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Beijing Model United Nations (BEIMUN) Seventeenth Annual Conference Officer Manual
BEIMUN XVII Officer Manual
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of Purpose
The Model United Nations program in Beijing is an extension of The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN). As
an affiliate, BEIMUN seeks to reflect the ideas and principles of a peaceful post Cold War world. The Coordinators of the
program believe that this world order more accurately reflects the original motives of the authors of the 1945 San Francisco
Charter than events following the Potsdam Conference of the same year. It is our hope that BEIMUN will continue to act as
another regional center of THIMUN conference affiliates helping to revitalize the original ideals of the United Nations.
Current events confirm that the attitudes and voting patterns of the United Nations members are changing. Hence, at BEIMUN
the diplomat of any member state, no matter how large or small, rich or poor, who exercises independence of character, and a
critical mind, can truly serve his nation honorably in a great experiment in world community. The individual delegate's efforts at
communication and behavior will be the most important factors in the drive for a better world and a quality MUN conference.
Any delegate who sits idly by weakens his/her own nation's significance in this simulation and therefore the forum as well.
MUN teachers have the daunting instructional task of destroying stereotypes to free students to think and communicate both as
delegates and diplomats of a world community. Those with so called non-essential countries, and those with spotlighted
countries have equally difficult tasks. Some of you, who view the conference and events on the world stage, think they know the
correct position of the spotlighted countries, and that the other countries have little or nothing to contribute. The history of the
United Nations in the 1980's, points to the folly of such thinking. This attitude must be overcome if schools are to contribute to
establishing the best precedents for future world citizens.
We ask for your understanding, cooperation, and quality work in preparation and participation in order to uphold the principles
described above. Victory belongs to all of the delegates at the conference who negotiate the best solutions possible to the most
complex issues of this new era in which we live. I do believe that the day is coming when THIMUN and their affiliates become
the voice of the youth of this planet and that you, BEIMUN delegates, will have the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of
our world.
Irwin Stein, Founder of BEIMUN, January 1993.
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Chapter 2: Lobbying and Resolution Process
The Lobbying Process
The Resolution Process
Processing A Resolution
The Approval Panel
The Lobbying Process
Lobbying is one of the most important components of the BEIMUN conference, since it is the main process through which draft
resolutions are crafted and merged. In BEIMUN, lobbying for the subcommittees of the General Assembly, the
subcommittees for the Special Conference, the Economic and Social Council, the Human Rights Council and the
Environment Commission will take place on the first day of conference, and for the Security Council, the Disarmament
Commission, and the Advisory Panel, throughout the conference just before the debate on the issue. This process will
be an opportunity for the delegates to have an understanding of where they stand with respect to the positions of other
delegates, and the Chairs to gain the respect they need to effectively run the debates during the week. This respect will be
gained:

By answering all administrative questions, such as ones regarding the rules of procedures, asked by the delegates;
By knowing exactly how many resolutions are being circulated;
By helping delegates in the merging process and the Approval Panel;
By thinking ahead and planning when the resolution needs to be passed through the Approval Panel (when do I need
this resolution ready for debate?);
By determining how many resolution should be entertained per topic;
By figuring out what resolutions should be prioritized for debate;
By checking for plagiarism;
By being helpful, friendly, co-operative and on top of things.

and when dealing with the topic(s) they are experts on:
By supporting the delegates in their lobbying efforts;
By acting as mediator between parties;
By answering all questions by delegates on the certain topic;
By being in touch with all different merger-groups;
By knowing exactly how many resolutions are being circulated;
By prioritizing resolutions by quality, based on the criteria including the scope and effectiveness of actions taken by
operative clauses.

Hence, the Chairs should during the lobbying process:
Be actively engaged in lobbying;
Have a clear picture of the actions and stances of every circulating resolution;
Delete all clauses not in accordance with the UN Charter;
Propose the re-wording of all clauses, specifically the operative words, which would require a referral of the resolution
to the Security Council, if the forum is not the Security Council;
Remove all clauses which are inappropriate for a UN resolution, i.e. an incorrect format, or obvious grammar mistakes
(makes the Approval Panel Process more effective);
Make sure all abbreviations are written out in full the first time they are used in the resolution;
Take their time to sit down with merger-groups and discuss all administrative problems and questions; frequently:
Where is the Approval Panel? ,What do I have to do there?, What will happen to the resolution when it is
approved?, What do I have to do if it doesnt get approved the first time?, Where are the other delegates in my
commission, especially the co-submitters?;
Make sure all delegates show up at the scheduled Ad Hoc meetings;
Make sure there are enough co-submitter sign-up sheets and amendment sheets;
Introduce themselves to MUN-Directors at the Resolution Processing Centre as soon as possible; be friendly, co-
operative!

and when dealing with the topic(s) they are experts on:
Encourage merger-groups to merge their resolutions into one comprehensive one, as that will give stronger support for
the resolution (more co-submitters);
Remind delegates that, although more than one resolution can be approved and be passed per issue on the agenda,
there should not be a situation in which two resolutions of contradicting position should pass due to the compliance of
delegates to their stances, so encourage merging if resolutions are very similar;
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Mediate between parties who cannot agree on mergers and the main submitter;
Do not hesitate to make their own recommendations;
Take their time to sit down with merger-groups and discuss all problems and questions on the respective topic;
frequently: What does mean? Would it be against policy, if..? Where are other delegates that will support my
resolution? etc.
Chairs, also, like delegates, should address the house in third person. e.g.: The chair recognizes the following
country [].

