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THAKUR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE 2013

CONFERENCE HANDBOOK

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

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13th September, 2013 (Friday) DAY 1 Morning 8:30 am 9:30 am Venue Registrations Open and Lobbying Session Opening Ceremony Breakfast Session 1 Lunch

9:30 am 11:00 am

11:00 am 11:30 am 11:30 am 1:00 pm Afternoon 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 4:45 pm Evening 4:45 pm 6:00 pm Morning 8:30 am 9:00 am Afternoon

Session 2 Hi-Tea

14th September, 2013 (Saturday) DAY 2

Session 3

9:00 am 12:00 noon 12:00 noon 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:15 pm Evening 4:15 pm 6:00 pm

Breakfast Session 4 Lunch

Session 5 Hi-Tea

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Session 6

15th September, 2013 (Sunday) DAY 3 Morning 8:30 am 9:00 am Afternoon Breakfast Session 7 Lunch

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9:00 am 12:00 noon 12:00 noon 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 4:00 pm Evening 4:00 pm 6:00 pm

Session 8 Closing Ceremony

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Introduction to United Nations

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The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the UN Charter had been ratified by a majority of the original 51 Member States. The day is now celebrated each The purpose of the United Nations is to bring all year around the world as United Nations Day. nations of the world together to work for peace and development, based on the principles of justice, affords the opportunity for countries to balance global interdependence addressing international problems. and national interests when human dignity and the well-being of all people. It

The UN emblem shows the world held in the olive branches of peace.

There are currently 192 Members of the United Nations. They meet in the General efforts to solve problems that challenge humanity. Cooperating in this effort are more than 30 affiliated organizations, known together as the UN system. Day in and day out,

Assembly, which is the closest thing to a world parliament. The UN is central to global the UN and its family of organizations work to promote respect for human rights, while also promoting gender equality and the advancement of women, protecting the environment, fighting disease and reducing poverty. UN agencies define the standards for safe and efficient air travel and help improve telecommunications and enhance refugees, set up programmes to clear landmines, help expand food production and lead vision in the Millennium Declaration. level including 147 Heads of State and Government expressed their collective consumer protection. The United Nations leads the international campaigns against the fight against AIDS. In September 2000, Member States, represented at the highest drug trafficking and terrorism. Throughout the world, the UN and its agencies assist

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Introduction to Model United Nations

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To facilitate the understanding of the functioning of the United Nations, Model United Nations Conferences were introduced dating back to 1920s where students in the United States of America were participating in collegiate simulations of the League of United Nations Conference is said to be dated back in 1955 is the Harvard Model United effective technique to involve the students and the youth to amplify their knowledge about various worldwide topics affecting the human race. Nations, the predecessor to the United Nations. However, the oldest continuous Model Nations Conference. Therefore, the practice of Model United Nations is now a very

Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the of the United Nations that aims

to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations,

diplomacy and the United Nations agenda. Wherein, the participants role-play as research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, skills in order to represent the policies of their country. These skills include public conflict resolution, note taking, and technical writing.

diplomats representing a nation or NGO in a simulated session of an organ (committee) of the United Nations, such as the Security Council or the General Assembly. Participants deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. During a conference, speaking, group communication, research, policy analysis, active listening, negotiating,

participants must provide work for a variety of communication and critical thinking

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Essentials of a Model United Nations I. RESEARCH

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The first step in preparing for a rewarding Model UN experience is to gather and then formulate your arguments. While conducting research, try to keep in possible. To do so, you will need to research three different areas, stated below: 1. YOUR COUNTRY AND ITS POSITIONS; First, you will need to learn about your country so you can address the To represent your country accurately, start by answering the following questions:
o o

information. Give yourself plenty of time before a conference to research, read mind that your primary goal is to represent your country as realistically as

issues raised at the conference as a real UN delegate from that country.

What sort of government does your country have? your countrys government? policy?

What types of ideologies (political, religious or other) influence Which domestic issues might influence your countrys foreign What are some major events in your countrys history? Why are they important? country? Which ethnicities, religions and languages can be found in your 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?

o o o o o

Which countries are considered enemies of your country? What are the characteristics of your countrys economy? this compare to other countries in the world? When did your country become a member of the UN? What is your countrys gross domestic product (GDP)? How does

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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)? of American States (OAS)?

