ABOUT THE

UNITED
NATIONS

STRUCTURE
The United Nations is led by the Secretary General, who
oversees the workings of the entire organization. There are
five main principal organs of the United Nations system:

Security Council
General Assembly
Economic and Social Council
International Court of Justice
Secretariat

In addition to these organs, there are numerous subsidiary

organizations and committees that are focused in specialized
areas. The more popular of these include the UN Environment
Programme, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the
World Health Organization, and the World Bank.

UNSC
The Security Council is the most powerful body of the
United Nations. It has the important responsibility of
maintaining international peace and security. The
UNSC possesses power to investigate any dispute or
situation which might lead to international conflict
and may recommend methods or terms of settlement
to alleviate such matters.

It has five permanent (veto holding) nations, ten nonpermanent seats and other observer (non-voting)
countries.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY (GA)

Fir st Committee ( D isarmament and International S ecurity
Committee) is concerned with disarmament and related
international security questions;
S econd Committee ( E conomic and Financial Committee) is
concerned with economic questions;
Third Committee ( Social, Humanitarian and Cultural
Committee) deals with social and humanitarian issues;
Four th Committee ( S pecial Political and D ecolonization
Committee) deals with a variety of political subjects not dealt
with by the Fir st Committee, as well as with decolonization;
Fif th Committee ( Administrative and Budgetary
Committee) deals with the administration and budget of the
United Nations; and
S ixth Committee ( Legal Committee) deals with international
legal matter s.

MODEL
UNITED
NATIONS

MUN
Model United Nations or MUN is an academic
simulation where students step into the shoes of
diplomats/delegates representing countries or
organizations.

MUN involves and teaches researching, public

speaking, debating, and writing skills, in
addition to critical thinking, lobbying,
teamwork, and leadership abilities.

MUN
Secretariat & Secretary General

Executive Board (EB)

Delegates

PREPARING
FOR THE
CONFERENCE

CHOOSING A COMMITTEE
Check the conference website for the list of committees
and the agenda. Choose a committee with agenda that
you find most interesting, relatable and relevant.

For example, if you have a strong interest in

international finance and trade, you may want to look
for a country in the World Bank. If you are pursuing an
education and career in international law, the
International Court of Justice may be a good pick for
you.

CHOOSING A COMMITTEE

CHOOSING A COUNTRY
Check the country matrix for each country for the list of
available options. Certain parameters that go into
choosing a country include:

Cultural background of the country

Policies of the country
Level of activity of the country with the reference to
the committee of choice
Availability of research information on the country

CHOOSING A COUNTRY

RESEARCH

COUNTRY SPECIFIC
Some of the key factors that need to be researched
about the delegates country include factors like
demographics and population, economy, history, politics
and most importantly stance on the agenda at hand and
international relations, both general as well as with
reference to the committee.

The best sources for procuring the above mentioned

information are websites specific to the national
government of the country or UN Report.

COUNTRY SPECIFIC

AGENDA SPECIFIC
Agenda specific research involves gathering facts,
figures and analysis of sub-topics that make up the
agenda.

The sources for procuring the above mentioned

information are UN Reports, reports by national
governments, acceptable media houses and most
importantly the background guide.
Legit media sources for an MUN include names like BBC
and Reuters, subject to acceptance of the EB and fellow
committee members. National media houses for a
nation (for instance DD for India) are also credible
sources.

BACKGROUND GUIDE
The background guide is an official document provided
by the secretariat of the conference to the delegates. It
lists down detailed analysis of the agenda which
delegates are expected to research and debate on. Any
facts mentioned in the BG can be produced in
committee without opposition from another state.

A thorough reading of the background guide is

quintessential for success in an MUN. It can pretty much
be treated as the Bible for research purposes, but may
not always be exhaustive.

BACKGROUND GUIDE

UN WEBSITE

CONVENTIONS/REPORTS

POSITION PAPER
The Position Paper is a document that delegates need
to submit to the EB some time prior to the conference.
It is a reflection of the countrys views and stance on
the agenda at hand.

A position paper in general will comprise the following

paragraphs:
Introduction to the agenda
Brief description of the countrys history leading up to
the issue
Concrete stance of the country with respect to its
Foreign policy followed by a concluding remark

POSITION PAPER

RULES OF
PROCEDURE

QUORUM
The minimum number of members of a committee
required for the committee proceedings to
commence.
Set at one third of the members of the committee.
Assumed to be present, unless specifically
challenged and shown to be absent .
In case quorum fails, committee session will be
suspended at the discretion of the Chair.

