National Youth Council

Model United Nation

DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
FROM DEBATE TO ACTION:DRIVING
SUSTAINABLE CHANGE IN NEPAL
10th-13th JUNE
 Model United Nation
Model United Nations (MUN) is an authentic simulation of the
UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, or other
multilateral bodies, which catapults students into the world of
diplomacy and negotiation. In Model UN, students step in the
shoes of ambassadors of UN member states, from Afghanistan
to Zimbabwe to debate current issues on the organization’s
vast agenda. The students, better known as “delegates” in
Model UN, prepare draft resolutions, plot strategies, negotiate
with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts and
navigate the UN’s rules of procedure all in the interest of
mobilizing “International Cooperation” to resolve problems
that affect almost every country on earth. Before playing out
their ambassadorial roles in Model UN, students do research
on the particular global problems to be addressed.

National Youth Council MUN (NYC MUN) 2023, Nepal is a four-

day residential MUN conference organized by the students.
NYC MUN is the first iteration where 250 people will grace the
conference with their presence that includes delegates,
executive board members, international appearances, special
speakers and the organizing committee. NYC MUN will
simulate 7 different bodies of United Nations . NYC MUN will
be one of the greatest International Model UN conferences in
Nepal by witnessing more than 250 delegates, speakers, faculty
advisors, ambassadors and executive board members from
diverse countries.
 Procedure
How to research?
Pre-conference preparation is a prerequisite for success. Preparation
for the Model UN begins with gathering information. You have to be
able to spend enough time before the conferences to not only find
information but also to be able to analyze and put forward your
arguments. An integral part of your research is to know the UN
system. This will help clarify the whole MUN simulation process and
ensure greater confidence on your part. Another important aspect of
your research is knowing your country extensively from its history,
culture, political structure to any political involvement in current
world affairs.
This can be done by making a country profile. It is also very
important to know where your country stands. You need to find out
who your allies and oppositions are, what bloc your country belongs
to and what its viewpoints are on the main conference topic. In order
to interact with other delegates it is recommended to be well aware
of their countries’ stances as well. An effective resource to do this is
the study guide.
Read through each topic area to make sure you pick up all the details
and subtleties of the issue. Lastly, you need to know all the rules and
procedures of the conference thoroughly to maintain a level playing
field and a certain level of professionalism.

Speeches
Speaker's list
The speaker’s list is the order in which delegates make their
speeches during formal debate. It is important to get on the
speaker’s list right from the start and as frequently as possible.
This will maximize your speaking opportunity and will definitely
raise the quantity and quality of issues coming up.
Preparation and Content
Planning a speech doesn’t require writing it out word for word.
Deliberate and carefully calculated speeches may lack
spontaneity. The use of flashcards with key phrases may prove to
be useful to avoid mediocre and monotonous speeches. You have
to be flexible with what you are going to say as with new issues
coming up, your speech may no longer be in context. You can
introduce new ideas in a speech or elaborate on old ones. You can
support and defend your allies’ positions, attack opposing
positions and take stances on your own. The content of the speech
however must be in accordance with what is being discussed and
what you want to say.
Tips to enhance public speaking
Prepare.
Practice.
Consider your audience.
Eliminate unnecessary filler words like “umm”, “well”, “sort of
”, “like”,” so”,“you know” etc.
Use meaningful pauses.
Breathe.
Pace yourself.
Choose a powerful posture.
Be constructive in your criticism.
Get to the point.
Connect with your audience

Caucuses
Caucuses or informal debates are an important part of the model
UN simulation as it provides opportunities for delegates to
collaborate, negotiate and formulate draft resolutions.
There are two types of caucuses:
Moderated caucuses and Unmoderated caucuses.
 Moderated Caucuses
A caucus may often appear to be disorganized and hectic. With the
help of the moderator however, more productive and efficient
caucuses can be conducted. Here, delegates for and against a
particular issue are divided accordingly and are then given chances
to speak alternatively for at least a minute each. This way, the best
elements of formal debate and caucus are combined ensuring both,
order in the committee and a spontaneous flow of ideas.

