Training Session(14 and 15 January, 2017)

SDMUN 2017.VOLTE FACE.

Training Manual for Model

United Nations Introduction

The United Nations is the one organization with the vision and reach to

address the world’s most pressing challenges. When disaster strikes, the world

turns to one organization for hope, help, leadership, and coordination: the

United Nations. When there is peace to keep between warring factions, the

world asks the UN to mobilize peacekeepers, oversee elections, and create

stability. In the face of challenges such as climate change, disease or poverty,

the United Nations provides the platform for international cooperation.

Relevance of United Nations

The UN is an international organization, not a government. As a result, its

effectiveness depends on the participation of 193 sovereign member states and

the backing of citizens around the world. The purpose of the Model UN is to

provide an interactive educational experience that teaches in an interesting

and enjoyable way about the United Nations. The process affords participants

an understanding of how the process of international debate and negotiation

that we commonly call diplomacy functions. The simulation of the diplomatic

processes are especially important in this post-Cold War period when the

world is quickly becoming more interdependent. In this interdependent world,

Model UN makes for informed global citizens who not only understand the

decisions their nation makes but also how those changes effect politics

nationally, regionally, and globally.

Benefit of MUN

Students joke that “MUN is F-U-N,” but it’s true – that’s why it works so well.

Students attend Model UN conferences because it’s fun – they just happen to learn something along the way. And when students have fun while learning,

what they learn is more likely to stick.

The role of the teacher in Model UN is to guide this “student-led” learning by

ensuring information quality (e.g. proper research, position papers) and giving students the tools to teach one another (e.g. public speaking, resolution

writing).

Students develop confidence and leadership skills through experience. Model

UN conferences are opportunities to practice research, public speaking, teamwork, negotiation, and writing skills in a safe and structured

environment.

What many people don’t realize is that Model UN also teaches business skills

– running a conference is like running a small business that involves finding “customers” (delegates), developing a “product” (the conference), and

managing peers. It also serves as a fundraiser, with many high school conferences raising thousands of dollars at a time when schools are slashing

budgets and cutting programs.

Model UN provides students with the learning and leadership experiences that

admissions officers look for. The depth of these experiences serves as possible material for personal essays and interviews. Model UN is also an extensive

network of alumni at top colleges.

Why is it important to research well for the MUN?

The initial step of any MUN is RESEARCH.

Preparedness makes the conference more fun and enjoyable

along with a great learning experience.

Extensive knowledge about the country, committee, agenda and

the UN is essential.

The simulation can only be carried out with full enthusiasm if

the delegates are prepared

How to research so as to yield maximum results?

Research is usually broken down into three parts:

Country information

The UN system

The Agenda allotted

Writing Position Paper and Opening Speech

1. Country Research

Find out general geographic, political, and economic information about the country

you are representing. Questions to explore include

A. What resources does your country have or not have and how does influence

interactions with countries near or far from them?

B. What type of government does your country have? (democracy? dictatorship?

communist? socialist?)

C. What countries does your country ally itself with?

D. What is the status of your country's economy? Are you considered a developing,

lesser developed, or highly developed country? What's your Human

Development Index (HDI) rating? What are your chief exports?

E. How do your government and your people feel about globalization?

F. What do the World Bank and IMF reports say about your country? (Are you a

contributor or a receiver of $?)

G. What are the big important parts of your country's history?

H. What are the top 5 issues in your country at the moment?

2. The United Nations System

Understanding the UN system will help you play your role realistically at a

Model UN conference. It is important to understand which bodies and actors

make up the UN system, what the UN can and cannot do, and how

international issues are addressed by the UN. Here are some questions that

will help get you started:

A. Important elements of the UN Charter

B. Main bodies of the UN

C. Organization of UN's bodies and agencies

D. Member countries of the body or agency you are simulating.

E. Operation of the body or agency

F. Recent UN actions on your issue (Agenda)

G. Evaluate the Past UN actions (Success or Failure)

H. Past conferences and meetings pertaining to your topic (Agenda)

3. The Agenda Allotted/ Topic Area

The agenda of a committee is the tabled topic for debate and discussion in a

committee session. Once you have learned about the country you represent and it's government, people, and economy, you should develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at your committee. Many conferences send out background materials or issue briefs, which can help jump start your research. You may want to look at the sources cited in these materials for more in-depth information. If the conference background materials pose questions, you should answer them with your country information in mind. Here are some additional questions to help guide your research:

A. What is the problem and how does it affect your country?

B. Steps by your country to combat the problem

C. The various "sides" in the debate that is opposition, proposition and bloc

positions

D. Aspects of the issue which are most important to your country which

includes social, religious, cultural, economic or political.