Processing a Resolution

1. The delegate brings a draft resolution to the conference.
2. The delegate lobbies, merges, and (re)types merged resolution.
3. The delegate will obtain a co-submitter sheet from the front desk occupied by the student officers. A minimum of 15
signatures of different co-submitters should be obtained for the General Assembly and the Special Conference, and a
minimum of 10 are needed for Economic and Social Council, Human Rights Commission, and the Environment
Committee, for the merged resolution to be approved by the Chairs. Delegates of the Security Council, the Advisory
Panel, and Disarmament can skip this step, but for those forums only one resolution is approved per issue, and there
is no main-submitter.
4. The delegate brings the merged resolution with the co-submitter sheet to the Student Officer, who then checks and
signs it, checking for formatting, grammar, compliance with the UN Charter, and absence of plagiarism. If this is not
the case, then the resolution is rejected and relevant changes should be made for resubmission to the Chair.
5. If the Chair signs the resolution, it obtains a Draft number (D-number).
6. The main-submitter of the resolution brings the electronic copy of the checked version of the resolution and the co-
submitter sheet to the Approval Panel.
7. The resolution is read, corrected, and approved by Approval Panel in the presence of the main-submitter. The
Approval Panel gives the resolution an Approved number (A-number). If the resolution is rejected by the Approval
Panel, the Student Officer of the forum, preferably the expert chair on the topic, consults with the director who denied
the resolution on the reason for rejection of the resolution. The main-submitter and the student officer then discuss
with the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General, or other relevant authorities to discuss the matter.
8. The Student Officers for the General Assembly, the Special Conference, the Economic and Social Council, Human
Rights Commission, and the Environment Committee decides the order of debate of all approved resolutions in the
committee and informs the main-submitters the day and the approximate time the resolution will be debated. Those of
Disarmament, Security Council, and the Advisory Panel ask the delegates to vote on the order of debate by issue. The
Student Officers fill out a Resolution Priorities Paper to submit to the Under Secretary General and to ask the Admin
Staffs to have the resolutions printed for debate.
9. Resolution is printed by the Admin Staff as required for debate; one copy will be given to the main-submitter already.
The copied resolutions are then distributed to the respective forums. The resolution is debated and amended.
10. If the resolution passes, the Student Officer retrieves a resolution cover sheet from the Executive Committee, collects
the passed amendments of the respective resolution, and hands them in to the Under Secretary General during the
Ad Hoc meeting. The Under Secretary General gives the resolution a Pass number (P-number). All passed resolutions,
with all passed amendments, will be published in the BEIMUN Resolution Booklet.
11. For the General Assembly and the Special Conference, the President of the General Assembly and the Secretary
General, respectively, decides which resolution(s) will be debated for the plenary session, or decides from which
committee to vote from for the resolution to be debated in the plenary session. For the latter situation, the Chair will
ask the forum to vote on the resolution(s) to be passed onto the plenary session for debate. These resolutions,
regardless of whether they pass or fail the plenary session, will be included in the BEIMUN Resolution Booklet and no
corrections will be made since amendments are not entertained during the plenary session.

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Chapter 3: Rules of procedure
Quorum
A session may be declared open by a president once at least one-third of the forum is present. To make any kind of decision a
majority of the forum must be present. It is the duty of student officers to keep track of delegates that are absent for role call and
those leaving the venue for whatever reasons. This will discourage them from leaving or arriving tardy for sessions and lead to
more successful debate sessions throughout the conference.
Roll call
Roll call should be taken once in the morning and once in the afternoon after lunch break. Roll call will not be necessary after
short recesses between resolutions. Delegates that are late often should be reminded to come on time and if the tardiness
continues, the DSG or PGA should be notified.
Please remember to ask for delegations that have not been called on after roll call.
Debate time and Debate mode
Debate on resolutions will always be open debate. Closed debate will only be in order for amendments. Since this is the case,
chairs should have an idea of who is going for or against the resolution by using co-submitter sheets.
Points
General reminders about points:
Only a Point of Personal Privilege due to audibility can interrupt a speaker. Chairs will entertain all other points when there is a
pause in debate. An example of an appropriate pause will be when a speaker has yielded the floor back to the chair and no one
is speaking at the podium. Chairs must use their own discretion to entertain points in other situations.
When delegates have a point to make, they must proceed with their point only AFTER a chair recognizes them. In an ideal
situation, a delegate will say a point, the chair will say Please rise and state your point, and then he or she will proceed with
what they have to say. Since delegates often use points incorrectly or use them to disrupt the flow of debate, it is important that
chairs know them extremely well. When a point is deemed to be out of order, the chair must state so immediately to regain
authority and composure over the forum.
When a point is called out, the chair should remember to repeat it since many delegates may not be able to hear the point. This
will prevent unnecessary confusion.
Point of Personal Privilege:
Must refer to the comfort and well-being of the delegate
The only point that can interrupt a speaker if due to audibility
Must not refer to the content of the speech or the resolution
Example: Could the chair ask the delegate to speak up?
Point of Order:
Must refer to procedural matters only. If a chair makes an error and a delegate wishes to fix this, point of order can be
used.
Explain your decisions clearly so that they are acceptable to delegates.
Must refer to an action that just occurred. If it is not a direct referral, deem it out of order. However, if a point of order
on a decision that has already been made is raised, do not simply say that it is out of order, explain why.
Must not interrupt a speaker.
Be strict on delegates using this point to cause disorder.
Must not interrupt a speaker
Example: This is a situation in which the chair skipped over a point of information Point of order to the chair
Please rise and state your point Is it in order for the chair to recognize the delegate of China since he was recognized
earlier for a point of information? That is in order
Point of Information to the Speaker:
A delegate must be recognized by the chair to raise a point of order.
Must be a question directed to the speaker.
They must be in question form. *Delegates sometimes forget that they must be in question form.
Only one question is allowed initially. If they wish to ask another question, they must ask for a follow up.
No dialogue must happen between the speaker and the delegate asking the question.
Must not interrupt a speaker
Example: Could the delegate of Italy please clarify the phrase in operative clause 2, sub-clause c? Speaker answers
Follow up? if a chair grants the follow up, they may proceed with their second question.
Point of Information to the Chair:
Must be a question to the chair
Any questions that are not covered by Point of Parliamentary Enquiry, Point of Order or Point of Personal Privilege
maybe a Point of Information to the Chair
Be aware of delegates that may try to use this point to challenge chairs
Must not interrupt a speaker
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Example: At what time do we adjourn for lunch? or Could the chair please clarify whether or not France has signed the Kyoto
Protocol?
Point of Parliamentary Enquiry:
A point of information to the chair concerning rules of procedures only
Must not interrupt a speaker
Example: Could the chair please explain when an amendment to the second degree can be entertained?

Be alert to points that are created by delegates. Rule them out of order, but do not do so without giving reason.

Motions:

Motion to move to the previous question (formerly: Motion to move directly into voting procedures):
Asking for the closure of debate and a vote to be taken on the resolution or amendment
When this motion is proposed while discussing amendments and the house is in time in favor, it means to move into
time against. If this motion is proposed during time against, it is to move to voting procedures on the amendment
Chair may overrule if time given to the resolution or amendment is not enough
Requires a second and chair may not entertain it if there are objections. Delegates will always scream out objections,
but chairs should still ask for them.
Remind delegates of the new wording of the motion.
Motion to adjourn the debate:
Calls for the temporary disposal of a resolution
The submitter of this motion will give a short speech on why the resolution should be set aside temporarily
The chair will then recognize two speakers in favor and two against the motion. Time must be given to each speaker
equally.
The house will vote on the motion
If the motion fails, resume debate, if the motion passes, debate will end, but any delegate may propose that the
resolution be reconsidered if backed by 2/3 of the house.
Chairs will not encounter this motion often, but if they do, try and explain to the delegate that this is not constructive
and that they should withdraw the motion so that all resolutions receive full observation by all delegates. Also mention
that any resolution that is tabled after this motion will probably not be debated due to time constraints. This may
discourage delegates from proposing this motion.
A simple majority is required for the motion to pass. A tied vote means that the motion has failed
Must not interrupt the speaker
Motion to reconsider a resolution:
This motion calls for a re-debate and a re-vote of a resolution that has already been discussed
A resolution to be reconsidered through the success of this motion will be discussed after all items on the agenda have
been completed.
Only necessary if no other draft resolutions on the issue are present
Needs 2/3 majority (abstentions are not in order)
Not debatable
Must not interrupt a speaker
Motion to refer a resolution to another forum (e.g. Security Council)
Avoid by encouraging the house to amend clauses that are prompting this motion to be proposed. Example: Strongly
urges the Security Council
Needs simple majority
Expert chair can deliver a speech before the motion is put to the vote, strongly discouraging the motion. Reasons can
be the amount of time wasted on voting and other forums being busy with their own agenda.
Expect this motion when a resolution includes operative phrases, such as: Condemns, Demands, Imposes, Decides,
Authorizes, Deploys, etc, or the resolution takes actions that only the Security Council can take. To avoid this motion,
please read through the resolution carefully before approving it.
An example of a resolution that may call for this motion:
A) The General Assembly decides to send peacekeeping troops into Kosovo This is out of order as it is not within the mandate
of the GA.
B) The General Assembly decides to include in the provisional agenda of its sixty-first session the item entitled
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is in order as it is within the GAs mandate.
Objection to the Main Motion
Only in exceptional circumstances in order, refuse if only destructive and without arguments, or only for tactical
purposes
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Delegate proposing the Objection has one minute to explain his/her proposal; the submitter of the resolution is then
accorded a right of reply of equal length
Needs objection to be put to a vote, needs 2/3 majority (abstentions are not in order)
Mostly will be proposed if delegation feels the issue is an infringement of national sovereignty, e.g. China/Taiwan,
Falkland Islands, etc
Once a resolution has lost to an objection to its consideration, it cannot be reconsidered at any time
Withdrawing a resolution:
Can be done at any time before voting has commenced if all submitters and co-submitters agree on withdrawal
Can be reconsidered by any member of the forum.
Motion to extend debate time:
At the chairs discretion/ not debatable
Needs a second, if proposed from the floor
Needs a simple majority or a ruling by the chair to be adopted (e.g. due to lack of time or a guest speaker)

General reminders about motions:
Motions should be recited by the chair to the house, since delegates tend to not understand all the motions when delegates not
approach a microphone. A loud objection does not mean you should rule a motion out of order. Each situation is unique, so use
your own judgment with the help of your co-chairs.

Yielding the floor to other delegations
The floor may be yielded by one delegation to another only once consecutively.
Where delegations consist of more than one member, delegates from the same delegation may not yield the floor to
each other.
Points of Information are in order, even after yielding the floor to another delegation.
Amendment of the First Degree:
Amendments can only be submitted by a delegate who has been given the floor
The amendment must be received by the chair before the delegate attains the floor. To avoid confusion, chairs must
keep a list of delegates who have submitted amendments, and whose amendments are ready or not ready for debate.
Only accept amendments that are legible. This will prevent lots of confusion.
The chair cannot move an amendment, so wait for a delegate to do so.
Short speeches are in order before the amendment is moved, but when allocating time for and against, take into
consideration the time spent on the short speech.
If the amendment asks for a small change regarding grammar or spelling, the chair may ask the house to propose
motions that will move the amendment directly into voting procedures. But remember to never adopt an amendment
without a vote.
All amendments are debated in the closed debate mode. The time allocated for time in favor and time against must be
equal.
Only one amendment per amendment sheet is allowed
Try and prioritize amendments that will spark constructive debate. Discourage destructive amendments. Chairs decide
the delegate that will propose the amendment, but has no right to refuse an amendment from being debated once it is
proposed by a delegate who has the floor. This is why keeping a list of amendment dos and donts is of critical
importance. An amendment may only be refused by the chair if there is a procedural mistake.
When an amendment fails, the delegate who proposed the amendment may not attain the floor. In other conferences
this is called the motion to reply, but it does not achieve much and is time consuming. At BEIMUN motion to reply is
not in order.
Delegates may vote for, against or abstain on amendments. Abstentions are in order because a change to the
resolution is being made.
Amendments to previously amended clauses are in order only if it refers to a part of the clause that was not previously
discussed.
Amendments to previously amended clauses are also in order if the amendment amends the clause so that it is in
accordance with changes to the resolution made after the initial amendment was passed.
Chairs have the responsibility of keeping passed amendments for passed resolutions.
Amendments of the Second Degree:
This amendment can only be submitted in time against.
The time given for this amendment does not count for the time against.
The procedure is the same for amendments of the first degree. Chairs must set debate time, choose speakers for and
against, ask for points of information.
Delegate must move the amendment
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Regardless of the success or failure of the amendment, debate on the amendment of the first degree will continue.
There is no amendment to the third or fourth degree.
This amendment is rarely entertained for delegates are often not able to get the amendment to the chairs on time.
Voting:
Only member states can vote on amendments or resolutions.
Non-member delegations can only vote on procedural matters.
Delegates can vote for, against or abstain only on amendments or resolutions. For procedural matters delegates must
vote either for or against.
During voting rule all points put of order, except for points of order that refers to the voting itself
The pass or fail of a resolution is determined by the votes for or against. Abstentions do not play a part in passing or
failing a resolution. Still, the abstentions must be counted.
Voting should be conducted in silence.
Votes should be counted by administrative staff, not the chairs. Divide the forum into sections to speed up the counting
process.
A resolution passes if the number of votes for surpasses that of votes against.
A resolution with a tied vote fails.
Delegates might request a re-vote or a roll-call vote (motion to divide the house) if the vote is clear. The chair must use
his or discretion and decide whether or not these motions will be entertained. But chances are there will be little time
to entertain such motions.
The chair must at all times remain neutral and refrain from making any comments that may sway votes
After an amendment or resolution fails the submitter may not retain the floor. Motion to reply is not in order at
BEIMUN.
Policy Statements and Right to Explain Vote:
Us policy statements only when there is lots of time. But this will not be likely. Grant policy statements to delegations
that are major players on the issue
At BEIMUN delegates may not explain their votes wither before or after voting. This is time consuming and delegates
never request that they be allowed to explain their vote
Duties of each delegate:
Delegates must address each other in the third person. Throughout debate, kindly remind delegates that they must do
so if there are many delegates speaking in the first person.
Delegates must stand when proposing motions or asking points. After asking points of information the delegate must
remain standing until the question has been answered completely.
Men must wear jackets when speaking at all times
Delegates must yield the floor back to the chair if asked to do so by chairs.
Remind delegates to address the chair and house when taking the floor
Note-passing:
Delegates may pass notes to other delegates within the same forum only.
All messages must be written in English
Chairs may suspend notes if the house is too noisy
Remind admin to screen obviously irrelevant notes and ask the delegate to refrain from doing so.
Chairs may send notes to officers in other forums only if it absolutely necessary for them to do so. Please refrain from
doing so because these situations will be rare and administrative members are busy tasks.
Notes must be passed on official notepaper. Remind administrative staff that they only need to pass notes on official
paper
Student officers who misuse their power to send notes unscreened will be punished. Please keep in mind that this kind
of behavior will not harm the chances of your school and yourself in the future.
Funding:
No resolution should mention specific amounts of money.
Interfere with debate if it is about funding issues. Remind the house that delegates are working under the assumption
that organizations that are mentioned in the resolution have the ability to fund these projects
Just keep it general, not too specific.
Miscellaneous:
Mobile phones must be switched off at all times.
Laptops may not be used during debate.
Delegates may not wear attire that advertises their delegation
Third World countries is not correct, Less Economically Developed Countries is correct
No sunglasses
Female delegates must wear appropriate clothes.
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Any disruptive actions such as singing, inappropriate jokes, shouting, ripping paper etc. are out of order and must be
reported to the DSG or PGA. If necessary the MUN director will be notified.
Delegates cannot eat or drink during debate. Water is the only exception
Delegates should not raise their placards before the chair has asked them to do so, however, dont be too strict on this
as reminding them too often easily starts to annoy delegates.
Do not confiscate any belongings of the delegates. Just tell them calmly and if necessary contact the DSG or PGA.
General Debate Overview
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Chapter 4: Chairing Guidelines
While you should always work within the framework of these rules (never make up your own rules), bear in mind that
the purpose behind the rules of procedure is to facilitate a fair and democratic debate. Stick to the rules, but try to be a
flexible Chair. Use the rules as guidelines and use your own logic and judgment. You can find the new set of rules
attached to this Student Officer Handbook.