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Does your country belong to any regional organizations such as the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU) or the Organization Does your country belong to any trade organizations or agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)?

2. THE ISSUES TO BE DEBATED AT THE CONFERENCE; Next, you should develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at your Model UN conference. Many conferences send out background materials or issue briefs, which can help jump start your research. You may want to look at the sources cited in these materials pose questions, you should answer them with your country information research:
o o o o o

for more in-depth information. If the conference background materials in mind. Here are some additional questions to help guide your What is the problem? How does it affect your country? What has your country done to combat the problem? What are the various sides in the debate? involved? Which aspects of the issue are most important to your country? How will your country shape the debate at the conference? What arguments will other countries make? position? How do the positions of other countries affect your countrys Is there evidence or statistics that might help to back up your countrys position?

If your country is not involved with the issue, how can it become

o o o

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3. THE UN SYSTEM:

Understanding the UN system will help you play your role realistically

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at a Model UN conference. It is important to understand which bodies questions that will help get you started:
o o o o o o o o

and actors make up the UN system, what the UN can and cannot do, and

how international issues are addressed by the UN. Here are some What are the important elements of the UN Charter? What are the main bodies of the UN? How are the UNs bodies and agencies organized? Which countries serve on the body or agency you are simulating? How does the body or agency you are simulating operate? What are the most recent UN actions on your issue? Why did past UN actions succeed or fail? your issue?

What conferences and meetings have been held with regard to What have UN officials said about your issue?

II.

POSITION PAPERS:

Writing a position paper might appear to be a daunting task, especially for new will be easy and useful.

delegates. But with enough research, you will find that writing a position paper Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length. Your position the committee. A good position paper will not only provide facts but also make proposals for resolutions. paper should include a brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown of your country's position on the topics that are being discussed by 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 questions to consider. Make sure that your position paper answers these questions. background guide to the issue. Usually, the background guide will contain

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A good position paper will include:

o o o

A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and committee; How the issue affects your country; justification for these policies; Your countrys policies with respect to the issue and your countrys Quotes from your countrys leaders about the issue; Statistics to back up your countrys position on the issue; UN actions that your country supported or opposed; resolution; and

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o o o o o o o

Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue;

Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified; What your country believes should be done to address the issue; What your country would like to accomplish in the committees How the positions of other countries affect your countrys position.

III.

PUBLIC SPEAKING:

Public speaking is one of the most important skills you will use as a Model UN delegate. You will need to convey your member states positions, help build consensus and formulate resolutions. Usually, the length of time a delegate is allowed to speak is set by the conference organizers. Delegates can make a motion to increase or decrease the time allotted to each speaker. If another delegate seconds the motion, then the committee will vote on changing the speakers time. You will have numerous opportunities to speak in your committee during a Model UN simulation. The Chair will maintain a speakers list of delegates who would like to make formal speeches. During caucusing you will have an opportunity to speak informally to delegates in your committee, but it is still important to keep the principles of effective public speaking in mind. Although speaking is an important part of any Model UN simulation, many delegates fear speaking in front of a large group. The best way to cope with these fears is to be well-prepared. You should research as much as possible about your country and the issue the committee will be debating. You should be comfortable explaining your country's position and have ideas on what you would like to include in the committees resolution. If you come to the conference prepared, you will be eager to speak in committee and project confidence.

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IV.

RULES OF PROCEDURE:

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Like real UN bodies, Model UN committees have lengthy agendas and many delegates who want to convey their countrys positions. To help maintain order, Model UN conferences adopt rules of procedure to establish when a delegate may speak and what he or she may address. A few conferences adapt their rules of procedure directly from the United Nations rules while most use variations of the Roberts Rules of Order. At a Model UN conference, there is formal debate as well as informal debate, called caucusing. o FORMAL DEBATE: During formal debate, the staffs maintain a speakers list and delegates speak in the order they are listed. At this time, delegates have an opportunity to share their views with the entire committee. Delegates make speeches, answer questions, and introduce and debate resolutions and amendments. Formal debate is important to the committees work. By not knowing the rules of procedure, delegates slow down the debate and hold back their committees progress.

o CAUCUSING/INFORMAL DEBATE:

Caucusing, or informal debate, is an important part of the Model UN simulation because it provides an opportunity for delegates to collaborate, negotiate and formulate draft resolutions. During a Model UN conference, caucuses can be either moderated or unmoderated. When a committee holds a moderated caucus, the Chair calls on delegates one at a time and each speaker briefly addresses the committee. During an unmoderated caucus, the committee breaks for a temporary recess from formal proceedings so that delegates can work together in small groups. To hold a caucus, a delegate must make a motion and the committee must pass the motion.