E. If your country is not involved with the issue, how can it become

involved?

F. Presumption of arguments that other countries will make.

G. How do the positions of other countries affect your country's position?

H. Evidence or Statistics that might help to back up your country's

position?

I. Speeches, Resolutions, Statement and News articles.

4. Position Paper and Opening Speech

Position Paper Writing Guidelines

Part 1

Overview statement(s) on the topic in the global context followed by the background of

the topic with relation to the country (i.e. what is the country's outlook on or history with

the problem)

Part 2

What past actions relating to the topic have been taken by your country, the UN, and

other international and /or regional organizations? What is your country's relationship to

the topic at the national, regional and international level?

Part 3

Explain the official position of the country (this may be explicitly stated on the web

somewhere, or you may need to infer this from your country's past actions and/or

support of international treaties related to the topic) and what solutions to the problem

are agreeable to your country. Recommend some NGOs or specific states, UN bodies,

or other entities that should get involved.

Opening Speech

Your opening speech should be 1 paragraph long and short enough to present in about

1 minute 30 seconds. You should not try to cover everything you should focus on the

key issues that are most important to your country. Here are steps:

1. Begin with a formal greeting:

Something like: “Honorable Chair, Esteemed Delegates . . .

2. Get the audience’s attention by writing a few powerful sentences about the

basic issues involved and how they relate to your country.

3. Elaborate on your key points/problems.

4. Brief summary of your country’s central suggestions and what sort of

working papers/resolutions you would be willing to endorse.

5. Close your speech off with a sentence or two that leaves the audience

with a powerful impression (Remember to keep your country’s position in

mind

Sources for researching

To find the information and use it with maximum productivity, it is

important to know the sources and use them judiciously to yield maximum

results. The following sources could be used:

A. Internet

UN Cyber School Bus The United Nations runs a website designed especially to help students and teachers learn about the United Nations and prepare for Model UN conferences called the UN Cyberschoolbus. http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/ Important Links The following links could be used

www.un.org; https://www.cia .gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html;

www.unausa.org; Permanent Missions Websites of Permanent Missions Of the Country to the UN; Example- Permanent Mission of India to UN- https://www.pminewyork.org/ Country Website Official website of the Country. INDIA- india.gov.in/ , United States of America- www.usa.gov/ Organizations Websites of the international organizations – EU –http://europa.eu/ , Amnesty international – www.amnesty.org.

B. Newspapers and magazines C. Television D. Visit to the Embassy of the respective Country

E. Publications, Speeches, Resolutions and Press Releases

FORMS OF DEBATE

Conference procedures are divided into two types of discussions: formal and informal

debate.

1. Formal Debate

During formal debate, the staff maintains a speakers list and delegates speak in the

order they are listed. At this time, delegates have an opportunity to share their views

with the entire committee. Delegates make speeches, answer questions, and introduce

and debate resolutions and amendments. Formal debate is important to the committee’s

work. By not knowing the rules of procedure, delegates slow down the debate and hold

back their committee’s progress.

2. Informal Debate

a. Moderated Caucus:

During a caucus, which is a temporary recess, the rules of procedure are

suspended. To go to a moderated caucus, a delegate makes a motion to

suspend debate and the committee votes. Caucusing helps to facilitate

discussion, especially when there is a long speakers list. A moderated caucus is

a mixture of both formal and informal debate. Anyone may speak if they raise

their placard and are called on by the Chair.

b. Unmoderated Caucus:

In an unmoderated caucus, delegates meet informally with one another and the

committee staff to discuss and negotiate draft resolutions, amendments and

other issues.

DEBATE

Formal Debate Informal Debate

Moderated Caucus Unmoderated Caucus General Speaker’s List

General Speakers List

A list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. Whenever a new

topic is opened for discussion, the Chair will create a speakers' list by asking

all delegates wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on them one

at a time. During debate, a delegate may indicate that he or she wishes to be

added to the speakers' list by sending a note to the dais. –

Public Speaking Tips

Prepare: Decide how you feel most comfortable delivering your speech. You

may choose to use your position paper text as your opening speech or you may

write out some key points. In time, you may feel comfortable speaking without

any written notes at all. If you plan to use a word or phrase that is unfamiliar

to you, make sure you learn its meaning and how to pronounce it properly.

