TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Rules 3
o Scope of Rules of Procedure
o Language
o Dress Code
o Representation
Code of Conduct 4
Flow of Debate 5
Types of Motions 10
Types of Points 14
Draft Resolutions 16
Position Papers 18
Amendments 19
Working Papers 20
Effective Researching 21
General Delegating Tips 23
 General Rules
Scope of Rules of Procedure
The rules included in this guide are applicable to all committees in this conference. If a situation
arises that has not been addressed by the rules of procedure, the committee chair will be the
final authority on what procedure to follow. The rules of procedure can be slightly modified at
the discretion of the chairs for better functioning of the committee, any major modifications will
have to go through approval of the secretary general. If any such modification(s) do take
place, they will be announced clearly to the entirety of the committee.

Language
English will be the official working language of SISJMUN. This applies to
all formal and informal documents within and related to the conference such as but not limited
to resolutions, speeches and notes. Communications in languages
other than the official language will not be recognized.

Dress Code
All participants must be dressed in western formal attire. Delegates can also dress traditionally
corresponding to their allotment. All delegates also have to dress modestly by the laws of the
land.

Representation

• Secretary General: Chairpersons and delegates are required to abide by any and all
proposals of the secretary general. In any case a delegate deems the presence of the
secretary general necessary, a note can be sent to the chairs regarding the same. The
Secretary Generals have the highest degree of command.

• Under-Secretary Generals: Chairpersons and delegates are required to abide by any and
all proposals of the secretary general. The Secretary Generals have the second highest
degree of command. Their presence in committee cannot be requested except that of
relevant fields.

• Chairs: The chairs are moderators of a committee and hold complete authority and control
over a committee. They hold complete authority on ruling on point of orders and general
proceedings. In case of repeated violations of the ROP or code of conduct by a delegate
the chairs reserve the right to temporarily revoke the delegates’ speaking rights.

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• Delegates: Delegates are [diplomatic] participants who represent a given
country in a particular committee and debate in order to arrive on solutions on
the agenda in hand.

Code of Conduct

• All spoken and written statements must be diplomatic and respectful at

all times.
• All volunteers, delegates, chairs, secretariat, teachers and support
staff members must be treated with respect and courteous behavior.
• Use of devices for purposes other than research and MUN related
activities during committee sessions is prohibited (texting, playing
games etc.)
• Personal chats during committee session on zoom are to be done for
conference related conversations only, personal chatting is prohibited.
• The rules of procedure and orders of the secretariat are to be
followed at all times.
• Eating is not allowed during committee sessions. You may drink water
at any point of time on your own accord.
• Attendance of any less than 75% of the total committee sessions
including the opening and closing ceremony in the conference will lead
to disqualification from receiving a certificate unless an exemption is
granted.
• Do not fight, play-fight, verbally abuse or engage in activities that
may lead to tensions between persons.

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 Flow of Debate
Roll Call Quorum
At the beginning of each session, the Chairs will The committees may start their
conduct a roll call in alphabetical order. Delegates activities when at least 1/3rd of
shall establish their presence in the the delegates are present. If
Committee in either of the two following manners participants arrive during or
----------------------------------------------------------- after the roll call, they are
Present and Voting: A Delegate that declares themselves required to send a note to the
“Present and Voting” shall vote in favor or against any chairs stating whether they are
matter without the possibility of abstention.
‘present’ or ‘present and
Present: A Delegate that declares themselves “Present”
shall vote in favor, against or abstain on any substantive voting’.
matter. They cannot abstain from voting on procedural (Roll call takes place in the
matters (moving into caucuses etc.) start of every committee
session)

Motion
Opening The Floor For Debate A motion is a request made by
After roll call is done, the floor has to be opened a delegate to move the
to debate. This is done so via a ‘motion to open committee as a whole to do
the floor for debate’. something. This could be for
various reasons enlisted after
the explanation of flow of
debate.

