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NATIONS
The United Nations is an organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in
international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human
rights and achieving world peace. The UN was founded in 1945 after the Second World
War to replace the League of Nations, to stop wars between countries and to provide a
platform for dialogue.
There are currently 192 member nations including nearly all the recognized nations of the
world. From its headquarters on international territory in New York City, the UN and its
specialized agencies decide on substantive and administrative issues in regular meeting
held throughout the year. The organization is divided into administrative bodies
primarily:
Additional bodies deal with the governance of all other UN System agencies such as the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The UN’s most visible public figure is the Secretary Genera, currently Ban Ki-Moon of
South Korea who attained the post in 2007. The organization is financed from the
assessed and voluntary contributions from the member states and has six official
languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
Functions
Although each MUN Simulation is independent from the others, they all have common
goals, which include increasing international understanding and developing the art of
peaceful negotiation among potential national and international leaders. It is for his
reason that participants are assigned a country which they have to represent throughout
the MUN conference, thus in the simulated General Assembly sessions, Committees etc.
Therefore, the opinions given by delegates are never their own or a reflection of the
opinions or policies of their home country, but that of the country which they were
assigned to represent.
The Kenya Model United Nations (KMUN) is a student led and student run non-profit
organization. KMUN is affiliated to the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC),
Gigiri (Nairobi). Our organization has close to 900 members from 18 Kenyan
Universities and college (Chapters / Agencies), a number which is increasing annually.
The Model United Nations was initiated in Kenya by Mr. Ronald Osumba of Moi
University in 2001 with the organization then being referred to as Kenya Model United
Nations. Various chapters were then opened in other Universities and there are now 15
chapters in 11 Universities namely: Moi University, Kenyatta University, University of
Nairobi, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Africa Nazarene University, Daystar
University, Maseno University, Egerton University, Kabarak University, United States
International University - Africa (USIU-A), Strathmore University and Methodist
University.
Kenya Model UN (KMUN) held its first conference in the year 2002 and has since held
this event annually in the month of February at the UN offices, Gigiri.
The first secretariat of KMUN was headed by the founder, Mr. Ronald Osumba who held
the position of Secretary General. He was then succeeded by Mr. Bosco Gicheo also of
Moi University the following year. Miss Nyakiaro Njuguna of Daystar University came
on board in 2003 as the third Secretary General and became the first female to hold the
position in KMUN. Mr. Allan Rutambo Ngari, a student at University of Nairobi, was
then appointed after serving as deputy secretary general in the previous year. The position
was then taken up by Mr. Charles Kyalo Munyao of Kenyatta University in 2006. In the
KMUN year 2007-2008, Mr. Brian Makokha was the Secretary General. He was then
followed by Miss. Brenda Malowa who then in 2009/2010 gave the seat to the 9th
Secretary General Mr. Paul Gathara. Now the seat is held currently by Miss. Ivy
Mwambingu of Strathmore University.
KMUN strives to ensure that the committees we offer provide an educational and
comprehensive look at a diverse range of pressing issues. Our Director General’s work
throughout the conference to make debate as realistic as possible, so that our delegates
get a sense of the complexities of real-world international negotiation, and, as with the
real United Nations, place an unequalled emphasis on cooperation and compromise rather
than on the supremacy of any one country’s position. In this way, delegates get a chance
not only to learn about current international affairs and to discover and represent one
country’s position, but also how to stick to that position while working with hundreds of
other delegates.
This committee shall discuss economic and financial issues affecting member states of
the U.N. It shall deal with issues relating to, but not restricted to, economic growth and
development such as macroeconomic policy questions (including international trade,
international financial system, debt and commodities), financing for development,
sustainable development, human settlements, poverty eradication, globalization and
interdependence, operational activities for development, and information and
communication technologies for development.
This committee discusses issues relating to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and
human rights issues that affect peoples all over the world. It shall also discuss, but will
not be restricted to, issues on the advancement of women, the protection of children,
indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms
through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the promotion of the
right to self- determination. The Committee also addresses important social development
questions such as issues related to youth, family, ageing, and persons with disabilities,
crime prevention, criminal justice, and drug control.
The Fourth Committee handles special political matters not dealt with by the First
Committee, as well as decolonization issues, affirming resolutions on the freedom and
self-determination of States. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee deals
with a variety of subjects which include those related to decolonization, refugees human
rights, peacekeeping, and mine action.
RULES OF PROCEDURE
1. General considerations
1.1. Scope
These rules apply to the Kenya Model United Nations Conference (herein referred to as
KMUN). Please note that Committee Chairs for committees are responsible for
determining rules that are in order to facilitate debate and discussion. In case of conflict
of interpretation, a Committee Chair is the final authority for determining the rules of
procedure applicability and appropriateness.