Unmoderated Caucuses
An unmoderated caucus is a state of committee during which no
speaker is recognized by the moderator. Here, no debate takes
place, yet the committee is abuzz with activity. During this period
of time delegates try to come to a consensus, organize blocs and
write resolutions. Delegates can also use this time to check on their
co-delegates outside the committee room.
Moving a caucus
When you motion for a caucus, you will be asked the duration for
which you want to caucus and the purpose for which you want to
caucus. Raise a caucus if only you feel that a discussion outside
formal debate amongst delegates is necessary. A caucus is generally
called either to review ideas, or to establish a consensus or to
contact other people.

Tips for effective caucusing

• Enter the caucus only with a plan in mind.
• Find delegates in your bloc.
• Offer constructive critiques and ideas and be resourceful.
• Negotiate.
• Listen.
• Record ideas in the form of official paperwork.
• Be inclusive.
• Use time effectively.
 MUN Vocabulary
We are aware that MUN procedures and vocabulary often vary from
school to school. We would like you to go through this section very
carefully and familiarize yourself with the procedures and vocabulary
as used in the MUN. Feel free to ask questions to your dais members
beforehand so that you are not surprised during the three days of the
conference.
Abstain: During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may abstain
rather than vote yes or no. This generally signals that a state does not
support the resolution being voted on, but does not oppose it enough
to vote no.
Adjourn: All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote to adjourn.
This means that the debate is suspended until the next meeting. This
can be a short time (e.g., overnight) or a long time (until next year’s
conference).
Agenda: The order in which the issues before a committee will be
discussed. The first duty of a committee following the roll call is
usually to set the agenda.
Amendment: A change to a draft resolution on the floor. Can be of two
types: a “friendly amendment” is supported by the original draft
resolution’s sponsors and is passed automatically. An “unfriendly
amendment” is not supported by the original sponsors and must be
voted on by the committee as a whole
Bloc: A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a
similar opinion on a particular topic.
Caucus: A break in formal debate in which countries can more easily
and informally discuss a topic. There are two types:

Moderated Caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates remain seated

and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a short period
of time, enabling a freer exchange of opinions than would be possible
in formal debate.
Un-moderated caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates leave
their seats to mingle and speak freely. Enables the free sharing of
ideas to an extent not possible in formal debate or even a moderated
caucus. Frequently used to sort countries into blocs and to write
working papers and draft resolutions.

Clause: Clauses are parts of a resolution. They are of two types:

1) Operative clause: The part of a resolution that describes how the

UN will address a problem. It begins with an action verb (decides,
establishes, recommends, etc.).
2) Preambulatory clause: The part of a resolution that describes
previous actions taken on the topic and reasons why the resolution is
necessary. It begins with a participle or adjective (noting, concerned,
regretting, aware of, recalling, etc.)