Setting The Agenda

After the floor is open to debate, the chairs will
Motion to Set The Agenda
open the floor to points and motions. A motion to
“Motion to set the agenda to
‘set the agenda’ has to be proposed at this point.
‘topic A’ followed by ‘topic B’”
This motion is only used for committees that have
Eg: Motion to set the agenda
two agendas.
to ‘discussing the flow of
If a committee has only one agenda, the chairs
automatically declare the setting of that agenda. debate’ followed by ‘discussing
The purpose of this motion in a two or more the types of motions’. Single-
agenda committee is to give delegates the choice agenda committees need not
to determine in which order will the given topics raise a motion. The agenda is
be discussed. automatically set.

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This motion is put to vote and has to receive a Simple Majority
simple majority to pass, else fails. A 50-50 vote If more than 50% of the
will result in one speaker for and against the delegates present in committee
motion with 30 seconds speaking time each, no vote in favor of a motion, it
points of information (POIs) (fancy for questions) passes. This number is declared
followed by a re-vote at the beginning of the first
session.
(points will be explained in
detail later ahead)

Establishing The General Speakers List Motion To Establish The GSL

(GSL) “Motion to establish the GSL”
Once the agenda has been adopted, a motion to This motion automatically
establish the general speakers list has to be passes and is not put to vote.
proposed (the chairs will open the floor to points
Duration of a GSL
and motions). After it’s establishment, the chairs
ask delegates to raise their placards if they wish Infinite, the GSL elapses only
to be added to the speakers list from which a when the conference does. It
random list is prepared in which speakers speak in cannot be closed or extended.
the order they were recognized. An empty GSL list indicates a
blank GSL, it does not mean it
has closed.
The speaking time of a GSL is fixed to either 60
or 90 seconds depending on chairs discretion.
Speeches are made in the context of the adopted Yielding Remaining Time
-------------------------------------
agenda as a whole.
To POIs, the delegate opens
himself to a number of
In case the delegate doesn’t use up all his time,
they can yield it in three ways. questions he sets or set by the
chairs.
In some cases, the chairs can entertain POIs for a Back to the chair, the delegate
delegate despite their time elapsing based on the is not open to any POIs and
controversial nature or importance of the returns to his seat.
statements made by the delegate that spoke. To another delegate, the other
delegate has to accept or
decline the time for this yield
to work.

POIs will be entertained in

both- GSLs and Moderated
caucuses.
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 Moving into Moderated Caucuses Motions for Moderated
The chairs will open the floor to points and motions Caucuses
at any time irrespective of the status of the GSL. Establishment
“Motion to move into a moderated
A moderated caucus can be called a limited GSL caucus on the topic for individual
with a specific sub-topic. Along with a speakers speaking time and total time .”
time, it even has a total caucus time and (Eg: If the main topic is “combatting
automatically closes when that time elapses global terrorism”. A motion to move
into a moderated caucus on the
irrespective of whether speakers are remaining.
topic “methods to stop illicit fund
However, it can be extended via a motion to flows to terrorists” for individual
extend. A moderated caucus can only be speaking time 60 seconds and total
extended once. All three scenarios are put to vote time 15 minutes would be in order.)
and require a simple majority to pass. Closing
“Motion to end this moderated
A minimum of 3-5 moderated caucuses have to caucus” (requires 2/3rd majority)
take place before moving into unmoderated Extending
caucuses. “Motion to extend current/previous
moderated caucus for (time)”

Motions for
Moving into Unmoderated Caucuses
A motion to move into an unmoderated caucus is
Unmoderated Caucuses
entertained after a reasonable amount of Establishment
moderated caucuses have taken place. This motion is “Motion to move into an
also put to vote and requires a simple majority to unmoderated for (time)”
pass. Unmoderated caucuses are used for Closing
forming alliances/blocs, informal debate and “Motion to end this
discussion and resolution formation. unmoderated caucus” (requires
2/3rd majority)
Extending
“Motion to extend
current/previous caucus for
(time)”

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 Resolution Discussion Motion To Discuss Draft
After draft resolutions (will be explained in detail Resolution
ahead) have been submitted, they have to be “Motion to discuss draft
motioned to be discussed. resolution (name of DR)”
(Draft resolutions have to be
Sponsor Speech named by the sponsors for
Depending on time scenario, the chairs give the identification purposes. The
sponsors (writers) of the resolution a certain names must be ethical and
amount of time on their discretion to read and diplomatic)
explain the resolution. The time allotted for points
of information is independent of speaking time.

