Chung Hwa Middle School, BSB

Model United Nations

2016

Delegates’ Guidebook
 CONTENTS
Part I: General Introduction
What is MUN?
HMUN Councils and their Descriptions
General Guidelines

Part III Council Sessions

Procedure and Debating Rules
Order of Events in Council Sessions
Resolution Debating Procedure
Debating and Voting Procedures
Definitions
Points and Motions
Opening Speeches
Note Passing and Messages

Part III: Resolutions

What is a Resolution?
How to Write a Resolution
Phrases for Resolution Writing
Lobbying and Signing
Interest Groups
Amendments

Part IV: Decorum

Behavior in Councils
Dress Code

Final Words
 What is a Model United Nations?
Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extra-
curricular activity in which students typically assume the role of a
delegate representing a country or organization to the United Nations.
They are then placed in a specific committee, such as the United
Nations Environment Program, the Human Rights Council or the
Security Council and debate about global issues. Usually, at the end of
MUN conferences, a resolution containing the end results of the topic
debate would be produced to combat the issue at hand.
Participating in Model United Nations require substantial researching,
public speaking, debating, and writing skills, as well as critical thinking,
teamwork, and leadership abilities. In an MUN, students are
encouraged to participate actively and share opinions based on their
delegation. This allows students to gain an insight into the complexities
of international relations and world politics.
For more information on model united nations, visit http://bestdelegate.com/what-is-model-
united-nations/
 CMUN 2016 Councils
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
The Security Council is given primary responsibility for maintaining international
peace and security. Agendas in this council may concern issues such as nuclear
weaponry, cyber warfare, and the use of drones in war.
http://www.un.org/en/sc/about/

United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an agency that
coordinates itsenvironmental activities, assisting developing countries in
implementing environmentally sound policies and practices.
www.unep.org

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United
Nations (UN). It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations
and began work in April 1946. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The
Hague (Netherlands).
www.icj-cij.org/court/

World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that
is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948,
headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
www.who.int/
 General Guidelines
Delegates are assigned countries and committees and must research the
countries they have been assigned. A delegate should know about the
government of the country they represent as well as information on the political,
social, and economic system of the country, specific information about their
committee topic and the opinion of the country they represent on that topic.

In addition to this, Chairs will be expected to copiously research their topics and
to write a paragraph on each topic for the General Assembly, so that delegates of
different committees have an understanding of the topics being debated. This will
also aid the chairs during committee sessions where they may need to stimulate
debate or re-phrase Points of Information.

Delegates and Chairs must remember at all times to seriously represent the
country they have been assigned. Delegates are expected to always use formal
language and also to follow standard policies of official dress and proper methods
of address.

Delegates must profusely research the countries and topics they have been
assigned as well as acquire a good working understanding of Parliamentary
procedure. The Secretaries General, Parliamentarians and Committee Chairs must
administer and control the conference and debate, demonstrate a mastery of
parliamentary procedure, and provide strong leadership.
 Procedure and debating rules
1. In the lobbying period delegates must try and gather support for their
resolutions. They may merge their resolutions with those of other delegates if
they wish. A resolution must have at least two co-submitters and can have up to
5 co-sponsors to present the resolution to committee (co-sponsors are optional;
co-submitters are required).

2. Delegates can only co-submit two resolutions and co-sponsor up to four.

Merging a resolution is not just ‘copy and paste’ it involves re-evaluating the
ideas within the different resolutions and/ or clauses and re-writing these so all
the ideas are reflected.

3. When a resolution has the required number of co-submitters, it has to be passed

onto the Chair for approval. The chair will choose the resolutions to be discussed
in committee and draw up a speaker’s list. In committee the speakers will
present their arguments for and against the resolutions.

4. Speaking - whenever a delegate wishes to speak they hold up their placard and
are addressed by the chair to which point do you rise, which the delegate
responds with I raise to a … Point of Order, Point of information, etc. Also
delegates are required to use formal language at all times.

5. A roll call will be called at the opening of the committees and General Assembly.
Each country must respond with present and voting.

6. After the formal roll call in the committee session, each delegate will be invited
to give an opening speech of not more than one minute. Each delegate must
make an opening speech.

