Model UN Basics
About the Trainer
Umer Irfan Sharfuddin
- MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi.
- Two years at Engro Foods Limited handling brand management.
- Working full time on an offset printing business and an exports
business.
- Moonlights as a public speaking trainer and debate coach since 2012.
- Institutions trained include:
• IBA
• Government of Balochistan
• KGS
• Cedar School
• Bay View Academy
• The CAS School
• Southshore College
• Links
What is a Model UN ?
• MUN stands for Model United Nations…
• MUN conferences are a platform to replicate the
actual dynamics of United Nations…
• To understand the dynamics of an MUN, it is more
important for us to know what United Nations is
all about…
Why did United Nations come into existence ?
It was in 1945, after the Second World War, that 51 countries got
together and founded United Nations as an international
organization committed to maintaining:
• international peace and security
• developing friendly relations among nations and
• Promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights
United Nations became a symbol of universal brotherhood…
The main agenda of this organization was and is to resolve global issues.
The UN mandate was to establish a peaceful environment for every country n
citizens…to make world a better place to live in…
Some important facts about United Nations
Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN:
Membership totals 192 countries (started with 51 countries in 1945)
When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the
obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic
principles of international relations.
The United Nations is not a world government and it does not
make laws. It does, however, provide the means to help resolve
international conflicts and formulate policies on matters affecting all of us.
At the UN, all the Member States — large and small, rich and
poor, with differing political views and social systems — have a
voice and a vote in this process.
Main bodies of United Nations…
The United Nations has six main organs
Five of them —
the General Assembly,
the Security Council,
the Economic and Social Council,
the Trusteeship Council and the Secretariat —
are based at UN Headquarters in New York.
The sixth, the International Court of Justice, is located at The Hague in the Netherlands
* These organs have subsidiary committees
* At ShoreMUN 2014 – we have 3 subsidiary bodies of the General Assembly
Why did MUN come into existence ?
The actual United Nations was run by diplomats and heads of each country…
The youth was not really involved…the values of UN were not inculcated in the
youth…
The best method to involve the youth in this peacekeeping process was by
assuring that the young generation emerges in the UN environment…
Therefore, World MUN was founded in 1991 by several Harvard students who
were looking to create a different Model United Nations experience….
Now the same MUN is replicated in several schools and colleges all over the
world…
What really happens at an MUN conference ?
Each delegate represents a country at the MUN conference….in
order to debate pressing international issues
Over a series of committee sessions, delegates or attendees to the
conference have to work together constructively to form
solutions to the problem being discussed in their committee…
The sessions are moderated by a Chair along with Assistant
Chairs…and the delegates have to abide by certain rules and
regulations…
MUN has its benefits…
It’s the best platform for the youth of today to understand how negotiations are
done between different states at the actual UN conference….
It’s an experience that is worth your time….It makes you think out of the
box….You look at your country and different countries from a totally different
perspective
It sharpens your public speaking skills, networking and social skills….
MUN is fast gaining international recognition….So your participation at MUN
looks excellent on your application to different colleges….
So it does not matter which country you represent..and how big or small it
is..But its HOW you represent that country at the conference…It preaches
tolerance and it helps you understand how UN is run….
Pre-conference
•Registration
•Training session
•Research
•Official document - Position Paper
•Unofficial documents
Research – the first step towards a successful MUN experience
• Read the Study Guide of your committee carefully
• The guides will refer you to more sources
• The questions at the end of the guide will be a good starting point to figure out
what you need to learn more about.
• Study the official website for your committee (UNHRC has its own homepage)
• Extremely useful websites:
• The official website of the United Nations - http://www.un.org
• The UN Official Document System - http://documents.un.org
• CIA The World Factbook - https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-
factbook/
• Website of BBC, CNN and other journalistic bodies
• Online resources, journals and google books
• Contact your chair for any queries –
[email protected] Sample Position Paper
Committee: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Country name: The Democratic Republic of Cyprus
Name of the Delegate: John Adam
Topic: Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat, grudging people of their human rights and freedoms, risking global
health, promoting social collapse, inhibiting development by depriving countries of their human capital, and
helping fuel the growth of organized crime. The issue of Human Trafficking is one that severely affects every single
nation in the world today.
The Republic of Cyprus itself is plagued by the promotion of sex trafficking that is occurring due to the rise in this
transnational organized crime. The Republic of Cyprus was the 36th nation to sign and ratify the Convention against
Transnational Organized Crime, which includes the ‘Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons,
especially women and children’. Migrant smuggling and human trafficking are two fairly similar issues and it is not
inaccurate to state that the Republic of Cyprus is affected by both.
The Republic of Cyprus believe that it is in this committee’s best interest to direct the debate in such a manner that
health issues, slavery, sex trafficking and the low rate of detection of human trafficking, feature prominently as
sub-topics which are to be particularly discussed. We look forward to a positive, fast-paced debate that will result
in a practical, comprehensive resolution.