Amendments Amendment
After sponsor speech, the chairs open to taking A document aiming to add,
amendments. remove or modify clauses in a
Explanation: The sponsor of the amendment resolution being discussed.
explains the amendment -------------------------------------
Resolutions’ Sponsors Declaration: After (Amendment-based speakers
the amendment has been explained, the sponsors get between 30 and 90
of the resolution have to declare the amendment seconds with POIs inclusive of
friendly or unfriendly. A friendly amendment this time. The number of pro
directly passes, an unfriendly amendment and con speakers is decided
undergoes three more stages as follows: by the chairs)
Pro-Speaker: delegates speak in favor of -------------------------------------
the amendment If 40% of a resolution is
Con-Speaker: delegates speak against the amended then the resolution is
amendment automatically tabled.
Amendment Voting: The amendment fails if
it doesn’t get simple majority favor. (Resolution-based speakers get
between 60 and 90 seconds
Pro/Con Speakers with POIs inclusive of this time.
After amendments are over, delegates speak in The number of pro and con
favor or against the resolution as a whole in its speakers is decided by the
post-amendment status. chairs- it is usually 2 each)
Voting on the resolution as a whole
After the pro/con speakers for the resolution as a
whole. The resolution is voted upon.

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Following the fail/pass of the discussed resolutions, Motion To Discuss Draft
the next resolution is brought up and discussed in Resolution
the same order. “Motion to discuss draft
When all resolutions are discussed on the first resolution (name of DR)”
topic- a motion to close the agenda needs to be (Draft resolutions have to be
passed following which the chairs declare the named by the sponsors for
opening of the next agenda and the entire identification purposes. The
procedure repeats. names must be ethical and
diplomatic)

Vetoes* will be in order

only in the security council
Closing Committee Sessions (*Read below for more information
on its functioning)
Every committee session has to be closed by a
motion to “suspend” the session. The security council is also
subject to additional rules as it
Closing the last committee session is a hybrid committee**
The last committee session has to be closed by a
motion to “adjourn”. (Both require simple majority)

Vetoes*
In the security council, during the voting of an amendment or a draft
resolution if any one P5 nation (United Kingdom, United States, France,
Russia and China) casts a negative vote, the resolution automatically fails.
However, for the best interest of the committee, chairs may implement
measures that prevent delegates from using it for reasons that are
personal to them, or to individuals presenting a resolution.

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 Types of Motions
Motion to open the floor for debate
How: “Motion to open the floor for debate”
Purpose: Mandatory opening of floor at the start of the conference. Voting:
Passes by chairs discretion.

Motion to set the agenda

How: “Motion to set the agenda as A followed by B”
Purpose: To determine the order of discussion of agendas in committees
with two or more agendas.
Voting: Simple Majority

Motion to establish the general speakers list (GSL)

How: “Motion to set/establish the GSL”
Purpose: To establish a speakers list when an agenda has been adopted.
Voting: Passes by chairs discretion.

Motion to move into a moderated caucus

How: “Motion to move into a moderated caucus on the topic for an
individual speaking time and total time ”
Limitation: Cannot exceed 20 minutes.
Purpose: To discuss sub-topics of the main agenda and get into specifics
and provide focus to the house.
Voting: Simple Majority

Motion to move into an unmoderated caucus

How: “Motion to move into an unmoderated caucus for minutes”
Limitation: Cannot exceed 30 minutes.
Purpose: To form blocs/alliances and freely discuss matters and write
resolutions. Voting: Simple Majority