The Debate

Prior to begin with debate, make sure to clearly state the agenda for the day (this includes the order of resolutions,
lunch time as well as dismissal time), allowing the delegates a few minutes to write it down if they wish to.
Pay close attention to the substance of the debate. If you are chairing you should not be entertaining notes, nor should
be managing amendments. Allocate those jobs between the other officers that are not chairing. Focus only on the
debate.
Interfere when a speaker uses un-parliamentary language. If this means the delegate is using profane language,
directly interfere and make sure the delegate does not proceed in the same way. If it is not grave error, or a simple
mistake, then just wait until the speaker is finished and remind the speaker as well as the house to use parliamentary
language before you proceed with the debate.
Never rush. If you do rush it seems as if you are unorganized, not aware of what is going on and following your own
agenda. Manage your time carefully beforehand.

Speaking

Speak loudly and firmly (into the microphone). It is essential that all delegates can hear you clearly.
Articulate. Use Standard English and do not speak too fast. You can take your time.
Keep eye contact with your committee. Do not just stare into eternity while addressing the house, nor should you keep
your focus on one person. Address the entire house and let no part of the room unattended.
Maintain a proper posture. Sit up straight in your chair, and make sure that you are not fiddling with objects (such as
twirling your pen). You need to be professional and alert.

Explaining Your Decisions

Take your time explaining what is going on. Make sure the delegates understand why you have made a certain
decision before continuing with the debate
Always announce your decisions clearly to the entire committee and not just to the delegate who for example, raised a
point.
Repeat all points that are made before you announce your decision or reply. This ensures that the entire house knows
what is going on.
Remember you are a chair, and your decisions are at your discretion. Stand by what you decide, and if a delegate is in
disaccord, remind him/her politely of this fact.

Keeping Authority
Never yell at delegates when they get rowdy or disruptive. Stay calm and keep your cool.
If in doubt on a question/point, take your time to consult with you co-chair. Ask the house to wait a moment and check
with your co-chair. If it is about rules of procedures you can look it up in the Student Officer Manual and quote it to the
delegates.
When regarding a point of information and you do not know the answer, admit this and say you will look it up and
inform the house as soon as possible. Then ask the SG/DSG or look it up (let one of your co-chairs do this, the chair
that was chairing should continue).
Admit errors! Simply say the chair stands corrected and proceed with further business without making it a big issue.
Chairs are humans and thus they occasionally make mistakes. Do not extensively discuss decisions or errors with
delegates, simply explain and move on.
Do not act aggressively. If a delegate continues to push the point even after you have admitted to an error, make sure
that he/she understands that further challenges to the chairs decision are unacceptable.
Start off rather strict and serious, otherwise you might set the wrong tone for the entire conference and you will regret it
later on.
Earn the respect of the delegates by being polite, friendly, helpful, serious, clear, committed, involved, un-biased,
diplomatic, etc. at all times.
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Recognize delegates from all over the room. Do not forget the corners and the first few rows. Identify the blind spots
of your committee room and make sure you do not oversee them. In order to ensure that you do not continuously call
on the same delegations, keep a list of all delegations by you, and tick off the delegations as you recognize them
throughout debate. If you cannot do this whilst chairing, ask one of your co-chairs to take on this responsibility.
However, do not take an extensive period of time to choose which delegations to call on, don't hesitate, and be quick
about it.
Always be consistent during the debate. Your policies, style and implementations of the procedures should always stay
consistent.

When You Are Not Chairing

Keep in mind that most delegates will still see what you are doing despite the fact that you are not saying anything. That
means for example you cannot use your phone.

When you are not chairing, you still have your share of work that has to be done:
It is your responsibility to coordinate all the amendments, read through them and evaluate them so the person that is
chairing at the moment can have an idea of what delegations to choose for the floor. Coordinate the amendments by
merit, try to select constructive ones rather than those that just ask to strike clauses (unless of course the clause in
question causes a lot of controversy), and remember you do not have to entertain every amendment that you receive.
Also, don't forget to keep track of the amendments that pass, especially if the resolution in question passes.
Keep track of good and disruptive delegations. This way you can boost the debate when necessary and also point out
which delegations stood out (positively as well as negatively).
Take care of all further notes and administrative business. Handle all the notes and talk to the administrative staff when
necessary. When the SG/DSG comes by your committee you should be able to give them an update of what is going
on and if there are any problems.

Co-operation with your co-Chair

Always at least two people chairing (if co-Chair needs to type up a resolution, then ask for the President or one of the
SGs to sit in with you)
One person chairs, the expert chair handles the amendments and also pays close attention to the debate, the third
person handles all other administrative business.
Never contradict each other in public, complement each other, and help each other when necessary.
Make sure only one chair is speaking to the house at the time. If you want to say something to the house or the person
chairing forgot something let the chairing person know. Do not address the house yourself or interrupt the chairing
person.
Divide chairing time fairly between co-chairs.
Discuss chairing style before debate.
Help each other out.