1.2. Interpretation
1.3. Language
English is the official language of KMUN. Delegates may express themselves in the
language of their choice wherever simultaneous interpretation is available. Spanish can
be used where trilingual simultaneous interpretation is available. A Delegate wishing to
speak in an official language where simultaneous interpretation is not provided will be
required to provide his or her own translation. Please note that time spent in translation
will be counted towards total time allotted for a given speech.
2. KMUN staff
2.1. Dais
The Daises of the General Assembly and committees shall be composed of a Director
General, an Assistant Director General and a Rapporteur. The General Assembly Plenary
Dais shall be composed of the President, the Secretary General, and any other secretariat
members and a Rapporteur. Committee Dais members have been carefully chosen by
KMUN National Secretariat Staff members following a formal and mandatory
application process. Support Staff has been selected based on a nomination process and
via a network of already existing KMUN volunteers. The National Secretariat has
delegated authority over Daises that fall under their responsibility.
The Chair shall exercise ultimate authority over his or her respective committee
proceeding in an equitable and objective manner.
The Chair is responsible for all procedural matters pertaining to the committee such as,
but not limited to, moderating debate, ruling on the applicability of rules and proposing
the adoption of new rules without approval from the committee should a situation require
it. The Chairman shall declare the opening and closing of each meeting of the committee,
direct its discussions, ensure observance of these rules, accord the right to speak, put
questions and announce decisions. He 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 Chairperson may, in the course of the discussion of an
item, stipulate to the committee the limitation of the time to be allowed to speakers, the
limitation of the number of times each representative may speak, the closure of the list of
speakers or the closure of the debate. The chair may also propose the suspension or the
adjournment of the meeting or the adjournment of the debate on the item under
discussion.
2.1.2.3. Appeals
With the exceptions of rules that cannot be appealed, any decision of the Chair can be
appealed. Should a Motion of Appeal be made, the Chair will have the right to defend
his/her ruling. The Motion will then be put to a vote at the committee in question. A
Chair can be overruled by a two-thirds (2/3) majority resulting from this vote.
3. Delegations Rights
4. Quorum
Committee activities and debate shall start when at least one quarter (¼) of the
Delegates are present. If quorum is not met thirty (30) minutes after the set time to start
the committee session, the committee shall be dismissed until the next scheduled time
unless otherwise instructed by a member of the Secretariat. In cases of the General
assembly quorum is 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.
Quorum shall be assumed when committee activity begins. However, Delegates can
request quorum verification through a Motion, where the Rapporteur will proceed with
quorum confirmation by initiating a Roll Call. The Chair can rule the Motion dilatory
without option for appeal.
5. Speaker's List
A Delegate can add his/her name on the List pending that his/her name is not already on
the List either by raising his/her placard when the Chair calls for Delegates to do so or by
sending a note afterwards to the Rapporteur. Debate is automatically closed when the
Speaker's List is exhausted.
6. Debate
A Delegate wishing to enter Moderated Caucus must move for Moderated Caucus with
reference to specific length of the Caucus and the speaking time for each speech. The
Chair can recommend at his/her discretion a more appropriate caucus length and speaking
time. The Chair may rule the Moderated Caucus out of order at his/her discretion. The
Moderated Caucus shall be adopted by simple majority vote. On adoption, the Chair
shall open a special speakers list to facilitate debate and once exhausted, the debate on the
draft resolution is automatically closed.
A Delegate wishing to enter Unmoderated Caucus must move for Unmoderated Caucus
with reference to specific length of the Caucus and the speaking time for each speech.
The Chair can recommend at his/her discretion a more appropriate caucus length and
speaking time. The Chair may rule the Unmoderated Caucus out of order at his/her
discretion. The Unmoderated Caucus shall be adopted by simple majority vote.
6.4. Recognition
A Delegate may only address the committee if he/she has received permission from the
Chair.
6.5. Interruptions
A Speaker may not be interrupted by another Delegate unless the Delegate has risen to a
Point of Personal Privilege or Point of Order.
7. Speeches
No representative may address the committee without having previously obtained the
permission of the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall call upon speakers in the order in
which they signify their desire to speak. The Secretary-General, or a member of the
Secretariat designated by them as their representative, may at any time make either oral
or written statements to any committee or subcommittee concerning any question under
consideration by it
A Chair may call to order a Speaker if his/her remarks are not relevant to the subject
matter being discussed.
A Delegate may Motion to set a time limit on speeches. This Motion may not interrupt a
Speaker. The Chair may rule the Motion dilatory at his/her discretion. The chair
exercising his or her discretion may limit the time to be allowed to each speaker and the
number of times each representative may speak on any question. Before a decision is
taken by the committee, two representatives may speak in favour of, and two against, a
proposal to set such limits. When the debate is limited and a representative exceeds his
allotted time, the chair shall call him to order without delay.
7.3. Closing of speakers list
During the course of a debate, the chair may announce the list of speakers and, with or
without the approval of the committee, declare the list closed. He or she may, however,
accord the right of reply to any member if a speech delivered after he has declared the list
closed makes this desirable.