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Motion to extend the moderated/unmoderated caucus
How: “Motion to extend the current/previous un-/moderated caucus by
minutes”
Limitation: A caucus that has already been extended once cannot be
extended again. Cannot exceed 20 minutes.
Voting: Simple Majority

Motion to close the moderated/unmoderated caucus

How: “Motion to close the un-/moderated caucus”
Purpose: In case the caucus becomes redundant, it can be closed to avoid
wasting time on redundant matters.
Voting: 2/3rd majority

Motion to table the draft resolution

How: “Motion to table draft resolution (name of DR)”
Alternatives: “Motion to close discussion on draft resolution (name of
DR)”
Purpose: In case the house finds a resolution unworthy and wishes it to fail
immediately without debate, discussion on it can be closed via this motion.
Voting: 2/3rd majority

Motion to close the agenda

How: “Motion to close the agenda”
Purpose: Closes the agenda, once all resolutions relating to the topic have
been discussed and there is nothing left.
Voting: Simple majority.

Motion to discuss draft resolution

How: “Motion to discuss draft resolution (name of DR)”
Purpose: Multiple resolutions are made for each topic. For distinction and
determination of an order of their discussion they are to be motioned for
discussion by their name unless the chairs prescribe order of discussion as
the order in which they were submitted in.
Voting: Simple majority.
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Motion to divide the question
How: “Motion to divide the question”
Alternatives: “Motion to vote clause by clause”
Purpose: In case of resolution and directive discussion, delegates often tend to
support only certain clauses. In this case, a motion to vote on the resolution clause by
clause can be proposed.
Voting: 2/3rd majority

Motion to divide the house

How: “Motion to divide the house”
Purpose: At times, delegates tend to want to explain why they vote in-favor or
against a resolution hoping to influence other delegates or to prevent an exact 50%
vote. A motion to divide the house facilitates voting by roll call which prohibits
abstentions and gives delegates 4 options:-
a) Yes- simple yes, the chairs then call the next country.
b) No- simple no, the chairs then call the next country.
c) Yes with rights- the delegate gets 30 seconds to explain why they voted
yes.
d) No with rights- the delegate gets 30 seconds to explain why they voted
no.
Voting: 2/3rd majority.

Motion to extend POIs

How: “Motion to extend POIs”
Purpose: In case a delegate uses up all his speaking time and is not eligible for POIs,
or if the POIs allotted to them by the chairs were too less in contrast to the
controversy and weight of the statements made by the delegate- a motion to extend
POI’s can be instantly raised before the next speaker goes up.
Voting: None, chairs decide.

Motion to challenge
How: “Motion to challenge the delegate of on the topic of ”
a) Based on the time scenario and topic of challenge, the chairs first choose
whether the motion is in order or not.
b) If the chairs deem the motion fit, the challenged delegate has to accept/deny
the challenge. If the challenge is denied, the motion automatically fails.

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c) The delegates are then asked if they wish to pick one more delegate tomake it
a 2v2, even if one delegate denies, the challenge remains a 1v1.
d) The delegate that motioned the challenge (proposition) begins first with a time
of 60 seconds followed by the challenged speaking for 60 seconds. (In a 2v2,
both sides get a collective 120 seconds)
e) The rebuttal round starts with the proposition delegate speaking again for 45
seconds followed by the challenged speaking for 45 seconds. (In a 2v2, both
sides get a collective 90 seconds)
f) All delegates then take POIs from other delegates, the delegate raising the POI
directs it to one of two or four delegates.
g) Following the POI session, the committee votes on who wins the challenge. This is
decided based on simple majority.
Purpose: Model UN procedures often come off as limitations for 1v1 or 2v2 debates
between delegates over a specific topic. A motion to challenge facilitates an in-
depth formal debate between 2 or 4 delegates regarding a topic.

Motion to move to previous question

How: “Motion to move to previous question”
Alternatives: “Motion to move into voting procedures”
Purpose: In case of amendment and draft resolution discussion after the pro/con
speakers have finished a motion to move to previous question is required to vote on
the matter if the chairs don’t automatically do so.
Voting: Simple majority.