Planning your time

Remind the house prior to lobbying that, due to time constrictions, it is recommended that only a maximum of two
resolutions per topic be submitted, as the third resolution may not be debated.
If you are in the position of deciding between two resolutions, start off the day with a weaker resolution, as the first
resolutions normally fail. Try to squeeze in the best resolutions before lunch, when everybody is eager to leave; it will
pass more easily. Remember that at least one resolution per issue should pass, but no more than two.
Always announce the open debate time as you present the next resolution to be debated.
Try to balance debate time between speakers who take the floor to make a speech, and amendments.
Stick to the time you announce to the house. If you say you will be debating the resolution for 1 hour and half, then
debate it for that long. Do not go under or over that time.
Switch Chairs only at clear points. A resolution should most preferably be chaired in its entirety by one Chair.
Keep in mind that the Secretariat needs time to print things. Therefore let them know well in advance when you need
which resolution. Use your resolution priority form!
Have one (stop)watch always available for the chair, keep track of the time! Do not use your phone or your iPod to
check the time; it will appear to the delegates that you are not paying attention to debate.

Dealing with delegates and disruptive delegates
12


Never speak condescendingly or arrogantly towards a delegate. You are not their superior; you are there to be of
service to them.
Always be polite and helpful.
Command respect. It is in the delegates interest that you command respect and that are respected by your delegates.
You are an experienced MUN-er that needs that respect when things are threatening to get out of hand, when you are
trying to move things along and calling for order.
Know that you do not have to distance yourself from the delegates. Laughing and being friendly with the delegates is
not illegal. Just remember debate has priority.

Dealing with Administrative Staff

Get to know your Admin Staff before the start of business and discuss a few matters to make sure that they know what
will be required of them throughout the conference.
Remember we refer to them as the Admin Staff now, no longer as Secretariats;
Discuss everything (voting, note-passing, especially sorting your notes out, etc.) before the debate has started.
Cooperate with them, and make sure they feel appreciated!
Thank them at the end of each day, and give them a round of applause. DO NOT FORGET TO DO THIS!
Do not boss the Admin Staff around. They are not servants
If the Admin Staff is not co-operative, not professional or distracting, report them to DSG/SG or Heads of Admin.

Dealing with MUN Directors

MUN Directors should always be treated very politely and in a friendly way. Avoid any confrontation with MUN
Directors, and report any problems directly to the Secretaries General who will deal with them discreetly.
MUN Directors are allowed to enter the forum (except during voting procedures); do not throw them out or prevent
them from taking pictures.
If MUN directors keep coming in your forum to talk with their delegates and by doing so they disrupt the debate, remind
all guests and VIPs to be silent since all delegates have to focus on the debate.
MUN Directors are evaluating you for the next THIMUN and MUN conferences, so make a good impression.
Dealing with Media and Press
Chairing Stock Phrases
Chairing Stock Phrases
Could the house please come to order?
The next resolution to be debated will be on the question of......
Would the main-submitter please take the floor and read out the operative clauses?
The chair sets a debate time of ___ minutes of open debate on this resolution.
The floor is now open.
Are there any delegations wishing to take the floor?
you have been recognized.
you have the floor.
Delegates, please refrain from using unparliamentarily language.
Delegate, refrain from insulting other delegates.
An amendment has been proposed by This is in order. The chair will read it out loud twice.
We will now move into voting procedures on the amendment.
We will now resume debate on the resolution as a whole with minutes left.
The speaker has opened himself to points of information. Are there any points in the house?
Please rise and state your point.
Please state your point in the form of a question.
Please refrain from asking several questions in one point.
Would the delegate please repeat / rephrase the question?
There will be no dialogue between the delegates.
Thank you delegate. Could the delegate please yield the floor back to chair or to another delegate?
There has been point of order in the house..
The chairs stand corrected.
There has been a point of personal privilege in the house.
Could the house please come to order and show the speaker the respect he/she deserves?
Debate time on this resolution has elapsed.
13

We will now move into voting procedures on this resolution.
Would the administrative staff please close all doors and take their voting positions?
All those in favor of this resolution please raise your placards high.
All those against
All those abstaining
By a vote of In favor, against, with abstentions, this resolution/amendment passes/fails.
Clapping is (not) in order.

Common Chairing Mistakes
Mistaking debate on an amendment with debate on a resolution. Solution: keep track of the course of the debate by
writing it down.
Delegates having their placards up right after a speech. Solution: remind delegates to keep their placards down until
you have asked for points
Delegate using a point of information to the chair to attack a resolution. Solution: remind the delegate that that is out
of order and if it occurs often explain the differences between the points.
Changing of Chairs at unclear moments. Solution: always change at set moments, say for example after a resolution
has been debated and let your delegates know.
NGOs and UNOs counted in the voting. Solution: remind the delegates that NGOs and UNOs are not allowed to vote
and let admin staffs know.
Chairs being distracted during the debate by notes. Solution: make sure that one chair deals with the notes and the
other focuses on the debate, remind the admin not to give notes to the Student Officer who is chairing.
Delegates leaving the forum during debate. Solution: remind the delegates at the beginning of the debate that they
need permission to leave (send a note up to the chairs notifying why you are leaving and when you return), remind
the admin staffs not to let them leave during indoor recess.
Using the wrong tone i.e. annoyed, when asking the house to come to order. Solution: use a different tone. If you set
the wrong tone, the forum will respond to that tone.
Giving the wrong example in language use, i.e. guys instead of delegates. Solution: always stay formal and use
appropriate language.
Continuing debate straight after asking the house to come to order. Solution: wait half a minute for the house to come
to order if you are silent they will most likely follow your example.

Here is the well known c-strategy which is worth remembering:
1. Consistent
2. Calm/cool
3. Cooperative
4. Compassionate
5. Coherent
6. Clear
7. Committed
8. Concise
9. Cognizant
10. Can you think of more?
10.
Summary of Guidelines

Always pay close attention to the substance of debate.
Speak loudly, firmly and not too fast/slow.
Be confident in your capabilities whilst not being arrogant.
Use your common sense.
Take your time to explain all procedures and always make your decisions clear to the house.
Never yell at delegates when they get rowdy or disruptive.
Start off with a serious and strict chairing style to set the right tone.
Acknowledge constructive and active delegates and encourage all delegates to be constructive.
Be kind to the administrative staff.
Prioritize amendments according to their value to the resolution.
Keep track of which countries you are recognizing.
If in doubt on anything always consult with your co-chair.
Be as consistent as possible.
14

Even when you are not chairing everyone still can see you so make sure youre actions and behavior stay appropriate.
Plan each day carefully with your co-chair.
Admit errors. Simply say the chair stands corrected.
There should always be only one chair speaking to the house.
Do not let the chair who is chairing handle administrative business.
Be positive when approached by the media.
Always treat MUN-directors with respect and avoid confrontations
Most importantly, enjoy the conference!


