GFHSMUN
Gar-Field High School
Model United Nations
Delegate Training Manual
Gar-Field Model UN Secretariat 2012-13
This is a comprehensive guide to being a Model UN delegate. I understand that it may seem long but
PLEASE read this in its entirety because it explains exactly EVERYTHING you need to know about being a
delegate. Also give some credit to the Model United Nations Association of America. Much of the
information in this guide came from their website. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the
Secretary General (SG) or Under-Secretary General (USG).
Model United Nations Conferences
A Model United Nations conference is a hosting of Model United Nations delegates from other
clubs at one specific place (be it a college, high school, or even the United Nations building in
New York) in which the delegates come and debate various topics of discussion. A conference
consists of multiple committees that a delegate can chose to be in. These “committees” are
essentially just the name for the group that you as a delegate are pretending to be apart of.
Generally there are three types of committees: novice committees (consisting of General
Assemblies like DISEC and SOCHUM), intermediate committees (consisting of more complex
committees such as UNSC), and advanced committees (consisting of committees with the top
delegates). Some conference also hold this organization to be General Assembly committees
(novice), Regional/Specialized committees (intermediate), and Crisis committees (advanced).
The advanced, or crisis committees, are so named because they have one general topic that gets
debated on and then crises that arise where the delegates must come up with constructive
solutions on the fly to these issues. It is also important to note that General Assemblies are
always double delegation (meaning you can go with a friend to represent one country) whereas
intermediate tends to be half and half (sometimes they are double and sometimes that are not).
Crisis committees are almost never double delegation.
Choosing the Right Committee for You
The only real major difference between these different committees is the topics you will debate
on and the jurisdiction you will have as a delegate. You want to choose a committee with topics
that you find interesting so that you will be intrigued to be your best during the debate. With that
said, if you are the kind of person that likes to debate on economic issues, it is probably wise that
you don’t choose a committee that has topics involving environmental protection. So here is the
real question: how do I know which committee is right for me? Well here is a general run-down
of the type of committees that you will likely see and the topics that they tend to have.
General Assemblies:
DISEC (Disarmament and International Security Council) deals with security and disarming
nuclear weapons.
SOCHUM (Social Humanitarian Cultural Committee) Deals with social issues like women’s
rights and genocide.
SPECPOL (Special, Political Decolonization Committee) Deals with borders and refugees.
ECOFIN (Economic and Financial Committee) Deals with economic issues facing the world.
Legal Deals with various legal issues around the world.
UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) Deals with environmental issues.
WHO (World Health Organization) Deals with concerns of health and sanitation such as clean
drinking water.
Regional/Specialized:
UNSC (United Nations Security Council) Deals with any and all issues around the world. The
topics tend to be the most pressing issues in today’s world.
LAS/OIC (League of Arab States & Organization of Islamic Cooperation) Deals with conflicts
in the Muslim world and issues involving Arab countries. (Note that LAS and OIC are two
different committees).
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) Deals with the peaceful use of nuclear materials
and disarming nuclear weapons.
OAS (Organization of American States) Deals with the various issues in North and South
America such as illegal drug trade.
Crisis Committees: Crisis committees can be one of two formats: joint crisis cabinets or
normal crisis committees. Crisis cabinets simply mean that as a delegate you will be debating as
one specific faction against another faction. Normal crisis committees generally do not have
multi-sided groups in them. (Also note that there is not a set list of all crisis committees because
they are usually not afflicted with the United Nations like the rest of the committees are. So there
tends to be new crisis committees from conference to conference. These are some of the
committees from the more recent conferences):
CIA vs KGB Joint Crisis where delegates act out a cold war situation between these two groups.
Star Wars Delegates pretend to be a person existing in the Star Wars universe.
Apple vs Google Joint Crisis where delegates act as members of the executive decision board of
either of the two companies.