Committee: Participants are allocated in different committees and

discuss with others on topics related to the committee.
Dais: At NYC MUN, delegates collectively refer to the committee staff
(Chair, Vice Chair and moderator) as the dais (pronounced: DAYYUS
or DICE)
Decorum: The order and respect for others that all delegates at a
Model UN conference must exhibit. The Chair will call for decorum
when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of a
speaker, of the dais, or of their roles as ambassadors.
Delegation: The entire group of people representing a member state
or country in all committees at a particular Model UN conference.
Draft resolution: A document that seeks to fix the problems
addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, the
draft resolution will become a resolution.
Formal debate: The “standard” type of debate at a Model UN
conference, in which delegates speak for a certain time in an order
based on a speakers’ list.
Member state: A country that has ratified the Charter of the United
Nations and whose application to join has been accepted by the
General Assembly and Security Council. Currently, there are 193
member states.
Motion: A request made by a delegate for the committee, as a whole,
to do something. Some motions might go into a caucus, to adjourn, to
introduce a draft resolution, or to move into voting bloc.
On the floor: At a Model UN conference, when a working paper or
draft resolution is first written, it may not be discussed in debate.
After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the
committee, it is put “on the floor” and may be discussed.
Page: A member in a Model UN committee that has volunteered to
pass notes from one delegate to another, or from a delegate to the
dais, or from one committee to another.
Placard: A piece of cardstock with a country’s name on it that a
delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes
to speak.
Point: A request raised by a delegate for information or for an action
relating to that delegate.
Point of order: Point of order can be raised if a member of a
committee feels that the dais has made a parliamentary error. For
example – “A resolution was to be tabled.”
Point of parliamentary inquiry: Point of parliamentary inquiry can be
raised to ask a question to the dais with regards to the procedural
matter in the committee. For example: “The delegate would like to
know the position of his country on the speaker’s list.”
Point of personal privilege: This is the only time when a delegate may
interrupt a speaker. A point of personal privilege can be called out
when a delegate is having personal difficulties: to be left from the
room or if the delegate cannot hear or understand the speaker.
Point of information: Point of Information can be raised to point out
a factual error in the statement of a delegate.
Right to Reply: Right to reply is used, following recognition from the
chair, where a delegate is granted a right to respond to a statement
that is seen to be offensive or derogatory, or even an Example: “The
sovereign state of Libya positions peace as one of its utmost
priorities, and is in no state to engage in war with other nations.”
Roll call: The first order of business in a Model UN committee, during
which the moderator reads aloud the names of each member state in
the committee. When a delegate’s country’s name is called, he or she
may respond “present” or “present and voting.” A delegate
responding “present and voting” may not abstain on a substantive
vote.
Signatory: A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put on the
floor and signs the draft resolution to accomplish this. A signatory
need not support a resolution; it only wants it to be discussed.
Usually, Model UN conferences require some minimum number of
sponsors and signatories for a draft resolution to be approved.
Speakers’ list: A list that determines the order in which delegates will
speak. Whenever a new topic is opened for discussion, the Chair will
create a speakers’ list by asking all delegates wishing to speak to raise
their placards and calling on them one at a time. During debate, a
delegate may indicate that he or she wishes to be added to the
speakers’ list by sending a note to the dais.
Sponsor: One of the writers of a draft resolution. A friendly
amendment can only be created if all sponsors agree. Resolutions at
NYC MUN require three sponsors for presentation.
Veto: The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the
United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent any draft
resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no.
Delegates are reminded that they must explain the appropriate
reasons for their veto action.
Vote: A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or do not
support a proposed action for the committee. There are two types:
procedural and substantive.
Voting bloc: The period at the end of a committee session during
which delegates vote on proposed amendments and draft
resolutions. Nobody may enter or leave the room during the voting
bloc.
Working paper: A document in which the ideas of some delegates, on
how to resolve an issue, are proposed.
Yielding: The movement that delegate A, who is standing at the front,
makes to pass the right of front speaking to delegate B who agrees
with the idea offered previously by delegate A and will keep
extending the idea to gain more votes from the floor. Chairs
moderate it.

Writing a Resolution
Definition: A resolution is one very long sentence that describes how
a committee will address the topic they’ve discussed. Resolutions
include two types of clauses, called preambulatory clauses and
operative clauses.

Preambulatory Clauses

Preambulatory clauses set up the context of a resolution

They do not do anything; they serve to justify the actions taken
later on in the resolution
Not numbered and it ends in a comma rather than a semi-colon
The Preambulatory phrase is italicized, and calls for no specific
action from countries
Operative Clauses

Operative clauses are the main substance of a resolution

These are the clauses that actually do something (calls for one
specific action)
Clause is numbered, operative phrase is underlined, and ends
with a semicolon
Only the last clause in a resolution should end with a period
Sub-clauses are indicated with a lowercase letter, and sub-sub
clauses are indicated with lowercase roman numerals
There are no underlined words in sub or sub-sub clauses
Please note: most UN committees cannot call for binding
action (only recommendations)
Words like “requires,” “forces,” and “obligates” may not be
used in operative clauses except for in committees that may
pass binding resolutions, such as the UN Security Council