7. Debate starts with a reading of the operative causes of the resolution followed
by Points of Clarification.

8. The chair then allows debate on the resolution following a pre-set time period.
Debate is set 10 minutes but can be extended upward on the desecration of the
chair at the requests of delegates. Speakers will be invited to speak for or against
a resolution; chairs will not allow any delegate to speak to the resolution.
9. If a delegate wishes to take time out to discuss a resolution or amendment they
must raise their placards and ask for a Motion for Caucus. The chair has the right
to refuse the motion. If the chair accepts there will be a vote and if a majority of
delegates vote for a recess, then caucusing shall be allowed at a time limit set by
the chair, with a minimum of 5 minutes.

10. All debate speeches must be no longer than two minutes.

11. All speakers will be asked if they are open to points of information, and can
respond with no or any and all. All speakers are encouraged to entertain at least
one point of information as this stimulates debate.

12. If a delegate wishes to ask a question after a speaker has addressed the floor
they must raise their placard and when addressed by the chair state that they
raise to a point of information. They will then be invited to state their question to
the speaker. Follow-ups to Points of Information are limited to one and at
discretion of the chairs.

13. If a delegate wishes to amend a resolution, the amendment must be written

clearly on the specialised amendment sheet provided by the chairs and sent to
the main co-submitter of the resolution. If they are happy with the amendment,
they should forward it to the Chair. The Chair will then type it on a laptop which
is linked to an overhead projector. When time is possible the
amendment submitter will give a maximum three minute ‘For Speech’. If there is
an ‘Against speech’, it will too be constricted to three minutes. Only ONE ‘For
Speech’ and ‘Against speech’ will be entertained. Voting will take place in the
form of a placard vote, with a simple majority.

14. All voting on a resolution is by role call; all other voting including that for
amendments is done by a placard vote. Delegates may abstain from any vote. A
delegate may propose to the chair that another delegate explain their vote by
rising to a motion to request an explanation. The chair will ask why the request
has been made and if the chair feels the reason warrants the request can allow
it. The delegate is then asked to explain their vote and given the option to
change their vote.
15. If a delegate wishes to make a statement, they may request a Right to
Statement. A Right to Statement can only be allowed when no other business is
being addressed (i.e. in between resolutions etc.) and at the prompting of the
chair ‘are there any Rights of Statement on the floor’. Were the Chairs not to ask
the question a delegate at the appropriate time can rise to a point of
order and request a Right of Statement. All Rights to Statement are allowed at
the chair ’s discretion. A Right to Statement will allow a speaker to speak up to a
minute on any topic related to their country. Note that all Rights to Statement
must be first ‘censored’ or ‘checked’ by teachers of the delegate’s school.

16. If a delegate cannot hear or wishes to make a short point about the conduct of
the debate, the delegate must raise their placard and rise to a Point of Concern.
The chair will ask them to state their concern.

17. If a delegate wishes to close a debate at the end of a round, feeling that all the
key issues have been covered and further debate would not be useful, the
delegate may raise their placard and move to close the Debate. The chair will ask
the delegate to state their reasons for the motion. If the chair deems it a sensible
reason there will be a placard vote. Two thirds of delegates in committee or
General Assembly must agree to the proposal for debate to be closed, in which
case the floor goes directly to voting procedures.

18. The chair has the discretionary right to accept as many points of Information,
speeches and amendments as they wish. They may stop or curtail any
parliamentary procedure if pressed for time or if they feel debate is being
obstructed.

19. If a delegate is not following parliamentary procedure or being deliberately

obstructive they may be given a warning. There is no penalty for the first
warning. If a second warning is given the speaker will lose speaking and voting
rights for an amount of time to be decided by the chair in consultation with
teacher advisors, a third warning will cause the delegate to be removed for a set
amount of time decided by the chair also in consultation with teacher advisors.

20. Resolutions passing committee with a simple majority vote are sent on to
General Assembly. A resolution passes General Assembly only with a 2/3
majority.
21. The evening before the General Assembly meets (and altered if needed on the
day the General Assemble convenes) the Secretary Generals will draw up a list of
resolutions to be debated. Resolutions chosen for debate are at the discretion of
the Secretary Generals. All rules for debate in committee apply also to General
Assembly with the exception that a resolution requires a 2/3 majority to pass.

22. If a delegate feels parliamentary procedure has been breached they may rise to a
point of order. Points of order can be entertained at the discretion of the chair.

