Model United Nations Caucusing and Consensus Building Hanyang University Summer 2009

Caucusing and Consensus Building When discussion of a topic begins at the UN each member state has the opportunity to speak on the issue.  Following opening statements, most activity in producing a resolution takes place outside of formal sessions.  Informal negotiations, discussions and compromises are carried out without formal rules of procedure. At UN HQ in NYC there are several conference rooms, dining areas, lounges, reserved for representatives use. Used for informal discussions leading to formal session/treaty Referred to as caucuses or informal sessions Caucusing involves 95% of U.N.’s time…

Caucusing and Consensus Building Typically conducted: a)Without formal rules of procedure, and b)Because staff members generally do not arbitrate such sessions (in Model UN activities), so  Most difficult skills to master at Model UN conference 1.The Procedure of Caucusing, and 2.Consensus

(1) Procedure of Caucusing Very rare to take a break from formal meetings to caucus. Formal meetings: Most delegations speak once, Appropriate breaks for meals or at the end of the day. So, caucusing occurs outside of formal meetings. Break from meeting called: Suspension of the Meeting 1.Member States stay in room and break up into regional or bloc groups, 2.Often a few states will speak during formal meeting times and this is followed by a minute “suspension” where they informally work out their differences. 3.After hours discussions are very much a part of UN activities

(2) Consensus  Significant outcome of Caucusing: is building of Consensus Consensus = “Agreement of all member states on a substantive issue.” [Substantive: “Having practical importance.”] Under rules of procedure: A proposal may pass by consensus when no Member State votes “No.”  Trend at UN has been to strive for consensus to pass a resolution,  Example: Recent GA session pass resolutions by consensus 75% of the time,  By late 80s: UN Member States realized passing resolutions by slim majorities rarely provided solutions to problems;  Work enough in caucus to get resolution, then member states most affected are likely to implement resolution.

(2) Consensus  Overwhelming push for solidarity and universal agreement on resolutions is an ideal to strive for…  Consensus is not easy to achieve  Need to learn how to negotiate effectively.

Effective bloc negotiation Definitions: 1.Caucus: an informal discussion among Representatives. Most negotiation and resolution writing occurs during such sessions rather than in formal debates. 2.Consensus: Chair asks for objections to consensus? No objections? Matter is passed without a vote.  President/Chair does a lot of work behind the scenes to build consensus without a vote. The Bloc Caucus: Initial announcements & opening procedures: First caucus session  Set opening agenda topic, or  To begin geographic bloc negotiations.

The Concentric Circles Model CENTER CENTER: Contains about 10% of caucus participants, among them: 1.Leaders, 2.Note takers: begins rough draft of resolution 3.Librarians: have access to documents

The Concentric Circles Model MIDDLE RING MIDDLE RING: Contains ~25-35% of caucus participants, among them: 1.Facilitators: 1.Make sure everyone’s opinion is heard, seek allies, & verify that delegations are being diplomatic 2.Participants: not as vocal as those in the center.

The Concentric Circles Model OUTER RING OUTER RING: Remaining 55-65% of caucus participants: 1.Have difficultly hearing & being heard, so, 2.Side conferences & separate caucuses might develop, detracting from consensus. Followers: new model UN participants…

Caucusing Strategies Regardless of what “ring” they are in… Start early: become acquainted & find like minded people After hours caucusing & personal contacts: meals & breaks Be a leader, or stick with the leaders: observe them… Listen: all members’ interests addressed? Thoroughly prepare: each country, & topic? Cardinal sin at UN? Never act alone!: strength thru numbers! Remember: purpose is to solve a problem and not to produce a piece of paper: effective solution? Avoid alienating any member state by condemning or ignoring its interests and actions: consensus impossible? Give others credit for their idea: respect of fellow representatives? –heart of compromise & negotiation.