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 1 2014

GIK Model United Nations Guidelines

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    2014

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    Contents The Origins of MUN: ................................................................................................................................... 3

    Committee Session ..................................................................................................................................... 5

    Types of Committee Debate ..................................................................................................................... 5

    Formal Debate: .........................................................................................................................5

    Moderated Caucus: ..................................................................................................................5

    Un-moderated Caucus: ............................................................................................................5

    Mode of conduct ......................................................................................................................................... 6

    Important Model UN Procedural Vocabulary .......................................................................................... 6

    Motions and Points ..................................................................................................................................... 8

    Chronology of Typical Formal Debate ................................................................................................... 10

    Resolutions ................................................................................................................................................ 15

    The Heading .............................................................................................................................................. 15

    Pre-ambulatory Clauses ........................................................................................................................... 16

    Resolution Dos and Donts ..................................................................................................................... 16

    Heading: ................................................................................................................................... 16

    Pre-ambulatory Clauses ........................................................................................................ 16

    Operative Clauses ................................................................................................................... 17

    What to Bring? .......................................................................................................................................... 21

    Dress Code................................................................................................................................................. 22

    Rules of Conduct ....................................................................................................................................... 23

    References and Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 24

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    GIMUN14 GUIDELINES

    The Origins of MUN:

    MUN (Model United Nations) is an extracurricular activity in many schools and

    universities where students assume the roles of countries and organizations

    represented in the United Nations in specific committees and debate about issues

    concerning the world. The United Nations was formed at the end of the Second World

    War. It was preceded by a similar organization; known as the League of Nations.

    During the 1920s at the University of Harvard, students and teachers of International

    Relations and Politics courses created a simulation known as Model League of Nations,

    where students would represent the League of Nations and debate subjects like

    colonization, war and empire debates. After World War Two, once the United Nations

    was established, Harvard replaced the Model League of Nations with Model United

    Nations (MUN). Soon after, schools in New York began to follow that trend, and by the

    mid 1950s, all the Ivy League Universities in the United States held their own MUN

    Conference. Participating in a Model United Nations can be a life-changing

    experience. You will have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about the UN-

    System, the decision-making process and the diplomatic work. All the while you will be

    enhancing your communication skills and debating techniques on the search for

    compromise, cooperation and consensus. It means debating current issues of the

    United Nations agenda, and experiencing how the international community achieves

    solutions for such concerns. You will be a delegate, thus you will have to use diplomacy

    and negotiation in order to achieve a consensus. You are expected to cooperate with

    other delegates and to actively participate in the debate, the writing of a resolution and

    the decision making process.

    You are the ambassador!

    It is really important to keep in mind that you will not be representing yourself

    or defending your own opinions, but the ideas and opinions of another country, as

    its ambassador. You might even have to argue for a position that goes against your

    own opinions, therefore changing the perspective you have about a particular

    problem, conflict or topic. Assuming this role and expressing the ideas and plans of the

    country you are representing is one very important aspect of every Model United

    Nations. You are the ambassador of the country that has been assigned to you in the

    United Nations. Another important part of model United Nations is learning from other

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    cultures, gaining a global perspective, and by that gaining a much better understanding

    of the problems around the world. To represent the country you have been assigned

    properly you need to prepare yourself thoroughly. An excellent preparation, being

    informed about the topics and learning as much as you can about the country you

    represent, will also make your MUN experience even more interesting and exciting.

    (Basic layout of a committee)

    Respect is important!

    All the delegates should keep in mind that being a diplomat means to offer your

    utmost respect to every delegate and to the whole body, regardless of foreign policy

    affiliation or personal feelings. Even if you are representing a country that has conflicts

    with another country, you should work together in a cooperative and dignified manner.

    This also means that personal conflicts should stay outside during the conference.

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    Committee Session

    The chairs are the people who direct the debate/discussion.

    Delegates can make speeches by taking the floor: i.e. by approaching the

    podium. After speech, they can also answer questions.

    In every debate, the chairperson determines the following:

    o A set time available to make speeches

    o A set number of questions that can be answered by the speechmaker,

    after his/her speech.

    If necessary, the type of debate to be carried out

    Types of Committee Debate

    There are 3 types of debate that take place in MUN.

    Formal Debate:

    o All parliamentary procedures are in place. This basically means this will be

    a structured debate where a speaker will take the floor, make a speech,

    perhaps answer 1 or 2 questions, and return to their seat.

    o Speakers List in order: A list of delegates wishing to speak will be created

    at the beginning of debate, and during the debate, this list will be

    followed.