Sponsors and Signatories

Draft resolutions and working papers must have a certain

number of sponsors and signatories.
Sponsors are delegates who wrote the working paper, or
whose ideas are substantially represented in the paper.
Signatories are delegates who would like to see the working
paper debated
Signatories need not agree with the content of the resolution
they are signing, they must only agree that it is worthy of
discussion
Sponsors count towards the total number of signatories
Process of passing a resolution
1) After the sponsors present their resolution, the chair will ask for two
delegates to speak for the resolution and two against the resolution.
Delegates use this opportunity to convince fellow committee members
either to vote for or against the resolution.
2) After “two-for-two-against” delegates will vote for or against the
resolution by a show of hands. If the majority (over 50%) of delegates
vote for the resolution, then the resolution passes.
3) Should there be no resolution that succeeds in getting a majority vote,
the dais will recommend the committee to merge multiple resolutions
and make a stronger, combined one.

Sample Resolution
Heading
Resolution GA/3/1.1
General Assembly Third Committee
Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy
Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and
Gabon
Topic:
" Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex
emergencies "
The heading contains four pieces of information: the committee's name,
the sponsors, the signatories, and the topic (not necessarily in that order
depending on each individual conference’s rules). The sponsors are the
authors of the resolution.
The signatories are other delegates in the committee who do not
necessarily agree with the resolution but would like to see it debated.
Most conferences require a minimum number or percentage of sponsors
and signatories (or a combination of both) before a resolution can be
present this encourages consensus-building. You will also notice some
numbering (on the top right corner in the example). This is usually
provided by the committee chair and is just a way to number the
different resolution usually by the order they are received or approved
so that delegates can easily differentiate or reference them.
Preambulatory Clauses
The General Assembly,
Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights,which recognizes the inherent
dignity ,equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens,
Reaffirming its Resolution33/1996 of 25 July 1996 ,which encourages
Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the
coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance,Noting with
satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and non
governmental organizations, Stressing the fact that the United Nations
faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform ,particularly
in the humanitarian realm,
The pre-ambulatory clauses states all the issues that the committee
wants to resolve on this issue. It may state reasons why the committee
is working on this issue and highlight previous international actions on
the issue. Pre-ambulatory
clauses can include:
Past UN resolutions, treaties, or conventions related to the topic
Past regional, non-governmental, or national efforts in resolving this
topic
References to the UN Charter or other international frameworks and
laws
Statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or
agency
General background info formation or facts about the topic, its
significance, and its impact.
For example, my country wants to address the issue of how HIV/AIDS
has spread rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa. I pick a preambulatory phrase
from above — I’ll use “Alarmed by” — and then I combine it to say:
Alarmed by the 17% increase in HIV/AIDS contraction among sub-
Saharan African countries in the past five years,
Strategy Tip: In general, you want fewer pre-ambulatory clauses than
operative clauses. More operative clauses convey that you have more
solutions than you have problems.
Operative Clauses
1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate
more closely with countries at the grass roots level to enhance the
carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative
clauses]
2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department
of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline effort to humanitarian aid;
3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better
enhance the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in
complex emergencies;
4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that
encourages voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to
aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces;
5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information
on the political, economic and social situations and event so of all
countries;
6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated
appeals for humanitarian assistance; and
7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-
conflict assistance through reconstruction and development. [end
resolutions with a period]

