24 th February 2010 Pre-Summit Training Session (Writing a Declaration)

Timothy Yap Deputy Secretary-General

Agenda What is a declaration?Drafting a declarationStages of writing a declaration

WHAT IS A DECLARATION? One (very) long sentence E.g. UDHR In MAS: To state a country’s stance and course of action on a certain issue Line space between each clause Acronyms and abbreviations have to be written out in full the first time they are used School names DO NOT appear on resolution

DRAFTING A DECLARATION Submitters’ List Preamble (Preambulatory clauses) Operative clauses

DRAFTING A DECLARATION E.g. Main Submitter (drafter of declaration) : Russian Federation Question (issue at hand) : The question of the adoption of an international framework for sustainable development in view of climate change.

DRAFTING A DECLARATION E.g. Co-Submitters (delegations approving for the declaration to be debated): Ukraine, India, Sudan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Greece

DRAFTING A DECLARATION Known as “Preamble” Gives an overview of the background of the problem Establishes a reasoning behind the calls for action in the operative clauses

DRAFTING A DECLARATION PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES: As stated above, the preambulatory clauses are a series of sentence fragments which denote the reasons for taking action. These should not propose any action. They should begin with a preambulatory phrase (which should be underlined), a list of which is provided below, have a line spacing between each clause, and end with a comma. Expressing its appreciation of the work of UNICEF in promoting the rights of children in poverty- stricken countries and especially in Sub-Saharan Africa,

DRAFTING A DECLARATION E.g. (Given a topic on Climate Change/Sustainable development) Alarmed by the emerging climate change crisis and the possible adverse effects and trends of global warming such as rises in sea levels and severe damages to the climate system, Aware of the pertinence of sustainable development in the face of climate change, Deeply disturbed by the Earth’s rapidly depleting natural resource base, Recognizing the need for more international cooperation over and above the individual efforts displayed by countries, Recalling the Kyoto Protocol, which was introduced on 11 December 1997 to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and engage in emissions trading if countries maintain or increase emissions of these gases,

DRAFTING A DECLARATION Operative Clauses Solution to issue at hand  Must be specific (explain details and feasibility of solution)  Calls for concrete action  Addressing NGOs or countries involved and stating their participation in the resolution  Showing benefits to be gained and encouraging countries and NGOs to support it

DRAFTING A DECLARATION OPERATIVE CLAUSES: Again, as earlier stated, the operative clauses are a series of sentence fragments which propose action on the issue of discussion. These should be numbered and should begin with an operative phrase (which should, once again, be underlined, and a list of which is provided later), have a line spacing between each clause. Each clause should end with a semi-colon, except for the last clause which should end with a full stop. Sub-clauses should be numbered a), b), c) and so on, and sub-sub clauses should be numbered i), ii), iii) etc. E.g.:

DRAFTING A DECLARATION Operative clauses and sub clauses are indented 1. Sub clauses are lettered ie: a,b  a. Sub clause 1  b. Sub clause 2; 2. Sub-sub clauses to be numbered ie: i, ii  b. Sub clause 2  i. Sub-sub clause 1.

DRAFTING A DECLARATION E.g.: 1. Calls for the creation of an International Fund to Rehabilitate Child Soldiers (IFRCS), under the auspices of UNICEF, in order to: a.Provide basic necessities for ex-child soldiers who have been rescued by volunteers/UNICEF, including but not limited to: i.Food, water, lodging and healthcare b. Provide psychological counselling for ex-child soldiers;

STAGES OF WRITING Pre-conference Developing a policy statement and formulating delegation’s stand on the issue Drafting of declaration

STAGES OF WRITING During the Conference Lobbying Diplomatic, informal interaction with other delegates to win support for the drafted declaration Discussing and merging ideas with other delegates Convincing other delegates of your declaration Looking for co-submitters Receiving approval from chair Debating (and passing) of declaration

PASSING A DECLARATION Registration for vetting by Approval Panel Consists of SG, DSG and SD for HCMAS Requires a consensus to pass in the forum

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION General Tips Write operative clauses first, preambles serve only to contextualize the operative clauses Use introductory phrases appropriately Mark out clearly the benefits for the countries and NGOs involved Show a clear and feasible course of action Things to consider Read through every clause Be open to new suggestions and ideas Take note of the concerns of other countries Be aware of religious or social sensitivities