Fort Collins High School
Model United Nations
Handbook
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Table of Contents
Overview of the UN System…………………………………………….3
Model UN Rules and Procedures……………………………………...7
Research Tips……………………………………………………………9
How to Find UN Documents in 5 Steps……………………………….11
Position Paper Guidelines………………………………………………13
Sample Position Paper………………………………………………….14
Writing a Resolution………………………………………………….....15
Sample Resolution………………………………………………………17
Tips for Caucusing and Public Speaking……………………………..19
Useful Links………………………………………………………………21
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Overview of the UN System
A. Main UN Organs
The UN Charter establishes the primary organs of the UN as the General Assembly, the
Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the
International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. The rest of the UN is made up of
specialized committees which focus on a particular issue or area, and each reports to
the appropriate main organ. For example, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
reports to the GA, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports to
ECOSOC.
General Assembly (GA)One of the primary organs of the UN, the GA is considered the main deliberative body.
Every Member State has a single vote on the GA and within each of its main
committees. The Charter of the UN gives the General Assembly a considerable amount
of responsibilities, although most actions of the GA are in the form of recommendations
to Member Stats or to other UN bodies and international organizations. Issues of
preliminary consideration are usually relegated to the six main committees of the GA:
• First Committee- Disarmament and International Security
• Second Committee- Economic and Financial
• Third Committee- Social, Humanitarian and Cultural
• Fourth Committee- Special Political and Decolonization
• Fifth Committee- Administrative and Budget
• Sixth Committee- Legal.
Each Committee presents its work in the form of written resolutions to the GA , which
then further deliberates and votes upon the committee recommendations.
Security Council (SC)The main responsibility of the SC is the maintenance of international peace and security.
Members of the SC include the five “permanent members”- the People’s Republic of
China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States- as
well as ten rotating members, elected by the GA for two-year terms. The permanent
members all have the ability to veto any action of the SC, making their agreement critical
in any SC endeavor. The SC is the only UN organ which has the authority to demand
actions on the part of Member States; all other UN resolutions are recommendations.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)As a primary UN organ, the mandate of ECOSOC is to coordinate economic and social
efforts between the UN and the various specialized agencies and institutions. ECOSOC
has 54 members, elected for three year term; each member has a single vote. The most
recent efforts of ECOSOC have been to strengthen cooperation between main UN
bodies and other agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), in furtherance
of international conferences, treaties and resolutions. ECOSOC Resolutions are in the
form of policy recommendations on social, cultural, educations, heath and related
matters.
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Trusteeship CouncilIntended to oversee the administration of the original eleven Trust Territories, known as
the Trusteeship System, the Council is somewhat obsolete since all Trust Territories
have now gained independence or self-governance. The Council has amended its
mandate so that it may meet whenever and wherever the situation warrants. The
membership of the Council consists of the five permanent members of the SC.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)The ICJ acts as the principal international judicial body. All UN Member States are
automatic parties to the ICJ Statute. The Court may preside over cases brought to it by
parties to the Statute, and may be asked to give advisory opinions relating to
international law, other UN organs, or specialized agencies, as appropriate. Rulings are
based upon international conventions and treaties, international custom, general
principles of law, and judicial decisions and teachings of those individuals most qualified
among various nations. Fifteen judges sit on the court, elected by the GA to serve
renewable nine-year terms.
SecretariatAs defined by the UN Charter, the secretariat is the international staff which conducts
the day-to-day operations and administrations of the Organization. The SecretaryGeneral (SG) is defined as the chief administrative officer of the UN, although the job
also involves acting as the main spokesperson, diplomat and activist of the UN. As
such, the SG’s actions and statements carry enormous influence in the international
community, and the SG often intervenes in international situations to promote peaceful
resolutions. With UN reform being a major priority for Member States, the Deputy
Secretary-General position was recently created to oversee implementation of UN
reform efforts as well as to consolidate inter-organizational efforts.
From www.amun.org/resource/learn_un.pdf
Model UN Rules and Procedure
1. Officers and People at the Competition
a. Secretary General: a student or students organizing the competition, and
opens the conference. The SG has power over, and can make decisions
that override the President and other officers. If the President needs to
leave the council for some reason, the SG can fill in for them and can
speak in any council at any time.
b.