MODERATED CAUCUS: The purpose of a moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive debate at critical junctures in the discussion. In a moderated caucus, the Director will temporarily depart from the Speakers' List and call on delegates to speak at his/her discretion. A motion for a moderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly explain its purpose and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty-five minutes, and a time limit for the individual speeches. Once raised, the motion will be voted on immediately, with a simple majority of members required for passage. In the case of multiple moderated caucuses, the Director will rank the motions in descending order of length and the Committee members will vote accordingly.

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UNMODERATED CAUCUS: A motion for an un-moderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly explain its purpose and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes. The motion will immediately be put to a vote. A majority of members present is required for passage. A motion for extension of the un-moderated caucus, submitted in writing and signed by a simple majority of members present, is in order before the time has elapsed. An un-moderated caucus on the same purpose shall not exceed thirty minutes. The Director may rule the motion or the extension out of order, not subject to appeal.

The Director may rule such a motion out of order and his/her decision is not subject to appeal. No motions are in order between speeches during a moderated caucus. A delegate can and will be ruled out of order if the delegate's speech does not address the topic of the moderated caucus. If no delegate wishes to speak during a moderated caucus, the caucus shall immediately end. A moderated caucus may be extended only twice but only after the caucus has ended. A single moderated caucus may never last longer than fifty minutes.

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Many delegates prefer to speak during a moderated caucus rather than being placed on the speakers list. In a moderated caucus, speakers are usually able to convey one or two key points to the entire committee or share new ideas that have developed through the course of debate. A delegate sometimes chooses to make a motion for a moderated caucus if his or her name is close to the end of the speakers list. By speaking in a moderated caucus, delegates are able to address the committee much earlier. In most cases, more than half of committee time is used for unmoderated caucusing. Many delegates feel this is the easiest way for them to collaborate and start to formulate draft resolutions.

V.

RULES REGARDING SPEECHES: Speakers List:

The Committee will have an open Speakers List for the Topic Area being discussed. The Director will either set a speaker's time or entertain motions to set a speaking time. Separate Speakers Lists will be established as needed for the Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the Director, provided procedural motions and debate on amendments. A country may add its name to that country is not already on the Speakers List, and may remove its name from the Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the Director. At any time the Director may call for members that wish to be added to the Speakers List. Thakur College of Engineering & Technology

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The names of the next several countries to speak may be posted for the convenience of the Committee. The new Speakers List for the second topic area close any Speakers List is never in order. Time-Limit on Speeches: The time allotted to each speaker during formal debate is limited. The minimum time-limit will be fifteen seconds. At the beginning of a session, the time limit will that the time is about to elapse, so the delegate can conclude his/her speech. Yielding: A delegate granted the right to speak on a substantive issue, may yield in one of delegate, or to questions. YIELD TO ANOTHER DELEGATE: His/her remaining time will be offered to that delegate for the remaining time, and he/she may not yield again in any form. the following three ways at the conclusion of his/her speech: to another delegate. If the delegate accepts the yield, the Director shall recognize the YIELD TO QUESTIONS: Questioners will be selected by the Director and limited to one question each. Follow-up questions will be allowed only at the discretion of the Director. The Director will have the right to call to order any delegate speaker's remaining time. whose question is, in the opinion of the Director, not designed to elicit YIELD TO CHAIR: Delegate may yield his/her time to the Chair who will then be set to ninety seconds. When a delegate exceeds his/her allotted time, the Director may call the speaker to order without delay. The Director shall indicate will not be open until the Committee has proceeded to that topic. A motion to

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information. Only the speaker's answers to questions will be deducted from the proceed to recognize the other Delegate on the Speakers List.