15

The BEIMUN Rules of Procedure have been adapted from
the THIMUN Rules of Procedure <http://thimun.org> for the
sole purpose of the Beijing Model United Nations annual
conference. Adapted 2009.
Annex II: BEIMUN Rules of Procedure
I. APPLICATION
Rule 1
These rules of procedure apply to the proceedings of the all forums of the Beijing International Model United Nations as
determined by the BEIMUN Directorate. For purposes of these rules, the words General Assembly are to be understood as
referring to the BEIMUN General Assembly, its Committees, the forum in question or all forums collectively, as applicable. The
word committees may include other forums. The word President is to be understood to refer to the President of the General
Assembly or the presiding officer in a given forum. The word Chair may also be used to refer to the presiding officer in a given
forum, actual title notwithstanding.
Rule 2
All matters are conducted in accordance with these rules and Roberts Rules of Parliamentary Order, with the former taking
precedence over the latter.

II. SESSIONS
Rule 3
The General Assembly shall meet every year in session commencing on a date to be determined by the BEIMUN Directorate.
The BEIMUN Directorate shall fix a closing date for the session.
Rule 4
The General Assembly shall meet in Beijing at a site to be determined by the BEIMUN Directorate.

III. AGENDA
Rule 5
The provisional agenda for a session shall be drawn up by the Secretary-General and communicated to the Members of the
United Nations at least ninety days before the opening of the session.
Rule 6
The provisional agenda of a regular session shall include:
(a) The report of the Secretary-General;
(b) Reports from the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the
International Court of Justice, the subsidiary organs of the General
Assembly and the specialized agencies;
(c) All items proposed by the other principal organs of the United Nations;
(d) All items which the Secretary-General deems it necessary to put before the
General Assembly.
Rule 7
Any Members of the United Nations or the Secretary-General may, at least sixty days before the date fixed for the opening of a
session, request the inclusion of supplementary items in the agenda. Upon approval, such items shall be communicated to
Members at least thirty days before the opening of the session.
Rule 8
Any item proposed for inclusion in the agenda shall be accompanied by an explanatory memorandum and, if possible, by basic
documents or by a draft resolution.
Rule 9
All items on the agenda, except those deemed necessary by the Secretary-General, may be deleted or referred for
consideration at the next session by the General Assembly by a majority of the members present and voting.
Rule 10
All items on the agenda shall be given priority by the Secretary-General.
Rule 11
Debate on a proposal to amend an item on the agenda shall be limited to one speaker in favour of, and one against, the
amendment. The President may limit the time to be allowed to speakers under this rule.

IV. DELEGATIONS
Rule 12
The delegation of a Member shall consist of not more than one representative per forum, except in the Security Council, where
each Member shall have two representatives.

V. CREDENTIALS
Rule 13
16

The credentials of representatives and the names of members of a delegation shall be submitted to the BEIMUN Director before
a date to be determined by the BEIMUN Directorate. The credentials shall be issued by the participating school through the
Director of that schools delegation.

VI. PRESIDENT
Rule 14
Before the opening of each session of the General Assembly, the BEIMUN Directorate shall appoint a President, who shall hold
office until the close of the session for which he/she is appointed.
Rule 15
If the President finds it necessary to be absent during a meeting or any part thereof, he/she shall designate a subordinate to
take his/her place who shall have the same powers and duties as the President.
Rule 16
If the President is unable to perform his/her functions, a new President shall be appointed by the BEIMUN Directorate for the
unexpired term.
Rule 17
In addition to exercising the powers conferred upon her/him elsewhere by these rules, the President shall, subject to the most
recent programme of events, declare the opening and closing of each plenary meeting of the session, the adjournment of the
meeting, direct the discussions in plenary meeting, ensure observance of these rules, accord the right to speak, put questions
and announce decisions. He/she shall rule on points of order and, subject to these rules, shall have complete control of the
proceedings at any meeting and over the maintenance of order thereat. The President may, in the course of the discussion of
an item, decide the limitation of the time to be allowed to speakers, the limitation of the number of times each representative
may speak or the closure of the debate. He/she may also propose the suspension of the meeting or the adjournment of the
debate on the item under discussion.
Rule 18
The President, in the exercise of his/her functions, remains under the authority of the Secretary-General, who shall be assisted
by the Deputy Secretary-General and Under Secretary-General, and the BEIMUN Directorate.

VII. GENERAL COMMITTEE
Rule 19
The General Committee shall comprise the President of the General Assembly, who shall preside and make the agenda for
meetings of the committee, the Chairs of the committees and the Chairs of other forums which are to meet during the session.
The Secretary-General and his/her deputies shall be entitled to attend meetings of the General Committee.
Rule 20
The President of the General Assembly must be present at all meetings of the General Committee. The Chairs of the
committees must be present at all meetings of the General Committee, unless they are exempted by the President of the
General Assembly.
Rule 21
The General Committee shall assist the President and the General Assembly in drawing up the agenda for each plenary
meeting, in determining the priority of its items and in coordinating the proceedings of all committees of the Assembly. It shall
assist the President in the general conduct of the work of the General Assembly which falls within the competence of the
President.
Rule 22
The General Committee shall meet periodically throughout each session to review the progress of the General Assembly and its
committees and to make recommendations for furthering such progress. It shall also meet at such other times as the President
deems necessary.
Rule 23
The General Committee may revise the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly, changing their form but not their
substance.

VIII. ADMINISTRATION
Rule 24
The Under Secretary-General shall at his/her own discretion provide and direct the staff required by the General Assembly.
Rule 25
The Administrative Staff shall receive, print, and distribute documents, reports and resolutions of the General Assembly, its
committees and its organs; prepare, print and circulate the records of the session; have the custody and proper preservation of
the documents in the archives of the General Assembly; distribute all documents of the Assembly to the Members of the United
Nations.
17

Rule 26
The Executive Committee shall establish regulations concerning Administrative Staff.

IX. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Rule 27
The Executive Committee shall comprise the Secretary-General, who shall preside and make the agenda for meetings of the
committee, and the Deputy Secretary-General, Under Secretary-General, and President of the General Assembly.
Rule 28
The Secretary-General, in exercise of his/her functions, remains under the authority of the BEIMUN Directorate.
Rule 29
All decisions of the Secretary-General shall be taken in consultation with the BEIMUN Directorate.
Rule 30
The Secretary-General shall act in that capacity in all meetings of the General Assembly and its committees. He/she may
designate a member of the Office of the Secretary-General to act in his/her place at these meetings.
Rule 31
The Secretary-General shall make an annual report to the General Assembly on the work of the Organization. He/she shall
communicate the annual report to the Members of the United Nations at least thirty days before the opening of the session.
Rule 32
The Secretary-General, with the consent of the Security Council, shall notify the General Assembly at each session of any
matters relative to the maintenance of international peace and security which are being dealt with by the Security Council, and
shall similarly notify the General Assembly immediately when the Security Council ceases to deal with such matters.
Rule 33
The BEIMUN Directorate shall establish regulations concerning the Executive Committee.