Flow of Debate- The Order of Things
It is sometimes helpful to think of a Model UN conference as if it were a play in which
Delegates* are the actors and Secretariat* members are the directors. The storyline of a
stage show is similar to what MUNers call the “flow of debate” – the order in which events
proceed during a Model UN conference. Just like scenes in a theatrical
performance, debate unfolds in several different parts. The chart below shows the various
stages of debate that take place during a Model UN simulation. Being familiar with how
the action will proceed, from the first “scene” to the last, is an important way to prepare
yourself for a Model UN conference.
Role Call*
The Chair* will announce each country’s name. After delegates hear their
country, they should answer “present.”
Setting the Agenda
When Model UN committees have more than one topic they can discuss, the body
must set the agenda to begin working on one of these issues first. At this time, a
delegate typically makes a motion*, stating “The country of [country name] motions to
place [topic area A] first on the agenda.” Some conferences will simply take a vote on
this measure, but others will request delegates to speak in favor of and against the
motion. The list of these speakers is called a “provisional speakers list.” Once all
delegates on this list have addressed the committee, a vote is taken. Setting the agenda
usually requires a simple majority vote.
Formal Debate*
Informal Debate
Formal debate revolves around the
Informal debate is divided into
speakers list. The Chair begins by asking
moderated and unmoderated
all delegates who would like to speak to
caucuses*. During moderated
raise their placards. The Chair then
caucuses, the Chair calls on delegates
chooses delegates to be placed on the
one-by-one so that each can address
speakers’ list*. A country can only be
the committee in short speeches.
on the speakers list once, but delegates
During unmoderated caucuses, the
may add their country again after they
committee breaks for a temporary
have addressed the committee.
recess so that delegates can meet with
1a. When the session begins, speeches
focus on stating country positions and
each other and discuss ideas.
1b. After several countries state their
offering recommendations for action.
positions, the committee breaks for
2a. After blocs have met, speeches focus
caucuses (often in blocs for now) to
on describing bloc positions to the entire
develop regional or group positions.
body.
2b. Writing begins as countries work
3a. Delegates now make statements
together to compose draft resolutions*.
describing their ideas to the committee.
3b. Countries and groups meet to
4a. Delegates try to garner more support
gather support for specific ideas.
through formal speeches and invite other
4b. Delegates finalize draft.
resolutions.
Closure of Debate
Once the speakers list is exhausted, the committee automatically moves to voting.
Also, once a delegate feels that his or her country’s position is clear to others and that
there are enough draft resolutions on the floor, he or she may make a motion to proceed
into voting procedure by moving for the closure of debate.
Voting Procedures*
Once a motion to close debate has been approved, the committee moves into voting
procedure. Amendments* are voted on first, then resolutions. Once all of the resolutions
are voted on, the committee moves to the next topic on the agenda.
Position Papers
How to Write a Position Paper (Policy 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.
Your position paper should include a brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown
of your country's position on the topics that are being discussed by the committee. A good
position paper will not only provide facts but also make proposals for resolutions.
Many conferences will ask for specific details in a position paper, so be sure to include
all the required information. Most conferences will provide delegates a background guide*
to the issue. Usually, the background guide will contain questions to consider. Make sure
that your position paper answers these questions.
A good position paper will include:
 A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and
committee;
 How the issue affects your country;
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Your country’s policies with respect to the issue and your country’s justification for these
policies;
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; and
How the positions of other countries affect your country’s position.
Position Paper Tips
Keep it simple: To communicate strongly and effectively, avoid flowery wording and
stick to uncomplicated language and sentence structure.
Get organized: Give each separate idea or proposal its own paragraph. Make sure each
paragraph starts with a topic sentence.
Cite your sources: Have a bibliography.
Read and reread: Leave time to edit your position paper. Ask yourself if the organization
of the paper makes sense and double-check your spelling and grammar.
Speech! Speech! So it’ll help you organize your thoughts for an introductory speech. DO
NOT READ OFF THE PAPER.
The Meat: Include your country’s policy and background and everything, but the most
important part of the position paper are the IDEAS! I always go back to my paper when I
am writing my resolution, so make sure to include some feasible solutions so that your
chair knows who to give credit too when those ideas are in a resolution.
