked on a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences she will never forget. The exhilarating debates and innovative solutions have helped her form cherished friendships, and develop a keen interest in the people and world around her. Outside of MUN, Angelina can be found attempting to cook, watching random YouTube documentaries, or wandering aimlessly around Vancouver. Occasionally, she can also be found rewatching old TV shows from Disney’s prime. Angelina cannot wait to meet everyone at the conference, and will strive to make it nothing short of excellent!
dillon ramlochun USG ConferenceDillon is currently a senior at St. George’s School. Ever since his first introduction to MUN five years ago, Dillon’s interest in international relations and politics has grown and flourished through the intense debate and diplomacy that occurs at these conferences. Outside of MUN, Dillon enjoys taking the weights for a spin, hauling fish from the deep, and watching basketball. He is also known to trust the process, whatever that means. Excited and honoured to be serving as the USG Conference at his fifth and final VMUN, Dillon is looking forward to being a part of creating yet another wonderful and invaluable experience at this year’s conference.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook secretariat / schedule
jerry xu USG Delegate AffairsA junior at St. George’s school, Jerry has been an active participant in the world of MUN for the past five years. Fond recollections of this non-spectator sport include enthusiastic speeches delivered past midnight, woefully inadequate resolutions with far too many sub-clauses, and excessively aggressive applause for the most trivial reasons. When he is not trying to cope a growing quantity of homework, Jerry can be found reading the works of his favourite philosophers, dabbling in poetry, listening to and occasionally singing opera, as well as discussing a variety of current events with his friends. Jerry is excited to be serving as the USG Delegate Affairs and looks forward to a wonderful conference.
alan chen USG FinanceAlan is currently a senior at St. George’s School. Having been involved in Model UN since Grade 9, he will be serving as the USG Finance in his fourth and final iteration of VMUN—a journey that he will remember for the rest of his life. MUN spurred his passion for public speaking and allowed him to meet some of his closest friends. He hopes that VMUN 2018 will do the same for all the delegates. Outside of MUN, he is involved in parliamentary debating, filmmaking, and chemistry contests. He can also be found exploring cafes in downtown, catching up on a certain type of TV series featuring wholesome information, and walking his dear shiba-inu. Alan is very excited for VMUN 2018 and looks forward to working with all delegates and sponsor teachers!
meghna lohia USG ITCurrently a senior attending Crofton House School, Meghna is honoured to serve as the USG IT for VMUN 2018. Since her first impulsive decision to attend VMUN in the eighth grade, Meghna has grown to appreciate the fast-paced world of debate and diplomacy that the conference fosters. When she isn’t fiddling with style sheets, Meghna can be found onstage at the CHS Theatre, searching every corner of Vancouver for aesthetically pleasing coffee shops, or struggling to stay awake at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. Proud to be serving on the Secretariat of the conference that sparked her interest in global affairs, Meghna wishes all delegates a memorable and eventful experience.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook secretariat / schedule
schedulefriday, january 197:00am – 8:00am Registration8:00am – 9:30am Opening Ceremonies9:45am – 1:00pm Committee Session I1:00pm – 2:30pm Lunch2:30pm – 6:30pm Committee Session II6:30pm – 8:00pm Dinner8:00pm – 11:30pm Committee Session III
11:59pm Curfew Delegates must be in their hotel rooms by this time.
saturday, january 208:30am – 12:00pm Committee Session IV12:00pm – 1:30pm Lunch1:30pm – 6:00pm Committee Session V6:00pm – 7:30pm Dinner
7:30pm – 10:30pmDelegate Social Delegates are invited to attend the dance and the lounge. Delegates must carry their nametag in order to be admitted to the event.
11:30pm Curfew Delegates must be in their hotel rooms by this time.
12:00am
(Sunday, January 21)
Midnight Crisis All committees hold a midnight crisis. Attendance is mandatory. Delegates are expected to come dressed in Western business attire, as with all other committee sessions.
sunday, january 21
9:45am – 1:00pmCommittee Session VI Please bring your luggage down to Georgia A/B on the second floor before this committee session.
1:00pm – 2:30pm Lunch2:30pm – 4:00pm Closing Ceremonies
The University of British Columbia will be holding an information session from 7:30 - 8:30 pm, Saturday, January 20, in Balmoral on the third floor.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook conference policy / keynote speaker
delegate conduct policyIn order to best preserve the diplomatic atmosphere of the United Nations, VMUN emphasizes professionalism, appropriate conduct, and proper dress code. Women should wear a dress, suit, dress slacks, or skirt, with a blouse or sweater (no jeans) and dress shoes (no sneakers or casual sandals). Men should wear a suit or a jacket and dress pants (no jeans), with a dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes (no sneakers). Delegates must wear their name badges at all times while in the hotel for security purposes. If a staff member believes a delegate is inappropriately dressed, she or he reserves the right to ask the delegate to change clothes before participating in committee. At all times, delegates are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and mature manner and to follow all instructions from VMUN staff and Secretariat members and Hyatt Regency personnel, including hotel security. Destructive or obnoxious behaviour will not be tolerated. VMUN also has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the possession or consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products. Delegates are required to be in their own rooms after curfew and may not have guests unaffliated with the conference, or delegates of the other gender, in their hotel rooms at any time.
technology use policyDelegates are permitted to use electronic devices (except in the Joint Crisis Committees, the Historical Crisis Committee, and the Cabinet of Oceania) to assist in the drafting of working papers and resolutions, although notepads and pens will be provided. However, the use of the Internet is forbidden during committee session. Delegates who require information during committee are encouraged to write a note to the dais, who may respond as the delegate’s Home Government. With the exception of committee-related work (e.g. drafting working papers and resolutions), delegates are discouraged from using technology during committee session out of respect to the speaker and the dais.
awards policyAt VMUN, delegates are evaluated by their committee staff holistically for awards. This means that all aspects of Model UN, including speaking and rhetorical ability, level of involvement, diplomatic skills, leadership, creative thinking, and the completion of a position paper, will be taken into account. Award-winners also demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of their committee’s topics and represent their country’s policies accurately. Each committee will grant one Best Delegate award, in addition to one or more Outstanding Delegate awards and Honourable Mentions depending on size. Each committee, except for the JCC, will also present a Best Researched Delegate award to the delegate with the most well-written position paper.