X. COMMISSION ON RULES OF PROCEDURE
Rule 34
The Executive Committee shall act as the Commission on Rules of Procedure. The Commission shall be chaired by the
Secretary-General in consultation with the BEIMUN Director.

XI. LANGUAGE
Rule 35
English shall be both the official and the working language of the General Assembly and its committees. All resolutions, records,
and other documents shall be published in the language of the General Assembly.

XII. RECORDS AND RESOLUTIONS
Rule 36
Summary records of the meetings of the General Assembly and its committees shall be drawn up by the Executive Committee,
or its designates, and published after approval by the presiding officer.
Rule 37
Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and its committees shall be compiled by the Under Secretary-General and
communicated by the Secretary-General to the Members after the close of the session.

XIII. MEETINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Rule 38
The meetings of the General Assembly and its committees shall be held in public unless the organ concerned decides, with
approval of the President, that exceptional circumstances require that the meeting be held in private.
Rule 39
All decisions of the General Assembly and its committees taken at a private meeting shall be announced at an early public
meeting of the Assembly or committee.
Rule 40
Immediately after the opening of the first plenary meeting and immediately preceding the closing of the final plenary meeting of
each session of the General Assembly, the President may, at his/her discretion, invite the representatives to observe one
minute of silence dedicated to prayer or meditation.
Rule 41
The General Assembly shall not make a final decision upon any item on the agenda until it has consulted an appropriate
committee on that item.
18

Rule 42
Discussion of a report of a committee in a plenary meeting of the General Assembly shall take place if at least one third of the
members present and voting at the plenary meeting consider such a discussion to be necessary. Any proposal to this effect
shall not be debated but shall be immediately put to the vote.
Rule 43
The President may declare a meeting open and permit the debate to proceed when a quorum of at least one-third of the
members of the General Assembly are present. The presence of a majority of the members shall be required for any decision to
be taken.
Rule 44
No representative may address the General Assembly without having previously obtained the permission of the President. The
President shall call upon speakers in an order determined by the President. The President may call a speaker to order if his/his
remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion.
Rule 45
A Rapporteur may be accorded precedence for the purpose of explaining the conclusions arrived at by that committee.
Rule 46
The Secretary-General, or a designated member of the Executive Committee, may at any time make either oral or written
statements to the General Assembly concerning any question under consideration.
Rule 47
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may rise to a point of order, and the point of order shall be immediately
decided by the President in accordance with these rules. A representative rising to a point of order may not speak on the
substance of the matter under discussion. Debate will continue immediately following the Presidents ruling. The Presidents
ruling will stand unless the Commission on Rules of Procedure, upon written appeal by a representative, deems otherwise. A
decision of the President shall be reversed by the Commission on Rules of Procedure only if said decision has a demonstrable
and egregious effect on the resolution of the question at hand or the integrity of the General Assembly.
Rule 48
The President may limit the time to be allowed to each speaker and the number of times each representative may speak on any
question. When any representative exceeds his/her allotted time, the President shall call him/her to order without delay.
Rule 49
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the adjournment of the debate on the item under discussion. In
addition to the proposer of the motion, two representatives may speak in favour of, and two against, the motion, after which the
motion shall be immediately put to the vote. The President may limit the time to be allowed to speakers under this rule.
Rule 50
A representative may at any time move the closure of the debate or the item under discussion. Permission to speak on the
closure of the debate shall be accorded only to two speakers opposing the closure, after which the motion shall be immediately
put to the vote. If the General Assembly is in favour of the closure, the President shall declare the closure of the debate. The
President may limit the time to be allowed to speakers under this rule.
Rule 51
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the suspension of the meeting. Such motions shall not be
debated but shall be immediately put to the vote. The President may limit the time to be allowed to the speaker moving the
suspension of the meeting.
Rule 52
Proposals according to BEIMUN regulations shall be submitted in writing to the forum and shall be distributed to the delegations.
As a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the General Assembly unless copies of it
have been circulated to all delegations. The President may, however, permit the discussion and consideration of motions as to
procedure, even though such motions have not been circulated.
Rule 53
Amendments shall not be submitted during plenary meetings.
Rule 54
Any motion calling for a decision on the competence of the General Assembly to adopt a proposal submitted to it shall be put to
the vote before a vote is taken on the proposal in question.
Rule 55
The President may, upon objection to a motion by any Member, deny the motion without discussion or vote by Members.
Rule 56
A motion may be withdrawn by its proposer at any time before voting on it has commenced. A motion thus withdrawn may be
reintroduced by any member.
19

Rule 57
When a proposal has been adopted or rejected, it may not be reconsidered at the same session unless the General Assembly,
by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, so decides. Permission to speak on a motion to reconsider shall be
accorded only to two speakers opposing the motion, after which it shall be immediately put to the vote.
Rule 58
Each member of the General Assembly shall have one vote.
Rule 59
Decisions of the General Assembly on important questions shall be made by a two-thirds majority of the members present and
voting. These questions shall include: recommendations with respect to the maintenance of international peace and security
and the suspension of the rights and privileges of membership.
Rule 60
Decisions of the General Assembly, including the determination of additional categories of questions to be decided by a two-
thirds majority, shall be made by a majority of the members present and voting.
Rule 61
For the purposes of these rules, the phrase members present and voting means members casting an affirmative or negative
vote. Members which abstain from voting are considered as not voting.
Rule 62
The General Assembly shall normally vote by show of placards, but any representative may request a roll-call. The roll-call shall
be taken in the English alphabetical order of the names of the members, beginning with the member whose name is drawn by
lot by the President. The name of each member shall be called in any roll-call, and one of its representatives shall reply yes,
no or abstention.
Rule 63
After the President has announced the beginning of voting, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order
in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. The President may permit members to explain their votes, either before or
after the voting. The President may limit the time to be allowed for such explanations. The President shall not permit the
proposer to explain his/her vote on his/her own proposal.
Rule 64
A representative may move that parts of a proposal should be voted on separately. If objection is made to the request for
division, the motion for division shall be voted upon. Permission to speak on the motion for division shall be given only to two
speakers in favour and two speakers against. If the motion for division is carried, those parts of the proposal which are
approved shall then be put to the vote as a whole. If all operative parts of the proposal have been rejected, the proposal shall be
considered to have been rejected as a whole.
Rule 65
If two or more proposals relate to the same question, the General Assembly shall, unless it decides otherwise, vote on the
proposals in the order in which they have been submitted. The General Assembly may, after each vote on a proposal, decide
whether to vote on the next proposal.
Rule 66
If a vote is equally divided, the proposal shall be regarded as rejected.

