1. “When the Committee Comes to a Standstill”
A Guide to Invigorating Debate
Model United Nations

2. A Standstill in Committee
A standstill is when:
Two major sides are unable to compromise.
Same thing is repeated over and over again.
Usually occurs during formal debate, but sometimes in unmod as well.
Almost nothing is produced.

3. Your Opportunity to SHINE
By stopping a standstill and invigorating debate, you stick out to the Chair.
Best opportunity to win an award
Give a “turning point” speech using AID:
Acknowledge others’ points
Introduce new ideas
Develop a compromise
Disclaimer: Extreme countries (e.g. North Korea) cannot do this; stay in character!

4. 1. Acknowledge Others’ Points
Get into the habit of taking notes!
In the early parts of debate, write down notes about what each delegate is arguing for.
Form an idea of which countries are on which side.

5. Side Note – One Reason to Take Notes
Before the first unmoderated caucus, you can determine which countries share similar beliefs as yours.
Form alliances with them BEFORE the unmod. (Pass them notes. “Dear xxx, I represent ooo and agree with your ideas. Do you want to work together in the upcoming unmod?”)
Immediately group into working blocs when unmod begins and take leadership.

6. 1. Acknowledge Others’ Points
In your “turning point” speech, begin by acknowledging and appreciating both sides.
“The country of xxx finds validity in both sides of the issue and agrees that __(one side)___ but also understands that __(other side)___.”
This widens the range of your potential allies.

7. II. Introduce New Ideas
Introduce an aspect of the current idea that was not discussed yet.
How to get funding and labor, executing the plan: HOW? WHO?
Refer to the PPT: “Realistic and Strong Resolutions”
If resolutions…
have not been submitted yet, these ideas can be included in the resolution.
have been already submitted, these ideas can be included as an amendment.

8. III. Develop a Compromise
Determine which point(s) the two sides cannot agree on:
Propose a compromise that incorporates both sides of the issue
Each side will have to lose “something”
Nevertheless, creates a “wiggle room” for each side; necessary for debate to proceed
Common issues and possible compromises…

9. Common Issues & Possible Compromises
Inability or lack of desire for a country to fund for a program
Request alternative resources from lower- income states, such as labor
Establish economic incentives
Only if your country is economically stable OR you are working with such countries.
Be careful of your committee’s jurisdictions.

10. Common Issues & Possible Compromises
Alleged violation of national sovereignty
Use words such as “encourage” or “suggest” instead of stronger ones
Label the plan as a “long-term goal”
Make guidelines more general

11. Common Issues & Possible Compromises
Some countries want to take off a certain provision in the program
Provide an “algorithm” (e.g. Suggesting that if a state shows ____ in x years, it need not consider doing _____.)

12. Common Issues & Possible Compromises
Disagreements about specific quantities
Designate different quantities for different countries, grouped in some quantitative way (e.g. GDP, carbon dioxide emission rates)

13. Misc. Tips Be respectful; appreciate everyone’s efforts.
Don’t overuse the phrase: “The committee needs to move on.”
Don’t ever say, “The committee has been wasting time.”
End your speech by inviting delegates to work with you; work with them in unmod!
“If you are interested in working with the country of xxx, feel free to send notes to the delegate.”