2 Kanoo Model United Nations Club – Delegate's Guide
Delegate's Guide
Content This Guide contains all the information you need to help you succeed in your role as a Delegate in
any MUN Conference.
Content Page Number
Introduction 3 Research 4 Points 5 Motions 6-7 Opening Speech 8 Resolution Writing 9 Amendments 10 Dress code 11 General Rules 12 Presentation 13 Councils with exceptions 14 Appendix. 15-21
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.k-mun.com
Designed and Compiled By: Fatema Aryan
(KMUN Director)
Class of 2018
3 Kanoo Model United Nations Club – Delegate's Guide
Delegate's Guide
AbdulRahman Kanoo School
Introduction
Model United Nations (also Model UN or MUN) is an
academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to
educate participants about current events, topics in
international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations
agenda.
What Does a Delegate do?
A Delegate at a MUN conference takes the role of a
diplomat representing a country in a specific council, you
would present an opening speech, debate on resolutions
(Solutions of Issues) and work alongside others to solve
the issues.
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Delegate's Guide
Research
Model UN Preparation
The first step in preparing for a rewarding Model UN experience is to
gather information.
Give yourself plenty of time before a conference to research, read
and then formulate your arguments. Use the Internet for the majority
of your research, the internet is a sea of information!
While conducting research, try to keep in mind that your primary
goal is to represent your country as realistically as possible. To do so,
you will need to research three different areas. Follow these links for
tips on researching each of the three components:
• Your country and its positions;
• The issues to be debated at the conference; and
• The UN system.
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Delegate's Guide
Points Point Description Point of Personal Privilege
Used to alert chair of the delegate’s physical discomfort such as inability to hear the speech
Point of Information
After a delegate has given a speech, he/she may receive points of information in forms of questions from other delegates.
Point of Order Used when a delegate believes a chair has made a mistake in the committee. The delegates must not include anything related to the subject matter.
Point of parliamentary inquiry
Used to ask questions regarding the rules of procedure. (May not interrupt speaker)
Proposing a point
A delegate may propose a point by raising his/her placard and stating the nature of the point.
Points are not voted on but may be overruled by a chairperson should they be deemed destructive or unnecessary.
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Motions Motion Description Motion to extend the debate
This motion extends the time set for the current debate time, allowing more opportunities for speeches on a resolution or clause. It should be proposed as soon as the allotted time for debate ends.
Move to voting procedure
This motion ends the current debate time on an issue, directly initiating voting procedure on that issue. It may be proposed during any debate time (without interruption)
Motion to explain vote This motion calls for an explanation from a voting ‘side’ to explain the reason behind an individual vote. The chairpersons pick a delegate from each voting category (for, against, and abstention) to explain, at the podium, the motives behind their choice of vote on the issue. The selected delegates may be volunteers, random selections, or specific exceptions.
Motion to recess This motion calls for a temporary recess, or ‘break,’ from formal debate to allow delegates to participate in a lunch or coffee break. This motion should not be abused and if it is, may be suspended within a council by a chair.
Motion to divide the House
In the event of a tied vote, division of house will result in voting with “for” and “against” without abstentions.
Motion to adjourn This motion is called for at the end of a conference in order to close an entire session.
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Delegate's Guide
Proposing a motion
A delegate may propose a motion in the same way he/she may
propose a point:
By raising his/her placard and stating the nature of the motion.
Motions may be made during a debate or following voting procedure.
Voting on motions
While delegates may make motions at their own will, a motion will only be taken into consideration if it is seconded by another delegate in the same council. This is done by raising one’s placard and stating “second” in order to show support for the motion. Should this happen, chairpersons will call on delegates to ‘placard vote’ on the motion.
When chairpersons call out for votes “for” the motion, delegates who support the motion should raise their placards. Abstentions (refraining from voting) are not allowed when voting on motions, so all other uncounted votes will be assumed to be “against.” Also, Motions require at least a two-thirds majority to pass. Otherwise, the motion fails and the conference resumes without the proposed structural alteration.
As chairpersons hold absolute power within each council, they may overrule any motion at their own discretion should they perceive it to be ill-intentioned or a disturbance to the conference.
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Delegate's Guide
Opening Speeches The committees first start by the opening speeches, where it is customary to address the chairs, delegates and guests present by saying:
“Your excellencies, Mr/Madam Chairperson, fellow delegates and honored guests.”
Then go on to the main body of your speech. The main body of your speech should address the issue on the agenda your Delegation feels most strongly about. Keep it diplomatic and concentrate on getting one single message across.
-Also, the opening speech should cover one minute only, the delegate will be interrupted if he/she exceeds the time limitation.