XIV. COMMITTEES
Rule 67
The General Assembly may establish such committees as it deems necessary for the performance of its functions.
Rule 68
Items relating to the same category of subjects shall be referred to the committee or committees dealing with that category of
subjects. Committees shall not introduce new items on their own initiative.
Rule 69
The Main Committees of the General Assembly are the following:
(a) Disarmament and International Security Committee (First Committee)
(b) Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee)
(c) Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (Third Committee)
(d) Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee)
(e) Legal Committee (Sixth Committee).
Rule 70
Each Member may be represented by one person on each committee; Members of the Security Council are to be represented
by two persons in that forum only.
20

Rule 71
Before the opening of each session, the Executive Committee shall appoint a President/Chair and up to three
Deputies/Assistants, as deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee, for each committee, who shall hold office until the
close of the session for which they are appointed.

Rule 72
If the Chair finds it necessary to be absent during a meeting or any part thereof, the Assistant/Deputy Chair shall take his/her
place. An Assistant/Deputy acting as Chair shall have the same authority and duties as the Chair. If any officer of the committee
is unable to perform his/her functions, a new officer shall be appointed by the Secretary-General for the unexpired term.
Rule 73
The Chair shall, subject to the most recent programme of events, declare the opening and closing of each meeting of the
committee, the adjournment of the meeting, direct its discussions, ensure observance of these rules, accord the right to speak,
put questions, and announce decisions. He/she shall rule on points of order and, subject to these rules, shall have complete
control of the proceedings at any meeting and over the maintenance of order thereat. The Chair may, in the course of the
discussion of an item, decide the limitation of the time to be allowed to speakers, the limitation of the number of times each
representative may speak, or the closure of the debate. He/she may propose the suspension of the meeting or the adjournment
of the debate on the item under discussion.
Rule 74
The Chair, in the exercise of his functions, remains under the authority of the Executive Committee and the BEIMUN Directorate.
Rule 75
The Chair may declare a meeting open and permit the debate to proceed when a quorum of at least one-third of the members
of the committee are present. The presence of a majority of the members shall be required for any decision to be taken.
Rule 76
No representative may address the committee without having previously obtained the permission of the Chair. The Chair shall
call upon speakers in an order determined by the Chair. The Chair may call a speaker to order if his/her remarks are not
relevant to the subject under discussion.
Rule 77
A Rapporteur of a committee or subcommittee may be accorded precedence for the purpose of explaining the conclusions
arrived at by that committee or subcommittee.
Rule 78
The Secretary-General, or a designated member of the Executive Committee, may at any time make either oral or written
statements to any committee or subcommittee concerning any question under consideration by it.
Rule 79
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may rise to a point of order, and the point of order shall be immediately
decided by the Chair in accordance with these rules. A representative may appeal against the ruling of the Chair to the
Commission on Rules and Procedure, as defined in Chapter X. The debate will continue and the Chairs ruling shall stand
unless overruled by the Commission. A representative rising to a point of order may not speak on the substance of the matter
under discussion.
Rule 80
The Chair may limit the time to be allowed to each speaker and the number of times each representative may speak on any
question. When the debate is limited and a representative exceeds his/her allotted time, the Chair shall call him/her to order
without delay.
Rule 81
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the adjournment of the debate on the item under discussion. In
addition to the proposer of the motion, two representatives may speak in favour of, and two against, the motion, after which the
motion shall be immediately put to the vote. The Chair may limit the time to be allowed to speakers under this rule.
Rule 82
A representative may at any time move the closure of the debate on the item under discussion. Permission to speak on the
closure of the debate shall be accorded only to two speakers opposing the closure, after which the motion shall be immediately
put to the vote. If the committee is in favour of the closure, the Chair shall declare the closure of the debate. The Chair may limit
the time to be allowed to speakers under this rule
Rule 83
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the suspension of the meeting. Such motions shall not be
debated but shall be immediately put to the vote. The Chair may limit the time to be allowed to the speaker moving the
suspension of the meeting.
Rule 84
Proposals according to BEIMUN regulations shall be submitted in writing to the forum and shall be distributed to the delegations.
As a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the committee unless copies of it have
21

been circulated to all delegations. The Chair may, however, permit the discussion and consideration of motions as to procedure,
even though such motions have not been circulated.
Rule 85
Amendments shall be submitted in writing during committee meetings.
Rule 86
Any motion calling for a decision on the competence of the General Assembly or the committee to adopt a proposal submitted
to it shall be put to the vote before a vote is taken on the proposal in question.
Rule 87
The Chair may, upon objection to a motion by any Member, deny the motion without discussion or vote by Members.
Rule 88
A motion may be withdrawn by its proposer at any time before voting on it has commenced, provided that the motion has not
been amended. A motion thus withdrawn may be reintroduced by any member.
Rule 89
When a proposal has been adopted or rejected, it may not be reconsidered at the same session unless the committee, by a
two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, so decides. Permission to speak on a motion to reconsider shall be
accorded only to two speakers opposing the motion, after which it shall be immediately put to the vote.
Rule 90
Each member of the committee shall have one vote.
Rule 91
Decisions of committees shall be made by a majority of the members present and voting.
Rule 92
The committee shall normally vote by show of placards, but any representative may request a roll-call. The roll-call shall be
taken in the English alphabetical order of the names of the members, beginning with the member whose name is drawn by lot
by the Chair. The name of each member shall be called in any roll-call, and its representative shall reply yes, no, or
abstention.
Rule 93
After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order in
connection with the actual conduct of the voting. The Chair may permit members to explain their votes, either before or after the
voting. The Chair may limit the time to be allowed for such explanations. The Chair shall not permit the proposer of a proposal
or of an amendment to explain his/her vote on his/her own proposal or amendment.
Rule 94
A representative may move that parts of a proposal or of an amendment should be voted on separately. If objection is made to
the request for division, the motion for division shall be voted upon. Permission to speak on the motion for division shall be
given only to two speakers in favour and two speakers against. If the motion for division is carried, those parts of the proposal or
of the amendment which are approved shall then be put to the vote as a whole. If all operative parts of the proposal or of the
amendment have been rejected, the proposal or the amendment shall be considered to have been rejected as a whole.
Rule 95
When an amendment is moved to a proposal, the amendment shall be voted on first. If one or more amendments are adopted,
the amended proposal shall then be voted upon. A motion is considered an amendment to a proposal if it merely adds to,
deletes from, or revises part of the proposal.
Rule 96
If a vote is equally divided the proposal shall be regarded as rejected.

XV. ADMINISTRATIVE AND BUDGETARY QUESTIONS
Rule 97
No resolution shall include either financial amounts or names of specific financial resources.

XVI. SUBSIDIARY ORGANS OF THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Rule 98
The General Assembly may establish such subsidiary organs as it deems necessary for the performance of its functions. The
rules relating to the procedure of committees of the General Assembly shall apply to the procedure of any subsidiary organ
unless the Assembly or the subsidiary organ, with approval of the Assembly, decides otherwise.

XVII. AMENDMENTS TO THE BEIMUN RULES OF PROCEDURE
Rule 99
These rules of procedure may be amended by a decision of the BEIMUN Directorate in consultation with the Executive
Committee.