1

2014



2
Contents
The Origins of MUN: ................................................................................................................................... 3
Committee Session ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Types of Committee Debate ..................................................................................................................... 5
Formal Debate: .........................................................................................................................5
Moderated Caucus: ..................................................................................................................5
Un-moderated Caucus: ............................................................................................................5
Mode of conduct ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Important Model UN Procedural Vocabulary .......................................................................................... 6
Motions and Points ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Chronology of Typical Formal Debate ................................................................................................... 10
Resolutions ................................................................................................................................................ 15
The Heading .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Pre-ambulatory Clauses ........................................................................................................................... 16
Resolution Dos and Donts ..................................................................................................................... 16
Heading: ................................................................................................................................... 16
Pre-ambulatory Clauses ........................................................................................................ 16
Operative Clauses ................................................................................................................... 17
What to Bring? .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Dress Code................................................................................................................................................. 22
Rules of Conduct ....................................................................................................................................... 23
References and Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 24





3

GIMUN14 GUIDELINES
The Origins of MUN:
MUN (Model United Nations) is an extracurricular activity in many schools and
universities where students assume the roles of countries and organizations
represented in the United Nations in specific committees and debate about issues
concerning the world. The United Nations was formed at the end of the Second World
War. It was preceded by a similar organization; known as the League of Nations.
During the 1920s at the University of Harvard, students and teachers of International
Relations and Politics courses created a simulation known as Model League of Nations,
where students would represent the League of Nations and debate subjects like
colonization, war and empire debates. After World War Two, once the United Nations
was established, Harvard replaced the Model League of Nations with Model United
Nations (MUN). Soon after, schools in New York began to follow that trend, and by the
mid 1950s, all the Ivy League Universities in the United States held their own MUN
Conference. Participating in a Model United Nations can be a life-changing
experience. You will have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about the UN-
System, the decision-making process and the diplomatic work. All the while you will be
enhancing your communication skills and debating techniques on the search for
compromise, cooperation and consensus. It means debating current issues of the
United Nations agenda, and experiencing how the international community achieves
solutions for such concerns. You will be a delegate, thus you will have to use diplomacy
and negotiation in order to achieve a consensus. You are expected to cooperate with
other delegates and to actively participate in the debate, the writing of a resolution and
the decision making process.
You are the ambassador!
It is really important to keep in mind that you will not be representing yourself
or defending your own opinions, but the ideas and opinions of another country, as
its ambassador. You might even have to argue for a position that goes against your
own opinions, therefore changing the perspective you have about a particular
problem, conflict or topic. Assuming this role and expressing the ideas and plans of the
country you are representing is one very important aspect of every Model United
Nations. You are the ambassador of the country that has been assigned to you in the
United Nations. Another important part of model United Nations is learning from other



4

cultures, gaining a global perspective, and by that gaining a much better understanding
of the problems around the world. To represent the country you have been assigned
properly you need to prepare yourself thoroughly. An excellent preparation, being
informed about the topics and learning as much as you can about the country you
represent, will also make your MUN experience even more interesting and exciting.

(Basic layout of a committee)
Respect is important!
All the delegates should keep in mind that being a diplomat means to offer your
utmost respect to every delegate and to the whole body, regardless of foreign policy
affiliation or personal feelings. Even if you are representing a country that has conflicts
with another country, you should work together in a cooperative and dignified manner.
This also means that personal conflicts should stay outside during the conference.






5

Committee Session
The chairs are the people who direct the debate/discussion.
Delegates can make speeches by taking the floor: i.e. by approaching the
podium. After speech, they can also answer questions.
In every debate, the chairperson determines the following:
o A set time available to make speeches
o A set number of questions that can be answered by the speechmaker,
after his/her speech.
If necessary, the type of debate to be carried out
Types of Committee Debate
There are 3 types of debate that take place in MUN.
Formal Debate:
o All parliamentary procedures are in place. This basically means this will be
a structured debate where a speaker will take the floor, make a speech,
perhaps answer 1 or 2 questions, and return to their seat.
o Speakers List in order: A list of delegates wishing to speak will be created
at the beginning of debate, and during the debate, this list will be
followed.
Delegates cannot talk among themselves.
Delegates may send notepapers to each other, if a messenger or admin staff
available
Moderated Caucus:
Almost all parliamentary procedures still in place.
Speakers List not in order: After each speech, when the delegate returns to
his/her seat, the chair will ask: Are there any delegates wishing to take the
floor?, and then will call on one delegate. This process will be repeated
throughout the debate.
Extremely similar to Formal Debate.
Un-moderated Caucus:
Delegates are free to talk, roam around the room and discuss.
No formal parliamentary procedure in place. (I.e. free discussion time.)