Unofficial Documents
• Research:
• Country/Topic fact sheet
• Committee Proceedings
• Opening speech
• Moderated caucus topic/speeches
• Past resolutions on the topic
• Voting history
(This list will make more sense once we have gone over the Rules of
Procedure)
During
Conference
During the conference – at a glance
Open debate and set the agenda
Debate and caucus
Working papers
Debate and Caucus
Draft Resolution
Amendments
FINAL
Vote on Draft RESOLUTION
Debate flow - summary
Morning Session
• Setting the agenda
• Speakers list will be used
• Only points of personal privilege will be allowed
• No caucuses will take place initially
• We usually vote on which topic to debate on – at shoreMUN we only have one
topic – so that will be taken up
Afternoon session
• Caucuses will be in order now
• Details of moderated/unmoderated caucus will be provided shortly
• Substantive debate will take place and more areas of the topic will be discussed
• Delegates are expected to work in blocs (EU, African Union, Muslim states)
• Delegates should be in the process of preparing working papers now – these WP
do not require a proper format
Debate flow - summary
Morning Session
• Working papers will be discussed and revised during this session
• Committee sessions will see first draft resolutions being formed which
should have signatories and proper formatting
Afternoon session
• Drat resolutions will be critiques, new points will be raised.
• This is also the time to make amendments (changes) to those draft
resolutions on the floor. You require a certain number of signatories to
form amendments.
• Next step is the voting procedure, during which resolutions will be voted
on.
During the conference – at a glance
Open debate and set the agenda
Debate and caucus
Working papers
Debate and Caucus
Draft Resolution
Amendments
FINAL
Vote on Draft RESOLUTION
1. Role Call
The chairperson will announce each country’s name and when you hear
your country name –say PRESENT
2. Setting the Agenda
When MUN have more than one topic to discuss – the body must set the
agenda for one of the topics.
Example:
The country of Israel moves to place (topic area A/B) first
on the agenda
• Delegates are requested to speak in favour of and against the motion.
• Once the delegates have addressed the committee a vote is taken.
• Setting the agenda requires a SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE.
3. DEBATE (Formal and Informal Debate)
• What you need to understand is that Formal and Informal debate
takes place together.
• There can be a session of formal debate followed by a session of
informal debate.
• After introducing formal and informal debates, I will show you on a
diagram, how they can take place one after the other.
3a. Formal Debate
• This revolves around the Speakers’ List.
• The chair begins by asking delegates who would like to speak to
raise their placards.
• The chair then chooses delegates to be placed on the speakers list.
• The length of time a delegate is allowed to speak is set by the chairs
• A country can only be on the speakers list once, but after addressing
the committee, they may add their country again.
• When there are no motions for caucuses, the committee
automatically returns to the list.
3a. Formal Debate –Opening Speech
These are some tips…Opening speech !!
• First you should thank the presiding official by saying “Thank you
honorable chair…
• Then begin by providing a brief history on the issue as it relates to your
topic
• Speak about how the issue is currently affecting your country
• Provide your country’s position on the issue
• You can choose to give an explanation of how your country’s position
relates to the positions of other member states-(such as major powers or
countries in your regional bloc)
• You can discuss some of the past actions taken by the UN, member states
or NGO’s to address the issue
• Present ideas for the resolution, stressing your country’s objectives for the
resolution
• Indicate to the committee members whether your country is willing to
negotiate
3b. Informal Debate
• Informal debate is basically divided into moderated and
unmoderated caucuses.
• Rules of procedure have all the details as to how a delegate can set
the motion for caucuses.
• For now you need to know that its important because it provides
opportunities for delegates to collaborate, negotiate and formulate
draft resolutions.
• Moderated caucus: Chair calls on delegates one by one so that each
can address the committee in short speeches. (prepare caucus
topics/speeches before the conference)
• Unmoderated Caucus: The committee breaks so that delegates can
meet each other and discuss ideas.
3b. Rules of Informal Debate
MODERATED CAUCUS
• 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 minutes, and a time limit for
the individual speeches.
• Once raised, the motion will be voted on immediately, with a majority of
members required for passage.
• If a delegate wishes to suspend debate for a moderated caucus, this is how he
will say it: “Honourable Chair, China moves to suspend the meeting for the
purpose of a moderated caucus to discuss landmines for 20 minutes, with a 1
minute speaking time.
• Such a caucus helps facilitate discussion. Anyone may speak if they raise their
placard and are called on by the chair. However they will only be allowed to talk
according to the speaking time. The delegates can motion for an extension.
• If no delegate wishes to speak during a moderated caucus, the caucus shall
immediately end.