Only one yield is allowed per speech (i.e. no yields on yielded time). There are no yields allowed if the delegate is speaking on a procedural matter or his/her time has expired. A Delegate must declare any yield by the conclusion of his/her speech.

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Right to Reply:

A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another delegate may submit a Right of Reply only in writing to the Committee staff. The Director will grant the Right of Reply at his/her discretion; this decision is not order. VI. appealable. A delegate granted a Right of Reply will not address the Committee except at the request of the Director. A Right of Reply to a Right of Reply is out of BASICS RULES OF PROCEDURE: Before proceeding to the basics Model UN rules of procedure a delegate must 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 Model UNers call the flow of debate the order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference. 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. Roll Call The Chairperson will announce each countrys name. After delegates hear their country, they should answer "present." Setting the Agenda When Model UN committees have more than one topic available, the body must set the agenda to begin working on one of these issues. At this time a delegate typically makes a motion, stating "The country of [name] moves to place [topic A] first on the agenda, followed by [topic B] and then [topic C]." Once the motion has been made, three delegations must speak in favor of the motion, and three other delegations will speak against it. These speeches should alternate between those in favor and those opposed. Once these six speeches have been given, a vote is taken. Setting the agenda requires a simple majority vote. Debate Formal Debate: Formal debate revolves around a speakers list. The Chair begins by asking all delegates interested in addressing Informal Debate: Informal debate involves discussion outside of the speakers list. During moderated effectively understand the Flow of Debate:

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After blocs have met, speeches focus on describing bloc positions to the entire body. Delegates now make statements describing their draft resolutions to the committee. Delegates try to garner more support through formal speeches and invite others to offer their ideas. Delegates make statements supporting or disagreeing with specific draft resolutions. Delegates present any amendments they have created.

When the session begins, speeches focus on stating country positions and offering recommendations for action.

the other members to raise their placards. The Chair then chooses delegates to be placed on the speakers list. A country may only be on the speakers list once, but delegates may add their country to the end of the list after their speech.

caucuses, the Chair calls on delegates one-by-one so that each can address the committee in short speeches. During unmoderated caucuses, the committee breaks for a temporary recess so that delegates may meet with each other and discuss ideas. After several countries state their positions, the committee breaks for caucuses (often in blocs) to develop regional positions. Writing begins as countries work together to compose draft resolutions. Countries and groups meet to gather support for specific draft resolutions. Delegates finalize draft resolutions. Draft-resolution sponsors build greater support for their resolution and look to incorporate others ideas through friendly amendments.

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Close of Debate

Once the speakers list is exhausted, the committee automatically moves to voting. Also, once a delegate feels that his or her countrys 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.

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Basic Model UN Rules of Procedure A motion to set the speakers time sets or changes the amount of time each delegate has to speak. A motion to open either a general or special speakers list allows delegates to sign up to speak. Delegates propose a motion to go into moderated or unmoderated caucus. A motion to adjourn debate ends the committee session until the next session,which might be the next years conference, or after lunch or dinner. A delegate makes a motion to close debate and go into role call voting, usuallywhen the delegate has made his or her country's position clear and there are enough draft resolutions on the floor. A point of order is used when a delegate believes the chair has made an error in the running of the committee. The Delegate should only specify the errors they believe were made in the formal committee procedure, and may not address the topic being discussed. A point of inquiry (also known as a point of parliamentary procedure) can be made when the floor is open (i.e. when no other delegate is speaking) in order to ask the chairperson a question regarding the rules of procedure. A delegate may raise a point of personal privilege in order to inform the chairperson of a physical discomfort he or she is experiencing, such as not being able to hear another delegates speech. A delegate makes an appeal to the chairs decision when he or she feels the chairperson has incorrectly decided a point or motion. At some conferences, this formal challenge must be made in writing. The appealing delegate speaks and the chairperson defends himself or herself before the vote. VII. WORKING PAPER:

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Required to Pass Simple majority vote Simple majority vote Simple majority vote Simple majority vote

Two-thirds majority vote

Decision

No vote

No vote

Two-thirds majority

Delegates may propose working papers for committee consideration. Working papers are intended to aid the Committee in its discussion and formulation of draft resolutions and need not be written in resolution format or cover all the points of the discussion. Working papers are not official documents, but do require the signature of the Director to be copied and distributed. Once distributed, delegates

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may begin to refer to that working paper by its designated number. Otherwise debate on the topic carries on normally.