6

Mode of conduct
Respect the Chair and fellow delegates:
o Your Excellency Mr. President, Honourable Chair, Distinguished
Chairs or similar. (While referring to the Chair.)
o Honourable Delegate or Honourable Delegate of Switzerland (while
referring to other delegates)
Remember that only the Chair can authorise speeches, and points of information
(i.e. questions)
No use of 1
st
person at any time:
o I think this resolution is... WRONG.
o We think... OR Spain thinks that CORRECT.
o Exception: To leave the podium, the delegate must say I yield my time
back to the chair if he/she has any time left. If not, I yield the floor back
to the chair
Important Model UN Procedural Vocabulary
Delegate: Representative of a nation.
The Floor: The floor is the podium, where delegates make speeches and answer
questions.
Placard: A piece of plastic or cardboard that has the name of the country
written on it in bold and large letters. Every delegate has a placard. These are
used extensively during debate, to request to make speeches and during voting.
The House: The committee is called the house.
No commotion on the floor / Will the house please come to order: The chair
is telling the delegates to sit down and stop talking!
To Second: To agree with something.
Speakers List: List of nations that signalled to the chair that they want to
make a speech. This will be written on the board for all delegates to see.
Roll Call: The Roll Call is done at the start of the day and after breaks. Its like
the register at school, where the chairs (instead of teachers) check for which
delegates are present and if debate may begin.








7

Voting by roll call: In typical voting, delegates raise their placards when asked
whether they are in favour or against the specific thing that is being voted.
The chair counts placards to determine outcome of vote. (Abstaining may or
may not be in order.) In roll call voting, the chair calls on each nation separately,
one by one, and each nation will state whether they are in favour, or against
(Abstaining may or may not be in order.)
Agenda: The topic of discussion
Draft Resolution: A Draft Resolution is a document that tries to solve a
situation. It is written (drafted) by delegates together during the lobbying stage,
and is then debated by the committee. If it passes in the committee, the draft
resolution becomes a resolution as it has been amended and approved by the
committee.
First Degree Amendment: An Amendment to the First Degree is where a
delegate submits an amendment to add, remove or adjust a clause in the
resolution to become better and more appealing to the House. That was a
strong amendment to the first degree, submitted by the delegate of Japan. It
helped improve the resolution greatly!
Ad Hoc: Ad Hoc refers to committees like the Security Council, APQ and IGO
Committees, where resolutions are not pre-written and then debated, but
instead, clauses are submitted by delegates and together the committee debates
the clause and makes amendments to better the clause to appeal to the member
states. The Flow of Debate in the Security Council is Ad Hoc
Bloc: A bloc is a group of member states who share similar views, or are of the
same culture/ political policy/ language/ trade group/ geographical region etc.
The European Union is a trade, economic and regional bloc for European
nations, likewise ASEAN is one for South East Asian Nations and the Arab League
is one that was formed for Arab States. Some UN Blocs are the regional Blocs for
countries.
Quorum: A Quorum is the minimum number of delegates required for debate to
start. The Quorum doesnt apply to committees such as the Security Council, but
in committees such as the GA, ECOSOC, and other commissions, there must be a
minimum of one third of the house present for debate to begin.
Rapporteur: The Rapporteur is like an expert chair on a topic, however, is the
expert on all the topics. Many conferences have removed there being a
Rapporteur, and instead have made there be expert chairs on topics. I will serve
as the Rapporteur for GA