Practice: Rehearsing your speech is the best way to perfect your public

speaking skills. Try practicing in front of a teacher, a parent, or fellow Model

UNers from your class or club. When you listen to a speech, provide

constructive feedback rather than criticism. When someone critiques your

speech, accept the feedback graciously and use it as a tool to strengthen your

public speaking.

Consider your audience: Make your speech appropriate to the age and

experience-level of the other delegates at the conference. Remember that the

beginning of the speech should captivate your audience and make them want

to hear more.

Eliminate unnecessary "filler" words: Fillers are words and phrases

such as "umm," "well," "sort of," and "like". These words take away from the

message you are trying to convey. Some additional fillers to avoid are "so,"

"you know," "I think," "just," and "uh."

Use meaningful pauses: Leaving a moment of silence between sentences

can be a powerful public speaking tool. Pausing after an important point or

before answering a question will help to hold the audience's attention. A pause

can also give you time to formulate your next statement.

Breathe: Try to breathe from your diaphragm – the organ below your lungs

that controls your respiration. You are breathing properly if you can see your

abdomen rising and falling with each breath. Try to inhale and exhale

completely.

Pace yourself: Don't talk too fast or too slow. Remember that most speakers

have a tendency to talk too quickly.

Choose a powerful posture: Be aware of your posture when you speak.

Slouching, tilting your head and crossing your arms or legs will take away

from your message. Stand up straight, relax your shoulders, plant your feet

firmly and keep your knees unlocked to help you communicate confidence.

Project your presence: Speaking in a low to medium volume can help to

project authority, but make sure that you are speaking loud enough to be

easily heard. Focus on speaking with enthusiasm and energy.

Gesture: It is worthwhile to use your face, hands, arms and body to help you

communicate as long as your motions do not distract the audience from your

speech.

Connect with your audience: Glance at your notes rather than reading

them so that you can make eye contact with the other delegates. It is often

helpful to speak directly to individual members of the audience.

Get to the point: Speak concisely so that your audience does not lose your

main arguments among less-important details. Try not to speak in circles.

Instead, go straight to your most important point.

Be positive: Rather than criticizing another point of view, critique it in a

constructive way. Always provide alternatives and be sure to back up your

arguments.

Caucusing

Caucusing, or informal debate, is an important part of the Model UN

simulation because it provides an opportunity for delegates to collaborate,

negotiate and formulate draft resolutions. During a Model UN conference,

caucuses can be either moderated or unmoderated.

Moderated Caucus

During a caucus, which is a temporary recess, the rules of procedure are

suspended. To go to a moderated caucus, a delegate makes a motion to

suspend debate and the committee votes. Caucusing helps to facilitate

discussion, especially when there is a long speakers list and mostly focuses

on the sub-topics of the agenda at hand. A moderated caucus is a

mixture of both formal and informal debate. Anyone may speak if they raise

their placard and are called on by the Chair. It is a type of caucus in which

delegates remain seated and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for

a short period of time, enabling a freer exchange of opinions than would be

possible in formal debate.

Un-moderated Caucus

In an unmoderated caucus, delegates meet informally with one another and

the committee staff to discuss and negotiate draft resolutions, amendments

and other issues.

On the basis if the timing of the caucus an unmoderated caucus can be

divided into three stages:

STAGE 1:

This is the initial stage.

The main aim during it should be lobbying and finding allies.

Note Passing and Speakers List should be effectively used for the

purpose when in the house of session.

STAGE 2:

The focus now shifts towards drafting working papers.

Delegates sit down together and jot down the clauses of there working

paper.

The second stage is all about trying to make the best possible working

paper.

STAGE 3:

This is the time to get maximum support for your resolution.

One has to convince and coax the other delegates to vote for his or her

resolution.

Special Focus should be seemingly undecided delegates.

One must talk top as much people as possible and try and compromise

to include others demands to get their support.

Rules of Procedure *All procedural matters in the committee are subject to discretion of the Chairperson/President in order to facilitate debate and ensure equal participation in the conference.