DECORUM
Delegates are to note that during all modes of formal
discussion (moderated caucus, during speeches or
points of information), they are to speak in the 3rd
person.
For example:
Incorrect
I would like to draw attention to the role of the UNs
peacekeeping forces in your country.
Correct
The delegate of China would like to draw attention to the
role of the UNs peacekeeping forces in the delegate of
Sudans country.

SETTING THE AGENDA

The first motion made during the opening session.
Generally decisive when there is more than one agenda to be
discussed.
A motion is to be made by any delegate to state the topic area to be
debated.
This motion requires a second.
Once the motion is made, a provisional speakers list featuring three
speakers for the motion and three speakers against the motion will
be made.
Once this is exhausted, voting shall occur (requiring a simple majority
only).
Following the setting of the agenda, a motion to proceed to the
second topic area will only be entertained once the committee has
either adopted or rejected a resolution on the first topic, or after
debate has been adjourned.

FORMAL
DEBATE

SPEAKERS LIST
Once the Agenda is determined,
One continuously open Speakers List is established, to
which delegates can add their names.
The list will proceed in the order in which delegates
are recognized by the Chair.
This order will be followed for all debate on the topic
area, unless superseded by any procedural motions
(e.g. motions to move into Moderated Caucuses, etc.)
or reports.
Speakers are allowed to speak on the topic in general,
and may address any draft.
Speakers Lists may be General or Provisional.

LIMITATION OF SPEAKING TIME

The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker at his
or her discretion.
Delegates may motion to increase or decrease the speaking
time, which will then be voted upon by the session.
Upon exceeding their time limit, the delegate may be called
to order without delay, though the Chair has the discretion to
be flexible with respect to this.
In general, time is set at 1 minute 30 seconds.

POINTS
AND
MOTIONS

SECONDS AND OPPOSITIONS

Seconding a motion is a process whereby committee
decides whether to move into voting for a particular point or
motion.
Those in favour of having a vote on the point/motion are
said to second while those against even considering a vote
are said to oppose.
The use of the above process is restricted only to certain
cases and should not be confused as voting for or against a
motion.

Motion

Second
Debatable Interrupt
Re-

Vote to
Pass

Special Notes

Point of Personal
Privilege

No

No

Yes

No

For addressing personal discomfort

Point of Order

No

No

Yes

No

For procedural inaccuracy

Point of
Information

No

No

No

No

Questions concerning the speech in formal

debate

Point of Inquiry

No

No

No

No

For questions regarding the proceedings

Withdrawal of
draft resolution

No

No

No

No

Withdraws a draft resolution that has

been submitted

Appeal to the
Chairs Decision

No

No

No

No

When a delegate feels the Chair

has made an incorrect decision

Suspend Debate

Yes

No

No

Simple
majority

Length of time is to be specified as well

Table Debate

Yes

2 For/
2 Against

No

2/3rds
majority

Used to Table topic and move on to

another topic

Closure of
Debate

Yes

2 For/
2 Against

No

2/3rds
majority

Used to end debate and move into voting

Adjourn Meeting

Yes

No

No

Simple
majority

Used to End the meeting for the day

YIELDS
Following a speech, the delegate is granted the right to yield in
one of three ways:

To another Delegate: If a delegate has remaining time, this

can be yielded to another delegate (which cannot be further
yielded).
To points of information: The Chair may then choose
questioners, based on his/her discretion.
To the Chair: Should the delegate wish not to address any
points of information, he/she may yield to the Chair. The Chair
will move on with the Speakers List.

RIGHT OF REPLY
Any delegate who feels their personal or national integrity has
been assailed,

May submit a Right of Reply in writing to the Executive Board,

Who then may grant said Right of Reply (at their discretion).
A delegate who is granted a Right of Reply may only address
the session at the request of the Chair.
A Right of Reply to a Right of Reply is out of order, and is thus
not allowed.

INFORMAL
DEBATE

The
Speaker s
List is to be
followed at
all times,
except for
when it is
interrupted
by procedural
motions, or
other such
issues.
Following the
end of such
motions, the
Speaker s
List will be
resumed.

MODERATED CAUCUSES
If a delegate feel a particular line of thought ought to be
further explored by the committee,
He/She may raise a motion to enter into moderated caucus,
along with a total time and total speakers time.
During a moderated caucus, formal debate occurs on a
specific topic as specified by the delegate who raised the
motion, and flow of debate is directed by the Chair.
The delegate, who raised the motion, has the option of either
being the first or the last speaker in that moderated caucus.