23. If a delegate feels they or the country they represent has been insulted they may
raise to have their grievances noted. The delegate can at any time rise to a
grievance by standing silently but can only speak when addressed by the chair.
Chairs can either request an explanation of the grievance or simply state your
grievances have been noted the delegate may please sit down.
Order of Events
Resolution Debating Procedure
Formal Role Call Vote Procedure
 Definitions
Committee  Each delegate is assigned to a committee.
 There are four committees (Environment, Security Council,
World Health Organization, International Court of Justice)
each debating on different issues.
 Committees meet during the first day of the conference
where
Resolutions are presented by submitters and debate
begins, followed
by voting on the resolution.

General Assembly (GA)

 All Committees congregate in the General Assembly (also
known as GA) on the final day of the conference.
 Rules of procedure apply as in committee, except all
delegates can debate on all topics.
 Resolutions passed in committee are debated in GA.
 The Secretary-Generals chair debate in GA.

Note-passing  In both committee and GA, delegates may converse with

the chair and amongst themselves in note form.
 Notepaper WILL NOT be provided.
 Delegates wishing to pass a note should hold the note up
and floor secretaries will pick up and pass them on. All
notes will be checked by teachers before being forwarded
to the recipient.
 Floor secretaries will forward all frivolous notes to the
chair which may result in a warning for the delegate.
Frivolous notes include all content which has no relevance
to debate.
 Delegates must refrain from note passing or tearing note
paper during speeches or during voting.
Resolution  A document prepared by delegates which addresses the
issues of their respective committees.
 Resolutions are the material that the debate will be based
on; therefore they should be specific and accurate in
reflecting the policies of the nation they represent.
 Each resolution must consist of the following:
o State the audience to whom the resolution is
addressed, i.e. committee name.
o State the problem being addressed
o State co-submitters and co-sponsors separately
o Perambulatory clauses – defines the problem and
the need for action.
o Must begin with present or past participle, e.g.
“affirming”, “alarmed by” etc.
o Operative clauses – state the plan of action or
recommendations.
o Must begin with verbs, e.g. “suggests”, “condemns”
etc.
o All lines numbered
o No more than 2 pages in length
o Size 11 Calibri, Arial or Times New Roman font
o Resolutions passed in committee will proceed to be
debated upon in the General Assembly at the
discretion of the Secretary Generals.
 Resolutions pass a committee with a simple majority and
must have a 2/3rd majority to pass GA.

Co-submitter  When resolutions are merged, the submitters become co-

submitters. A delegate can only be considered a co-
submitter if s/he has contributed to the resolution.
 Authors of resolutions must gain the support of at least 2
co-submitters.
 Each delegate may only co-submit up to 2 resolutions.
 The main contributor to the resolution should be listed
first on the co- submitters list.
Co-sponsor  If a delegate supports a resolution but has not made any
contributions to it, s/he can be added to the co-sponsors
list.
 If debate on the resolution has commenced, co-sponsors
can still request to be removed from the co-sponsors list
by sending a note to inform the chairs.
 Each delegate may only co-sponsor up to 4 resolutions.

Caucusing/  On the first day of the conference, delegates will be given

the
Lobbying
opportunity to lobby or caucus. They should take this time
to
collaborate with other delegates, discuss different views,
merge
resolutions and gain support for their resolution.
 Should a delegate require time to break for caucus, for
example, to discuss amendments etc, then s/he should
motion for unmoderated caucus.

Opening  Opening speeches must not exceed one minute in length.

 They provide and introduction to their nation, including
Speech
their nation’s perspective and policies in relation to the
committee issues.

Point of  These will be entertained after the main submitter of a

resolution has read out the operative clauses.
Clarification
 A delegate may rise to a point of clarification when s/he
wishes for any words or phrases in the resolution to be
defined or clarified.
 Delegates may not challenge the content of a resolution in
a point of clarification.
 The number of points of clarification to be entertained will
be determined at the discretion of the chair.
 Points and Motions
To Motion For/ Raise a point of…
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to motion for/ to a point of…
Chair (may ask): On what grounds?
Delegate: offer quick explanation

Point of Clarification:
Point of Clarifications are only entertained after the operative clauses have been
read by the main co- submitter. They address the need to define, or further
elaborate on the meaning or particular phrases, clauses, abbreviations or words
within a resolution. Any point of clarifications outstanding can be addressed to
the co-submitters in note form.
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to a Point of
Clarification Chair: Granted/ denied
Delegate (if granted): This delegate…state question