Model UN Glossary Model UN can be confusing to a beginner, not only because of the

complexity of the issues and the pace of debate, but because of the

strangeness of the language. At your first Model UN conference, you

may not think that some of the delegates are speaking English, because

of the weird terms they are using! To save you some confusion,

BVCMUN has provided this cheat sheet of Model UN terminology. Look

it over, and soon you'll be able to discuss quorums, perambulatory

clauses, division of the question, and unmoderated caucuses with the

best of them.

Note that several of the terms below, including Secretariat and

Secretary-General, have different meanings in Model UN than they do

in the real UN; you should familiarize yourself with both meanings.

Note: Rules of procedure vary greatly from Model UN conference to

Model UN conference. Though these are the most common definitions of

the terms below, do not be surprised if you see them used in a slightly

different manner at some of the conferences you go to.

Abstain - During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may

abstain rather than vote yes or no. This generally signals that a state

does not support the resolution being voted on, but does not oppose it

enough to vote no.

Adjourn - All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote to adjourn.

This means that the debate is suspended until the next meeting. This

can be a short time (e.g., overnight) or a long time (until next year's

conference).

Agenda - The order in which the issues before a committee will be

discussed. The first duty of a committee following the roll call is usually

to set the agenda.

Amendment - A change to a draft resolution on the floor. It can be of

two types: a "friendly amendment" is supported by the original draft

resolution's sponsors, and is passed automatically, while an "unfriendly

amendment" is not supported by the original sponsors and must be

voted on by the committee as a whole.

Background guide - A guide to a topic being discussed in a Model UN

committee usually written by conference organizers and distributed to

delegates before the conference. It is the starting point for any research

before a Model UN conference.

Binding - Having legal force in UN member states. Security Council

resolutions are binding, as are decisions of the

International Court of Justice; resolutions of the General Assembly and

Economic and Social Council are not.

Bloc - A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a

similar opinion on a particular topic.

Caucus - A break in formal debate in which countries can more easily

and informally discuss a topic. There are two types: moderated

caucus and unmoderated caucus.

Chair - A member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, rules

on points and motions, and enforces the rules of procedure. (Also known

as a Moderator)

Dais – It is the group of people, usually high school or college students,

in charge of a Model UN committee. It generally consists of a Chair,

a Director, and a Rapporteur.

Decorum - The order and respect for others that all delegates at a

Model UN conference must exhibit. The Chair will call for decorum

when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of a

speaker, of the dais, or of their roles as ambassadors.

Delegate - A student acting as a representative of a member

state or observer in a Model UN committee for a weekend.

Delegation - The entire group of people representing a member

state or observer in all committees at a particular Model UN conference.

Director - A member of the dais that oversees the creation of working

papers and draft resolutions, acts as an expert on the topic, makes sure

delegates accurately reflect the policy of their countries, and ensures

that decorum is maintained during caucuses.

Division of the Question - During voting bloc, delegates may motion

to vote on certain clauses of a resolution separately, so that only the

clauses that are passed become part of the final resolution. This is

known as division of the question.

Draft resolution - A document that seeks to fix the problems

addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, the

draft resolution will become into a resolution.

Faculty Advisor -: The faculty member in charge of a Model UN team,

class or club.

Flow of debate - The order in which events proceed during a Model

UN conference. See Debate chart.

Gavel -: The tool, shaped like a small wooden hammer, which

the Chair uses to keep order within a Model UN committee. Many

conferences give the gavel used in a committee to the delegate

recognized by the dais as the best in that committee; therefore, the term

is frequently used to refer to the award given to the best delegate, even

in cases where no actual gavel is given.

Formal debate - The "standard" type of debate at a Model UN

conference, in which delegates speak for a certain time in an order

based on a speakers' list.

Head Delegate -: The student leader of a Model UN club or team.

Member State - A country that has ratified the Charter of the United

Nations and whose application to join has been accepted by the General

Assembly and Security Council. Currently, there are 191 member

states. The only internationally recognized state that is not a member

state is the Holy See.

Moderated Caucus - A type of caucus in which delegates remain

seated and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a short

period of time, enabling a freer exchange of opinions than would be

possible in formal debate.