Operative clauses state the solutions that the sponsors of the resolution
proposes to resolve the issues. The operative clauses should address the
issues specifically mentioned in the pre-ambulatory clauses above it. It’s
very simple to write an operative clause. First, take a solution that you
want to include in the draft resolution. You then take that solution,
combine it with an underlined operative phrase and end it with a
semicolon (the last operative clause ends with a period). Operative
clauses are also numbered. This differentiates them from pre-
ambulatory clauses, helps show logical progression in the resolution, and
makes the operative clauses easy to refer to in speeches and comments
 The Role of Delegates
Each delegate in the National Youth Council Model United Nations (NYC
MUN) faces a challenging task. The delegates must study carefully and be
prepared to state, briefly and clearly, the position actually held by the
countries they represent on one or more major issues. They should
understand the views held by other countries on these issues, and be ready
to defend, and sometimes modify, their positions in public debate. In
committee sessions, delegates will be expected to present their positions,
engage in negotiations with other delegates, and develop resolutions for
the issues debated by their committee.
As a voluntary participant in a group enterprise, each delegate should feel a
deep sense of responsibility for the success of the National Youth Council
Model United Nations. No matter how skillfully the secretariat has set the
stage and drawn up the agenda, only the delegates can ensure that
constructive and informed discussion of the issues will take place, and that
the committee session will result in a deeper understanding of these issues,
and the process and machinery of the United Nations.
Look at economic standing, political system, health issues, social issues.Do
some broad research on your country. Know the current issues your
country faces -- look at a variety of news sources to see what issues your
country is facing
Know the UN’s involvement with your topic
Start by doing a basic search -- “Enter topic here’ and the UN”
Look at previous resolutions addressing the topic
Old background guides are very useful. Model UN is huge -- odds are,
Compose a country profile
Also know the current issues your region faces. Check some regional news
sources.
Know your topic
NYC MUN isn’t the only conference to cover a specific topic. Do some
digging
and see if you can find any other background guides that address your
topic.
Since background guides are written for delegates like you, they are good
places to look!
Position Paper Guidelines
Model United Nations presents a unique opportunity for delegates
to hone their writing skills through the position papers they
create. It is vital that students and employees in any field
demonstrate strong research and writing ability. Thus, at NYC
MUN 2022, we place a high emphasis on thoughtfully crafted
position papers. By writing a cohesive paper that follows a logical
format, we hope that delegates will develop a nuanced
understanding of the committee topics, become familiarized with
their delegation’s policies, and collect valuable resources that may
be of use in committee.

What is a Position Paper?

A position paper is a succinct summary of your delegation’s policy
with respect to the committee topic. In it, delegates should focus
on outlining key facts that guide their delegation’s perspective, as
well as sketching possible solutions to the issues at hand. The
strongest position papers will not be a summary of the topic, but
rather the delegation’s view on the matter, and how it might come
to a resolution.

How do I format my position paper?

Position papers should roughly follow this format:
1. statement of the problem as the delegate’s country sees it;
2. past action of the delegate’s country on this issue;
3. potential solutions. Delegates should begin by establishing
certain facts as their delegation sees them that are important
to understanding the rest of the paper.
How do I format my paper?
Position papers should be at minimum one page per topic. Unless
instructed otherwise, we recommend that position papers be
spaced with 1 or 1.15 intervals between lines with 1-inch margins
aligned to the left hand side of the page. The upper left-hand
corner should include the delegate’s position; their
school/delegation; the committee's name; and the topic they are
addressing. Position papers should be written in the third person
unless the delegation being represented is an individual.

Do I need to cite my sources?

Yes! Wherever a substantive fact that is not stated in the
background guide is used to support an argument, an appropriate
citation must accompany it. Additionally, any references to
specific materials and quotations should be cited as well.
Delegates may choose their citation format, but they are advised
to be consistent throughout the position paper. We suggest the
following rule of thumb when a delegate is unsure whether or not
to include a reference: when in doubt, cite!

Can I turn in my position paper late?

Late papers will negatively impact your overall committee score.
However, since writing a position paper is a valuable educational
experience and the NYC MUN secretariat is aware that students
have papers, exams and SAT tests before the conference, delegates
may turn in their position paper late and still be eligible for a
committee award. NYC MUN would much rather you write a
position paper late than none at all. You may also reach out to
your chair to request an extension.
To guarantee the comfort and safety of the participants, all
participants in the NYC Model United Nations Conference are
required to follow the rules of the event. We are also obligated to
adhere to the terms and conditions of NYC MUN as an event run
by a student-led simulation of the UN.

