American University of Beirut
Model United Nations
Training Manual
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Intenational Affairs
Table of Contents
About the United Nations………………………………………………………………………………...3
Member Countries………………………………………………………………………………..4
Observers and Entities………………………………………………………………………….5
Model United Nations……………………………………………………………………………………...6
Basic Information…………………………………………………………………………………….……...6
Steps of a MUN Conference……………………………………………………………………………...7
Pre-Conference Preparation………………………………………………………………….7
Rules of Procedure………………………………………………………………………………...………..8
General Rules…………………………………………………………………...…………………..8
Rules Governing Debate………………………………………………………………………..8
Rules Governing Points……………………………….………………………………………10
Rules Governing the Path to a Draft Resolution……………………………………10
Rules Governing Voting………………………………………………………………………11
Resolutions……………………………………...……………………………………………………………13
Example of a Resolution……………………………………………………………………...14
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About the United Nations
Principle Organs of the UN:
1. General Assembly-All 193 members, observer states, and NGO’s
(such as WHO, ICRC, World Bank, etc).
2. Security Council-15 Members including P5 veto members (USA,
UK, France, Russia, China).
3. Economic and Social Council-54 members
4. Trusteeship Council
5. International Court of Justice-15 judges
6. Secretariat
7. Specialized Agencies
Six Official Languages:
1. Arabic
2. Chinese
3. English
4. French
5. Russian
6. Spanish
Secretary General: Ban Ki-Moon
Founding Date: 24 October 1945
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Member Countries
Afghanistan
Chad
Grenada
Lithuania
Panama
Swaziland
Albania
Chile
Guatemala
Luxembourg
Papua New
Guinea
Sweden
Algeria
China
Guinea
Macedonia
Paraguay
Switzerland
Andorra
Colombia
Guinea-Bissau
Madagascar
Peru
Syrian Arab
Republic
Angola
Comoros
Guyana
Malawi
Philippines
Tajikistan
Antigua and
Barbuda
Congo
Haiti
Malaysia
Poland
United
Republic of
Tanzania
Argentina
Democratic
Republic of
the Congo
Honduras
Maldives
Romania
Thailand
Armenia
Costa Rica
Hungary
Mali
Russian
Federation
Timor-Leste
Australia
Côte d'Ivoire
Iceland
Malta
Portugal
Togo
Austria
Croatia
India
Marshall
Islands
Qatar
Tonga
Azerbaijan
Cuba
Indonesia
Mauritania
Rwanda
Trinidad and
Tobago
Bahamas
Cyprus
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Mauritius
Saint Kitts
and Nevis
Tunisia
Bahrain
Czech
Republic
Iraq
Mexico
Saint Lucia
Turkey
Bangladesh
Denmark
Ireland
Micronesia
Saint Vincent
and the
Grenadines
Turkmenistan
Barbados
Djibouti
Israel
Republic of
Moldova
Samoa
Tuvalu
Belarus
Dominica
Italy
Monaco
San Marino
Uganda
Belgium
Dominican
Republic
Jamaica
Mongolia
Sao Tome and
Principe
Ukraine
Belize
Ecuador
Japan
Montenegro
Saudi Arabia
United Arab
Emirates
Benin
Egypt
Jordan
Morocco
Senegal
United
Kingdom
Bhutan
El Salvador
Kazakhstan
Mozambique
Serbia
United States
of America
Bolivia
Equatorial
Guinea
Kenya
Myanmar
Seychelles
Uruguay
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
Eritrea
Kiribati
Namibia
Sierra Leone
Uzbekistan
Estonia
Democratic
People's
Republic of
Korea
Nauru
Singapore
Vanuatu
Botswana
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Brazil
Ethiopia
Republic of
Korea
Nepal
Slovakia
Venezuela
Brunei
Darussalam
Fiji
Kuwait
Netherlands
Slovenia
Viet Nam
Bulgaria
Finland
Kyrgyzstan
New Zealand
Solomon
Islands
Yemen
Burkina Faso
France
Lao People's
Democratic
Republic
Nicaragua
Somalia
Zambia
Burundi
Gabon
Latvia
Niger
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Cambodia
Gambia
Lebanon
Nigeria
South Sudan
Cameroon
Georgia
Lesotho
Norway
Spain
Canada
Germany
Liberia
Oman
Sri Lanka
Cape Verde
Central
African
Republic
Ghana
Libya
Pakistan
Sudan
Greece
Liechtenstein
Palau
Suriname
Observers & Entities
Holy See: Non-member Observer State
Palestine Liberation Organization-Observer Entity
European Union-Observer Regional Organization
Model United Nations
Model United Nations (MUN) is a practical activity where individuals are given
the opportunity to simulate the activities of the United Nations as Ambassadors