vmun 2018 delegate handbook conference policy / keynote speakerkeynote speaker
mohamed fahmy
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Mohamed Fahmy spent 438 days in an Egyptian prison—unjustly jailed for conspiring with the Muslim Brotherhood, and for fabricating news for Al Jazeera during his tenure as bureau chief for the Qatari network in Egypt. While in prison, he conducted interviews behind bars with members of ISIS, Al Qaeda, and others, gaining rare insights into modern terrorism.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook hotel floor plan
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hotel floor planfloor committee room
Second FloorFAO Plaza AUNESCO Plaza BUNDP Plaza C
Third Floor
IAEA Regency AWTO Regency BSOCHUM Regency CDISEC Regency DWHO Regency E & FHOC Oxford/Prince of WalesUNEP BalmoralUNSC Windsor
Fourth Floor
JCC: Rebel Bloc ConstableJCC: American Bloc BrightonHCC KensingtonMargaret Thatcher’s Cabinet TennysonACC: Russia 1917 Cavendish
34th Floor
EU SeymourAU GrouseNATO StanleyACD CypressCCPCJ English Bay
function floor / room
Luggage Storage These rooms will be used for storage on Friday and Sunday only. Please bring your luggage down to these rooms Sunday morning before committee session.
Second Floor Georgia A/B
Secretariat Office Delegates should go here if they have any issues concerning the conference, such as misplaced or incorrect placards or nametags.
Third Floor Queen Charlotte
Faculty Advisor Lounge Fourth Floor Turner
vmun 2018 delegate handbook hotel floor plan
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floor committee room
Second FloorFAO Plaza AUNESCO Plaza BUNDP Plaza C
Third Floor
IAEA Regency AWTO Regency BSOCHUM Regency CDISEC Regency DWHO Regency E & FHOC Oxford/Prince of WalesUNEP BalmoralUNSC Windsor
Fourth Floor
JCC: Rebel Bloc ConstableJCC: American Bloc BrightonHCC KensingtonMargaret Thatcher’s Cabinet TennysonACC: Russia 1917 Cavendish
34th Floor
EU SeymourAU GrouseNATO StanleyACD CypressCCPCJ English Bay
function floor / room
Luggage Storage These rooms will be used for storage on Friday and Sunday only. Please bring your luggage down to these rooms Sunday morning before committee session.
Second Floor Georgia A/B
Secretariat Office Delegates should go here if they have any issues concerning the conference, such as misplaced or incorrect placards or nametags.
Third Floor Queen Charlotte
Faculty Advisor Lounge Fourth Floor Turner
PLAZA LEVEL (SECOND FLOOR)
06.12
CONVENTION LEVEL (THIRD FLOOR)
FOURTH FLOOR PERSPECTIVES LEVEL (34th FLOOR)
UNDP UNESCO FAO Social LuggageHOC
Breakout
WHO DISEC SOCHUM
WTO
IAEA
Sec't
HOC
Social
UNEP UNSC
AU EU
NATO
ACD
CCPCJ
ACC Cabinet Crisis HQ
JCCAmericanJCC
AmericanJCCRebel
HCC
HOCBreakout
Teachers &Advisors
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook committees programme
general assemblies
WHO World Health Organization Director Brandon Zhou Chair Angelus McNally AD Janice Lam Bonita Chang On the Ground Intervention During Epidemics | Medical Black Markets
WHO was established in 1948 and is composed of 193 member-states. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the organization’s role is to serve as the “authority for health within the United Nations system,” and to provide “leadership on global health matters.” Current objectives of the WHO are laid out in a Six-Point Agenda aimed at responding to the challenges of an “increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape” of global public health. The points on the agenda are: (1) promoting development; (2) fostering health security; (3) strengthening health systems; (4) harnessing research, information and evidence; (5) enhancing partnerships; and (6) improving performance.
DISEC Disarmament and International Security Committee Director Sean Lee Chair Saad Yasin AD Sarah Buddhason Alex Yoshino Tensions and Conflict in Post-Soviet States | Preventing the Weaponization of Space
From fast-paced conflict resolution to revolutionary policy changes, DISEC lies at the forefront of the United Nations General Assembly. As the first committee of the General Assembly, DISEC addresses conflicts and threats to international peace and tries to maintain global stability and security. Although its resolutions are non-binding, DISEC’s efforts are highly influential and often lay the groundwork for resolutions in other committees of the United Nations. The vast membership of DISEC makes it an especially important organ for dealing with issues of an international scope.
SOCHUM Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs Committee Director Adam Mawji Chair Jeffrey Shen AD Fiona Reuter Megan Syho Negative Ramifications of Urbanization | Social Impacts of Refugee Intakes
The SOCHUM is the third General Assembly of the United Nations, tasked with a broad mandate surrounding social, humanitarian and human rights issues from around the world. To delineate a general idea of the committee, some issues discussed within SOCHUM include but are not limited to: human rights, global literacy, women’s rights, children’s rights, the treatment of refugees and displaced persons, international drug control, crime prevention, and the elimination of racism and discrimination. SOCHUM also works closely with many other UN bodies in order to effectually address its mandated issues.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook committees programme
intermediate agencies
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Director Lucy Harvey Chair Ben Steven AD Judy Rhee Preventing Violent Extremism Through Education | Protecting and Preserving the Health of Oceans
UNESCO was founded in 1945 with the purpose of “contributing to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights.”
CCPCJ Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Director Kelly Kwan Chair Emma Blake AD Alvin Zou Strengthening Criminal Justice systems to Combat Terrorism | Extradition in the Case of Human Rights Concerns
The CCPCJ was founded in 1992 to “improve international action to combat national and transnational crime and the efficiency and fairness of criminal justice administration systems.” The CCPCJ also helps member states exchange information and develop strategies to combat international crime. A sub-committee of the UNODC, it governs the UN crime prevention and criminal justice programme.
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
Director Danica Li Chair William Tiwana AD Agnes Lebeau Legal Aid | Local Development in Traditional Communities
The United Nations Development Programme works with periphery countries especially to help facilitate sustainable and equitable development. With operations in 177 countries and territories, it is one of the most ubiquitous of UN organizations and has proved itself to be among the most successful. Over the past decade, the UNDP has focused on achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of eight goals for the developing world.