Point of Information:
Points of Information are only entertained when the chair has opened the floor to
Points of Information, after the delegate has addressed the floor with a speech. A
delegate who has just delivered a speech has the right to accept all Points of
Information or none at all. After a delegate addresses the floor in a speech
Chair: Is the delegate of…open to any Point of Information
Delegate: Any and all/ No
Chair (if delegate answered ‘any and all’: Thank you delegate.
Are there any Points of Information on the floor?
Chair (if delegate answered ‘no’): Thank you, the delegate of…may be
seated.
Points of Information have to be phrased in the form of a question, and must
relate to information in the delegate’s speech. A delegate must raise their
placard, and when addressed by the chair, state that they rise to a Point of
Information. They will then be invited to state their question to the speaker.
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to a Point of Information
Chair: Granted
Delegate (if granted): This delegate…state question

Follow Up:
Should a delegate feel that their Point of Information was inadequately answered,
they may request for a Follow Up. This is limited to one, and granted at the
discretion of the chairs.
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to request for a Follow
Up Chair: On what grounds?
Delegate: This delegate…state explanation/ justification
Chair: Granted/ Denied
Delegate (if granted): This delegate…state Follow Up question

Point of Concern:
If a delegate cannot hear, or wishes to make a short point about the conduct of
debate, the delegate must raise their placard and rise to a Point of Concern. The
chair will ask them to state their concern.
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to a Point of Concern
Chair: Granted
Delegate (if granted): This delegate…state concern
Point of Order:
If a delegate feels Parliamentary Procedure has been breached they may rise to a
Point of Order. Points of Order are entertained at the discretion of the chair.
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to a Point of Order
Chair: Granted
Delegate (if granted): This delegate…state breach in Parliamentary
Procedure/ debate rules

Point to have Grievances Noted:

If a delegate feels they or the country they represent has been insulted they may
rise to have their grievances noted. The delegate can at any time rise to a
grievance by standing silently but can only speak when addressed by the chair.
Chairs can either request an explanation of the grievance or simply state your
grievances have been noted, the delegate may please sit down.
Delegate: Stands up
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: This delegate rises to have his/ her grievances noted
Chair: Can the delegate of…please offer an explanation?/ Your grievances
have been noted. The delegate may sit down.

Motion to Close the Debate:

If a delegate wishes to close a debate, feeling that all the key issues have been
covered and further debate would not be useful the delegate may raise their
placard and Motion to Close the Debate. The chair will ask the delegate to state
their reasons for the motion.

If the chair deems it a sensible reason there will be a placard vote. Two thirds of
delegate in the committee or General Assembly must agree to the proposal for
debate to be closed, in which case the floor goes directly to voting procedures.
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to Motion to Close the Debate
Chair: On what grounds?
Delegate (if granted): This delegate…state brief justification/ explanation
Chair: Granted. A placard vote will now be conducted/ Denied.
Motion to Caucus:
If a delegate wishes to take time out to discuss a resolution or amendment they
must raise their placards and ask for a Motion for Caucus. Another delegate is
then required to second the motion by raising their placard and rise to Second the
Motion. The chair has the right to refuse the motion. If the chair accepts, there
will be a placard vote and if a majority of delegates vote for the motion, then
caucusing shall be allowed at a time limit set by the chair.
Delegate A: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate A: The delegate of…rises to Motion to Caucus
Chair: On what grounds?
Delegate A (if granted): This delegate…state brief justification/ explanation
Chair: Thank you delegate. Does any delegate wish to second the Motion to
Caucus?
Delegate B: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate B: I rise to Second the Motion to Caucus
Chair: Granted. A placard vote will now be conducted./ Denied

Motion to Extend Debate:

Delegates may rise to a Motion to Extend Debate should they feel that the debate
time-frame should be extended. The delegate may be asked to justify the motion.
Another delegate is then required to second the motion by raising their placard
and rise to Second the Motion. The motion is then granted at the discretion of the
chairs.
Delegate A: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate A: The delegate of…rises to Motion to Extend Debate
Chair: On what grounds?
Delegate A (if granted): This delegate…state brief justification/ explanation
Chair: Thank you delegate. Does any delegate wish to second the Motion to
Extend Debate?
Delegate B: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate B: I rise to Second the Motion to Extend Debate.
Chair: Granted. A placard vote will now be conducted./ Denied
Motion to Request an Explanation:
A delegate may Motion to Request an Explanation to question another delegation’s
vote. The chair will ask for the justification of the request, and if the chair feels the
reason warrant the request, can allow it. The delegate is then asked to explain their vote
and be given the option to change their vote.