8

Resolution: Resolutions are documents written by delegates, which aim to
solve a specific situation. Japan wrote a fruitful resolution on the issue of DPR
Korea
Right of Reply: The Right of Reply is where delegates may reply to a speakers
comment. It is requested by a delegate to the chairs when a delegate has been
insulted, or was mentioned on a delegates speech and wishes to answer the
delegate back on what they said about them. The Delegate of DPR Korea stated
how Japan was a Terrorist Island wishing to demolish DPR Korea. The Delegate
of Japan requested the Right of Reply to explain to DPR Korea and the house
that they arent a Terrorist Island, but want stabilized international peace and
cooperation.
Motions and Points
During debate, delegates can suggest several actions, which are called points
and motions.
In general, these can never interrupt a speaker.
If a delegate wishes to make a point, he/she is supposed to raise his/her placard
and state his/her point. The delegate will then be recognised by the Chair, and
the delegate will rise and state his/her point.
If other delegates agree with a motion, they will shout "Second!
Delegates that do not agree with a motion may shout "Objection!
Point of order:
o If a mistake is made during a debate, by the Chair or by a delegate it is in
order for a delegate to use this point.
Point of information to the Chair:
o This is a question from a delegate directed to the Chair, when something
is unclear during debate, the delegate may use this point.
Point of information:
o A point of information is basically a question. It is directed to the speaker
who at that moment has the floor. Points of information are always
question concerning the contents of the debate.
Point of personal privilege:
o This point is the only point that may interrupt a delegate or the Chair
while they are speaking. You would make use it if there is an audibility
problem, i.e. if you cannot hear the speaker.




9

Point of parliamentary inquiry
o If some kind of confusion occurs and the delegate is not sure what to do
next during the debate he may use this point. The delegate could, for
example, ask whether it is in order to abstain on an amendment.
Calls for the orders of the day:
o During a debate delegates sometimes tend to speak about things that are
irrelevant to the actual topic. The delegate can then use this point to ask
the Chair to return to the actual agenda.
Motion to move (directly) into voting procedures:
o Sometimes delegates feel that there is nothing to say about a resolution
anymore, however debating time has not elapsed yet. Now the delegate
may use this motion. If there are no objections the house will directly
move into voting.
Motion to extend debating time:
o This motion is used when a delegate feels that there is not been enough
time to discuss a resolution. When debating time has elapsed delegates
may use this motion. The Chair will then decide if this is in order or not.
Motion to call for a division of the house:
o Sometimes the difference in number of votes in favour and against a
resolution or an amendment is very small. A delegate may use this motion
then. There will be a recount. Should the difference still be marginal,
every country will be called up and the delegates will have to state their
vote again.
Motion to table the resolution:
o If a delegate feels that a resolution is so bad, that it is not worth
discussing it, he may raise this motion. There then will be a vote and if
the majority of the forum agrees to table the resolution, it will be put
aside and may be discussed later on. But it basically means the "death" of
the resolution. Tabling a resolution should be avoided.








10


Chronology of Typical Formal Debate
The Agenda and first topic to discuss set by Chair.
Speakers List created. (Delegates who wish to speak raise their placards and
their names are recorded by the chair.)
Formal debate will begin. First delegate on the list will be recognized by the chair
(i.e. They will take the floor, upon hearing Germany, you have the floor or
Germany, you have been recognized)
Speech will be made by delegate, and maybe one or two points of information
answered. Then delegates returns to seat (I yield my time back to the chair or
I yield the floor back to the chair.)
Process repeated until Speakers List exhausted.
Un-moderated caucus or moderated caucus follow




11




12




13




14




15

Resolutions
In a countrys government, official documents are drafted, which aim to solve a specific
situation. In the United Nations, similar documents are also drafted; these are called
Resolution. Resolutions in the UN and in MUN- are submitted by one member state,
which is generally the largest contributor to the resolution and/or the most involved in
the issue out of the merging group. Resolutions are not written by one member state,
but are a combined effort between different member states whove taken interest in
that specific issue. Although a Main Submitter could contribute the most, thats not to
say that no one else can contribute, as every delegate has an equal opinion.
Resolutions, which are successful, are ones that can appeal to the majority of the
parties (states) involved and doesnt contradict. By giving solutions to both sides, which
are just, and doesnt punish one side completely, or favor the other side completely are
more likely to pass as they can appeal to more member states in the house.
Resolutions, which only touch on the factors involved in the issue, are generally vague
and less likely to pass, however, those that aim to resolve many or most of the factors
involved are more likely to pass as they offer incentives to the various problems, which
contribute to the issue. Unlike in the Security Council, Advisory Panel or in IGOs, where
resolutions are Ad Hoc, resolutions in other committees are written before debate.
There are three components to every resolution:
The Heading is a mandatory part of resolutions. Though they dont contribute to the
content of a resolution, they address the committee; state the issue being resolved, the
submitter of the resolution, and those whove co-submitted the resolution (signatories).
The Heading
The Pre-ambulatory clauses describe what the issue is. They explain what the past and
current situation is and state facts about the issue. Youll find during the Lobbying
stage, that for delegates who havent researched that specific issue as their focused
one, they are more likely to sign onto your topic if youve addressed and explained the
situation of that issue well and have accurate facts about it.