You may Include the following: First paragraph: Short introduction on country and Position. (Not
required, although highly recommended as it shows knowledge and effort made to research)
Second Paragraph and Beyond: Address the issue and stating its importance. Most conferences have two Issues/Topics, although some would have three, Address all Issues in the opening speech.
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Delegate's Guide
Resolution Writing • Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the
conference organizers. Each conference may have a slightly
different format. (Usually the same, ask Chairs for details)
• Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution
calls for a new program, think about how it will be funded and
what body will manage it.
• Try to cite facts whenever possible.
• Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that
cannot be met. Make sure your body can take the action
suggested. For example, the General Assembly can't sanction
another country – only the Security Council can do so.
• Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more
likely to approve the resolutions if many delegates contribute
ideas.
• Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action.
Use them to cite past resolutions, precedents and statements
about the purpose of action.
• Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed
to create. Use them to explain what the committee will do to
address the issue.
You must use one of the phrases to start the sentence of
Preambulatory clauses and operative clauses on page 20 and 21
of this guide.
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Amendments Approved draft resolutions are modified through
amendments. An amendment is a written statement that
adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft
resolution.
The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on
a resolution by allowing delegates to change certain
sections. There are two types of amendments:
An amendment is a change to the draft resolution. After the
amendment is voted upon and signed by all of the draft
resolution's sponsors and approved by the committee
director or president, it will be automatically incorporated
into the resolution. Majority Votes Required.
Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a
great deal of debate and compromise. They are the tangible
results of hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a result, it
is important to become familiar with the resolution process
and practice drafting resolutions using the proper structure
and wording.
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Dress Code
Females: 1. Formal pantsuit or skirt-suit.
2. The skirt/dress must be 2 cm below the
knees.
3. Stockings do not compensate for short
skirts/dresses.
4. Any see-through clothing is inappropriate.
5. High heels must be less than 7 cm high.
6. No Sleeveless dresses.
7. No Unusual/Neon colors or complex floral
designs.
Males: 1. A formal suit. (Buttoned shirt and jacket).
2. Dress shoes (black, brown, or grey) No
Sneakers.
3. No Unusual/Neon Colors.
4. Tie and Jacket Compulsory.
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Delegate's Guide
General Rules 1) All Delegates should be prepared for the conference
way ahead of time.
2) No lateness is accepted from anyone. If late, you might
not be allowed to attend the conference.
3) All Delegates must stay within the councils during the
conference.
4) All Delegates must take conferences seriously.
5) Any Disrespect for others is not accepted. The Staff
have all right to remove you from the premises and ban
you from attending future conferences.
6) Delegates should not talk loudly, shout or do anything
that would be deemed as inappropriate/immature.
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Delegate's Guide
Presentation Delegates should familiarize themselves with their speeches
and practice, as practice improves your style and gives tone
and confidence.
As representatives of the United Nations, delegates should
appear to be confident at all times. Eye contact is supremely
important. Delegates should make eye contact at all times.
Tips -Make sure the speech is understandable and doest sound
awkward.
-Take into account your countries point of view.
-Stick to the time limits.
-Practice a few times to become acquainted with your
speech.
-Make eye contact at all times.
-Use hand gestures.
-Do not read the whole speech non-stop.
-It is not recommended that you memorize your speech.
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Councils with exceptions Some councils such as:
- The Security Council
- International Atomic Energy Agency
Do not have opening speeches. The resolution’s format also
differs, as delegates submit single operative clauses and debate
on them one at a time.
The Security Council also has 5 permanent “veto” powers,
which are:
- The United States of America
- The United Kingdom
- The Peoples Republic of China
- The Republic of France
- The Russian Federation
If one of these countries decided to “veto” a submitted clause,
the decision is final and it automatically fails and cannot be re-
submitted without full re-drafting.
How to "Veto"?
1. The Veto Power raises his/her placard for voting and
clearly states "VETO"
2. The “Veto” decision must be explained and will be only be
accepted if the reason is a valid one.
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Sample resolution Conference: YLC 2012
Main Submitter: The Delegate of Jordan 2
Co-Submitters: Bahrain 1, Lebanon, Tunisia 1, Tunisia 2, UAE, Algeria.
Issue #2: Implementation of a single region currency.
The Arab League,
• Recognizing the Arabs League’s previous work in the area of development and the efforts made in the aims of achieving a better economy,
• Noting the Arab League’s objective of improving the economy of the region, • Expressing concern over the consequences of the failure of such a currency
union, • Affirming the Arab league’s commitment towards ensuring the benefit of
economy through the promotion of new laws, regulations and increased rights, etc.
• Appreciating the fact that despite the challenges, the Arab league has played a role in achieving significant progress in the economic field,
• Taking note of the fact that the success of the economy is key in the success of a county and its development.