Eligibility

1. NYC Model United Nations welcomes youth from any country

who wish to have experience in international conferences or have
a high interest in global affairs to be the delegates of NYC MUN.

2. All delegates must be enrolled in School/High

School/University/ Graduates or must be enrolled in International
Organisations/Institutions/Companies.

3. All delegates should choose a minimum of 2 Committee

preferences and 2 country allocations.

4. All matters regarding the country allocation and council

preference will be arranged based on the allocation of the
committee.

5. Each delegate should be decently dressed.

6. Delegates are not permitted to bring any plastic products or

chew gum into the program premises.

Program Mechanism

1. NYC Model United Nations Conference will be held in a physical,

in-person setting.

2. The conference will consist of National as well as international

delegates.
Covid-19 Safety and Health Protocol

1. Conference rooms are filled by 50% – 80% of the room

capacity.

2. Easy to access hand sanitizer/hand washing facilities.

3. All participants must follow the Covid-19 safety protocol that

has been regulated by the Government of Nepal.

4. All participants must wear a face mask (medical procedure

mask) during all activities.

5. All participants must maintain a distance from the other

participants by at least 1 metre.

6. All participants should carry hand sanitizer during the

conference.

7. No participant is permitted to travel outside of their scheduled

time during the conference without the IGN team's approval.
Privacy and Intellectual Property Rights

1. NYC MUN reserves the right to utilize all data submitted by

individuals to NYC MUN and to collect data in the form of
photographs or videos during the conference and social events
without limitations.

2. All participants agree that none of the products, data, results,

and materials used in NYC MUN may be disseminated through
publications, reports, conferences, or any other format without
the express written authorization of NYC MUN, which owns all
rights to these items.

3. NYC MUN reserves the right to update and change

information without further notice.
Code of Conduct

1. Registrants hereby certify by completing the registration

process that all information submitted is truthful and accurate.
The registrants understand that falsification of any information
provided will disqualify them from participation in NYC Model
United Nations and the NYC Model United Nations activities and
falsification of information or impersonation may result in legal
actions.
2. Participants agree that any materials created for this conference
will be original work. At NYC MUN, plagiarism will not be
accepted. If the committee finds evidence of plagiarism, the
offender will be expelled from the conference.
3. Participants are expected and obliged to obey the laws of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal while participating in NYC
Model United Nations. Participants are personally responsible for
all charges and damage to the facilities of the conference and
social event venues.
4. Participants understand the full assumption of risks and
acknowledge that NYC MUN and its committee, elected
representatives, and employees, do not assume any responsibility
for the conduct and activities of the participants.
5. Participants agree to accept and abide by this Code of Conduct.
6. Participants should be aware that sexual harassment is strongly
condemned at this event. Additionally forbidden is the possession
of weapons and illegal narcotics. The respective participants will
be expelled from the event in NYC MUN 2023 .
7. Participants should be aware that bringing alcoholic beverages
to this event is strictly prohibited. The participant will be expelled
from the event.
The above respectful code of conduct at all times and are expected
to have read, understand, and agree to abide by this code of
conduct and the specific conference rules outlined below.
I declare that I completely understand and have fully informed
myself of the terms and conditions of this Release and Assumption
of Risk, the Photo Consent, and the Code of Conduct and
Conference Rules, by having read it; or having it read to me, before
signing.

Assented and agreed to on this ___________________ day of

_______________________________.

Delegate Signature:
____________________________________________

Parent or Guardian: ____________________________

Address: ____________________________

City State Zip: ____________________________

Advisor Signature:
____________________________________________

School: ____________________________
Contact
Information
+977-9866419059, 9840311530
[email protected],[email protected].
St. Xavier's College, Maitighar