Let the bullets fly: Try not to let your proposals become lost in a sea of information. For
speechmaking, create a bulleted list of your proposals along with your most important
facts and statistics so that you will not lose time looking for them during debate.
PLEASE NOTE THE GAR-FIELD FORMAT THAT EXPLAINS THE EXACT
FORMAT FOR POLICY (POSITION) PAPERS
Research – Probably the most important part!
Collect info on your country. This is 1/6 of your research.
First, you will need to learn about your country so you can address the issues raised at
the conference as a real UN delegate from that country. To represent your country
accurately, start by answering the following questions:
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What sort of government does your country have?
What types of ideologies (political, religious or other) influence your country’s
government?
Which domestic issues might influence your country’s foreign policy?
Which ethnicities, religions and languages can be found in your country?
Where is your country located and how does its geography affect its political
relationships?
Which countries share a border with your country?
Which countries are considered allies of your country?
Which countries are considered enemies of your country?
What are the characteristics of your country’s economy?
What is your country’s gross domestic product (GDP)? How does this compare to other
countries in the world?
When did your country become a member of the UN?
Does your country belong to any intergovernmental organizations outside the UN system
such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the Organization of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)?
Does your country belong to any regional organizations such as the European Union
(EU), the African Union (AU) or the Organization of American States (OAS)?
Does your country belong to any trade organizations or agreements such as the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD)?
Tips for Researching Your Country
Find your country’s voting records and read speeches on the United Nations
Bibliographic Information System website.
Look at the CIA World Factbook for a general overview on your country, and for
figures and statistics as well. The World Factbook is produced by the United States
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Remember this is an American interpretation of
your country. Use it for hard facts and nothing else.
Check out news and media sources for recent developments in your country.
Read the US State Department report on your country.
Collect info on your topics (this is 2/6, 1/3 of your research)
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Best advice: read the briefing packet thoroughly. Then Google it.
Research solutions!! ( ½, or 3/6 of your research!)
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Look up old resolutions on the topic (See: Useful Sites)
Take an idea you like from an old resolution and alter it to your country’s policy (if
possible) and say you are updating- thus cutting down on all the red tape of the UN. OR
take an idea you like, alter it, and don’t mention that you found it in an old resolution.
Only do this if the resolution/ document you found is totally obscure.
Also, don’t blatantly copy the resolution. Because that my friends, is cheating.
Google your topic and “solutions” or “past actions.” Places like policy centers and think
tanks have ideas for many problems, so take those ideas. They haven’t been put into
legislation yet, so this is your chance to take an idea that’s not yours and not feel bad
about it. Mention in committee that this specific body recommends this solution for that
problem, etc. Or, alter it and make it your own.
Check out the Useful Sites section of the manual. Research and come up with your own
solutions. Remember to focus on FEASIBLE, NOVEL ideas. Everyone will have an
education clause. Everyone will talk about countries donating money. Come up with
something new that differentiates you!
DO NOT copy things. Feel free to be “motivated” by something, but alter it in a
significant way so that the ideas are (mostly) your own.
The All Important 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.
Draft Resolutions
Draft resolutions are all resolutions that have not yet been voted on. Delegates write draft
resolutions alone or with other countries. There are three main parts to a draft resolution:
the heading, the preamble and the operative section. The heading shows the committee
and topic along with the resolution number. It also lists the draft resolution’s sponsors
and signatories (see below). Each draft resolution is one long sentence with sections
separated by commas and semicolons. The subject of the sentence is the body making the
statement (e.g., the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, or Security
Council). The preamble and operative sections then describe the current situation and
actions that the committee will take.
Bringing Resolution to the Floor for Debate
A draft resolution must always gain the support of a certain number of member states in
the committee before the sponsors (the delegates who created the resolution) may submit
it to the committee staff. Many conferences require signatures from 20 percent of the
countries present in order to submit a draft resolution. A staff member will read the draft
resolution to ensure that it is relevant and in proper format. Only when a staff member
formally accepts the document and assigns it a number can it be referred to in formal
debate.