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of their selected countries. The activity is a great way to learn about
international affairs and politics whilst developing various skills including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Public Speaking
Lobbying/Persuasion
Leadership
Problem solving
Proper legal language
The simulations take part in an organized structure very similar to the way in
which the UN conducts its discussions (and which many organizations in the
world follow). This organized form of debate follows the principles of Robert’s
Rules of Order, and this training manual is designed to teach you the principles
that you must apply when you come to debate at a MUN conference either within
the university, nationally or internationally.
It is worth noting that not all MUN conferences follow the exact set of rules; there
are a few minor differences between American-styled and European-styled
conferences. Because we attend American-organized conferences we will be
following their set of rules. However the differences are almost negligible and
the chairperson will be more than happy to explain what the differences are if
you are not used to our style of conferences.
Basic Information
Each individual is referred to as a DELEGATE. Delegates are not allowed to refer
to each other by personal names or in the first person. You may not use the
terms ‘I’, ‘Me’ or any delegate’s names when in formal debate (when in informal
debate you may relax this requirement).
Leading each committee is at least one CHAIR. This individual has the ultimate
authority-it would be the biggest of violations to cross the chairperson in an
unreasonable manner as he/she has the final say on all matters and has the
power to force you to leave the room. The Chair must be knowledgeable on the
details of proper procedure because it is their job to guide the delegates through
debate.
The chair is often supported by a DIAS that sits alongside him/her. A Dias may
vary in size and role depending on the size of the conference but its major
responsibility includes assisting the Chair on time keeping, rules of procedure,
and note passing.
Steps of a MUN Conference
Pre Conference
 Country Assignment and Research
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Beginning of Conference
 Speakers’ List
 Moderated Caucuses
 Unmoderated Caucuses
Middle of Conference
 Working Papers
End of Conference
 Draft Resolutions
 Voting
Pre-Conference Preparation
Delegates should research the committee itself-what is its focus, powers and
influence.
Delegates have to know every important detail of their country. Make sure you
tick every single one of these boxes:
o Where is the country located, and who are your neighbors?
o Who are your enemies and allies, and what are their opinions/details
concerning topic?
o Learn your government details (Leader, System, Capital city).
o Relevant details to topic need to be known. If the economy is an
important factor in discussion know what resources your country has and
its strengths/weaknesses. If security is an issue make sure you know
information about your national security.
o UN Policy on the topic.
o Past UN Resolutions on the topic (available on site) are key for you to
have a better picture as to what has historically happened. They are also
useful to include in resolutions
o Your previous voting records must be known.
o Useful facts: do not underestimate the power of facts.
Sometimes when travelling abroad you will be asked to write a position paperbut not within AUB. A position paper details your country’s policy and opinion of
the question, and want you want to achieve at this meeting.
Starting Websites:
CIA World Factbook
Government website (not always easy)
UN Agency website
Rules of Procedure
General Rules
Rule #1:Participation of Non-Members and NGO’s
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Representatives of Accredited Observers have the same rights as full members
except that they will not have the right to sign or vote on any draft resolutions or
amendments. They do have the right to vote on procedural matters however.