Moderator – (See Chair)

Motion - A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole

do something. Some motions might be to go into a caucus, to adjourn, to

introduce a draft resolution, or to move into voting bloc. See our Charts

Observer - A state, national organization, regional organization, or

non-governmental organization that is not a member of the UN but

participates in its debates. Observers can vote on procedural matters

but not substantive matters. An example is the Holy See.

On the floor - At a Model UN conference, when a working

paper or draft resolution is first written, it may not be discussed in

debate. After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the

committee, it is put "on the floor" and may be discussed.

Operative clause - The part of a resolution which describes how the

UN will address a problem. It begins with an action verb (decides,

establishes, recommends, etc.).

Page - A delegate in a Model UN committee that has volunteered to

pass notes from one delegate to another or from a delegate to the dais,

for a short period of time.

Placard - A piece of cardstock with a country's name on it that

a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes

to speak.

Point - A request raised by a delegate for information or for an action

relating to that delegate. Examples include a point of order, a point of

inquiry, and a point of personal privilege. See our Charts of Rules and

Motions.

Position paper – It is the summary of a country's position on a topic,

written by a delegate before a Model UN conference.

Perambulatory Clause – It is that part of a resolution which

describes previous actions taken on the topic and reasons why the

resolution is necessary. It begins with a participle or adjective (noting,

concerned, regretting, aware of, recalling, etc.).

Procedural - Having to do with the way a committee is run, as opposed

to the topic being discussed. All delegates present must vote on

procedural matters and may not abstain.

Quorum - The minimum number of delegates needed to be present for

a committee to meet. In the General Assembly, a quorum consists of one

third of the members to begin debate, and a majority of members to

pass a resolution. In the Security Council, no quorum exists for the body

to debate, but nine members must be present to pass a resolution.

Rapporteur - A member of the dais whose duties include keeping

the speakers' list and taking the roll call.

Resolution - A document that has been passed by an organ of the UN

that aims to address a particular problem or issue. The UN resolution is

equivalent of a law

Right of Reply - A right to speak in reply to a previous speaker's

comment, invoked when a delegate feels personally insulted by

another's speech. Generally requires a written note to the Chair to be

invoked.

Roll Call – This is the first order of business in a Model UN committee,

during which the Rapporteur reads aloud the names of each member

state in the committee. When a delegate's country's name is called, he

or she may respond "present" or "present and voting." A delegate

responding "present and voting" may not abstain on a substantive vote.

Rules of Procedure - The rules by which a Model UN committee is

run. See our Charts of Rules and Motions.

Second – “To agree with a motion being proposed.” Many motions must

be seconded before they can be brought to a vote.

Secretariat - The most senior staff of a Model UN conference.

Secretary-General - The leader of a Model UN conference.

Signatory - A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put on the

floor and signs the draft resolution to accomplish this. A signatory need

not support a resolution; it only wants it to be discussed. Usually, Model

UN conferences require some minimum number of sponsors and

signatories for a draft resolution to be approved.

Simple majority - 50% plus one, of the number of delegates in a

committee. The amount needed to pass most votes.

Speakers' List - A list that determines the order in

which delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic is opened for

discussion, the Chair will create a speakers' list by asking all delegates

wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on them one at a

time. During debate, a delegate may indicate that he or she wishes to be

added to the speakers' list by sending a note to the dais.

Sponsor - One of the writers of a draft resolution. A

friendly amendment can only be created if all sponsors agree.

Substantive - Having to do with the topic being discussed. A

substantive vote is a vote on a draft resolution or amendment

already on the floor during voting bloc. Only member

states (not observer states or non-governmental organizations) may vote

on substantive issues.

Unmoderated Caucus - A type of caucus in which delegates leave

their seats to mingle and speak freely. It enables the free sharing of

ideas to an extent not possible in formal debate or even a moderated

caucus. Frequently used to sort countries into blocs and to

write working papers and draft resolutions.

Working Paper - A document in which the ideas of some delegates on

how to resolve an issue are proposed. It is frequently a precursor to

the draft resolution.

Veto - The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the

United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent any draft

resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no.

Vote - A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or do not

support a proposed action for the committee. There are two

types: procedural and substantive.

Voting bloc - The period at the end of a committee session during

which delegates vote on proposed amendments and draft resolutions.

Nobody may enter or leave the room during voting bloc.

Resolution Process

The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutions—

written suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are drafted by delegates and voted on by the committee, normally

require a simple majority to pass (except in the Security Council). Only Security Council resolutions can compel nations to take action. All other UN

bodies use resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions for future action.