The President: has executive power in their respective council. The
President opens and closes council sessions, controls the flow of the
debate, gives delegates the right to speak, and announces votes. The
president also has executive privilege to help keep the council going.
c. The Executive Assistant: the next officer under the president who helps
move the council along. The Executive Assistant can do any of the duties
of the President if asked, and keeps a list of nations who have/not
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spoken, counts and records votes, and received amendments to passed
along to the President.
d. The Parliamentarian: sits at the front of the room and makes sure the
delegates are following Model UN procedure correctly. Their duty is to
give advice only when the President or Executive Assistant asks for it, or
when a delegate calls for parliamentary inquiry.
e. The Judges: award delegates who do a good job representing their
country.
f. The Messengers: referred to as pages, deliver notes between delegates
during general debate; however, notes will not be passed during a vote.
Notes should contain matters of substance and be signed by the person
who wrote them. If the President feels the privilege of sending notes is
being abused, they can stop deliveries or have an adult read all notes
before delivery. This is also how resolutions and amendments should be
given to the Executive Assistant.
2. Procedure
a. Beginning: The President will call the session to order and delegates will
be seated. The President and Executive Assistant may then give a short
introduction of themselves. The President will give an overview of the
rules and the Executive Assistant will take role call.
b. Authorship Speeches: After roll call, the President will call for authorship
speeches on the topic of the session. These are speeches by delegates
who wrote a resolution that was accepted. The time limit for these
speeches is five minutes, followed by up to three questions to be
answered by the author(s). During these speeches, delegates may
introduce friendly amendments.
c. Setting the Docket: After the authorship speeches, the President will ask
for any motions to set the docket. This is the order the resolutions will be
discussed. Once a motion is made, the body will vote on that order,
which can pass by a simple majority. If it does not pass, the other
motions can be made until one does pass. Alternately, the President may
call for all motions at once and the council may vote on all motions at
once.
d. Debating a Resolution:
i. Second Authorship Speech: A second authorship speech,
limited by thirty seconds, allows the author to give delegates a
chance to remember the main points of the first authorship
speech. The first resolution to be discussed will not get a second
authorship speech but all others after that will.
ii. Speakers’ List: The President may then ask for motions to open
the speakers’ list. All delegates who wish to speak on the
resolution raise their placards. The President will call out nations
as he or she sees them to go on a list to speak until all nations
have been called. These speeches are limited to three minutes,
followed by three questions.
iii. Introducing Amendments: Once a delegate has submitted an
amendment to the Executive Assistant and it has been approved
(the EA hasn’t returned it), the delegate can make a motion to
have their amendment introduced by saying “Germany( or
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iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
whatever your country happens to be) moves to have its
amendment introduced”
Move to Previous Question: Once the council has decided there
has been enough debate, minimum debate has been met, or no
more speakers wish to speak, the delegate may make a motion to
move to previous question. Once the motion is made, the council
votes and if the motion passes, the debated is ceased. It takes a
two-thirds majority to pass a resolution.
1. Dividing the Question: If a delegate wishes to divide the
resolution into separate votes, they can do so by the
following motion:
“Germany moves to divide the question”
“How would you like to divide it?”
“Clauses 1 and 2, then clauses 3 through 6”
Caucusing: Unmoderated caucuses are where delegates meet
informally with one another and the committee staff to discuss and
negotiate draft resolutions, amendments and other issues.
Moderated caucuses vary in length, but are modified speakers’
lists in which delegates raise their placards to be recognized and
may give a thirty second speech to give their opinion on the
resolution or what will persuade them to vote for it.
Decorum: If the President calls for decorum, the delegates must
immediately stop talking or moving about and be more peaceful.
If the President feels a delegate is not displaying appropriate
behavior, they may be expelled from the council.
Right of Reply: If a delegate feels they have been personally
offended, or the country of that delegate has been attacked, they
may submit their grievance in written form to the President. If the
President allows the right of reply, then the delegate may speak
for thirty seconds to the nation which delivered the insult.
Two-Part Questions: Delegates may ask two-part questions at
any time if they ask both parts at once. No question may have
more than two parts.
Research Tips
To represent your country accurately, start by answering the following questions:
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What type of government does your country have?
Which domestic issues might influence your country’s foreign policy?
What are some major events in your country’s history and why are they
important to the topic?
Which ethnicities, religions, and languages can be found in your country?
Which countries share a border with your country?
Which countries are considered allies or enemies of your country?
What are the characteristics of your country’s economy?
What is your country’s GDP? How does this compare to other countries?
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•
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Does your country belong to any intergovernmental organizations outside
the UN, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?
Does your country belong to any regional organizations such as the
European Union or the African Union?
Does your country belong to any trade organizations or agreements such
as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
Here are some other tips to help with researching:
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Look up your country’s permanent mission to the United Nations.
Find your country’s voting records and speeches on the United Nations
Bibliographic Information System.