A NGO has the right to address the committee in oral or written form with
approval of the Chair, stating its stance on the topic and possible contributions it
may make.
Rule #2: Quorum
Quorum denotes the minimum number of delegates who need to be present in
order to open debate. Quorum requires at least one-quarter of the members of
the committee (as declared at the beginning of the session) to be present. In
order to vote on any substantive motion, the Committee must establish the
presence of a simple majority of members.
Rules Governing Debate
Rule #3: Debate
When multiple topics are set for one conference, the committee must start by the
setting of the agenda to decide what order the topics will be discussed in
committee. A motion is made for a certain sequence and a ‘second’ is needed to
get the motion rolling. A speaker’s list is established ‘for’ and ‘against’ the
motion. A vote of two-thirds is required to close the debate on the setting of the
agenda, unless there are no more speakers. If only one topic is set for discussion
then this step may be avoided.
Once the agenda is set, a new continuous Speaker’s List is formed for general
debate during which the Chair recognizes delegates to speak. It sets the order of
debate unless a motion is introduced which takes precedence. If a draft
resolution is introduced it remains on the floor until the Committee closes
debate on the topic.
Rule #4: Unmoderated Caucus
An unmoderated caucus gives the delegates freedom to discuss the topic in an
informal manner. Rules of Procedure are temporarily suspended while delegates
lobby amongst each other. It is frequently used to sort countries into blocs and to
cooperate to put together working papers and resolutions.
A delegate may motion for the unmoderated caucus at any time that the floor is
open. The delegate must specify a time limit (20mins max) and a topic of
discussion. The motion will pass by a simple majority. Unmoderated caucuses
are ranked in descending order of length.
Rule #5: Moderated Caucus
A moderated caucus is opposite to the unmoderated caucus; the style of debate
remains formal and the Chair calls on delegates to speak for a short period of
time. The purpose is to facilitate substantive debate, and the Chair will
temporarily depart from the Speaker’s List.
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A motion for a moderated caucus is made at any time that the floor is open. The
delegate must briefly explain its purpose and specify a time limit (20mins Max)
as well as a time limit for individual speeches. The motion will pass by a simple
majority, and if more than one moderated caucus is proposed they are ranked in
descending order of duration and individual speakers time. No motions are in
order between speeches during a moderated caucus, and speeches must remain
on topic. There is no yielding of time in moderated caucuses.
Rule# 6: Closure of Debate
When the floor is over, a delegate may move to close debate on the substantive
or procedural matter under discussion. They may close debate on a general
topic, debate on the agenda, or debate on an amendment. However the Chair may
rule such a motion dilatory. Speakers for the motion are not entertained. Closure
of debate requires a 2/3 majority of the members present and voting.
Rule #7: Suspension/Adjournment of the Meeting
If the delegates wish to take a break they may motion to suspend the meeting
until another designated time. Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move
to suspension of the meeting or adjournment of the meeting. The Chair may rule
such motions out of order. A simple majority is needed to pass.
Rule #8: Postponement and Resumption of Debate
Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the postponement of
debate on a draft resolution/amendment/topic. This is known as ‘tabling’ and
requires a 2/3-majority vote to pass with only one speaker for and against the
motion permitted to speak.
A motion to resume debate on an amendment/draft resolution/topic will require
a simple majority to pass.
Rule #9: Reconsideration
A motion to reconsider may be made when a draft resolution/amendment has
been adopted or rejected, and must be made by a member who voted with the
majority. A 2/3 majority is required for reconsideration.
Rule #10: Appeal
An appeal may only be made to procedural matters and only immediately after it
has been pronounced. A 2/3 majority is needed to overrule the decision made by
the Chair.
Rule #11: Yields
A delegate may grant the right to speak on substantive matters to either: (i)
another delegate (ii) to questions during which the Chair recognizes delegates to
ask questions to the speaker (iii) the chair, if the delegate wishes to release
control of the floor/time.