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
Director Samuel Chen Chair Eunice Lui AD Andrew Guo Famine in Four Countries | Feeding 9 Billion by 2050
Founded in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization is the oldest Specialized Agency of the United Nations. It is tasked with ensuring agricultural stability and achieves this by addressing food security and issues concerning forestry and fishery. Delegates in this mid-sized committee will synthesize humanitarianism with science, striving to fulfil the motto ‘Fiat Panis’: Let there be bread.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook committees programme
UNEP United Nations Environmental Programme
Director Katherine Zheng Chair Jaskirt Brar AD David Ni Mining in the Arctic | Environmental Repercussions of Fracking
The UNEP is an organization that convenes, facilitates, and provides scientific assessments in order to stimulate international policy responses. The UNEP is the lead body on climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity, environmental governance, harmful substances, and resource efficiency. Furthermore, the UNEP has assisted in creating guidelines and treaties on issues such as the trade of harmful chemicals, transboundary air pollution, and contamination of international waterways.
WTO World Trade Organization
Director Xudi Lin Chair Linda Dai AD Arshan Bains Intellectual Property Rights | Sanitary and Phytosanitary Trade
The World Trade Organization serves as a forum through which international trade agreements are made and disputes are settled. Founded in 1994, its goal is to ensure that trade functions smoothly, fairly, predictably, and freely. It is a keystone of the globalized economy and the only worldwide organization dealing with trade between countries, thus impacting every state and all their citizens: by cutting living costs, raising living standards, settling disputes and tensions, and giving the minority a stronger voice.
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
Director Alexandra Haworth Chair Lauren Hung AD Derick Yuan Security of Radioactive Materials | Public Safety from the Effects of Radiation
The International Atomic Energy Agency was founded in 1957 as an autonomous agency to promote the use of nuclear energy for peaceful aims and diminish the dangers associated with it. It reports directly to the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. The IAEA serves as the primary forum for discussion of all matters relating to Nuclear Energy and also plays a vital role in the regulation of Nuclear weaponry and thus the maintenance of international peace and security.
regional committees
EU European Union
Director Zehan Zhou Chair Kevin Zuo AD Celina Chen European Immigration Crisis | Minority Language Rights
Formed in 1993, the European Union is one of the most powerful economic and re-gional unions in the world. The European Union’s goal is to promote strong economic and political relations between its 28 member states. Its mandate is to create a unified European position in international politics and diplomacy.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook committees programme
ACD Asia Cooperation Dialogue
Director Nick Young Chair Megan Munson AD Cindy Zhao Countering Human Trafficking | Energy Security in Asia
The Asian Cooperative Dialogue was founded in 2002 to encourage Asia-wide coop-eration and collaboration. Originally consisting of eighteen member states located in South-Eastern Asia, it has since grown to include thirty-four states across the whole of the continent. It is guided by four primary objectives: to promote interdependence be-tween Asian nations, to expand the trade markets of Asia, to supplement existing re-gional cooperation frameworks and to create an “Asian Community” to interact with the world on a more equal footing.
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Director Allan Lee Chair Inaya Ali AD Roberto Xavier Countering Cybercrime | Security within Afghanistan
In the wake of WWII, the Allied nations decided to continue their political and military alliance to prevent the spread of Communism. That alliance became known as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, named after its establishing Atlantic Treaty. With the fall of the Soviet Union, however, NATO is adapting to the 21st century and its revised role as a peacekeeping organization rather than a military alliance. What is the way forward for NATO in the 21st century, and how will it define its new role with the passing of its greatest adversary?
HOC House of Commons of Canada
Speaker Arun Solanky Clerk Justin del Negro Ariel Moon Isaac La Roy Criminal Justice Reform with a focus on sentencing reform, drug decriminalization, and increased equity in prison populations for First Nation populations in Canada
The House of Commons of Canada is vastly different from the typical MUN committee experience. Abandon the diplomatic, ordered debate of the United Nations and plunge into the thrilling world of party politics, parliamentary strategy and Question Period. Debate issues that strike closer to home, and connect to how your pursuits, if made real, could deeply affect the future of Canada. This is what prospective Members of Parliament should expect upon joining this exciting and exclusive VMUN committee.
In its sixth year running, the HOC will attempt to accurately model the essence of the real House of Commons, the most important legislative body in Canada. Members will have the opportunity to represent Canadians in ridings from coast to coast to coast, and be part of federal political parties. Along with holding sessions in the entire House, members will be part of three specialized Standing Committees that will take a more in-depth look at national issues.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook committees programme
AU African Union
Director Matthew Cheng Chair Sherry Sun AD Jasper Mai The Trade of Conflict Diamonds | Child Soldiers
The African Union is a continental union established 52 years ago. It was created with a variety of objectives: to achieve greater unity between African nations, to protect the sovereignty of member states, to promote democratic principles, and much more. Made up of the heads of state or heads of government of member states, The Assembly of the African Union is the highest decision-making body of the AU and meets once per year at the AU Summit.
advanced and crisis committees
JCC Joint Crisis Committees: American Water Conflict, 2040
Director Julian Miller American Bloc Director Ashley Phord-Toy Rebel Bloc Director Alex Shojania Chair Louie Lu Saskia Freybe Crisis Staff Maurits Freybe Fox Mutual
The Joint Crisis Committees are very different from the normal MUN experience, yet equal even the United Nations Security Council in their complexity and challenge. JCC consists of two independently running subcommittees whose decisions and actions immediately affect the perpetual crisis at hand, thus providing for an experience like no other.
The ritual raising of placards is replaced with international espionage, fast-paced decision-making, and incessant debates; all aimed to destroy the ideological enemy. What delegates will be asked to deal with is only partially revealed for your preparation; covert plots, terrible luck, and the well-meaning — or hostile — actions of the opposing committee together offer an unpredictable, volatile, and urgent, but undoubtedly exciting, experience. If the bloc as a whole is to succeed, the delegates must compromise, negotiate, and persevere in a battle of diplomatic wit; after all, there is a nemesis waiting, biding its time.
Regional Cabinet Margaret Thatcher’s Cabinet, 1979
Director Omar Kassam Chair Mateo Murr AD Victor Shmulevich
The Cabinet of Margaret Thatcher is made up of the advisors, allies, and colleagues of one of the most controversial and influential Prime Ministers in British History. This powerful group has to make critical decisions to deal with the economic crisis facing Britain as well as the Falklands Crisis. Cabinet Ministers will face the consequences of their actions through constant crises and developments.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook committees programme
HCC Historical Crisis Committee: The War of Austrian Succession
Director Qaasim Karim Chair Victoria Hong Crisis Staff Matthew Owen-Flood
The War of the Austrian Succession will be composed of the leaders of all the great European Powers at the beginning of the 18th Century as they battle to control the fate of the Holy Roman Empire and Europe as a whole. Having to deal with the complexities of European tradition and alliances, the internal stability of their realms, and the competing agendas of their allies and enemies, this committee is sure to be a fast-paced and exciting experience. Participation in this committee requires a large degree of role-play and devotion to one’s role; delegates will be immersed in the conflict, strife, and strategic maneuvering of Europe in 1740 and should take on the opinions, thoughts, and goals of the character.