Tips for Resolution Writing
Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference organizers. Each
conference may have a slightly different 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.
Try 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 can’t
sanction another country – only the Security Council can do so.
Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the
resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas.
Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past
resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action.
Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to
explain what the committee will do to address the issue. PLEASE LOOK AT THE GARFIELD FORMAT THAT EXPLAINS EXACTLY HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION
PAPER
Really, Really Important Tips
Your first speech is BS. Be one of the first to speak if you can, it will get you noticed
early on. Talk about your country, how this topic is such an important issue in the world
today, how you hope that with the cooperation of your respective body will help alleviate
the situation, blah blah.
THEN START SENDING NOTES OUT TO EVERYONE. On the speaker’s list, that is.
Tell them about how your country can relate to theirs somehow on the topic, and ask
them if they wouldn’t mind yielding their extra time over to you. Yields impress chairs
and delegates alike. Get them as much as possible. Don’t harass people though.
If you have a country that really does not have a vested interest in the issue, be the
mediator. Everyone loves this person. This is the person that tries to reconcile the
differences of the (usually) 2 or three groups. This is how you go about being mediator:
be neutral. Talk about solving this issue in a way that appeases everyone. Say that both
sides have good ideas. Make a resolution that is fairly neutral also. THEN, when the 2
opposing resolutions come out, combine them!!! Include some of your own ideas too.
By the way, BE FIRST ON THE RESOLUTION YOU WRITE. This is the person who
gets the most credit. Try to be the one that physically writes the resolution. Say you have
good handwriting. Then put your name first.
Which brings me to…know your resolution inside and out! Sometimes you will be
splitting up clauses to write. Even if someone else writes a clause, make sure you can at
least talk about it. You need to be promoting your resolution in speeches and in
unmoderated caucuses, so be ready.
ALWAYS include a funding clause in your resolutions. It can be as simple as “Funding
will be provided by:” and list sources (NGO’s, willing donor countries, the World Bank,
the IMF). But it’s better to have a more unique source of funding. Or, best of all, have a
resolution that does not require too much funding and relies on economic development!!
TALK TALK TALK. Have your placard up almost constantly. Do not be obnoxious
about this. Hold it straight and do not wave it. Put it down when others are speaking.
Courtesy is always noticed. Motion for moderated caucuses whenever possible. Even if
its just reinforcing what you said last time, or countering the last speaker’s point, get your
voice and name out there as much as possible.
Sit in the 2nd row aisle. It’s the best seat. Avoid the front row and the middle of rows, it
tends to be harder to get called on. Go up to the dais on the first day and look out into the
room. Sit where your eye naturally falls.
Useful Sites
Dag Hammarskjöld Library
The main library of the UN. Speeches index, voting records, landmark GA documents,
resolutions, reference guides, maps, GA agenda and special topics.
http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/index.html
UN Treaty Database
Collections, access, overview. Helpful.
http://untreaty.un.org/
Issues that the UN is dealing with Right Now
http://www.un.org/issues/
UN Wire
www.unwire.com
Permanent Missions
http://www.un.int/index-en/index.html
Global Policy
http://www.globalpolicy.org/
Yahoo NGO List
http://dir.yahoo.com/Government/International_Organizations/
Berinstein Research List
http://www.berinsteinresearch.com/stats.htm
GA RESOLUTIONS
http://www.un.org/documents/resga.htm
SC RESOLUTIONS
http://www.un.org/documents/scres.htm
Foreign Affairs Library
http://www.embassy.org/library/commend.html
Some Terms that May or May Not be Useful.
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. 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. The starting
point for any research before a Model UN conference.
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 - 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
www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=471395.
Gavel - The tool, shaped like a small wooden hammer, that 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.
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.
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 www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=457155.
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 www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=457155.
Position paper - A summary of a country's position on a topic, written by
a delegate before a Model UN conference.
Preambulatory Clause - The part of a resolution that 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.).
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 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 - 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
www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=457153.
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. 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. Frequently the precursor to a 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.