Delegate: Raise placard

Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to Motion to Request an Explanation from the
delegation of…
Chair: On what grounds?
Delegate (if granted): This delegate…state brief justification/ explanation
Chair: Granted. Can the delegate of…please offer an explanation.
After explanation by the delegate in question
Chair: Does the delegate of…wish to change their vote?

Right to Statement:
If a delegate wishes to make a statement they may request a Right to Statement. A
Right to Statement can only be allowed when no other business is being addressed (i.e
between resolutions etc.) and at the prompting of the chair. A delegate at the
appropriate time can rise to a Point of Order and request a Right of Statement.

All Rights to Statement are allowed at the chair’s discretion. A Right to Statement will
allows a speaker to speak up to a minute on any topic related to their country. When no
other business is being addressed

Chair: We will now be entertaining Rights to Statement. Are there any

Rights to Statement on the floor?
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: The delegate of…what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate rises to a Right to Statement.
Chair: Granted. The delegate of…may approach the podium.
(or)
When no other business is being addressed
Delegate: Raise placard
Chair: Delegate of… to what point do you rise?
Delegate: The delegate of…rises to Point of Order
Chair: Granted.
Delegate (if granted): This delegate wishes to rise to a Right to Statement.
Chair: Granted. The delegate of…may approach the podium./ Denied
 The Opening Speech
All delegates will be asked to give an opening speech to begin the
conference. An opening speech is a general address to the council on
your country’s stance towards the issue at hand.
The time given for all delegation representatives to present their
opening speeches is 1 minute. Please keep in mind that the delegate is
expected to follow the time given and will be interrupted by the chair is
the limit is exceeded.

What should an opening speech contain?

● Always address the audience formally, e.g. “Honourable Chair,
fellow delegates.” This should appear at the very beginning of
your speech.
● Formal titles like your country’s full and official name (i.e. “The
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”, instead of “North
Korea”).
● It is not necessary to state your country’s policy on the issue
you’re about to debate. However, it is far more important to use
your speech as a way of being recognized. Tell your audience,
some surprising facts that make people think of your country as a
force to be dealt with. Above all, strive for interest. Try to think
out of the box to create a speech to shout out your country.
 Note-Passing and Messages
Delegates may not talk amongst themselves during the formal debate
time (anytime at the conference). If you want to communicate (with
other delegates or the chair), you’ll need to write down your message
on a piece of paper.
The outside of this note must state clearly (write neatly or the note-
passers probably won’t send it!) who the note is FROM, and who the
note is TO. The “to” and “from” sections of this must be filled out with a
COUNTRY name, not the name of the actual delegate.

SAMPLE NOTE
From: Russia
To: Angola
Do you want to work with me in striking out Clause 6?

When you have a note ready to pass, raise it in your hand and the
admin staff will pick it up from you and deliver it.
Note passing can be made anytime during formal debate, whether
during the speaker’s list, moderated caucus or debating on a resolution.
However, note passing is out of order during voting procedures.
 Resolution Writing
What is a Resolution?
It is basically a piece of formal writing to address a certain agenda, or
an ongoing problem in the world. A UN resolution provides the
guidelines for member states to solve the addressed issue.
A resolution is done in a very particular format, having two sections.
The first section explains a bit of the background of the small slice of
the issue you are trying to solve, the second gives your opinions about
how you propose to actually solve problem as you see it.
A resolution starts off with pre-ambulatory phrases. These are the bits
that tell the history of the problem, you use these to define the part of
the problem you are trying to solve. (Background information, past
resolutions that have tried to focus on this same problem, pertinent
facts, and past injustices are all examples of the information that goes
into this section.)
The main part of a resolution is the operative clauses. Operative clauses
are the parts of resolutions that actually suggest a solution to the
problem that you defined in the pre-ambulatory clauses. The operative
clauses suggest real and possible solutions for the problem you have
defined.
Each resolution must consist of the following:
 State the audience to whom the resolution is addressed, i.e.
committee name.
 State the problem being addressed
 State co-submitters and co-sponsors separately
 Perambulatory clauses – defines the problem and the need for
action.
 Must begin with present or past participle, e.g. “affirming”,
“alarmed by” etc.
 Operative clauses – state the plan of action or recommendations.
 Must begin with verbs, e.g. “suggests”, “condemns” etc.
 All lines numbered
 No more than 2 pages in length
 Size 11 Calibri, Arial or Times New Roman font.
 Resolutions passed in committee will proceed to be debated upon in
the General Assembly at the discretion of the Secretary Generals.
 Resolutions pass a committee with a simple majority and must have a
2/3rd majority to pass GA.