ACC Advanced Crisis Committee: Council of People’s Commissars, 1917
Director Peter Jiang Chair Kevin Zhu Crisis Staff Tessa Furey
In this committee, delegates will be representing members of the Council of People’s Commissars. Set in 1917, delegates are tasked with overthrowing the Provisional Government and denying reactionary, foreign involvement while still engaged against the German Empire in the First World War. Participation in this committee requires a large degree of role-play and devotion to one’s role; delegates will be immersed in the conflict, strife, and strategic manoeuvring of the period as they try
UNSC United Nations Security Council
Director Julian Lam Chair Jonathan Chan AD Alannah Zhou Nuclear Threat on the Korean Peninsula | Asia’s War on Drugs
As the single most powerful UN entity, the Security Council is responsible for addressing all issues threatening international peace and security. The Security Council must work to create effective resolutions with clear and powerful language that will have tangible results in the real world. In facing this immense responsibility, the committee will utilize several tools of diplomacy usually unavailable to any other agency. The veto power of the Permanent Five (P5) members gives the UNSC a uniquely intense flair that is unlike any other committee.
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general rulesrule 1: scope & applicationThese rules of procedure are applicable to all committees except the House of Commons, and the Continuous Crisis Committees (JCC, HCC, and Cabinet of Oceania) at Vancouver Model United Nations 2016, during all scheduled and extraordinary sessions. No other rules of procedure apply.
These rules may be adapted by the Committee Staff to more accurately reflect the actual procedures of the body being simulated.
rule 2: delegate conductDelegates shall be courteous and respectful to all staff and delegates. The Chair will immediately call to order delegates who do not abide by this rule. Delegates who feel that they are not being treated respectfully are encouraged to discuss their concerns with their Director or a member of the Secretariat.
English will be the official and only working language of the conference. Delegates may not use affected accents during committee. National costumes are not permitted; delegates must wear Western business attire during all committee sessions.
Delegates are expected to be present at the beginning of every scheduled committee session, at which point roll call will be taken. Delegates who will not be present for part or all of a committee session should inform their Committee Staff verbally or by email prior to any such absence.
rule 3: electronic aidsDelegates are permitted to use laptop computers to aid in the composition of working papers and draft resolutions, although notepads and pens will be provided. Use of the Internet is forbidden during committee sessions. However, delegates may access resources saved on their laptops during committee, and may access the Internet outside of committee.
Delegates are expected to attend the conference having already conducted the necessary research. However, delegates who require information during committee session are encouraged to write a note to the Committee Dais, who may respond as the delegate’s Home Government.
rule 4: general powers of the secretariatThe Secretary-General and other members of the Secretariat reserve the right to suspend or modify these rules at any time. Additionally, members of the Secretariat may also serve as a member of the Committee Staff and allow any speaker to address the committee.
rule 5: general powers of the committee staffThe Committee Staff, also known as the Dais, comprises the Director, the Chair, and Assistant Directors & Crisis Staff, as appointed by the Secretariat. The Director is the final authority on these Rules of Procedure and may suspend, amend, or adapt them at any time. The Director may propose the adoption of any procedural motion, given no significant objection, and may also interrupt the flow of debate to address the committee, show a presentation, or bring in a guest speaker or expert witness. The Director may also advise delegates on possible courses of action and debate.
Furthermore, each committee session will be announced open and closed by the Chair. Further, the Chair will direct the flow of debate, grant the right to speak, ask questions, announce decisions, rule on points of order, and ensure and enforce adherence to these rules. Lastly, the Chair may rule any motion dilatory and therefore out of order.
rule 6: quorum & roll callQuorum denotes the minimum number of delegates who need to be present in order to open debate. The Chair may declare the committee open when at least one-third of the members of the committee are present. A quorum will be assumed to be present unless specifically challenged and shown to be
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook rules of procedure
absent.
At the beginning of each committee session, the Chair will conduct roll call. Delegates may have themselves recorded as “present and voting,” in which case they are not permitted to abstain on any substantive vote (no delegate may abstain on a procedural vote), or may be recorded as simply “present.” Delegates who are not recorded as either during roll call will not be recognized to speak nor permitted to vote on any matter. Delegates who arrive after roll call should send a note to the Committee Staff to be listed as present or present and voting.
rules governing debaterule 7: agendaThe Agenda is the order in which the committee’s two topics will be discussed. The first matter of the committee will be setting the agenda. The only motion in order at this time is to set the agenda, which should be in the form: “The delegate of X moves that Topic Area Y be placed first on the Agenda.”
Once there is a motion on the floor to set the agenda, the Primary Speakers List will be opened. The Primary Speakers List is established for the purpose of debating the proposed agenda, and remains open throughout the conference. If the Secondary Speakers List is exhausted or a topic is concluded, the committee automatically returns to the Primary Speakers List. Yields and caucuses are out of order while on the Primary Speakers List, as the matter at hand is strictly procedural.
The Chair will recognize up to two delegates to speak in favour of the motion and two speakers to speak against. Immediately following these speeches, debate on the Agenda is automatically closed and the motion to set the agenda is voted upon. Should the motion pass, requiring a simple majority, a Secondary Speakers List for that Topic Area will be opened. If the motion fails, the other Topic Area will automatically be placed first on the agenda.
A motion to table debate and proceed to the second Topic Area is in order only after the committee has rejected a draft resolution on the first Topic Area. This motion requires a second, as well as two delegates to speak in favour and two delegates to speak against. A motion to proceed to the second topic area after a rejected draft resolution requires a two-thirds majority vote. If the committee adopts a resolution on the first Topic Area, it automatically moves to the second Topic Area.
rule 8: crisesIn the event of a simulated international crisis or emergency, members of the Secretariat or Committee Staff may call upon a committee to immediately set aside debate on the current Topic Area in order to address the crisis. Following the adoption of a resolution on the crisis topic, the committee automatically returns to the Topic Area set aside. If a draft resolution on the crisis topic fails, the committee may only move to return to debate on the Topic Area set aside at the discretion of the Director.
rule 9: flow of debateAfter the agenda is set, the Secondary Speakers List is automatically opened. The Secondary Speakers List will decide the order of speakers for all debate on the Topic Area, except when temporarily superseded by caucuses, amendments, and other interruptions approved by the Chair. Speakers may speak generally on the Topic Area being considered and may address any draft resolution currently on the floor.