    Delegates cannot talk among themselves.

    Delegates may send notepapers to each other, if a messenger or admin staff

    available

    Moderated Caucus:

    Almost all parliamentary procedures still in place.

    Speakers List not in order: After each speech, when the delegate returns to

    his/her seat, the chair will ask: Are there any delegates wishing to take the

    floor?, and then will call on one delegate. This process will be repeated

    throughout the debate.

    Extremely similar to Formal Debate.

    Un-moderated Caucus:

    Delegates are free to talk, roam around the room and discuss.

    No formal parliamentary procedure in place. (I.e. free discussion time.)

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    Mode of conduct

    Respect the Chair and fellow delegates:

    o Your Excellency Mr. President, Honourable Chair, Distinguished

    Chairs or similar. (While referring to the Chair.)

    o Honourable Delegate or Honourable Delegate of Switzerland (while

    referring to other delegates)

    Remember that only the Chair can authorise speeches, and points of information

    (i.e. questions)

    No use of 1st person at any time:

    o I think this resolution is... WRONG.

    o We think... OR Spain thinks that CORRECT.

    o Exception: To leave the podium, the delegate must say I yield my time

    back to the chair if he/she has any time left. If not, I yield the floor back

    to the chair

    Important Model UN Procedural Vocabulary

    Delegate: Representative of a nation.

    The Floor: The floor is the podium, where delegates make speeches and answer

    questions.

    Placard: A piece of plastic or cardboard that has the name of the country

    written on it in bold and large letters. Every delegate has a placard. These are

    used extensively during debate, to request to make speeches and during voting.

    The House: The committee is called the house.

    No commotion on the floor / Will the house please come to order: The chair

    is telling the delegates to sit down and stop talking!

    To Second: To agree with something.

    Speakers List: List of nations that signalled to the chair that they want to make a speech. This will be written on the board for all delegates to see.

    Roll Call: The Roll Call is done at the start of the day and after breaks. Its like the register at school, where the chairs (instead of teachers) check for which delegates are present and if debate may begin.

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    Voting by roll call: In typical voting, delegates raise their placards when asked

    whether they are in favour or against the specific thing that is being voted.

    The chair counts placards to determine outcome of vote. (Abstaining may or

    may not be in order.) In roll call voting, the chair calls on each nation separately,

    one by one, and each nation will state whether they are in favour, or against

    (Abstaining may or may not be in order.)

    Agenda: The topic of discussion

    Draft Resolution: A Draft Resolution is a document that tries to solve a

    situation. It is written (drafted) by delegates together during the lobbying stage,

    and is then debated by the committee. If it passes in the committee, the draft

    resolution becomes a resolution as it has been amended and approved by the

    committee.

    First Degree Amendment: An Amendment to the First Degree is where a

    delegate submits an amendment to add, remove or adjust a clause in the

    resolution to become better and more appealing to the House. That was a

    strong amendment to the first degree, submitted by the delegate of Japan. It

    helped improve the resolution greatly!

    Ad Hoc: Ad Hoc refers to committees like the Security Council, APQ and IGO

    Committees, where resolutions are not pre-written and then debated, but

    instead, clauses are submitted by delegates and together the committee debates

    the clause and makes amendments to better the clause to appeal to the member

    states. The Flow of Debate in the Security Council is Ad Hoc

    Bloc: A bloc is a group of member states who share similar views, or are of the

    same culture/ political policy/ language/ trade group/ geographical region etc.

    The European Union is a trade, economic and regional bloc for European

    nations, likewise ASEAN is one for South East Asian Nations and the Arab League

    is one that was formed for Arab States. Some UN Blocs are the regional Blocs for

    countries.

    Quorum: A Quorum is the minimum number of delegates required for debate to

    start. The Quorum doesnt apply to committees such as the Security Council, but

    in committees such as the GA, ECOSOC, and other commissions, there must be a

    minimum of one third of the house present for debate to begin.

    Rapporteur: The Rapporteur is like an expert chair on a topic, however, is the

    expert on all the topics. Many conferences have removed there being a

    Rapporteur, and instead have made there be expert chairs on topics. I will serve

    as the Rapporteur for GA

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    Resolution: Resolutions are documents written by delegates, which aim to

    solve a specific situation. Japan wrote a fruitful resolution on the issue of DPR

    Korea

    Right of Reply: The Right of Reply is where delegates may reply to a speakers

    comment. It is requested by a delegate to the chairs when a delegate has been

    insulted, or was mentioned on a delegates speech and wishes to answer the

    delegate back on what they said about them. The Delegate of DPR Korea stated

    how Japan was a Terrorist Island wishing to demolish DPR Korea. The Delegate

    of Japan requested the Right of Reply to explain to DPR Korea and the house

    that they arent a Terrorist Island, but want stabilized international peace and

    cooperation.