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VIII.

RESOLUTION: The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutionswritten majority to pass (except in the Security Council). Only Security Council resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions for future action. Draft Resolutions

suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are

drafted by delegates and voted on by the committee, normally require a simple resolutions can compel nations to take action. All other UN bodies use 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 resolutions sponsors and signatories (see below). Each draft the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, or Security Council). The that the committee will take. Bringing a 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 document and assigns it a number can it be referred to in formal debate. 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 resolution is one long sentence with sections separated by commas and preamble and operative sections then describe the current situation and actions

semicolons. The subject of the sentence is the body making the statement (e.g.,

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Tips for Resolution Writing

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o Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference o Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution calls for a new o 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 country only the Security Council can do so. o Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the o Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past o Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them Preambulatory Clauses to explain what the committee will do to address the issue. resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action. resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas. o Try to cite facts whenever possible. program, think about how it will be funded and what body will manage it. organizers. Each conference may have a slightly different format.

The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can include:

addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a present participle (called a Preambulatory phrase) and ends References to the UN Charter;

Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion; agency;

Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with the issue; and General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact. Thakur College of Engineering & Technology

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Sample Preambulatory Phrases Affirming Aware of Expecting Fulfilling

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Having studied Keeping in mind

Alarmed by Approving Believing Bearing in mind Confident Declaring Contemplating Convinced Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply disturbed Desiring Emphasizing Deeply convinced Deeply regretting

Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction Fully alarmed Fully aware Fully believing Guided by Further deploring Further recalling Having adopted

Noting with regret Noting further Observing Realizing Recalling Seeking Reaffirming Recognizing Referring

Noting with deep concern Noting with satisfaction Noting with approval

Having considered Having examined Having heard Having received

Having considered further Having devoted attention

Taking into account Taking note Welcoming

Taking into consideration Viewing with appreciation

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 also be used. After the last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period.

requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off by letters or roman numerals can

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Sample Operative Phrases Accepts Affirms Calls Approves Authorizes Calls upon Confirms Condemns Congratulates Considers Deplores Declares accordingly Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Deplores Designates

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Further recommends Further requests Further resolves Has resolved Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Regrets Reminds Recommends Requests Supports Trusts

Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses

Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims Further reminds

Solemnly affirms Takes note of Transmits

Strongly condemns

Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree occurs at the UN, since countries must work together to create widely agreeable and only the sponsors can approve immediate changes.

with its substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely language in order for the draft resolution to pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft Amendments:

resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments.

Delegates may amend any draft resolution which has been introduced. Only one amendment may be introduced at any given time. An amendment must have the approval of the Director and the signatures of one fifth of the number of delegations present at the beginning of the committee session in order to be introduced.

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Amendments to amendments are out of order; however, an amended part of a draft resolution may be further amended. There are no official sponsors of amendments vote on the amendment is procedural. or friendly amendments. Perambulatory phrases may not be amended. The final A motion to introduce an approved amendment is in order when the floor is open and after it has been approved by the Director, copied and distributed. The Director, simple majority required to pass, general debate will be suspended and a speakers list 'for' and 'against' the amendment will be established. time permitting, shall read the amendment. A procedural vote is then taken to determine whether the amendment shall be introduced. If the motion receives the

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A motion to close debate will be in order after the Committee has heard two least two on the other side. Following the normal procedure, the Director will recognize two speakers against the motion to close debate, and a vote of two-thirds is required for closure.

speakers for the amendment and two against or all the speakers on one side and at

When debate is closed on the amendment, the Committee will move to an immediate then part of the draft resolution. two types of amendments:

vote. Amendments need a simple majority to pass. If the amendment passes, it is After the vote, debate will resume according to the general Speakers List. There are A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with. After the amendment is signed by all of the draft resolutions sponsors and incorporated into the resolution. approved by the committee director or president, it will be automatically An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolutions

sponsors do not support and must be voted upon by the committee. The author(s) of introduce it (usually 20 percent of the committee). Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments.