Check out the CIA Factbook and/or the US State Department’s report on
your country, keeping in mind these are released by the US, not the
country you are representing (unless you happen to be the US).
Keep your information bulleted or in another format which makes it easy to
find during conferences for speeches or debating.
From http://www.unusa.org/site/pp.aspx?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=457135
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How to Find UN Documents in 5 Steps or Less
1. The UN Bibliographic Information System (UNBISnet), available
at unbisnet.un.org, can be used to find:
o Resolutions passed by the Security Council, ECOSOC, and General
Assembly (1946 onward);
o Voting records for all resolutions which were adopted by the General
Assembly (1983 onward) and the Security Council; and
o Speeches made in the General Assembly (1983 onward), the Security
Council (1983 onward), the Economic and Social Council (1983 onward),
and the Trusteeship Council (1982 onward).
2. The UN News Centre, available at www.un.org/news, can be used to find press
releases from UN bodies and the Secretary-General.
3. The International Court of Justice's website, available at www.icj-cij.org, can be
used to locate ICJ decisions.
4. For research, news and resources on specific topics, the UN's website has a
section on "Issues on the UN Agenda," available at www.un.org/issues.
How to Find Resolutions Passed on Any Topic
1. Go to UNBISnet at unbisnet.un.org
2. Under the heading "Bibliographic Records," click on "New Keyword Search."
3. You are presented with four optional search fields.
o Enter a topic or keyword next to "Subject (All)."
o If you want to refine your search to one specific body, such as the
Security Council, select "UN Doc. Symbol / Sales No." in the second
drop-down menu, and enter the appropriate resolution code.
For instance, all Security Council resolutions begin with S/RES; all
General Assembly resolutions begin with A/RES; all ECOSOC resolutions
begin with E/Year where year is the year in which the resolution passed.
Enter any of these codes in the second search field, or leave it blank to
search all committees on the topic.
o To limit the search results by date, scroll down to the "User Defined
Limits" and select "Year of Publication," the appropriate delimiter, and
enter the year of the resolution.
4. Click on the "Go" button.
5. All the resolutions passed by the UN on that subject will appear in a list. If
available, a link to the actual resolution will be provided in each of the official UN
languages.
How to Find Voting Records for a General Assembly or Security Council Resolution
NOTE: GA resolutions passed before 1983 are not available. Go to UNBISnet
at unbisnet.un.org
1. Under the heading "Voting Records," click on "New Keyword Search."
2. You are presented with four optional search fields. Enter the appropriate
resolution number next to the drop-down reading "UN Resolution Symbol."
3. Click on the "Go" button.
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4. The resolution you want will come up. Under the resolution number is a link to
the full text of the resolution. Below that is the full voting history, with Y and N
standing for yes and no votes.
How to Find Speeches on an Issue Delivered by Your Country's Representatves
NOTE: Speeches are only available if they were made in the General Assembly,
Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, or Security Council since 1983; not
all speeches made in this time are yet online. Most speeches made in subsidiary bodies
of these organs will not be available.
1. Go to UNBISnet at unbisnet.un.org.
2. Under the heading "Index to Speeches," click on "New Keyword Search."
3. You are presented with four optional search fields.
o Enter the country's name next to the drop-down reading
"Country/Organization."
o If you would like to limit the topic, enter a keyword next to the drop-down
reading "Topic."
o To limit the UN body in which the speech was given, enter the appropriate
code next to the drop-down reading "Meeting Record Symbol." Enter A
for the General Assembly, S for the Security Council, E for ECOSOC or T
for the Trusteeship Council.
4. Click on the "Go" button.
5. All speeches given by your country on this topic will be listed. Click on the link to
display the full text of the speech if it is available.
How to Find All Press Releases on a Topic
NOTE: Only press releases issued in 1995 or later are available.
1. Go to the Press Release Series Symbols Index at
www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/press1.htm. Scroll down until you see your
committee. Record the symbol listed to the right of it.
2. Go to the UN News Centre at www.un.org/news.
3. Under "Press Releases" on the sidebar on the left, click on "Search."
4. The Full Text search page will appear. In the box next to the word "Keywords,"
type your topic or a one-word description of it, a space and the symbol you found
in Step 2.
5. Click on the "Search" button.
How to Find an ICJ Decision on a Specific Topic
1. Go to the ICJ website at www.icj-cij.org.
2. Click on "Decisions" in the header.
o If you know the year of your case, scroll down until you find it.
o If you know just the topic of the case, or one of the parties, use the "find"
function (Ctrl-F on a PC) and enter the country name or keyword.
3. When you find the case, click on the appropriate link.
4. To see the full text of the decision, click on the "Judgment" link on the left of the
page, if it is available. If it is not available, the case has not yet been decided.
