Model UN (The Basics) A presentation that will introduce you to the world of Model UN

Conference Room The Dias, sits in the front of the room, consists of a chair, co-chair, and a page. The Chair dictates who speaks as well as what motions can be passed. The Co-chair aids the chair with different jobs, as well as takes over when the chair is absent. The page distributes the notes that are passed throughout the room and is signaled by the delegates. Dias Co-Chair Chair Page

Speaker’s List The first thing that is done in a conference is to create a speaker’s list. The chair usually asks the delegates for a motion to open the speaker’s list A speaker’s list is the order in which the delegates will speak at a conference. The order is decided by the Dias, as they take names of all the people who raise there placards. Speaker’s List Canada Uganda United States Cuba Argentina France Spain Mexico India China

Caucus (suspension of the meeting) After a few speakers from the speaker’s list have spoken, delegates may motion for a moderated or unmoderated caucus. A moderated caucus is a set period time in which the chair will recognize delegates to speak. (The speaking time and duration of the caucus is proposed in the motion) An unmoderated caucus is one where delegates may move around the room to debate and work on working papers and resolutions. Delegates may also be allowed to leave the conference room. All caucus must be voted on by the delegates, and to be passed requires a majority vote.

Working Papers and Resolutions A Working Paper is a draft of a resolution. These are usually created during an unmoderated caucus. Depending on the amount of people are in the committee determines the amounts of Sponsors and Signatories you need. Sponsor – A delegation that helped to write the working paper Signatory – A delegation that did not work on the paper and would like to see the paper debated. Resolution – A working paper that has been voted on and passed Working papers need a majority vote to be passed and become resolutions.

Sample Resolution General Assembly Third Committee Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon Topic: “Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies” The General Assembly, Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use commas to separate perambulatory clauses] Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations, Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm, 1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative clauses] 2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid; 3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies; 4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces; 5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries; 6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian assistance; and 7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through reconstruction and development.

Voting Procedures When the sponsors of a working paper have submitted it to the Dias, then there is a vote to introduce the paper. After the paper is introduced there is a short question and answer period, which can be extended. When the most of the delegations feel that they are ready to vote for the paper, they will have a debate called 2 for 2 against. There will be 2 delegations persuading why the committee should vote on the paper and 2 saying why not. Moving into voting procedures, calls upon suspending the rules of debate which can be done by a motion. When you are voting on a working paper there are three types of choices. In favor – you support the working paper Yes, with rights – the paper is against your policy but you support it, you will have to speak about why you voted for it. Abstain – your vote is not included, you have no position. No, with rights – the paper is with you policy, but you do not support, you will have to speak about why you did not vote for it. Opposed – You do not support the paper