16

Pre-ambulatory Clauses
The Operative clauses are the most essential part of a resolution. Strong Operative
clauses lead to more delegates voting in favor of your resolution. The Operative clauses
explain what can be done to resolve an issue. Please note that successful and strong
operative clauses not only explain what can be done, but give possible sub-clauses on
how it could be achieved.
Resolution Dos and Donts
In summary, remember that in:
Heading:
Begin with Forum indicating the committee
Continue with Submitted by to indicate who is the main contributor/main
speaker of the Resolution
Follow this by Co-Submitted by to illustrate those whove signed on
(signatories) to the Resolution
Use the full official name of the delegations (one gets delegates to sign on
during the Lobbying Stage1)
Address the Committee (in Upper Case), following this, comes the Pre-
ambulatory clauses
Pre-ambulatory Clauses
All Pre-ambulatory clauses must end in commas (,)
Leave a line between ever clauses
No Clause-Opening words should be repeated in the resolution, if you need to
reuse it, either uses a similar word to it, or add Further before it like in Further
Noting or add with concern or with warning like in Noting with concern
All Pre-ambulatory clauses must be underlined and not be numbered
All acronyms must be fully written out before appearing in the abbreviated form,
you only need to write them out once, and then refer to the abbreviated form for
the rest of the resolution






17

Operative Clauses
All acronyms must be fully written out before appearing in the abbreviated form,
you only need to write them out once, and then refer to the abbreviated form for
the rest of the resolution
All Operative clauses must be underlined and be numbered
Sub Clauses must be lettered (a), b), c), d))
Sub-sub Clauses must be in Roman Numerals (i), ii), iii), iv))
If a sub clause does not end the clause, their ending punctuation must be a
comma (,)
If sub-sub clauses do not end the clause, their ending punctuation must be a
comma (,)
All Operative clauses must end in semi-colons (;)
Leave a line between ever clauses
No Clause-Opening words should be repeated in the resolution, if you need to
reuse it, either use a similar word to it, or add Further before it like in Further
Requests or add Strongly like Strongly Requests
All acronyms must be fully written out before appearing in the abbreviated form,
you only need to write them out once, and then refer to the abbreviated form for
the rest of the resolution
In the Pre-ambulatory Clauses PLEASE DO:
State strong and recent facts about the issue
Use statistics where applicable
Mention the past situation and current situation
Recall any passed resolutions by the UN on the issue
Relate any other organizations involved in the situation
State relevant organizations efforts in the situation
If applicable, use developing countries/LEDCs or developed countries/ MEDCs
In the Pre-ambulatory Clauses PLEASE DONT:
Be too one sided/bias
Use Third World countries/ poor countries or First World countries/ rich
countries





18

In the Operative Clauses PLEASE DO:
Aim to find solutions, which solve the smaller problems that contribute to the
issue
Elaborate on the solutions in your operative clauses (sub clauses and sub-sub
clauses)
Make use of any UN organizations or create ones to help the issue
Emphasize cooperation between governments and relevant UN organizations
Explain different methods of approaching the same problem through clauses
In the Operative Clauses PLEASE DONT:
Break the sovereignty a government has over its land
Mention specific sources and specific (numbers) amount of funding
Be vague with your solutions, or simply state a way of solving something without
explaining ways of doing so
Create unrealistic solutions to the issue, which are vague solutions/ not possible
to be put into force
In All Clauses PLEASE DONT:
PLAGIARISE: As Plagiarism isnt at all tolerated at MUN conferences, even if one is
trying to get ideas from resolutions. One can only use similar ideas, and rewrite them as
ones own, not use that particular clause/ resolution! At MUN conferences, plagiarism is
dealt with strongly and often results in one being removed from the conference, and
problems between ones school/delegation and the management.