Motion to appeal the decision of the chair

How: “Motion to appeal the decision of the chair”
Purpose: In case a delegate feels a decision taken by the chair is unfair or unfit for
the committee, a motion to appeal the decision of the chair can be proposed where
the delegate gets 30 seconds to reason himself and given an alternative. The
appeal is still liable to diplomatic code of conduct and respect to the dais.
Voting: None, decision of the chair.

Motion to establish a round table conference

How: “Motion to establish a round table conference on the topic ”
Purpose: If a delegate feels a topic requires every delegate’s view, a motion to
establish a RTC can be proposed through which every delegate has to speak for 30
seconds on the topic it is set for. No POIs are entertained.
Voting: 2/3rd majority.
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Motion to suspend the session
How: “Motion to suspend the session”
Purpose: Every committee session has to send with a motion to suspend it. Voting:
Simple Majority

Motion to adjourn
How: “Motion to adjourn”
Purpose: The last committee session has to end with a motion to adjourn. Voting:
Simple Majority

Types of Points
Point of Information
How: The chairs open the floor to points of information and only then do delegates
raise their placards. This point cannot be randomly raised.
Purpose: To ask questions to delegates or chairs after a speech has been made or
something has been said.

Request/Plead to Follow Up
How: “Request/Plead to follow up” to be said right after the other delegate
responds.
Purpose: At times a delegate might feel that their question wasn’t answered
properly or that they need more clarity or want to ask something following up the
previous question- the delegate may raise a request to follow up to do so, subject to
the chairs approval.

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry

How: “Point of parliamentary inquiry”, can be raised at any time as long as it does
not interrupt a speaker.
Purpose: If a delegate is confused regarding what is going on, the procedures or
wishes to do or say something but doesn’t know the procedural pathway to do so,
they can raise a point of parliamentary inquiry asking about it.

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Point of Personal Privilege
How: “Point of personal privilege”, can be raised at any time as long as it does not
interrupt a speaker. It can interrupt a speaker only if the personal privilege is to ask
the speaker to speak slower, or louder.
Purpose: Delegates tend to encounter certain discomforts in the conference. The point
of personal privilege is meant to keep them at ease. This point is used if the
delegates wishes to use the restroom, move seats, adjust the temperature, charge a
device, bring a speaker to be audible etc.

Point of Order
How: “Point of order”, only under two conditions. May not interrupt a speaker.

Conditions
a) Violation of the rules of procedure: If a delegate or the chairs have done
something that is a violation of the rules of procedure, any delegate can raise
a “point of order” immediately.
b) Blatant factual inaccuracy: If a delegate or the chairs have made a statement
containing a factual inaccuracy, a point of order can be raised. However, a
factual inaccuracy has to be something universally acceptable and not an
opinion, or a foreign policy view, or any matter that is subject to source. For
example, saying that India falls in Europe would be a point of order but if the
delegate of Togo says their country is doing economically well, it cannot be
subject to a point of order as it is a political view and can be put to debate-
not something that can be dismissed as a fact or fallacy.

Delegates often tend to raise point of orders to higher degrees right after someone
raises a point of order. It is to be noted that no point of order to the second degree
can be raised until the chairs respond to the first one.

Right Of Reply
How: “Right of reply” right after the speaker has finished.
Purpose: In case a delegate or his country has been insulted, they can raise a right
to reply and speak for 30-60 seconds (as chairs seem fit) as defense.