Tips on resolution writing

 Good resolutions….
o …are focused on one issue - they don’t try to cover too many issues
superficially
o …should be a plan of action which represents the voice of your
country
o …suggest realistic (politically feasible) solutions to the problem (note
that economic funds should not deter debate)
o …show evidence of research
o …avoid discussion of specific monetary figures
o …attempt to strike a balance between specificity and generality –
should not be too general as then it will not be able to solve the
problem, but should not be specific enough to be inflexible or
unsupportable
o …provide new suggestions for fixing the problem rather than re-
stating actions that have already been tried
 o

SAMPLE PERAMBULATORY PHRASES

Affirming
Having considered further
Alarmed by
Having devoted attention
Approving
Aware of Having examined
Believing Having studied
Bearing in mind Having heard
Confident Having received
Contemplating Keeping in mind
Convinced
Noting with regrets
Declaring
Noting with satisfaction
Deeply concerned
Noting with deep
Deeply conscious
concern
Deeply convinced
Noting further
Deeply disturbed
Noting with approval
Deeply regretting
Observing
Desiring
Realizing
Emphasizing
Reaffirming
Expecting
Recalling
Expressing its appreciation
Recognizing
Expressing its satisfaction
Referring
Fulfilling
Seeking
Fully aware
Taking into account
Fully alarmed
Taking into
Fully believing
consideration
Further deploring
Taking note
Further recalling
Viewing with
Guided by
Appreciation
Having adopted
Welcoming
Having considered
 SAMPLE OPERATIVE CLAUSES
Accepts Emphasizes Proclaims
Affirms Encourages Reaffirms
Approves Endorses Recommends
Authorizes Expresses its Reminds
Calls appreciation Regrets
Calls upon Expresses its hope Requests
Condemns Further invites Solemnly affirms
Congratulates Further proclaims Strongly
Confirms Further reminds condemns
Considers Further recommends Supports
Declares accordingly Further resolves Trusts
Deplores Further requests Takes notes of
Designates Have resolved Transmits
Notes Urges
 Lobbying and Signing
Lobbying
Once you’ve written your draft resolution, the next step is to garner support
for it – which you can do when lobbying in council.
Lobbying is the time to have an open, informal discussion with other
delegates in the council.
There are a few aims in lobbying:
 To establish allies in other delegates
 To convince other delegates of your ideas
 To discuss, compare and/or merge resolutions

Merging resolutions is strongly advised, as delegates will often find similar

clauses in their resolutions, and it will be extremely tiring for the council to
sit through multiple similar resolutions.

Signing Resolutions
Signing is required for every resolution to be put up for debate. Delegates
will have to get their resolutions signed during lobbying time.
There are 3 positions that can be signed in a resolution:

1. Main Submitter
The main submitter is usually the delegate that has written most of the
clauses in a resolution (especially if the resolution was merged). For each
resolution, there will be 1 main submitter only.

The main submitter will be responsible for:

 Submitting their resolution to the chair
 Introducing the motion to discuss their resolution
 Reading out the resolution to the council
 Providing a speech in favor of the resolution

Most notably, the main submitter will be the one taking credit for the
resolution as a whole (e.g. for receiving the Best Resolution Paper award).
Notes: As main submitter, you cannot be a co-submitter for other
resolutions on the same agenda; however, you are allowed to become a co-
sponsor.

2. Co-Submitters
These are delegates who support the resolution and will speak in favor of
it. At least 2 co-submitters will be required for a resolution to be up for
debate. There are no limits to the number of co-submitters.

3. Co-sponsors
Co-sponsors are delegates that not necessarily support the resolution,
but approve of it being put up for discussion. In other words, you can
become a co-sponsor of any resolution so long as it looks interesting to
you.

At least 3 co-sponsors will be required for a resolution to be put up for

debate.

Note: Signatories are allowed to vote in every way on the resolution: for,
against or abstaining.
 Interest Groups
The members of interest groups are often friendly to one another. It is a way
of finding out who your diplomatic friends are; it is also a way of figuring out
where/ who you can expect support from.
This is not a complete list of Interest Groups and alliances. Be open to others
that you might find.