    Motions and Points

    During debate, delegates can suggest several actions, which are called points

    and motions.

    In general, these can never interrupt a speaker.

    If a delegate wishes to make a point, he/she is supposed to raise his/her placard

    and state his/her point. The delegate will then be recognised by the Chair, and

    the delegate will rise and state his/her point.

    If other delegates agree with a motion, they will shout "Second!

    Delegates that do not agree with a motion may shout "Objection!

    Point of order:

    o If a mistake is made during a debate, by the Chair or by a delegate it is in

    order for a delegate to use this point.

    Point of information to the Chair:

    o This is a question from a delegate directed to the Chair, when something

    is unclear during debate, the delegate may use this point.

    Point of information:

    o A point of information is basically a question. It is directed to the speaker

    who at that moment has the floor. Points of information are always

    question concerning the contents of the debate.

    Point of personal privilege:

    o This point is the only point that may interrupt a delegate or the Chair

    while they are speaking. You would make use it if there is an audibility

    problem, i.e. if you cannot hear the speaker.

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    Point of parliamentary inquiry

    o If some kind of confusion occurs and the delegate is not sure what to do

    next during the debate he may use this point. The delegate could, for

    example, ask whether it is in order to abstain on an amendment.

    Calls for the orders of the day:

    o During a debate delegates sometimes tend to speak about things that are

    irrelevant to the actual topic. The delegate can then use this point to ask

    the Chair to return to the actual agenda.

    Motion to move (directly) into voting procedures:

    o Sometimes delegates feel that there is nothing to say about a resolution

    anymore, however debating time has not elapsed yet. Now the delegate

    may use this motion. If there are no objections the house will directly

    move into voting.

    Motion to extend debating time:

    o This motion is used when a delegate feels that there is not been enough

    time to discuss a resolution. When debating time has elapsed delegates

    may use this motion. The Chair will then decide if this is in order or not.

    Motion to call for a division of the house:

    o Sometimes the difference in number of votes in favour and against a

    resolution or an amendment is very small. A delegate may use this motion

    then. There will be a recount. Should the difference still be marginal,

    every country will be called up and the delegates will have to state their

    vote again.

    Motion to table the resolution:

    o If a delegate feels that a resolution is so bad, that it is not worth

    discussing it, he may raise this motion. There then will be a vote and if

    the majority of the forum agrees to table the resolution, it will be put

    aside and may be discussed later on. But it basically means the "death" of

    the resolution. Tabling a resolution should be avoided.

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    Chronology of Typical Formal Debate

    The Agenda and first topic to discuss set by Chair.

    Speakers List created. (Delegates who wish to speak raise their placards and

    their names are recorded by the chair.)

    Formal debate will begin. First delegate on the list will be recognized by the chair

    (i.e. They will take the floor, upon hearing Germany, you have the floor or

    Germany, you have been recognized)

    Speech will be made by delegate, and maybe one or two points of information

    answered. Then delegates returns to seat (I yield my time back to the chair or

    I yield the floor back to the chair.)

    Process repeated until Speakers List exhausted.

    Un-moderated caucus or moderated caucus follow

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    Resolutions

    In a countrys government, official documents are drafted, which aim to solve a specific

    situation. In the United Nations, similar documents are also drafted; these are called

    Resolution. Resolutions in the UN and in MUN- are submitted by one member state,

    which is generally the largest contributor to the resolution and/or the most involved in

    the issue out of the merging group. Resolutions are not written by one member state,

    but are a combined effort between different member states whove taken interest in

    that specific issue. Although a Main Submitter could contribute the most, thats not to

    say that no one else can contribute, as every delegate has an equal opinion.

    Resolutions, which are successful, are ones that can appeal to the majority of the

    parties (states) involved and doesnt contradict. By giving solutions to both sides, which

    are just, and doesnt punish one side completely, or favor the other side completely are

    more likely to pass as they can appeal to more member states in the house.

    Resolutions, which only touch on the factors involved in the issue, are generally vague

    and less likely to pass, however, those that aim to resolve many or most of the factors

    involved are more likely to pass as they offer incentives to the various problems, which

    contribute to the issue. Unlike in the Security Council, Advisory Panel or in IGOs, where

    resolutions are Ad Hoc, resolutions in other committees are written before debate.