3b. Rules for Informal Debate
UNMODERATED CAUCUS
• A motion for an unmoderated 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.
• If a delegate wishes to suspend debate for an unmoderated caucus, this is how he will say it:
“Honourable Chair, China moves to suspend the meeting for an un-moderated caucus for 15
minutes.
• The motion will immediately be put to a vote. A majority of members is required for passage.
• It is an important part of MUN as the delegates meet informally with each other and the
committee staff to discuss and negotiate draft resolutions, amendments and other issues.
• Therefore you should enter the caucus with a plan in mind, find delegates in your regional bloc,
negotiate, listen to others, record IDEAS IN WRITING, stay calm, use time effectively, provide
constructive critique on ideas and not on people, establish connections with other delegates.
4. Intra Debate - Yields
Yield to the Chair
• After a speech is made, the delegate officially transfers speaking
position to the Chair.
Yield for another Delegate
• Another delegate may use the remaining time remaining in the time
slot of the delegate who just made a speech to make a statement(s).
Yield to Questions
• The delegate will answer questions at the discretion of the Chair.
The path to a Draft
Resolution
Rules continued….
During the Conference – at a glance
Open debate and set the agenda
Debate and caucus
Working papers
Debate and Caucus
Draft Resolution
Amendments
FINAL
Vote on Draft RESOLUTION
Working Papers – Main Points !
• First attempt to organize ideas into solutions
• No set format
• Outline problems, propose generalized or specific solutions
for further debate
• Cannot contain any points not discussed and debated upon
in the committee till that point
• There can be more than one working paper. However
subsequent working papers must contain ideas that do not
appear on any previous or concurrent working papers.
• No proposer(s) needed
• Signatories to a working paper
Working Papers – how to introduce it ?
• Once a working paper is ready – it needs to be given to the chair for
approval
• Once a working paper has been approved by the chair, a motion
may be moved to introduce the working paper on the floor
• If the motion is passed by two-thirds of the floor, the working paper
stands introduced.
• Delegates must vote in FAVOR of the working paper for it to be
introduced.
Working Papers – on the floor !!!
• Once introduced, some of the authors may take the floor for a
specified time and read out the working paper. (all the delegates will
receive a copy)
• Once read, a motion may be moved to discuss the working paper,
which also needs two-thirds majority to pass (s0 one of the
delegates will have to propose the motion)
• Intense debate will continue on the working paper
• Remember, a working paper is the first step towards a Draft
Resolution.
Draft Resolutions - Introduction
• Main vehicle of action
• Draft resolutions, simply put, are more formally-organized versions
of the working papers and require signatories.
• They require a certain style of formatting in addition to specific
structure and language.
• The formal document made to spell out a course of action as
solution(s) to the problem(s) being debated.
• The entire committee may introduce and discuss as many draft
resolutions, but will pass only one of them
Draft Resolution Format
1. Heading
2. Body
• Perambulatory Clauses, describes the problem being addressed, recalls past actions
taken, explains the purpose of the draft resolution, and offers support for the
operative clauses that follow.
• Operative Clauses are numbered and state the action to be taken by the body.
3. Content
• Familiarity with the problem.
• Recognition of the issues..
• Conciseness.
• Good form.
Draft Resolutions -(Procedure)
• A motion to introduce a draft resolution shall be moved, once it
receives simple (50% + 1) majority, the motion passes.
• Once the resolution has been introduced and discussed, a motion is
made to discuss the draft resolution, once its receives simple (50%
+1) majority, the motion passes.
Draft Resolutions-(Amendments)
• Amendments may be made to the Draft Resolution once it has been
discussed
• An amendment must have the approval of the chair and signatures of
three countries
• There are no amendments to amendments
• A motion is proposed to introduce an approved amendment, if passed
by a simple majority, general debate will be suspended and the
committee will revert to the Speakers’ list for and against the
amendments
• The chair will recognize two speakers against the amendment after
discussion and a vote of a simple majority will be needed to end
debate on amendments
• Amendments need simple majority to pass
Draft Resolutions - (Voting)
• Once the committee has finished the discussion on the draft
resolution, it will proceed on to voting
• Voting can either be done by acclamation ( show of hands) or a roll
call vote, at the discretion of the chair.
• A simple majority is needed for a resolution to pass.
Draft Resolutions - (Voting)
• In a roll call vote, countries may vote by either “yes”, “no” or abstain.
• Abstaining members will be asked to vote on either “yes” or “no”
once other countries have voted.
• If a draft resolution is passed during voting, then it effectively
becomes a final resolution.
• If the resolution does not pass – committee can fail
During the conference – at a glance
Open debate and set the agenda
Debate and caucus
Working papers
Debate and Caucus
Draft Resolution
Amendments
FINAL
Vote on Draft RESOLUTION
Questions