ANZUS - The Australian, New Zealand, and United States Security Treaty: A
military alliance that binds the countries primarily to co-operate on defence
issues in the Pacific Ocean area.
Arab League - Organisation of 22 Arab and Muslim countries worldwide.
ASEAN – Association of South East Asian Nations: South East Asian countries
to increase the welfare of the people in the region, both economically and
culturally.
AU - African Union: An organization of African nations whose main purpose
is to encourage cooperation and development among its member states.
EU – European Union: An economic and political union of 28 member states
that are located primarily in Europe.
G20 - A forum for the cooperation and consultation of major economies on
matters pertaining to the international financial system.
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Military alliance of Western
European countries under the direction of the US to protect Europe.
OAS - Organization of American States: North and South American countries
under the direction of the US, for the purpose of economic development
and mutual protection.
OPEC - Oil Producing and Exporting Countries who control the supply and
price of oil.
 Amendments
Normally, before any resolution is voted on, it should be amended by
delegates during debating time on the resolution; that is, having its
operative clauses modified slightly.
The intention of proposed amendments to resolutions should normally be to
improve the resolution, with the objective of achieving a wider consensus,
and thus helping the resolution pass. All Amendments must be submitted to
the Chair, at the appropriate time during formal debate for the resolution.
Amendments not submitted to the Chair in advance are not in order (won’t
be allowed to be read).
All Amendments must clearly state:
1. which country is proposing the amendment;
2. the clause or sub-clause which is affected by the amendment;
3. the kind of amendment, e.g. strike, insert, strike and insert, add;
4. the line or lines in which the amendment is to be made.

SAMPLE AMENDMENT
From: Japan
To: Chair
Clause: 4b (ii)
Line: “…with guidance from the relevant NGOs”
Amendment: Strike “guidance”, insert “financial, technological or military
assistance”
Amendments are in order only if they are amending the resolution under
debate. You cannot amend a proposed amendment, nor can you send
amendments to the chair on resolutions that are not currently under
debate.
Debating on Amendments
The procedure for debating on an amendment is very much like debating on
a resolution itself.
1. Introducing the Amendment
After notifying the chair, the submitter of the amendment (it can be
any delegate, including co-submitters, signatories and non-signatories)
will be yielded the floor. The submitter will read out the amendment,
and then provide a 1-minute speech to justify the amendment.

2. Debating For/Against the Amendment

Largely similar to debating on a resolution;

3. Voting
As with resolutions, there are 3 possible votes for delegates:
 For the Amendment
 Against the Amendment
 Abstaining

Clapping is usually not in order for amendments, regardless of whether it

passes.
 Decorum
Decorum refers to the rules of behaviour in councils. Delegates breaching any
rules below will be dealt with appropriately by the Chair or other relevant
personnel.

Behaviour in Councils
1. Communication
As stated, direct verbal communication among delegates is strictly prohibited
during council sessions, except during an unmoderated caucus or indoor
recess. During debate time, delegates should only communicate through note-
passing.

Direct verbal communication is allowed to be directed to the Chair, but only to

raise motions (e.g. to Move to Previous Question) or points (e.g. Point of
Personal Privilege).

2. Debating Language
Delegates are highly encouraged to use formal parliamentary language in
debate; however, occasional informal language can be useful to lighten the
mood of the council.

Delegates must always make speeches in the third person. This means:
● Referring to themselves as “this delegate” or “the delegate of [insert
your
represented country here]”
● Referring to other delegates as “the delegate” or “the delegate of [inset
their represented country here]”
● Referring to the chair as “the Chair” (do not try anything else, seriously)
Any use of strongly inappropriate language (vulgarities, mature content
etc) will be met with severe punishment from the Chair.

3. Clapping and Laughter

Clapping is usually allowed for passed resolutions only, after the voting
process. Laughter at any other times is not in order to maintain respect for all
speakers on the floor.
 Dress Code
Formal wear is required for all CMUN delegates.

Males
You will require:
● A business shirt
● A tie
● Formal pants
● Dark shoes
● A blazer

Females
You will require:
● A business shirt
● Formal pants/skirt
● (Skirts no more than 5
inches above knee level)
● Dark shoes
(May be high-heeled or flat-
heeled; left to your
discretion)
A blazer
 Final Words
That’s all! Preparing for MUN will take quite a bit of effort, but once you step into
council, it is a lot easier than it looks. As long as you like speaking to a certain
extent, you are guaranteed to enjoy your MUN experience.
Start getting ready, and c’mon lets CMUN!