Rule #12: Right of Reply
A delegate whose personal/national integrity has been impugned by another
delegate may submit a Right of Reply in writing to the Committee staff. A
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delegate granted a Right of Reply would not address the Committee except at the
request of the Chair.
Rules Governing Points
Rule #13: Points of Personal Privilege
Whenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort that impairs his/her
ability to participate in the proceedings, he/she may raise a Point of Personal
Privilege to request that this discomfort be corrected. A delegate may only
interrupt another delegate using a point of personal privilege if the delegate
speaking is inaudible.
Rule #14: Points of Order
A Point of Order may be raised to indicate an instance of improper parliamentary
procedure, and will be immediately decided by the Chair in accordance with the
Rules of Procedure. The Chair may rule out of order these points that are dilatory
or improper. A Point of Order may not interrupt a speaker during the speech.
Rule #15: Points of Parliamentary Inquiry
A delegate may raise a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to ask a Chair a question
regarding the rules of procedure. This may never interrupt a speaker.
Rules Governing the Path to a Draft Resolution
Rule #16: Working Papers
Delegates may propose a working paper for Committee consideration. These are
written suggestions that need not be written in draft resolution; rather they can
be written in any format. The purpose of the working paper is to put forward
suggestions that may be later turned into proper legal form. Working papers do
not require signatories or votes of approval.
Rule #17: Draft Resolution
A draft resolution may be introduced when it has received the approval of 25%
of the committee through signature. Signing a draft resolution does not indicate
support for the document but rather a willingness to see the draft resolution
discussed. There are no official sponsors of draft resolutions.
A draft resolution requires a simple majority to pass, and only one resolution
may be passed per topic.
Rule #18: Introducing Draft Resolutions
Once the draft resolution has been approved by the Chair, he/she may read the
operative clauses if time permits. Alternatively, the Chair may recognize a certain
number of delegates to come forward to answer questions about the resolution
or to provide an informal presentation.
A procedural vote is then taken to determine whether the resolution should be
introduced requiring a simple majority. Once a draft resolution is passed it is on
the floor until the debate is postponed or another resolution is passed.
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Rule #19: Amendments
Delegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced by adding to
or deleting parts of it. Only one amendment may be introduced at any time and
requires the signature of 12% of the voting members. There can be no friendly
amendments except if there is a typographical error.
A motion to introduce an amendment requires a simple majority. This does not
mean that the amendment has passed however-when it is passed general debate
is suspended and a speaker’s list is formed for and against the amendment.
Discussion on the amendment may be closed by a Motion to Close Debate
(maximum of two speakers for and against) after which the committee will move
to vote on the passing of the amendment. Amendments require a simple majority
to pass.
Rules Governing Voting
Rule #20: Procedural Voting
Procedural voting covers any voting done to decide the structure of the debate,
and does not consist of voting on amendments or draft resolutions. Every
member of the committee is required to vote and abstentions are permitted. A
simple majority is achieved when those in favor outnumber those against., and a
2/3 majority exists when there are twice as many in favor than those against.
Rule #21: Substantive Voting
Substantive voting covers only voting over draft resolutions or amendments. At
this time the chambers are sealed and nobody is allowed to enter or exit the
room. Only the following Points or Motions may be entertained:
 Division of the Question
 Reordering Draft Resolutions
 Motion to Vote by Acclamation
 Motion for a Roll Call Vote
 Point of Personal Privilege
 Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
 Point of Order
Rule #22: Voting by Acclamation
The Committee Chair has the right to ask his or her members if there are any
objections to a vote by acclamation. If there are no objections then the motion
will be automatically adopted without the committee going into voting
procedure.
Rule #23: Reordering Draft Resolutions
A motion to Reorder Draft Resolutions will be made only immediately after
entering voting procedure and before voting has started. A simple majority is
required to pass and then the Chair will reorder the draft resolution voting.