(None of the above points or motions can interrupt a speaker other than the
one scenario given for the point of personal privilege, doing so counts as a
breach of the rules of procedures.)
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 Draft Resolutions
Draft resolutions ae documents that seek to fix the problems addressed by a
committee. Simply put, they are raw solutions and ideas converted into a
formalized, clear and precise action plan. A draft resolution once passed is called a
resolution.
Sponsors
The prime makers and leaders of the resolution.
Structure of a resolution Cannot exceed 10% of the committee size.
Draft Resolution- The Final Signatories
Solution The delegates who wish to see the resolution be
Committee: General Assembly debated- does not necessarily mean support or
Seventh opposition. The resolution does not get discussed if it
Committee Sponsors: Antigua and does not have a minimum of 33% of the committee
Barbuda, Laos, Russia Signatories: size as signatories.
India, China, Japan, Kuwait, UAE,
Saudi Arabia, South Korea, UK, One delegate can be sponsor to a maximum of one
DPRK, Sri Lanka, Oman, USA resolution. However they can be a signatory to multiple
resolutions except their own even if they are a sponsor.
Preambulatory clause 1, (1) The preambulatory clauses in a resolution states the
Preambulatory clause 2, (1) reasons for which the committee is addressing the topic
Preambulatory clause 3, and highlights past international action on the issue.
Preambulatory clauses do not call for any form of
(All perambulatory clauses must action.
end with a comma) • Can reference the UN charter or other
charters
Operative clause 1;
Operative clause 2;
• Makes citations of past resolutions, treaties
Operative clause 3: or statements
Sub-Operative 3(a); (2) • Recognizes past or ongoing efforts by
Sub-Operative 3(b); nations, or organizations.
Operative clause 4. • Other general non-action statements on the
topic
(Every operative clause ends with a
semi-colon, if followed by sub- (2) The operative section is the most important part of
clauses, it ends with a colon, the last a resolution. These clauses lay down the actions or
operative clause ends with a full- recommendations to resolve the issue.
stop)
Preambulatory and Operative clauses can only start with a
set list of phrases given below:

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 Preambulatory Phrases
Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of
Believing Bearing in mind Cognizant of Confident
Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting
Deploring Desiring Emphasizing Expecting
Expressing its Expressing Fulfilling Fully aware
appreciation its satisfaction Further recalling Guided by
Fully believing Further deploring Having considered Having devoted
Having adopted Having considered further attention
Having examined Having heard Having received Having studied

Operative Phrases
Accepts Affirms Approves Authorizes
Calls for Calls upon Condemns* Confirms
Considers Decides Declares accordingly Demands*
Deplores Draws attention Designates Emphasizes
Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope
Further invites Further proclaims Further reminds Further recommends
Further requests Further resolves Has resolved Noted
Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Reminds
Regrets Requests Resolves Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns* Supports Takes note of Trusts
Urges

(* are reserved for the security council)

Writing a good resolution

Preambulatory Clauses: The preambs are where you describe the problem and
justify why it’s worthy of the committee’s attention. You also underline the reasons
behind the solutions that you will be proposing in the operative section. Having a
good preamble is important before moving on to the operative section.

Operative Clauses: These clauses are the core of the resolution and must lay down
a proper framework to tackle the issues at hand. They must not be vague and must
be able to answer every question regarding how they will be implemented, their
feasibility, time-line and why they are the best solutions.
It is always a good idea to connect perambulatory clauses with operative clauses.
No perambulatory clause must be left unaddressed. Every mentioned problem must
be dealt with.

Precision: The resolution must not be vague. It must address the audience it is
targeted to. The financing. Legality of implementation keeping in mind national
17
and international law. Oversight and progress-tracking and timeline. It is also to be
kept in mind that when a resolution is practically implemented, countries implement
what is mentioned in the document and not what was mentioned in the speeches
explaining. Hence it is important that everything is mentioned in the document in such
a way that it is clear and understandable without needing to give a speech-
although that still remains an integral part of the conference.

Mandate-Abiding: A good resolution effectively utilizes the mandate of the

committee it is being proposed in and respects and makes use of international law.

Concision: Every clause must have a purpose.

Good form: A good resolution is in proper format, accurate grammar, clear and
precise language and is not plagiarized.

Position Papers
Prior to the conference, a document called the position paper has to be submitted. It is an essay
detailing your country’s policies on the given topic and in general explaining the issues
internationally and nationally and giving solutions. Simply put, it explains the position of your
country in the scenario.