UN-MODERATED CAUCUSES
If a delegate feel that enough debate has occurred to begin
forming working resolutions, or feels that further discussion
would benefit from an informal setting,
They may raise a motion to enter into un-moderated caucus
for a specific amount of time.
During this time, delegates may move about and discuss
matters in an informal setting, without interference from the
Executive Board.
This is an integral part of debate, and thus should not be
seen as a chance to waste time.

Simple
Majority:
More Yes
votes than
No votes.

VOTING
Two-thirds
majority:
Twice as
many Yes
votes than
No votes.

Procedural
Voting

Substantive
Voting

Voting that occurs on

any matter other than
resolutions.
All members (including
observer nations) are
required to vote,
Without any
abstentions.
A simple majority is
observed

Voting that occurs on

any matter pertaining
to the resolutions.
Only non-observer
nations may vote.
Abstentions are
accepted
A two-thirds majority is
observed

RESOLUTION
WRITING

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. Note that certain committees,
e.g. the League of Nations and the International Criminal
Court, will have different procedures and thus delegates are
again advised to refer to individual background guides.

-- paraphrased from the United Nations Association of the

United States of America

WORKING PAPER
Delegates may propose working papers
for committee consideration. Working
Papers are intended to aid the committee
in its discussion and formulation of
resolutions and need not be written in
resolution format. Working Papers require
the signature of the Chair to be copied
and distributed. They are a concise and
abridged form of the resolution.

TIPS FOR RESOLUTION WRITING

Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the
conference organizer s. Each conference may have a slightly
dif ferent format.
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.
Tr y to cite facts whenever possible.
Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that
cannot be met. Make sure your body can take the action
suggested. For example, the General Assembly cant sanction
another countr y only the Security Council can do so.
Tr y to find m ultiple s ponsor s. Your committee will be more likely
to approve the resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas.

SPONSORS & 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.

SPONSORS & SIGNATORIES

PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES
The preamble of a draf t 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 par ticiple
(called a preambulator y phrase) and ends with a comma.
Preambulator y clauses can include:
References to the UN Char ter;
Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under
discussion;
Mentions of statements made by the Secretar y -General or a
relevant UN body or agency;
Recognition of the ef for ts 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
Aware of
Bearing in mind
Believing
Confident
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
Expecting
Expressing its
appreciation

Expressing its
satisfaction
Fulfilling
Fully alarmed
Fully aware
Fully believing Fur ther
deploring Fur ther
recalling Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered
fur ther
Having devoted
attention
Having examined
Having heard
Having studied
Keeping in mind
Noting with regret

Noting with deep

concern
Noting with
satisfaction
Noting fur ther
Noting with approval
Obser ving
Reaffirming
Realizing
Recalling
Recognizing
Referring
Seeking
Taking into account
Taking into
consideration

SAMPLE PREAMBULATORY PHRASES

OPERATIVE CLAUSES
Operative
clauses
identify
the
actions
or
recommendations made in a resolution. Each
operative clause begins with a verb (called an
operative phrase) and ends with a semicolon.
Operative clauses should be organized in a logical
progression, with each containing a single idea or
proposal, and are always numbered. If a clause
requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off by
letters or roman numerals can also be used. After the
last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period.

SAMPLE OPERATIVE CLAUSES

Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls upon Condemns
Confirms
Congratulates
Considers
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endor ses

Expresses its
appreciation
Expresses its hope
Fur ther invites
Deplores
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endor ses
Expresses its
appreciation
Expresses its hope
Fur ther invites Fur ther
proclaims Fur ther
reminds Fur ther
recommends Fur ther

requests Fur ther

resolves
Has resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Regrets
Reminds
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Suppor ts
Takes note of
Transmits
Trust

OPERATIVE CLAUSES

AMENDMENTS
Approved draf t resolutions are modified through am endments. An
amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes or revises an
operative clause in a draf t resolution. The amendment process is
used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates
to change cer tain sections. There are two types of amendments:
A f r iendly am endment is a change to the draf t resolution that all
sponsor s agree with. Af ter the amendment is signed by all of the
draf t resolutions sponsor s and approved by the committee
director or president, it will be automatically incorporated into
the resolution.
An unfriendly am endment is a change that some or all of the
draf t resolutions sponsor s do not suppor t 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 draf t resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly
amendments..