Rule # 24: Division of the Question
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A delegate may move to vote on individual operative clauses separately through
a Motion to Divide the Question. Preambulatory and sub-operative clauses are
not altered by a division. The motion requires a simple majority to pass,
following which a separate procedural vote will be taken on each divided part to
determine whether or not it is to be included in the final draft resolution.
Rule #25: Roll Call Voting
A delegate has the right to request a roll call vote once debate on a draft
resolution is closed, and can only be made for substantive votes. The Chair will
call on members in alphabetical order starting with a randomly selected member
during which delegates may vote “Yes”, “Yes with Rights”, “No”, “No with Rights”,
“Abstain”, or “Pass”. Delegates that asked for rights may explain why they voted
the way they did when it is against their policy.
A delegate that voted “Pass” must vote during the second round of voting.
Precedence of Motions
1
Point of Personal Privilege
2
Point of Order
3
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
4
Adjournment of the Meeting
5
Suspension of the Meeting
6
Unmoderated Caucusing
7
Moderated Caucusing
8 Introduction of Draft Resolution
9 Introduction of an Amendment
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Postponement of Debate
11
Resumption of Debate
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Closure of Debate
Precedence of Motions at the
start of voting procedure
1
2
3
4
5
6
Point of Personal Privilege
Point of Order
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
Reordering Draft Resolutions
Division of the Question
Motion for a Roll Call Vote
Resolutions
A resolution represents a proposed solution for a national and/or international
problem. A resolution must always be written according to the specific policy
and position of the delegate's represented country, rather than based on his/her
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own personal stance on the topic. It is recommended that the resolution be clear
and detailed. The resolution should be the original work of the delegate.
Delegates may cite/quote sources. However, in case plagiarism is detected, the
resolution will not be debated, and the concerned delegate’s teacher advisor will
be notified. The resolution consists of two main parts:
1. Perambulatory Clauses, which contain background information and
supporting arguments for the operative clauses to follow.
2. Operative Clauses, contain the policy statements of the body making the
decision. Each operative clause should contain only one clear,
unambiguous statement of the decision being taken by the body. Each
operative clause should be numbered separately, arranged in a logical or
chronological sequence and each must begin with a verb in the third
person singular of the present tense. Operative clauses should take action
against the problem presented.
Some common perambulatory phrases start with:
• Affirming • Deeply disturbed • Guided by • Alarmed by • Deeply regretting •
Having adopted • Having considered • Observing • Having considered further •
Aware of • Emphasizing • Having devoted attention • Believing • Expecting
•Realizing • Bearing in mind • Having examined • Recalling • Confident • Having
studied • Recognizing • Contemplating • Fulfilling • Having heard • Convinced •
Fully aware • Having received • Declaring • Fully alarmed • Keeping in mind •
Deeply concerned • Fully believing • Noting with regret • Deeply conscious •
Further deploring • Noting with satisfaction • Deeply convinced • Further
recalling • Noting with deep concern • Taking note • Noting further • Seeking
Some common operative clause beginnings are: • Accepts • Affirms • Approves •
Asks • Authorizes • Calls • Calls upon • Condemns • Confirms •Considers •
Declares accordingly • Deplores • Designate • Draws attention • Emphasizes •
Encourages • Endorses • Expresses its hope• Further invites • Further proclaims
• Further recommends • Further reminds • Further requests • Further resolves •
Proposes • Suggests • Supports • Transmits • Urges
*Note: When writing a resolution, it is best to write the operative clauses first (so you know what
action you would like to see the United Nations take or what attitude it ought to adopt) and then
to write the perambulatory clauses. The number of operative clauses must always exceed the
number of perambulatory clauses.
Main Structure of the Resolution
• The introductory word or phrase of each perambulatory clause is italicized.
• The introductory word or phrase of each operative clause is underlined.
• Each operative clause is numbered.
• Sub-clauses are lettered, and sub-sub-clauses are numbered.
• Clauses end with a comma.
Example of a Resolution
Resolution GA/3/1.1
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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,
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;
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.
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