    There are three components to every resolution:

    The Heading is a mandatory part of resolutions. Though they dont contribute to the

    content of a resolution, they address the committee; state the issue being resolved, the

    submitter of the resolution, and those whove co-submitted the resolution (signatories).

    The Heading

    The Pre-ambulatory clauses describe what the issue is. They explain what the past and

    current situation is and state facts about the issue. Youll find during the Lobbying

    stage, that for delegates who havent researched that specific issue as their focused

    one, they are more likely to sign onto your topic if youve addressed and explained the

    situation of that issue well and have accurate facts about it.

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    Pre-ambulatory Clauses

    The Operative clauses are the most essential part of a resolution. Strong Operative

    clauses lead to more delegates voting in favor of your resolution. The Operative clauses

    explain what can be done to resolve an issue. Please note that successful and strong

    operative clauses not only explain what can be done, but give possible sub-clauses on

    how it could be achieved.

    Resolution Dos and Donts In summary, remember that in:

    Heading:

    Begin with Forum indicating the committee

    Continue with Submitted by to indicate who is the main contributor/main

    speaker of the Resolution

    Follow this by Co-Submitted by to illustrate those whove signed on

    (signatories) to the Resolution

    Use the full official name of the delegations (one gets delegates to sign on

    during the Lobbying Stage1)

    Address the Committee (in Upper Case), following this, comes the Pre-

    ambulatory clauses

    Pre-ambulatory Clauses

    All Pre-ambulatory clauses must end in commas (,)

    Leave a line between ever clauses

    No Clause-Opening words should be repeated in the resolution, if you need to

    reuse it, either uses a similar word to it, or add Further before it like in Further

    Noting or add with concern or with warning like in Noting with concern

    All Pre-ambulatory clauses must be underlined and not be numbered

    All acronyms must be fully written out before appearing in the abbreviated form,

    you only need to write them out once, and then refer to the abbreviated form for

    the rest of the resolution

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    Operative Clauses

    All acronyms must be fully written out before appearing in the abbreviated form,

    you only need to write them out once, and then refer to the abbreviated form for

    the rest of the resolution

    All Operative clauses must be underlined and be numbered

    Sub Clauses must be lettered (a), b), c), d))

    Sub-sub Clauses must be in Roman Numerals (i), ii), iii), iv))

    If a sub clause does not end the clause, their ending punctuation must be a

    comma (,)

    If sub-sub clauses do not end the clause, their ending punctuation must be a

    comma (,)

    All Operative clauses must end in semi-colons (;)

    Leave a line between ever clauses

    No Clause-Opening words should be repeated in the resolution, if you need to

    reuse it, either use a similar word to it, or add Further before it like in Further

    Requests or add Strongly like Strongly Requests

    All acronyms must be fully written out before appearing in the abbreviated form,

    you only need to write them out once, and then refer to the abbreviated form for

    the rest of the resolution

    In the Pre-ambulatory Clauses PLEASE DO:

    State strong and recent facts about the issue

    Use statistics where applicable

    Mention the past situation and current situation

    Recall any passed resolutions by the UN on the issue

    Relate any other organizations involved in the situation

    State relevant organizations efforts in the situation

    If applicable, use developing countries/LEDCs or developed countries/ MEDCs

    In the Pre-ambulatory Clauses PLEASE DONT:

    Be too one sided/bias

    Use Third World countries/ poor countries or First World countries/ rich

    countries

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    In the Operative Clauses PLEASE DO:

    Aim to find solutions, which solve the smaller problems that contribute to the

    issue

    Elaborate on the solutions in your operative clauses (sub clauses and sub-sub

    clauses)

    Make use of any UN organizations or create ones to help the issue

    Emphasize cooperation between governments and relevant UN organizations

    Explain different methods of approaching the same problem through clauses

    In the Operative Clauses PLEASE DONT:

    Break the sovereignty a government has over its land

    Mention specific sources and specific (numbers) amount of funding

    Be vague with your solutions, or simply state a way of solving something without

    explaining ways of doing so

    Create unrealistic solutions to the issue, which are vague solutions/ not possible

    to be put into force

    In All Clauses PLEASE DONT:

    PLAGIARISE: As Plagiarism isnt at all tolerated at MUN conferences, even if one is

    trying to get ideas from resolutions. One can only use similar ideas, and rewrite them as

    ones own, not use that particular clause/ resolution! At MUN conferences, plagiarism is

    dealt with strongly and often results in one being removed from the conference, and

    problems between ones school/delegation and the management.

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    What to Bring?