A good position paper includes:

• Brief introduction to the topic internationally and nationally.
• How the issue effects your country
• What has your country done about it, is doing about it, and will do about it.
• Statistics and precise details, relevant quotes from national leaders
• Conventions, treaties and laws your country has signed relevant to the topic.
• UN actions and resolutions your country has supported/opposed and why.
• Counters common allegations held against the country relevant to the topic.
• Original solutions
• Is not plagiarized and lays down bibliography.

Formatting Guidelines:
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12 (including headings)
• Word Limit: 750 words, excluding bibliography. Page limit does not exist.
• No pictures or graphs to be put- country flag, seal and committee logos are exceptions.
• All other formatting options to be left as default (line spacing, margins etc.)
• Plagiarism must not exceed 5%, papers exceeding this are rejected. (quotes and statistics if
referenced, are excluded from the counter)

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 Amendments
At times, a draft resolution may not address all the points delegates in the committee
wish to see addressed, or it might contain a few clauses that delegates oppose.
However, it is unreasonable to let entire resolutions fail just because it fails to
address a few ideas or contains one or two contentions. Amendments allow
delegates to improve the quality of resolutions by adding, removing or altering the
clauses of the resolution being discussed.

Effective Usage of Amendments:

• To give precision, direction and specifics to clauses that appear vague.
• In case a certain clause(s) of an otherwise excellent resolution prevent a
delegate from voting in favor of it due to foreign policy, those clause(s) can be
modified.
• Striking Off Clauses: It is commonly seen that delegates tend to send
amendments that wish to strike off clauses that are vague and lack direction.
However, that is an unfavorable practice. If clauses seem to lack information,
instead of striking them off, delegates are advised to modify them or add sub-
clauses to make them constructive.

Types of Amendments
• Adding a clause
• Removing a clause
• Amending a clause (changing a part of a clause, without removing it entirely or
adding a new one)

Samples are attached at the end of the document.

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 Working Papers
A working paper is the first step towards a draft resolution. They are the result of
caucusing and coordinating writing efforts. It provides delegates a base to work on
from. A sample is attached at the end.

It is a preliminary draft resolution. Ideas are laid down and can start with any
phrase unlike a draft resolution. These papers do not have any actual effect in
solving the issues at hand. They’re only a list of ideas, even contradicting ones to be
used as the ground work for subsequent draft resolutions.

Working papers don’t go through voting and are subject to only the chairs approval.

Structure:
Working Paper
Committee:
A working paper has no format except for the
Topic:
head. It can have any amount of authors and
Authors:
supporters.
Supporters:
The delegates are at complete freedom on
1. Point 1
writing the body.
2. Point 2
3. Point 3...
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 Effective Researching
1. Read the background guide as soon as it is sent and make a note of everything
that has to be understood.

2. Ensure your research answers the questions that are given in the background
guide but do not limit yourself to those- the background guide is only your
foundation. You still have a long way to go.

3. Go through the links given in your background guide.

4. Research on everything and find related documents (UN, News Articles, Scholarly
articles, government reports, reports from NGOs, regional and international
organizations such as EU, NATO, ASEAN, GCC, Arab League, UN, IAEA etc.) on the
topic at hand.

5. After fully understanding the subject in depth, understand its implications in your
country and its positions and perspectives on the agendas in every way possible
including the weak spots where you might be attacked by other delegates.

6. Acquire information about your country that will come in handy for the topics at
hand.
1. Basic statistical information (neighbors, GDP, budget, population etc.)
2. Foreign policies (vision, mission and goals, agendas, statements made
3. nationally or at international platforms, contributions etc.)
4. Its active conflicts and standpoints on all of them, regardless of direct
5. relevance to the topic.
6. Foreign relations and blocs.

7. Understand the committees mandate, powers, limits, past actions and its
implications as well as relevant international laws and treaties (UN Charter,
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other conventions you can find relevant
to your topics)

8. Predict possible sub topics that might be discussed and research on them. This
helps to come up with quality topics for moderated caucuses as well.