Tips for Resolution Writing

1. Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the

conference organizers. Each conference may have a slightly different

format.

2. Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution calls for

a new program, think about how it will be funded and what body will

manage it.

3. Try to cite facts whenever possible. Be realistic. Do not create

objectives for your resolution that cannot be met.

4. Make sure your body can take the action suggested. For example,

the General Assembly can't sanction another country – only the Security

Council can do so.

5. Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to

approve the resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas.

6. Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use

them to cite past resolutions, precedents and statements about the

purpose of action.

7. Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to

create. Use them to explain what the committee will do to address the

issue.

Preambulatory Clauses

The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee

is addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue.

Each clause begins with a present participle (called a preambulatory phrase)

and ends with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can include:

References to the UN Charter;

Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;

Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN

body or agency;

Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in

dealing with the issue; and

General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.

Sample Preambulatory Phrases

Affirming Alarmed by Approving Bearing in mind Believing Confident Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply Disturbed Deeply Regretting Desiring Emphasizing

Expecting Emphasizing Expecting Expressing it’s appreciation Fulfilling Fully aware Emphasizing Expecting Expressing it’s appreciation Fulfilling Fully aware Further deploring Further recalling Guided by Having adopted

Having examined Having received Keeping in min Noting with deep concern Nothing with satisfaction Noting further Observing Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Seeking Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation

Operative Clauses

Operative clauses offer solutions to issues addressed earlier in a resolution through the perambulatory section. These clauses are action oriented and should include both an underlined verb at the beginning of your sentence followed by the proposed solution. Each clause should follow the following principals:

Clause should be numbered;

Each clause should support one another and continue to build your

solution;

Add details to your clauses in order to have a complete solution;

Operative clauses are punctuated by a semicolon, with the exception of your

last operative clause which should end with a period.

Sample 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 Deplores Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims

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

Sponsors and Signatories Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN, since countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the draft resolution to pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution and only the sponsors can approve immediate changes. Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments. A certain percentage of the committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution in order for it to be accepted.

Friendly and Unfriendly Amendment

Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft resolution. The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to change certain sections. There are two types of amendments: A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with. After the amendment is signed by all of the draft resolution's sponsors and approved by the committee director or president, it will be automatically incorporated into the resolution. An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolution's sponsors do not support and must be voted upon by the committee. The author(s) of the amendment will need to obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it (usually 20 percent of the committee). Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments. Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a great deal of debate

and compromise. They are the tangible results of hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a result, it is important to become familiar with the resolution process and practice drafting resolutions using the proper structure and wording.

Sample Draft Resolution

General Assembly Third Committee

Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon Topic: "Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies" The General Assembly, Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use commas to separate preambulatory clauses] Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations, Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm,

1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more

closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of

relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative clauses]

2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of

Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;

3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance

the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex

emergencies;

4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages

voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding

the implementation of rapid deployment forces;

5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the

political, economic and social situations and events of all countries;

6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals

for humanitarian assistance; and

7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict

assistance through reconstruction and development. [end resolutions

with a full stop]

Position Paper Many conferences require that each delegation submit a position paper—an essay detailing your country's policies on the topics being discussed in your committee. Writing a position paper will help you organize your ideas so that you can share your country's position with the rest of the committee. If you conduct extensive research, a position paper should be easy to write. Most conferences that require position papers ask for them about one month before the conference so that staff members can read them and get a feel for the direction debate will take. If the conference you are attending does not require a position paper, you should still consider writing one to help you organize your research and prepare your speeches. Many delegates use their position papers as their opening remarks.

How to Write a Position Paper Writing a position paper might appear to be a daunting task, especially for new delegates. But with enough research, you will find that writing a position paper will be easy and useful.

Formatting details:

Font Size: 12

Font Type: Arial

Max Length: 1 page (A4)

A good position paper MUST include:

1. A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the

topic and committee;

2. How the issue affects your country;

3. Your country's policies with respect to the issue and your country's

justification for these policies;

4. Quotes from your country's leaders about the issue; Statistics to back

up your country's position on the issue;

5. Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue;

6. Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or

ratified;

7. UN actions that your country supported or opposed;

8. What your country believes should be done to address the issue;

9. How the positions of other countries affect your country's position.