Between speakers on the Secondary Speakers List, any delegate may raise their placard to make a point or motion. Periodically, the Chair will ask the committee for any points or motions. A delegate attempting to make a point or motion must wait to be recognized by the Chair, at which point they should rise. No delegate should raise their placard while a speaker is speaking.
rule 10: unmoderated caucusA delegate may move for an unmoderated caucus at any time when the floor is open. The delegate making the motion must specify a time limit, not exceeding twenty minutes, and an intended topic of
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discussion or other purpose for the caucus. At the Chair’s discretion, the motion will be put to a vote, requiring a simple majority to pass. In the case of multiple motions for unmoderated caucuses, the Chair will order the motions in ascending order of length. During an unmoderated caucus, delegates may leave their seats or possibly the committee room in order to lobby in a more informal setting or to collaborate on working papers and draft resolutions.
rule 11: moderated caucusThe purpose of a moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive discussion at critical junctures in the debate. During a moderated caucus, the Chair will temporarily depart from the Speakers List and call on delegates who raise their placards to speak. A motion for a moderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open. The delegate making the motion must specify a time limit for the caucus, a time limit for the individual speeches, and a topic of discussion for the caucus. A motion for a moderated caucus requires a simple majority to pass. In the case of multiple motions for moderated caucuses, the Chair will order the motions in ascending order of length. No motions or yields are in order between speeches during a moderated caucus. If there are no delegates wishing to speak during a moderated caucus, the caucus immediately ends. Speeches must address the set topic of the moderated caucus; delegates whose remarks are not pertinent may be called to order.
rule 12: closure of debateWhen the floor is open, a delegate may move to close debate on the substantive or procedural matter under discussion (which will be debate on a Topic Area, debate on the Agenda, or debate on an amendment). At this point, the Chair may recognize up to two speakers to speak against the motion; no speakers in favour will be recognized. Closure of debate requires a simple majority of the members present. Should a motion to close debate pass, the committee will move immediately into voting procedure on the procedural matter, draft resolution, or amendment.
rule 13: suspension & adjournment of the meetingThe suspension of the meeting means the postponement of all committee functions until the next scheduled committee session. The adjournment of the meeting means the postponement of all committee functions for the duration of the conference. A motion for suspension of the meeting is in order only when no more than ten minutes remain in the committee session. A motion for the adjournment of the meeting is in order only when fewer than thirty minutes remain in the last committee session of the conference. Either motion may be ruled out of order at the discretion of the Chair. Members of the Secretariat reserve the right to suspend the meeting at any time.
rule 14: postponement (tabling) & resumption of debateWhenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the postponement of debate on a draft resolution or amendment currently on the floor. This motion, otherwise known as “tabling,” requires a second, a two-thirds majority vote to pass, and will be debatable to the extent of two speakers in favour and two against. No debate or action will be allowed on any draft resolution or amendment that has been postponed. A motion to resume debate on a tabled draft resolution or amendment requires only a simple majority to pass and is not debatable. Resumption of debate on a draft resolution or amendment cancels the effects of postponement of debate.
rules governing speechesrule 15: secondary speakers listThe committee shall at all times have an open Secondary Speakers List for the Topic Area being discussed. Separate Secondary Speakers Lists will be established as needed for debate on amendments. A delegate may be added to the Secondary Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the Dais. The names of the next several members on the Secondary Speakers List will always be posted for the convenience of the committee.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook rules of procedure
No delegate may be listed on the Secondary Speakers List more than once simultaneously. At any time, the Chair may call for members that wish to be added to the Secondary Speakers List. Separate Secondary Speakers Lists will be maintained for each Topic Area. The Secondary Speakers List is the default activity of the committee; if no motions are on the floor, debate automatically returns to the Secondary Speakers List.
rule 16: speeches & time limitsNo delegate may address the committee without being first recognized by the Chair. The Chair may call a speaker to order if their remarks are impertinent. The Chair will limit the time allotted to each speaker, and may entertain motions to set the speaking time. Speaking time begins as soon as the speaker begins their speech. If a delegate exceeds their allotted time, the Chair will call the speaker to order; however, the Chair, at their discretion, may allow delegates to complete their thoughts beyond their speaking time.
rule 17: yieldsA delegate recognized to speak from the Secondary Speakers List must yield the remainder of their time when they are finished speaking; note that delegates should not yield in moderated caucuses. If a delegate does not yield, the remaining time is automatically yielded to comments. A delegate who uses the entirety of their speaking time does not technically need to yield, but should yield the remainder of their time to the Chair as a courtesy. There are four different types of yields.
Yielding to the Chair: The remaining speaking time of the delegate will be absorbed by the Committee Staff. A delegate must yield to the Chair if they do not wish to yield to another delegate or to have their speech open to questions or comments.
Yielding to another delegate: A delegate may yield the entirety or remainder of their speaking time to another delegate. The delegate being yielded to is given the option to accept or decline the yield. Should the delegate accept the yield, the Chair will recognize the delegate for the remaining time. It is not possible to yield on a yield. If the delegate declines the yield, and the yield was made at the very beginning of the first delegate’s speaking time, the first delegate may continue their speech and yield to the Chair afterwards. Otherwise, the remaining speaking time is absorbed by the Committee Staff.
Yielding to questions: Questioners will be selected by the Chair, unless the Chair grants that right to the speaker. Delegates may only ask one question when they are selected by the Chair — follow-up questions are not permitted — though they may raise their placards multiple times if they have more than one question. The Chair will call to order delegates whose questions are rhetorical, leading, and/or not designed to elicit information. The speaker may refuse to answer a question, at their discretion. Only the speaker may respond to questions, and only the speaker’s answers count towards the time limit (while a question is being asked, the speaking time is not counting down).
Yielding to comments: Commenters will be selected by the Chair, and will be offered twenty seconds each for their comments. Should the original speech’s time elapse, a commenter will be permitted to complete their comment. Comments must address the speech just completed.
rule 18: right of replyA delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another delegate may move for a Right of Reply. There is no vote on this motion: the Chair will grant the Right of Reply at their discretion, and this decision is not appealable. The Chair will recognize the delegate to speak for no longer than two minutes. A Right of Reply to a Right of Reply is out of order, but delegates granted a Right of Reply will be called to order immediately should their own remarks be offensive. A motion for a Right of Reply may not interrupt a speech; the motion must either be made verbally immediately after the offending speech or submitted in writing to the Chair shortly thereafter.
