Rules of Procedure (How debates work)
Understanding the rules of procedure is essential for effective participation in Model UN conferences. These rules govern how debates are conducted and decisions are made.
Conference Structure
- Roll Call: At the beginning of each session, the committee chair calls out each country's name, and delegates respond to confirm their presence.
- Setting the Agenda: Delegates propose topics for discussion. The committee then votes to prioritize these topics, establishing the order in which they will be addressed.
- Speakers' List: Once the agenda is set, a list is established to manage the order of speakers. Delegates can request to be added to this list to make formal speeches.
Debate Procedures
- Motions: Delegates can propose various motions to guide the flow of debate, such as:
- Moderated Caucus: A temporary suspension of the speakers' list to allow for a focused discussion on a specific sub-topic, with the chair moderating.
- Unmoderated Caucus: A suspension of formal debate rules, allowing delegates to move freely, form alliances, and draft resolutions.
- Closure of Debate: A motion to end the current debate and move to voting procedures.
- Points: Delegates may raise points to address specific needs or concerns, including:
- Point of Order: Raised when a delegate believes there has been a procedural error.
- Point of Inquiry: Used to ask questions regarding the rules of procedure or the current proceedings.
- Point of Personal Privilege: Raised when a delegate experiences personal discomfort affecting their participation (e.g., inability to hear another delegate).
Resolutions and Voting
- Draft Resolutions: Throughout the conference, delegates collaborate to draft resolutions addressing the discussed issues. These documents are debated, amended, and ultimately voted upon.
- Voting Procedure: Once debate on a draft resolution concludes, the committee moves into voting procedures. Depending on the conference's rules, different voting methods may be employed, such as:
- Simple Majority: More than half of the votes cast.
- Two-Thirds Majority: At least two-thirds of the votes cast.
PRO TIP
Familiarize yourself with the specific rules of procedure for your conference in advance. Different MUN conferences may have slight variations in their rules.
Position Paper Guidelines (How to write them)
A position paper articulates your assigned country's stance on the topics to be discussed in your committee. It's typically structured into three main sections:
Structure
- Heading: Include the committee name, the country you're representing, and the topics to be addressed.
- Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the issue, its significance, and its relevance to your country.
- Country's Position on the Topic: Detail your country's perspective, supported by historical context, policies, and relevant data.
- Proposed Solutions: Present clear, actionable solutions your country advocates for addressing the issue.
- Conclusion: Summarize your country's commitment to resolving the issue and its willingness to collaborate internationally.
Formatting Guidelines
- Length: Typically 1-2 pages per topic.
- Font: Times New Roman, size 12.
- Spacing: Single-spaced.
- Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.
- Citations: Use a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA, APA) and include a bibliography.
REMEMBER
Position papers should reflect your country's actual policies, not your personal opinions. Thorough research is essential to represent your country accurately.
For a comprehensive guide, refer to the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Position Paper Guide.
NMUN Position Paper Guide
Understanding Resolutions (Examples for delegates)
Resolutions are formal documents that express the collective decisions or recommendations of a committee. They consist of:
Components
- Heading: Includes the committee name, the sponsors, the signatories, and the topic.
- Preambulatory Clauses: Provide context, outline the issue, and reference previous international actions or statements.
- Operative Clauses: Detail the specific actions or recommendations proposed to address the issue.
Formatting Guidelines
- Heading: Clearly state the committee, topic, sponsors, and signatories.
- Preambulatory Clauses: Begin with phrases like "Recalling," "Recognizing," or "Acknowledging," and end with a comma.
- Operative Clauses: Begin with action verbs like "Encourages," "Requests," or "Urges," and end with a semicolon; the last clause ends with a period.
EFFECTIVE RESOLUTIONS
Strong resolutions balance ambitious goals with practical implementation. Focus on specific, actionable solutions that address the root causes of issues.
For a detailed explanation and examples of resolutions, consult the "Model UN Made Easy: How to Write a Resolution" guide.
Best Delegate Resolution Guide