the amendment will need to obtain a required number of signatories in order to

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Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a great deal of debate and compromise. They are the tangible results of hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a result, it is important to become familiar with the resolution process and practice drafting resolutions using the proper structure and wording. Voting Procedure: Votes will be taken in committee in two manners: -

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Open Vote/Procedural Voting: All voting is considered procedural with the

exception of voting on draft resolutions. Delegates must vote on all procedural to vote affirmatively.

motions and no abstentions are allowed for procedural voting. A motion that

requires a simple majority to pass needs more than half of the committee members Roll Call Vote/Substantive Voting:

The only substantive voting will be voting on draft resolutions. After debate has been closed on the general topic area, the committee will move into substantive voting procedures and the chambers are then sealed. After debate is closed on the the floor. A motion for a roll call vote is in order only for substantive motions. with a randomly selected member. topic, and before voting procedure begins a specific draft resolution any delegate may request a roll call vote on the draft resolution. Such a motion may be made from o In a roll call vote, the Director will call countries in alphabetical order starting o In the first sequence, delegates may vote "Yes," "No," "Abstain," or "Pass." A delegate may request the right to explain his/her vote only when the delegate is voting against the policy of his/her country; such a vote is termed "with abstention from voting. rights", in which case the delegate shall say: 'Yes with rights' or 'No with o All delegates who had requested the right of explanation will be granted time Director, not to exceed forty-five seconds.

rights'. The delegate may only explain an affirmative or negative vote, not an to explain their votes. The speaking time will be set at the discretion of the

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o The countries which passed in the first round will then be asked to state their vote in the second round they may not pass again, or request rights at this point. votes. After this, the votes will be tallied, and the draft resolution or amendment will be declared to have passed, failed or been tabled. o In the final round, countries will be asked if they wish to reconsider their

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Sample Working Paper Committee: Asian & Pacific Council

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Topic: Rehabilitation after the Financial Crisis, 1997

Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma and other republics of South East Asia feel the need to set up a separate monetary fund for the pan-Asian region. The reasons for this are as follows: 1) Currently, the five largest donors to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, and Japan, in that order, while the five largest recipients of loans from the IMF are Indonesia, China, Somalia, Malaysia and The Gambia. (These statistics are made up - this is a SAMPLE working paper) The most, and to rectify this discrepancy to a certain extent Indonesia, Malaysia and Burma recommend that a separate Asian Monetary Fund (AMF) be set up. countries which donate the most have the least association with those that need aid the

2) Asian nations often find themselves at philosophical odds with the pro-capitalist IMF and often have to capitulate on their own views and policies in order to obtain IMF sympathetic to our ideas. loans. It would be, in our opinion, much better to borrow money from those 3) In Asia, wealth tends to be distributed among individuals more than the state - which is often bankrupt. The IMF system for private donation is outmoded and underfunded. contribute to help out their home governments. The AMF would definitely call for Asian entrepreneurs from all over the world to 4) Asian Nations often find themselves with IMF loans that are nonmonetary in nature back from complaining because they think it would only seem ungrateful and deny them future loans. They would not face this problem if donors were fellow Asian nations.

and so effectively useless. However, due to the donor-receipient divide, a lot are held

5) Islamic states often prohibit the collection of interest, and since all IMF loans are money. In our opinion, membership to the AMF could be as follows: interest based, these nations often have to capitulate on their religious law to borrow

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# Only those countries willing, at some point, to contribute to the AMF may join. This involves bearing an even share in losses if loans are irretrievable. apply. # Only those nations interested in giving and receiving almost interest free loans need # Only those nations with internationally convertible currencies should be permitted to join, the AMF is completely against capital controls. # It is preferred that AMF members are not IMF members. While this may seem divisive and unnecessary, it is a key step in freeing Asia from Western Dominance.

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Sample Resolution General Assembly Third Committee Resolution GA/3/1.1 Mali, the

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Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada,

Netherlands and Gabon emergencies

Topic: Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal clauses?]

Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use commas to separate perambulatory Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to bodies and nongovernmental organizations,

work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN

Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm, The General Assembly,

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; [use semicolons to separate operative clauses]

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;

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4. CALLS for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary rapid deployment forces;

donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of 5. STRESSES the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries; humanitarian assistance; and 6. CALLS UPON states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for 7. REQUESTS the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through reconstruction and development. [end resolutions with a period]

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