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rules governing pointsrule 19: point of personal privilegeWhenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort or danger, which impairs their ability to participate in the proceedings, they may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege to request that the discomfort be corrected. A Point of Personal Privilege may only interrupt a speaker if the delegate is in dire discomfort or danger.
rule 20: point of orderDuring the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of Order to indicate an instance of improper procedure. The Chair will rule on the Point of Order in a manner that best facilitates debate, at his/her discretion; the Chair’s ruling is not subject to appeal. A delegate rising to a Point of Order may not speak on the substance of the matter currently under discussion. A Point of Order may not interrupt a speaker. Additionally, the Chair has the right to address a delegate directly if proper procedure is not being followed.
rule 21: point of parliamentary inquiryWhen the floor is open, a delegate may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to ask the Chair a question regarding the Rules of Procedure. A Point of Parliamentary Inquiry may not interrupt a speaker. Delegates with substantive questions should not rise to this point, but should rather approach the Committee Staff during unmoderated caucus or send a note.
rules governing resolutionsrule 22: working papersDelegates may write working papers for the consideration of the committee. Working papers are intended to aid the committee in its discussion of the topic and formulation of draft resolutions, and need not be written in draft resolution format. Working papers are not official documents and may be shown to other delegates at any time, but require approval from the Chair to be distributed or projected for the committee. During a speech, no delegate may refer to a working paper if it has not been approved. Once approved, delegates may begin to refer to a working paper by its designated number. Working papers require no signatories or votes but may have authors listed.
rule 23: draft resolutionsA draft resolution requires twenty signatories in the General Assembly committees, ten members in the Specialized Agency committees, and five signatories in the Security Council. If a draft resolution has enough signatories, it may be presented to the Chair for approval. Signatories do not necessarily support a draft resolution and have no rights or obligations, but merely wish to see the draft resolution discussed in committee; therefore, a delegate may be a signatory of multiple draft resolutions.
Once a draft resolution has been approved, a delegate may move to introduce the draft resolution. Should the motion receive the simple majority required to pass, the draft resolution will be considered introduced and on the floor.
When a motion to introduce a draft resolution passes, the Chair may temporarily suspend the rules of procedure in order to read the draft resolution to the committee, invite the sponsors of the draft resolution to informally introduce it, and/or hold a short question and answer period between committee and the sponsors of the draft resolution.
More than one draft resolution may be on the floor at once. A draft resolution will remain on the floor until it is tabled, until a resolution on that Topic Area has been adopted, or until it is rejected during substantive voting procedure. Debate on draft resolutions proceeds according to the general Secondary Speakers List for that Topic Area. Delegates may refer to each draft resolution by its designated number. However, no delegate may refer to a draft resolution until it is formally introduced.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook rules of procedure
After a draft resolution has been introduced and seen debate, a delegate may move to close debate on the Topic Area. If the motion to close debate passes, the committee will move into substantive voting procedure on all draft resolutions on the floor in the order they were introduced. A simple majority of the members present is required for a resolution to be adopted. Only one resolution may be adopted per Topic Area.
rule 24: amendmentsDelegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced by adding to, deleting from, or revising parts of it. Amendments to amendments are out of order; however, once part of a draft resolution has been amended, that same part may be amended further. There are two types of amendments.
Friendly amendments must have the approval of all the draft resolution’s sponsors. Once submitted in writing to the Chair, the friendly amendment will be automatically included into the draft resolution and the changes will be announced to the committee.
Unfriendly amendments must be formally introduced and eventually voted upon. An unfriendly amendment requires fifteen signatories in the General Assembly committees, five signatories in the Specialized Agency committees, and three signatories in the Security Council; amendments do not have sponsors. Once an unfriendly amendment receives enough signatories and the approval of the Chair, a delegate may move to introduce it. If the motion to introduce an unfriendly amendment is passed, requiring a simple majority of the members present, a new Speakers List is temporarily opened for debate solely regarding the proposed amendment. After the committee has heard at least two speakers for and two speakers against the amendment, a delegate may move to close debate on the amendment. Should debate be closed, requiring a two-thirds majority, the committee will move directly to substantive voting procedure on the amendment. Should the amendment garner a simple majority, it will be included in the draft resolution and the committee will return to the Secondary Speakers List. Only one unfriendly amendment may be on the floor at a time.
rules governing votingrule 25: procedural votingVoting on all matters other than draft resolutions and amendments is considered procedural. If a motion requires a minimum number of speakers in favour and cannot garner them, it will automatically fail; conversely, if a motion requires speakers against and cannot garner them, it will automatically pass. All member states of a committee have one vote.
rule 26: substantive votingSubstantive voting refers to voting on draft resolutions and unfriendly amendments. Once the committee closes debate on a Topic Area or an amendment, it will move into substantive voting procedure. At this point, the Committee Staff will move to seal the doors, and no persons will be allowed to enter or exit the committee room, save for members of the Secretariat in extraordinary circumstances. The only motions in order during substantive voting procedure are motions to Divide the Question, for a Roll Call Vote, and to Reorder the Draft Resolutions. If there are no such motions, the committee will move immediately to vote on all draft resolutions on the floor, or the unfriendly amendment, by acclamation. All member states of a committee have one vote.
If a committee passes an unfriendly amendment, substantive voting procedure automatically ends and the committee returns to the Secondary Speakers List. If a committee passes a draft resolution during substantive voting procedure, all other draft resolutions on the floor are cancelled and the committee leaves substantive voting procedure to move automatically to the next Topic Area. If a committee rejects all draft resolutions on the floor during substantive voting procedure, debate on the topic is reopened and the committee returns to the Secondary Speakers List for the Topic Area. A rejected draft resolution is automatically tabled, and delegates may only debate it again after moving for debate on it to be resumed (see Rule 14).
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rule 27: voting by acclamationAt the beginning of a vote on any procedural motion, unfriendly amendment, or draft resolution, the Chair may ask the committee whether there are any objections to a vote by acclamation. If one or more members of the committee have objections, then the Chair will conduct a vote by Placard. Otherwise, the item on the floor is automatically adopted by acclamation.
rule 28: voting by placardThe Chair may conduct any vote on a procedural motion, unfriendly amendment, or draft resolution by placard. The Chair will ask for delegates to signal their votes — which may be “Yes,” “No,” or for substantive votes, “Abstain” — by a show of placards. A simple majority will be deemed present should the number of “Yes” votes exceed the number of “No” votes, and a two-thirds majority will be deemed present should the number of “Yes” votes be at least double the number of “No” votes.
rule 29: voting by roll callDuring substantive voting procedure, any delegate may move for a Roll Call Vote on a specific draft resolution or unfriendly amendment, which requires a simple majority to pass. The Chair may rule this motion out of order if the process of a roll call vote would take up too much of the committee’s time without sufficient justification. This motion is only in order for substantive votes.