    For the Conference

    Delegate Preparation handbook

    Your committee's GIMUN brochure and update

    The United Nations Charter; Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    Printouts of relevant committee documents

    Preparatory notes for work in your committee, including relevant resolutions or

    parts thereof

    Writing and typing paper (about 20 sheets)

    3x5 cards (1 deck) with some rubber bands

    Pens in working order; pencils, pocket stapler, small scissors, scotch tape, paper

    clips

    PERSONAL EFFECTS

    Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving needs, hair care needs, deodorant,

    mouthwash, pocket tissues. Avoid strong scents.

    First aid; medicines for headaches, colds, upset stomach, diarrhea; any

    prescriptions you are taking in pharmacy-issued containers.

    Clothing:

    o 3 sets each of the following: shirts, underwear, socks/stockings;

    o 1 or 2 suits or suit jackets; ties for guys;

    o all-weather raincoat or heavy jacket (against possible cold weather, wind,

    and rain);

    Plastic bag for dirty clothes.

    A good watch.

    Cash

    Your favorite snacks; peanut butter, crackers; etc. Avoid noisy snacks.

    DO NOT BRING

    Textbooks, class notebooks (you will have no time to study); valuables; weapons;

    alcoholic beverages; drugs; other contraband.

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    Dress Code

    GIMUN DRESS CODE

    Western business dress is preferred. International delegates in whose native countries

    traditional cultural dress is appropriate may dress in "professional business dress".

    These delegates are the only individuals to whom this applies. Any delegate attempting

    to use cultural costume to portray a "character" will be asked to leave the committee

    chamber and change into clothing that is more appropriate. The GIMUN will not tolerate

    any delegate's attempt to mock traditional cultural attire or abuse it as costume.

    Typically, delegates wear business suits to the Opening and Closing Ceremony and to

    all committee sessions. All clothing must adhere to guidelines that portray

    professionalism and modesty. If a delegate's attire is deemed inappropriate by the

    GIMUN staff the delegate will be asked to leave the session and return with the

    appropriate attire. Also, note that it is inappropriate for delegates to display any

    national symbols such as flags, pins, crests, etc. on their person during committee

    sessions. UN symbols are acceptable, however.

    Dress Code Guidelines

    Women: Standard female delegate attire for the conference is business jacket, skirt or

    slacks, button blouse, and dress shoes. (Shirts that expose excessive bare skin on the

    chest, stomach or are otherwise revealing are inappropriate. Clothes that reveal

    undergarments are inappropriate.) Men: Standard male delegate attire for the

    conference is business jacket, slacks, button down shirt with tie and dress shoes. Facial

    hair should be shaved or trimmed neatly. (Dress sweaters are generally considered too

    casual, as well as shorts, ball caps, jeans, sneakers and sunglasses.)

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    Rules of Conduct

    Rules of Conduct in GIK Institute

    When in GIK, delegates must follow instructions given by the delegation leaders,

    or their designated deputies, who alone may act on behalf of the delegation and

    in the name of the Faculty Adviser.

    No rendezvous or visits of a personal nature should be planned or made during

    the GIMUN conference.

    Delegates are not to leave the campus without notifying one of the delegation

    leaders of the purpose and length of your absence. Delegates are expected to

    stay at the campus from Friday until Sunday evening.

    Delegates are not to leave the campus premises alone at any time. Always travel

    in groups; Women must be accompanied by male delegates.

    GIK Institute will not pay for any personal charge.

    Conference identification badge and placard:

    o Always wear your badge in the conference areas.

    o Always take with you your (voting) placard when you leave a conference

    room.

    o Do not allow another delegation to vote on your behalf.

    o Never vote with another delegation's placard.

    o Delegates should behave at all times in such a manner as not to damage

    the image of the delegation or GIK Institute.

    Do NOT take anything from the rooms, the campus, or any other establishment

    for souvenir. Avoid damaging any property. GIK Institute will not assume any

    responsibility for damages caused by you in any way.

    GRADING will reflect the following criteria:

    o Performance in committee, as gathered through visits by

    delegation leaders, by faculty adviser(s), by communications

    with teammates, by comments, unsolicited or otherwise, from

    other delegations or conference officials.

    o Cooperativeness and team spirit toward teammates. Anti-social

    behavior will negatively affect your grade.

    o 100% attendance in the committee sessions is MANDATORY

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    References and Bibliography

    How to help MUN delegates Become Prepared by Uday Rai Mehra International School of Amsterdam

    The National Model United Nations Rules of Procedure Model United Nations: Rules and Procedure by BUMUN Bath University, UK.