1) Requests that governments make the following decisions a course of action:
a) Research into the current economic state:
i) Strength of the current currency ii) The GDP of the countries
b) Recommends to use this data used for the benefit of the proposed currency union to decide; i) Whether It is appropriate and effective for their native economy; ii) How it would affect the world economy;
2) Encourages that all member to look into whether a pan-Arab currency would affect
their counties economy in the future; a) This would help countries decide whether it’s an appropriate course of action at
the time;
b) This would help ensure that in the future, the countries’ economy would not decline and effect their GDP
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3) Requests governments to consider including the following courses of action to prevent the proposed currency to affect their economy;
a) Proposed sub-divisions;
i) Which would prevent LEDCs from being controlled by MEDCs; ii) To prevent a crisis similar to the Euro-Zone crisis;
b) These sub-divisions would include countries in a similar economic state;
4) Supports governments to share ideas and collaborate with other governments,
organizations which will help benefit all countries and help gain a better understanding of the issue;
5) Suggests an alternative to the Arab league currency which would;
a) Include a separate currency for the GCC countries, African regions and other areas; i) Separating this would speed up plans as;
(a) The area would be smaller; (b) The demand of currency, loans, etc. would be less
ii) Balance the economic state of the countries, without there being any major differences;
iii) This would also help LEDS get their economy to start to improve;
6) Suggests the bank be centralized in an area which;
a) Could handle the heavy burden of the finances of a large area
b) Wouldn’t be in the highest developed nor the lowest;
7) Urges governments to take into consideration the negative effects of the proposed currency;
a) Which would evaluate further;
i) Whether it is a good idea to go through with the plans;
ii) Whether it is possible to go through with the plans.
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Sample issues From: KMUN 2014
The General Assembly (GA):
1. Agriculture Development and Food Security
2. Countering Terrorism around the World
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
1. Assuring the eradication of poverty
2. Promoting efforts to eliminate violence against migrants,
migrant workers and their families
The Human Rights Council (HRC):
1. The Right to Adequate Housing and Protection From
Forcible Evictions
2. Children and Armed Conflict
The Security Council (SC):
1. The international drug war in regards to financing and
continuation of international terrorism
2. Global cooperation on managing nuclear threats
European Union (EU):
1. Assessing the Common Foreign and Security Policy
2. Reducing Public Debt in European Countries such as Italy
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Delegate's Guide
Sample opening speeches
Your Excellencies; mister and madam chairperson; fellow delegates; and honored guests;
Since its independence from the British crown, the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan has developed greatly in the fields of democracy and human rights. Its economy has thrived with its oil exports and with more free trade agreements than any other Arab country in the region.
The Hashemite kingdom of Jordan believes that the issue of Human rights of migrant workers in the region is an extremely important one, as most Arab counties depend heavily on foreign labor, and all humans should be treated equally without prejudice.
The Hashemite kingdom of Jordan believes that the implementation of a single region currency could help the economy in many ways. A single currency would be more stable and would unleash a greater potential for growth and would increase and encourage trade within the region.
Your Excellencies, Mr. /Madam Chairperson, fellow delegates, honored guests: Luxembourg, a highly developed, stable constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy is known to be one of the smallest countries in Europe. For as when the UN
signed a charter on the 26th of June 1945, Luxembourg became one of the smallest founding members of the UN, which had eventually led to a flourishing and prosperous future. Furthermore, Luxembourg believes in an essential health care that should be distributed towards all classes in a community. Luxembourg also strongly advises that it should be shared equally to all parts of the nations, especially under developed countries with lacking necessities such as health care. Healthcare is a necessity to every individual’s life in order to survive, and the UN ensures that the issues tackled revolving this aspect is to be developed and strongly believes in it. The UN believes in every individual’s right when it comes to healthcare, embracing it and always makes sure that it is one step ahead in developing it and tackling its issues.
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Preambulatory clause phrases
Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Bearing in mind
Believing
Confident
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
Emphasizing
Expecting
Expressing its
appreciation
Expressing its
satisfaction
Fulfilling
Fully alarmed
Fully aware
Fully believing
Further deploring
Further recalling
Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered
further
Having devoted
attention
Having examined
Having heard
Having received
Having studied
Keeping in mind
Noting with regret
Noting with deep
concern
Noting with
satisfaction
Noting further
Noting with
approval
Observing
Reaffirming
Realizing
Recalling
Recognizing
Referring
Seeking
Taking into account
Taking into
consideration
Taking note
Viewing with
appreciation
Welcoming
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Operative clause phrases
Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls upon
Condemns
Confirms
Congratulates
Considers
Declares
accordingly
Deplores
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its
appreciation
Expresses its hope
Further invites
Deplores
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its
appreciation
Expresses its hope
Further invites
Further proclaims
Further reminds
Further
recommends
Further requests
Further resolves
Has resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Regrets
Reminds
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Trusts