19









20







21

What to Bring?
For the Conference
Delegate Preparation handbook
Your committee's GIMUN brochure and update
The United Nations Charter; Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Printouts of relevant committee documents
Preparatory notes for work in your committee, including relevant resolutions or
parts thereof
Writing and typing paper (about 20 sheets)
3x5 cards (1 deck) with some rubber bands
Pens in working order; pencils, pocket stapler, small scissors, scotch tape, paper
clips
PERSONAL EFFECTS
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving needs, hair care needs, deodorant,
mouthwash, pocket tissues. Avoid strong scents.
First aid; medicines for headaches, colds, upset stomach, diarrhea; any
prescriptions you are taking in pharmacy-issued containers.
Clothing:
o 3 sets each of the following: shirts, underwear, socks/stockings;
o 1 or 2 suits or suit jackets; ties for guys;
o all-weather raincoat or heavy jacket (against possible cold weather, wind,
and rain);
Plastic bag for dirty clothes.
A good watch.
Cash
Your favorite snacks; peanut butter, crackers; etc. Avoid noisy snacks.
DO NOT BRING
Textbooks, class notebooks (you will have no time to study); valuables; weapons;
alcoholic beverages; drugs; other contraband.





22

Dress Code
GIMUN DRESS CODE
Western business dress is preferred. International delegates in whose native countries
traditional cultural dress is appropriate may dress in "professional business dress".
These delegates are the only individuals to whom this applies. Any delegate attempting
to use cultural costume to portray a "character" will be asked to leave the committee
chamber and change into clothing that is more appropriate. The GIMUN will not tolerate
any delegate's attempt to mock traditional cultural attire or abuse it as costume.
Typically, delegates wear business suits to the Opening and Closing Ceremony and to
all committee sessions. All clothing must adhere to guidelines that portray
professionalism and modesty. If a delegate's attire is deemed inappropriate by the
GIMUN staff the delegate will be asked to leave the session and return with the
appropriate attire. Also, note that it is inappropriate for delegates to display any
national symbols such as flags, pins, crests, etc. on their person during committee
sessions. UN symbols are acceptable, however.
Dress Code Guidelines
Women: Standard female delegate attire for the conference is business jacket, skirt or
slacks, button blouse, and dress shoes. (Shirts that expose excessive bare skin on the
chest, stomach or are otherwise revealing are inappropriate. Clothes that reveal
undergarments are inappropriate.) Men: Standard male delegate attire for the
conference is business jacket, slacks, button down shirt with tie and dress shoes. Facial
hair should be shaved or trimmed neatly. (Dress sweaters are generally considered too
casual, as well as shorts, ball caps, jeans, sneakers and sunglasses.)









23
Rules of Conduct
Rules of Conduct in GIK Institute
When in GIK, delegates must follow instructions given by the delegation leaders,
or their designated deputies, who alone may act on behalf of the delegation and
in the name of the Faculty Adviser.
No rendezvous or visits of a personal nature should be planned or made during
the GIMUN conference.
Delegates are not to leave the campus without notifying one of the delegation
leaders of the purpose and length of your absence. Delegates are expected to
stay at the campus from Friday until Sunday evening.
Delegates are not to leave the campus premises alone at any time. Always travel
in groups; Women must be accompanied by male delegates.
GIK Institute will not pay for any personal charge.
Conference identification badge and placard:
o Always wear your badge in the conference areas.
o Always take with you your (voting) placard when you leave a conference
room.
o Do not allow another delegation to vote on your behalf.
o Never vote with another delegation's placard.
o Delegates should behave at all times in such a manner as not to damage
the image of the delegation or GIK Institute.
Do NOT take anything from the rooms, the campus, or any other establishment
for souvenir. Avoid damaging any property. GIK Institute will not assume any
responsibility for damages caused by you in any way.
GRADING will reflect the following criteria:
o Performance in committee, as gathered through visits by
delegation leaders, by faculty adviser(s), by communications
with teammates, by comments, unsolicited or otherwise, from
other delegations or conference officials.
o Cooperativeness and team spirit toward teammates. Anti-social
behavior will negatively affect your grade.
o 100% attendance in the committee sessions is MANDATORY





24
References and Bibliography
How to help MUN delegates Become Prepared by Uday Rai Mehra International
School of Amsterdam
The National Model United Nations Rules of Procedure
Model United Nations: Rules and Procedure by BUMUN Bath University, UK.