During a roll call vote, the Chair will call on delegates in alphabetical order, in two rounds. In the first round, delegates may vote “Yes,” “No,” “Abstain,” or “Pass.” Additionally, delegates who intend to vote against the normal policies of their governments or in a highly unexpected manner may request to vote “with Rights”; delegates who abstain cannot vote “with Rights.”
When the Chair has called on every member in the first round, the second round begins. All members who voted “Pass” in the first round must vote. Delegate may not abstain but may still request to vote “with Rights” in the second round. After the second round, the Chair will allow delegates who requested to vote “with Rights” thirty seconds each to speak in explanation of their actions. Following this, the Chair will announce the outcome of the roll call vote.
rule 30: reordering draft resolutionsBy default, if multiple draft resolutions are on the floor when debate is closed, the committee will proceed to vote on them in order of their introduction. A motion to Reorder the Draft Resolutions will only be in order immediately after closing debate, before the committee has voted on any draft resolutions. A motion to Reorder Draft Resolutions must specify the order in which the draft resolutions are to be considered. The committee will vote on multiple motions to Reorder the Draft Resolutions in the order they were introduced.
rule 31: division of the questionAfter debate on a topic has been closed, a delegate may move that the operative clauses of a particular draft resolution be voted on separately. A motion to Divide the Question requires two delegates to speak in favour and up to two to speak against, and requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
Should a motion to Divide the Question on a particular resolution be passed, the Chair will take a separate, procedural vote by Acclamation or by Placard on each operative clause of the resolution. Note that no delegate may abstain during a procedural vote. Also note that sub-operative clauses are not voted on separately and are discarded or retained along with their parent clauses. All operative clauses that receive a simple majority will be recombined with the preambulatory clauses into a final draft resolution, which will immediately be put to a substantive vote.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook rules of procedure / resolution writing
appendix 1: precedence of motions When multiple motions are proposed concurrently, the first motion to be passed by the committee will take effect and other motions still on the floor will be discarded. Points are entertained before motions, and motions will be voted upon in the following order of precedence:
1. Right of Reply
2. Unmoderated Caucus
3. Moderated Caucus
4. Introduction of Draft Resolution
5. Introduction of an Amendment
6. Postponement of Debate (Tabling)
7. Resumption of Debate
8. Closure of Debate
9. Suspension and Adjournment of the Meeting
After the closure of debate, during substantive voting procedure, only the motions listed below are in order. The Chair will offer only one opportunity for delegates to make points and motions; after all have been entertained, the committee will begin voting procedure. The motions in order during substantive voting procedure are arranged in the following order of precedence:
1. Reordering the Draft Resolutions
2. Division of the Question
3. Voting by Roll Call
resolution writingDuring lobbying and debate, delegations with similar foreign policies will begin to come together to form working groups, in which delegates will combine ideas and proposals to create draft resolutions.
Draft resolutions are suggested solutions to the global community for the topic at hand and are the end result of debate and working papers. They are written by delegates in working groups and are ultimately voted upon by the committee as whole.
sponsorship and signatory statusA draft resolution requires sponsors and signatories in order to be presented on the floor. A specified number of signatories must be obtained before introducing a draft resolution (refer to Rule 23 in the Rules of Procedure for specifics), but all sponsors also count as signatories. A sponsor takes part in the writing of a draft resolution, while a signatory simply wants to see the draft resolution debated and does not necessarily support it. Therefore, while a delegate should be a sponsor of at most one draft resolution, they may be a signatory of multiple draft resolutions.
key phrases of resolutionsWhile healthy debate and constructive caucusing are very important to MUN, they exist simply to lead the delegates to a final product – the resolution. Below is a list of the basic terms relating to different components of resolutions:
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Clause: Clauses are sections of a draft resolution, each containing a single argument or action.
Phrase: Phrases are the first word(s) of a clause. They introduce the clause and define the nature of its recommendations.
Preambulatory Clause: The preambulatory clauses (also called preambles) of a draft resolution state the reasons for addressing the topic. Preambles can reference the UN Charter and past international actions. Each clause begins with a preambulatory phrase and ends with a comma.
Operative Clause: Actions and recommendations made in a draft 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. Operatives should be organized logically with each clause containing a single idea or proposal. The draft resolution ends in a period after the last operative.
Amendment: An amendment is a change that a delegate would like to introduce to the draft resolution after it has already been submitted to the Chair.
resolution formatA draft resolution should be titled with an appropriate version number assigned by the dais to distinguish it from other draft resolutions (e.g. “Draft Resolution 1.1”). Then, on a new line, it should state the topic area that it is addressing. Finally, it should list, on two separate lines, the sponsors and signatories of the resolution, in alphabetical order.
The remainder of the draft resolution should be written as one continuous sentence. Draft resolutions have a very specific and strict format that allows the reader to easily follow along and avoids confusion or ambiguity within clauses.
After a line break, the committee name should be written, followed by a comma (e.g. “The United Nations Security Council,”). Immediately following this are the preambulatory clauses.
Each preamble begins with a preambulatory phrase. The preambles must meet the following criteria:
• The preambulatory phrase must be italicized. • The first word of the clause must be capitalized. • Preambles are not numbered. • Each preamble ends with a comma. • Skipalinebetween each clause. • Indent all lines of each clause after the first line. • Preambles cannot have sub-clauses.
Acronyms and abbreviations should be written out completely when they first appear in the draft resolution. Thereafter, they can be abbreviated.
The next and final component of a draft resolution are the operative clauses, which must meet the following criteria:
• The operative phrase must be underlined.• The first word of the clause must be capitalized. • Operative phrases are numbered. • Each operative clause ends with a semi-colon. The last operative clause ends with a period. • Skipalinebetween each clause. Indent all lines of each clause after the first line. • 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 numberingsi.,ii., etc.
• Acronyms and abbreviations should be writtenoutthefirsttime they appear in the draft resolution. Thereafter they can be abbreviated.
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook resolution writing
amendmentsAn amendment changes a draft 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 draft resolution.
A friendly amendment is agreed upon by all sponsors of the draft resolution. It automatically becomes part of the draft resolution upon being submitted.