9. Be well versed with not just your own country, but even other countries given in the
matrix in your background guide.

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10. Ensure your research sources are reliable and not weak. Some good sources are
as follows (not limited to these) :-

a. National, regional or international websites

b. International relations media:
i. [Link],
ii. [Link],
iii. [Link],[Link],
iv. [Link],
v. [Link].
c. Scientific Publications
d. Past Resolutions
1. [Link]/en/sc/documents/resolutions
2. [Link]/en/sections/documents/general-assembly- resolutions
3. [Link]/ecosoc/en/documents/resolutions etc.
e. International law
i. [Link]/topic/international-law
ii. [Link]/doc/source/publications/THB/[Link]
iii. [Link]/Pages/[Link]?clang=_en
iv. [Link]/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/etc.
f. Reuters
g. News sites (last resort): The Guardian, Huffington Post, CNN, BBC etc.

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 General Delegating Tips
Well-Researched
Being well researched about possibly anything that is relevant is the first step to
being a responsible delegate, the previous section of this guide gives directions to
start from. From research stems off every other essential MUN activity. What good
will a speech, position paper, resolution and POI be if it lacks research?

Abidance of Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct

A good delegate is well aware about the rules of procedure and the conferences’
code of conduct and abides by it at all times. It is essential that you are well versed
with the rules beforehand, any doubts can be cleared up by emailing your chairs or
the secretariat or on the conference days via a point of parliamentary inquiry.

Punctuality
As a delegate you will be required to submit a position paper beforehand, it is your
duty as a responsible delegate to submit it on time while following all guidelines
given in the position paper section of this guide. Shall any unprecedented
contingency prevent you from submitting the paper on time, let the secretariat know
beforehand kindly requesting for an extension.

Engagement
Speaking is the primary essence of a Model UN conference. Push yourself to make
speeches and ask questions, raise points and motions, engage. It might be hard to
break out of the shackles of fear and anxiety but give it your best shot. Our
supportive executive board will be there to assist at any point shall you be scared or
feel like anything is preventing you from speaking.

Delegates often avoid speaking if their country lacks direct content on the agenda(s)
at hand but even if you get in such a situation, speak, give personal opinions that
indirectly relate to your country’s policies, ask logical questions- your country will
never prevent you from engaging.

Collaboration and Diplomacy

You can lead your committee to wonders if you focus more on collaboration and
diplomacy than power-play and personal attacks. Do so via submitting constructive
amendments, good resolutions, effective alliance-making during unmoderated
caucuses (lobbying) and making constructive statements.

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Effective Caucusing
1. Provide ideas, debate and discuss the feasibility of everything- narrow down
your options to the best possible solutions and defend them.
2. Negotiate wherever necessary, make compromises in ex change of
compromises to come to common grounds and consensus to move the committee
forward.
3. [Link]
caucuses can be converted to clauses. Good listening will help you discover your
allies and enemies and enable you to ask relevant questions.

Avoid Repetition
When you listen and pick up points, you essentially know what the committee has
already heard and hence shouldn’t say the same thing again. It is common to see
delegates prepare GSL speeches beforehand and say the exact thing during
committee. However, sometimes, making slight changes on spot is necessary
especially when over 3-4 delegates have already explained the general scenario,
delegates can alter the general scenario explanation out of their GSL speeches if
they are not among the first 5 speakers in the list and use that time to further
explain their country’s policies or POIs.

Taking and Asking POIs.

Considering the time used for POIs is the time that is remaining from your speaking
time after you’re done with the speech, it is advisable that you not use your time up
entirely and leave about 15 or more seconds to POIs. Asking constructive POIs such
as feasibility of a certain idea, intensity of national problems or clarifications on a
nations stance are essential for the committee to keep moving forward. Vague,
pointless and undiplomatic POIs must be avoided. POIs must also always be asked in
the form of a question, and kept concise and to the point. Remember, it is a question
not a speech, do not add unnecessary backstory and history to it.

All The Best!

We Hope To See You Soon At…

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