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Position Statement Guidelines:
The goal of the Position Statement is to state diplomatically what the issues are as seen
by your country’s government, what the perceived risks or benefits are to the world
community, and what public policy decisions are needed.
A powerful Position Statement for MUN conferences will include:
• A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and
committee
• How the issue affects your country
• Your country’s policies with respect to the issue and your country’s justification
for these policies
• Quotes from your country’s leaders about the issue
• Statistics to back up your country’s position on the issue
• Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue
• Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified
• UN actions that your country supported or opposed
• What your country believes should be done to address the issue
• What your country would like to accomplish in the committee’s resolution
Remember you goals are:
• To present a persuasive argument accurate to your country’s views.
• To make your claims clearly and concisely
• To address the resolutions presented on the issue, which you agree with, which
you oppose, and which you would amend.
• To provide facts that back up your position, not just philosophies- statistics and
precedents from your government’s political history.
Helpful Tips:
• To communicate strongly and effectively, avoid flowery wording and stick to
uncomplicated language and sentence structure.
• Give each separate idea or proposal its own paragraph. Make sure each
paragraph starts with a topic sentence.
• Use footnotes or endnotes to show where you found your facts and statistics.
Even if you don’t include footnotes in your position paper, know where you found
your information.
• Edit your position paper! Ask yourself if the organization of the paper makes
sense and double-check your spelling and grammar.
• A good position paper makes a great introductory speech. During debate, a good
position paper will also help you to stick to your country’s policies.
From http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=457141
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Fort Collins High School
Colorado Division Model UN
Position Statement
Country: ____The Russian Federation_________________________________
Delegate Names: ____Petr and Derek ________________________________
Committee: ___UN Security Council___________________________________
Topic: __Disease control and health issues in host cities after natural disasters_
In preparation for representation of a country in this Model U.N. Conference, you must clearly articulate, in concise,
standard
written English, the policy of that country that you will choose to advance, or defend. You may not use a font smaller
than
10 point Times New Roman, and you may exceed the space provided in the text box below.
It goes without questioning that the world and the Russian Federation, as a member of the
world community, will support any efforts to aid after a natural disaster, any where in the
world. For example, Russia is capable of creating a new export direction, meaning the
delivery of advanced technologies, commodities, and services for international humanitarian
operations and projects. However, the means to this ends can be approached in many ways,
and in order for the afflicted people to gain the aid that they require, the existing programs
need improvement. There are many borders and customs difficulties faced by the emergency
forces and humanitarian convoys when they urgently need to reach the people requiring aid.
Therefore, the Russian Federation strongly urges the States to request international aid
and that they should allow access of the aforementioned aid into their country.
Furthermore, the Russian Federation believes that there are major drawbacks in the
organization of rescue operations and other kinds of aid with a low level of coordination of
operative units from different countries. Thus, the Russian Federation promotes the
unification of the organization of the rescue structure, the technical equipment, and the
management bodies of national and international disaster control with the view to create
a more efficient system. Another point of consideration would be the further development
and improvement of the international humanitarian laws. Talking specifically about disease
control, the Russian Federation believes there should be a wider education of specialists, and
a more organized response system. As far as health issues in host cities for evacuees and
health workers, the Russian Federation strongly believes in the work of the WHO. However,
the Russian Federation also feels that the government of the affected region must
undertake the responsibility of the health issues, with aid from the world community
and the WHO. All of the previously mentioned amendments to the international and national
methods for disaster control, as specifically pertaining to disease control and health issues, are
of utmost importance; however, there is one more issue that is often overlooked. It is the
Russian Federation’s belief that the conservation of natural, historical, and cultural heritage
should be an element of strong consideration.
Model U.N. Sponsor’s Signature (On Behalf of the Foreign Minister of the “Home
government”)
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Writing a Resolution
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. There are two parts to a resolution, the Preamble and the
Operative Clauses.
Preamble:
The purpose of the preamble is to show there is a problem that needs to be
solved and to provide historic justification for action. 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 that have been ratified under
the topic of discussion.
• Statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or
agency.
• Recognition of the work or efforts of regional organizations in dealing with
the issues.
• General statements on the topic, its significance and its effects.
Operative Clauses:
Operative clauses identify recommendations and actions to achieve the country’s
policy goals on the topic. Operative clauses should be organized in a logical
progression, with each containing a single idea or proposal. Each operative clause is
preceded by a number, begins with a verb, and ends with a semicolon and the final
clause ends with a period. Any further explanation or information for a clause can be
included in bulleted lists or roman numerals in outline form under the clause.
