THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FIRST MUN:

What should I have with me for my MUN sessions? :

 A notebook. Listen carefully to what the other speakers have to say and note
the key points from their speech. If you want to oppose any of their points
then write it down and, if time, write down why you oppose it. This helps if
you get anxious and forget what to say.
 An electronic device. These have to be switched off during sessions and are
not allowed but can be used during the breaks. This helps when you are
unsure about an argument you want to make or want to research briefly
about a new topic. Note that cameras will be on at all times therefore, they
can’t be used during sessions unfairly.
 Placards. You may not need placards for an online MUN but in normal
MUNs these are used to signal that you want to speak next
 Your notes. Your research is perhaps the most important thing you can have.
Spend time on your research and start at least three days before your MUN.
Research about your countries opinion on the topic and possible sub topics
such as worldly affairs. Also see your allies and unite with them during
UNMODs. Have your research in front of you at all times
 Position Paper: A position paper is a document describing a topic, your
country's position, and possible solutions. It is important to write a position
paper for each of your topics because it will help you gain insight on the
issue and prepare you for the MUN conference.
 Your attention. DO NOT get distracted and focus on what is happening
around you so you’re ready to speak with ease
 Your GSL Speech. The GSL is the first event in a MUN. Delegates give
their names to speak in the GSL. It is not mandatory to speak in the GSL but
it is recommended if you want to be seen. Writing your GSL speech is
 important because that way you can memorize it and if you still forget you
can always look at your speech. Your GSL is your opening speech.

MOD (Moderated Caucus):

Moderated Caucus: A debate format that allows delegates to make short

comments on a specific sub-issue. Typically, delegates who are interested in
speaking will raise up their placards and the Chairs will call on delegates to
speak one at a time. In order to move into a moderated caucus, the motion must
include the overall speaking time, the time per speaker, and the sub-issue to be
discussed. Example: Italy moves for a 5 minute moderated caucus with 30
second speaking time per delegate for the purpose of discussing solutions to
women’s rights

UNMOD (Unmoderated Caucus):

An informal event in which you can talk with your allies for you bloc. It is an
informal way of debating/speaking to your candidates to initially form your
bloc. The dias does not need to give permission for the delegate to speak. A
debate format in which delegates can leave their seats to go and talk to others
freely and informally. This is usually when delegates find allies and work on
draft resolutions. In order to move into an unmoderated caucus, the motion
must include the overall caucus time and preferably the purpose of the
unmoderated caucus. Example: Senegal moves for an unmoderated caucus for
10 minutes to complete draft resolutions.

GSL:

General Speakers List. Individual speaking time is 60 seconds. Here are some
tips to make a good speech:

1. Address the agenda in general, bring notice to the committee to what is

going on
2. Talk about your country’s view on the agenda
 3. Talk about your excitement to discuss the agenda with other
members of the committee and remind everyone that you’re there to
propose solutions and not to pull each other down

4. Talk about your excitement to co-operate and collaborate with fellow

members in creating a comprehensive resolution.

Points:
 Point of Inquiry: used when a delegate has a question about something that
is not clearly understood in committee. Use this to ask a question if you
don’t understand a term or get what’s going on in committee.
 7. Point of Personal Privilege: used when a delegate experiences personal
discomfort that hinders their ability to participate in committee. Examples:
temperature of room, distractions during committee, can’t hear another
delegate, etc.
 8. Point of Order (also called Point of Parliamentary Procedure): used when
a delegate believes that there was a mistake made regarding the rules of
procedure

Blocs:

Different groups that have similar ideas and opinions about the topics. In the real
United Nations, there are regional blocs, but delegates can choose to build their
own blocs in Model UN. These blocs will typically work together to create a draft
resolution.

Resolutions:

The goal of a MUN committee is to pass a resolution which is a response to the

problems being discussed or brought to light. These are the basic terms to be used
in order to understand how to draft a resolution:

I. Working paper: Working papers are just a list of ideas formed by the blocs.
They may or may not be written in resolution format. The working paper
needs to be approved by the chairs.
 II. Draft Resolution: A document written in resolution format, approved by the
chairs, and introduced to committee but not yet voted upon is called a draft
resolution. Delegates will be spending most of their time writing and
amending the draft resolutions. Once a draft resolution is passed by a
committee, then it becomes a Resolution.
III. Sponsors: delegates who authored the draft resolution or actively contributed
ideas. They support the draft resolution and want to see it get passed, so they
should vote for it. All resolutions will require a minimum number of
sponsors.
IV. Signatories: delegates who wish the see the draft resolution debated but may
or may not agree with all of the ideas. However, they think there is some
merit to it and want to see it presented. Some resolutions will require a
minimum number of signatories.
V. Pre-ambulatory clauses: statements in the first section of the draft resolution
that describes the problems that the committee wants to solve as well as
previous measures taken to combat the problem. Pre-ambulatory clauses are
usually italicized or underlined by not numbered.
VI. Operative clauses: statements in the second section of the draft resolution
that outlines the specific solutions the sponsors wish to implement.
Operative clauses are usually numbered and underlined.
VII. Amendment: a change made to an operative clause of a draft resolution.
Amendments can add, delete, or change an operative clause in a draft
resolution. A Friendly Amendment is an amendment written and approved
by all the sponsors to a draft resolution and is automatically included into
the text. An Unfriendly Amendment is an amendment not approved by all
the sponsors to their draft resolution and must be voted upon before it can be
included into the text.
VIII. Merging: combining two or more draft resolutions to make a bigger or new
draft resolution
IX. Voting bloc: when delegates vote on the draft resolutions and amendments

Helpful Links:
 [Link]
committee/
 [Link]
achieving-success/