An unfriendly amendment is not supported by one or more of the sponsors. An unfriendly amendment requires a certain number of signatories (refer to the Rules of Procedure for specifics) to be introduced. Unfriendly amendments are debated one at a time, in Special Secondary Speakers Lists. Once debate is closed on an unfriendly amendment, it requires a simple majority to pass and be included in the draft resolution it amends.
list of commonly used preambulatory phrasesAffirming, Alarmed, Approving, Aware of, Bearing in mind, Believing, Cognizant, Confident, Contemplating, Convinced, Declaring, Deeply concerned, 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 devoted attention, Having examined, Having heard, Having received, Having studied, Keeping in mind, Noting with regret, Noting with satisfaction, Noting with approval, Observing, Reaffirming, Realizing, Recalling, Recognizing, Referring, Seeking, Taking into account, Taking into consideration, Taking note, Welcoming.
list of commonly used operative phrasesAccepts, Affirms, Approves, Authorizes, Calls, Calls upon, Condemns*, Confirms, Congratulates, Considers, Declares accordingly, Demands*, 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, Supports, Takes note of, Transmits, Trusts.
*Only for use by the Security Council
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sample resolutionDraft Resolution 1.0 Topic: Eliminating gender disparities in education by 2015 Sponsors: Iran, Saudi Arabia Signatories: Cuba, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Russian Federation, Syria, Venezuela
The Economic and Social Council,
Alarmed by the lack of enforcement of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),
Cognizant of the importance of gender-neutral education standards by 2015 as a component of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
Noting with approval those initiatives recently undertaken in Iraq and Afghanistan to ensure increased levels of education for future generations of women in the Middle East,
1. Suggests gender segregation remain in primary and secondary education where this structure is already in place;
2. Reaffirms that select nations do not segregate schools by gender, and is not proposing to divide said school systems;
3. Proposes additional specialization be provided in schools to:
a. Further acknowledge and utilize the differences between genders,
b. Alter secondary school curriculums to contain more concentrated courses including:
i. Philosophy or psychiatry classes which would prove useful in raising a family and keeping a peaceful household,
ii. Improved physical education, literacy and science classes;
c. Help administer knowledge that will be useful in the everyday lives of both genders;
4. Recommends all school systems exercising gender segregation be kept balanced concerning materials and resources;
5. Further recommends a new observational system be set in place:
a. By the United Nations,
b. Made available to all nations already segregated by gender or wishing to do so,
c. To monitor the equal distribution of supplies, materials, teachers, and resources administered to all public male and female schools;
6. Accepts that each nation will have its own cultural differences and opinions on this matter.
vmun 2018 delegate handbook resolution writing / flow of debate
Roll Call
Motion to Open Debate
Primary Speakers List
Fails
Motion to Set the Agenda to Topic X
Motion to PresentWorking Paper
PassesGoes to Topic X Goes to Topic Y
Secondary Speaker’s List (SSL)
Motion to Close Debate
Substantive Voting Procedure
Distribution of Working PaperIntroduction of a Draft Resolution
Motion to IntroduceUnfriendly Amendment
Special SecondarySpeaker’s List
After Director Approval:
Unmoderated Caucus
Motion to Divide the QuestionMotion to Reorder Draft Resolutions
Motion for an Alternate Voting Method
Vote on Draft Resolutions or Unfriendly Amendments
FailsPassesDraft Resolution: Move onto SSL for second topic
Amendment: Return to SSLReturn to SSL
Up to 2 speakers against (optional)
2 Speakers for, 2 Speakers against
*Directors may, by their discretion,allow for a motion for a Question &Answer session.
Motion to Postpone Debate
2/3rd Majority Required2 Speakers for, 2 Speakers against
Moderated CaucusMotion to Suspend Debate
Motion to Open Debate
For breaks between committee sessions
Roll Call
For the �rst committee session
For the any subsequent committee session
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vmun 2018 delegate handbook resolution writing / flow of debate
Roll Call
Motion to Open Debate
Primary Speakers List
Fails
Motion to Set the Agenda to Topic X
Motion to PresentWorking Paper
PassesGoes to Topic X Goes to Topic Y
Secondary Speaker’s List (SSL)
Motion to Close Debate
Substantive Voting Procedure
Distribution of Working PaperIntroduction of a Draft Resolution
Motion to IntroduceUnfriendly Amendment
Special SecondarySpeaker’s List
After Director Approval:
Unmoderated Caucus
Motion to Divide the QuestionMotion to Reorder Draft Resolutions
Motion for an Alternate Voting Method
Vote on Draft Resolutions or Unfriendly Amendments
FailsPassesDraft Resolution: Move onto SSL for second topic
Amendment: Return to SSLReturn to SSL
Up to 2 speakers against (optional)
2 Speakers for, 2 Speakers against
*Directors may, by their discretion,allow for a motion for a Question &Answer session.
Motion to Postpone Debate
2/3rd Majority Required2 Speakers for, 2 Speakers against
Moderated CaucusMotion to Suspend Debate
Motion to Open Debate
For breaks between committee sessions
Roll Call
For the �rst committee session
For the any subsequent committee session
flow of debate diagram
32
social / where to eat
social / where to eat
where to eat1 Guu Original Thurlow838 Thurlow StJapanese | $$
2 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers803 Thurlow StAmerican | $$
3 Caffè Artigiano110-1100 Robson StreetCafé | $
4 Joe Fortes Seafood777 Thurlow StreetSeafood | $$$
5 The Keg Steakhouse and Bar742 Thurlow Street | $$$
6 Café Crêpe1032 Robson StreetFrench | $
7 Coast1054 Alberni StSeafood | $$$
8 Blenz Coffee 708 Thurlow Street Café | $
9 Shabusen Yakiniku House202-755 Burrard StJapanese, Korean | $$
10 Italian Kitchen1037 Alberni StreetItalian | $$$
11 Salam Bombay217-755 Burrard StIndian | $$
12 Starbucks Coffee 1030 W Georgia StCafé | $
13 Mosaic Grille655 Burrard StAmerican, Canadian | $$$
14 Cactus Club Cafe Bentall588 Burrard StAmerican, Canadian | $$
A Royal Centre1055 West Georgia StreetThe Deli-Family Gourmet | $Victoria Chinese Restaurant | $$$Phat Restaurant | $McDonald’s | $Starbucks | $$Cookies by George | $Rice N’Spice | $Momo Sushi | $Jugo Juice | $$Noble Grill | $Camay Wok | $Subway | $Salad Loop | $Flying Wedge Pizza | $$Made in Japan | $
A
33
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