Remember:
• detail, Detail DETAIL- If your resolution calls for a new program, think
about how it will be funded and what body will manage it
• Cite facts whenever possible
• Be realistic; don’t create objectives which can’t be met. For example, do
not propose sanctions on another country in a GA resolution, because
only the SC can sanction countries.
• Follow the format given.
Amendments:
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:
• Friendly: Added or approved by author(s) or sponsoring countries of the
resolution, limit of two.
• Unfriendly: Must be voted on separately before it can be added to the
resolution. Amendments can’t change the intent of a resolution.
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Some Preambulatory Phrases:
Deeply disturbed
Affirming
Deeply regretting
Alarmed by
Desiring
Approving
Emphasizing
Aware of
Expecting
Bearing in
Expressing its
mind
appreciation
Believing
Expressing its
Confident
satisfaction
Contemplating Fulfilling
Convinced
Fully alarmed
Declaring
Fully aware
Deeply
Fully believing
concerned
Further deploring
Deeply
Further recalling
conscious
Guided by
Deeply
convinced
Having adopted Noting further
Having
Noting with
considered
approval
Having
Observing
considered
Reaffirming
further
Realizing
Having devoted Recalling
attention
Recognizing
Having examined Referring
Having heard
Seeking
Having received Taking into
Having studied account
Keeping in mind Taking into
Noting with
consideration
regret
Taking note
Noting with deep Viewing with
concern
appreciation
Noting with
Welcoming
satisfaction
Some Operative Phrases:
Accepts
Declares accordingly Further invites
Recommends
Affirms
Deplores
Further proclaims Regrets
Approves
Designates
Further reminds Reminds
Authorizes
Draws the attention Further
Requests
Calls
Emphasizes
recommends
Solemnly
Calls upon
Encourages
Further requests affirms
Condemns
Endorses
Further resolves Strongly
Confirms
Expresses its
Has resolved
condemns
Congratulatesappreciation
Notes
Supports
Considers
Expresses its hope Proclaims
Takes note of
Reaffirms
Transmits
Trusts
From http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=457165
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Tips for Public Speaking and Caucusing
Making effective speeches and knowing how to negotiate in a caucus forum are
very important parts of the Model UN process, so here are some tips to assist you:
Public Speaking:
• Prepare: for an opening speech use your position paper as a guideline, and for
your subsequent speeches, have some key points you want to get across written
down.
• Eliminate filler words such as “um”, “well” and the big one, “like.” These just take
away from your message.
• Use meaningful pauses, such as after a rhetorical question, to give your
audience time to process and better remember the information you are
presenting, this also gives you time to formulate your next statement.
• Pace yourself: remember most speakers talk too fast, and nerves will cause you
to speak even faster.
• Be aware of your posture: stand up straight, don’t cross your arms or legs, and
relax!
• Project! If your audience cannot hear what you are saying, they won’t know what
your argument is.
• Gesture when appropriate, but not so much that it distracts your audience.
• Glance at your notes, don’t read them, and instead make eye contact with each
of the other delegates.
• Speak concisely and go directly to your main points, not in a circle.
• By referencing what other delegates have said, you can show support for your
allies and indicate what proposals you do not agree with.
Caucusing:
• Enter the caucus with a plan in mind. Know what you are willing to give up in a
resolution, and what you are not.
• Find delegates in your regional bloc to find allies, but don’t be afraid to branch
out.
• Listen to what other delegates are saying, it will help you present a more
convincing argument and better ideas when you understand the discussion.
Don’t interrupt another delegate!
• Speak in small groups or one-on-one to find out other country’s positions, larger
groups are better for brainstorming, and don’t accomplish as much.
• Stay calm, judges will notice when delegates fly off the handle, and other
delegates won’t appreciate it.
• Use your time effectively, Presidents generally only allow 5-7 minutes for
caucusing, so use it to hear everyone’s ideas rather than arguing over small
issues which won’t affect the resolution.
From http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=45713 1
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Useful Links
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The United Nations:
o
www.un.org
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www.un.int – permanent missions
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www.un.org/issues - Global issues on the UN Agenda
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www.icj-cij.org. - ICJ website
www.politicalresources.net
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US State Department Background Notes:
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Up-to-date information on current world conflicts
www.news.bbc.co.uk
o
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Good general Model UN information and links
www.crisisgroup.org
o
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Has information on topics seen in the UN, good for GA background
www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/modelun/index.asp
o
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www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn
www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/briefing/index.asp
o
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Links for political websites associated with most countries.
BBC News, great up-to-the-minute international news
CIA World Factbook:
o
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
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