Model United NationsWhat, How To, Tips & Tricks

What Is Model UN?

• Students from around the world that participate in the simulation of general assemblies and other multilateral bodies • UNSC• DISEC• UNHRC

• Your committee will discuss relative and current events that are happening around the world• Syria• LGBT laws in Russia

How Does it Work?

• Every conference is unique, new committee and country selection

• Each committee will have a different set of topics

• Position papers are necessary for every conference which demonstrates prior research of your country’s position on the topics (500 words approx.)

• Committees will gather and discuss their topics and attempt to pass a resolution

• Awards will be given at the end of each conference

Terminology

Delegate: A student who is participating and acting on behalf of their assigned country.

Caucus: A debate in which delegates can informally and formally discuss the topics. (unmoderated and moderated respectively)

Motion: A request made by a delegate for the committee to do something.

Chair: The moderator of the debates in your committee

Placard: A country’s ‘nametag’ used to signal the chair

Speakers List: The order in which delegates will speak in a moderated caucus.

Preambulatory: Clauses that describe the issue.Operative: Clauses that describe the steps that

will be taken to create the solution.

Tips & Tricks

Research & Position Papers

• Be sure to fully understand your country’s position on the topics and the relationship with other countries

• Have an in-depth knowledge of the debate topic

• Know the abilities of your UN section (UNSC vs. GA)

• Paper will reflect your research, how it affects your country and your country’s position

• Statistics can be very helpful• Potential resolutions to the topic• Ensure your position paper is concise and

direct

Debate

• Preliminary speakers list, very general statement loosely addressing the issues, important for a first impression

• Secondary speakers list, more specific to the chosen topic, state your country’s position

• Take notes! Useful when getting together to create a resolution, find those with similar opinions

• You may not be called, if you feel like you are never getting picked it’s okay to page the chair

• Paging other members during committee can be useful to further your knowledge on their positions but do not miss out on debate or disrupt it

• Raise your placard as much as you can

Resolution Writing

• Follow the example format• Include details, don’t make it vague or overly

generalized• Ensure to use the preambulatory and

operative clause words • Have an appropriate number of sponsors (2-4

depending on size of committee)• Keep in mind your country’s position and

relationship with others; ie. USA would be pro-drones and has a good relationship with the UK

UN Resolution Example

General

• Dress for success, business attire necessary• No t-shirts, jeans, sweats, shorts, sneakers, sandals or

excessive skin exposure

• You don’t need to ask to leave to committee room, do not ask.

• Be sure to understand the flow of debate before entering committee, feel free to ask fellow delegates or anyone else if you are unsure

• Background guides will be given prior to committee