8. Yields
A Speaker may yield the remaining time allotted for his/her speech at the end of his/her
speech in the following manner:
8.1. To Questions
The Chair will take questions for the Speaker for the remaining duration of that Speaker's
speaking time. Delegates wishing to ask questions shall raise their placards and wait to be
recognized by the Chair. The Chair shall rule questions that are rhetorical, leading or not
relevant to the Speaker's speech out of order. Only the Speaker's answer shall count
towards the remaining speaking time.
The Floor will automatically be given to the next speaker on the Speaker list.
A Speaker wishing to give the remaining time allotted to his speech to another Delegate
can do so by inviting the other Delegate to the Floor. The second Speaker shall not
exceed the time that remains for the overall speech. A Speaker that has been yielded to
cannot yield his or her time again.
8.4. If a specific yield has not been established by the Speaker, the floor will
automatically return to the Chair.
8.5. Yields shall only be in order during substantive debate.
9. Comments
Delegates of the Committee can choose to set two thirty (30) seconds comments at the
end of every speech during formal debate by moving to set comments. The chair may
exercise his or her discretion to accept or reject these motions.
9.2. Delegates wishing to comment may request permission from the Chair by raising
their placards at the end of the Speaker's speech after the Chair has called for comments.
9.3. The Chair shall call to order any comment that is not relevant to the speech made by
the Speaker.
10.1. Roll Call Attendance shall be maintained by the Rapporteur by Roll Call at the
beginning of every committee session or by the Director General for committees without
Rapporteurs. Delegates shall establish their presence in the committee in the following
manner:
A Delegate that is declared "Present and voting" shall vote in favour or against any
substantive matter without the possibility of abstention.
10.1.2. Present
A Delegate that is declared "Present" shall vote in favour, against or abstain on any
substantive matter.
All Delegates are allowed to vote on procedural matters. All Delegates must vote and no
Delegate may abstain. Roll Call vote is not in order for procedural matters.
Delegates representing observer parties are not allowed to vote. Delegates that have
established their presence at the initial Roll Call as "Present and Voting" shall not abstain.
Delegates having established their presence at the initial Roll Call as "Present" shall vote
in favour, against or abstain on a substantive issue. Roll Call vote on substantive matters
is in order following voting procedure as set in these rules of procedure.
11. Points
A Delegate may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege if a matter impairs him/her from
participating in committee activities. The Dais shall try to effectively address the source
of impairment. This point may interrupt a Speaker.
A Delegate may raise this point when they wish to inquire on a substantive issue only
through asking a question, making a suggestion or comment. This point may not interrupt
speech.
A Delegate who feels that his country or his person has been insulted by another Delegate
may rise to a Right of Reply. Disagreement with the content of a Delegate's speech is not
grounds for a Right of Reply. The Chair will recognize the Right of Reply at his/her
discretion. Should the Chair rule the Right of Reply dilatory, his/her decision cannot be
appealed. The Chair may also request that the Delegate submit his/her Right of Reply in
writing for further consideration before granting it. The Chair might choose to set a time
limit for a Right of Reply. No Delegate may call for a Right of Reply on a Right of
Reply.
12. Motions
A Delegate may motion for the adjournment of the Session to suspend all committee
activities for the duration of the conference. The Motion is not debatable and requires a
simple majority vote to pass. The Chair may rule the Motion out of order without
possibility of appeal.
A Delegate may motion for a Moderated Caucus thereby suggesting a change from
formal debate to moderated informal debate. This Motion requires a simple majority to
pass and is not debatable. A Delegate instigating a move for Moderated Caucus must
mention the recommended length of the caucus as well as speaking time in his/her
Motion. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length or speaking time or
may rule the Moderated Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. Once the
Motion has passed, the committee will depart from the Speaker's List and the Chair will
proceed to recognize Delegates who raise their placards to address the committee in an
equitable and objective manner. This Motion is not in order after closing of debate.
A Delegate may motion for an Extension of the Moderated Caucus if he/she feels that
additional time would benefit committee work. This Motion requires a simple majority
to pass and is not debatable. The Delegate moving for an Extension of the Moderated
Caucus must suggest a length for the extension. The Chair may suggest a more
appropriate caucus length or speaking time or may rule the Extension of the Moderated
Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. If the Motion passes, the Moderated
Caucus will be extended.
12.5. Motion for an Un-Moderated Caucus
A Delegate may motion for an Un-Moderated Caucus thereby suggesting a change from
formal debate to informal debate. This Motion requires a simple majority to pass and is
not debatable. The Delegate instigating a move for Un-Moderated Caucus must mention
the recommended length of the caucus as well as the justification for an Un-Moderated
caucus. The Chair may suggest a more appropriate caucus length or may rule the Un-
Moderated Caucus out of order without possibility of appeal. Once the Motion has
passed, the committee will depart from the Speaker's List and Delegates will be free to
carry an informal discussion on the topic specified in the Motion. This Motion is not in
order after closing of debate.
A Delegate may motion for an Extension of the Un-Moderated Caucus if he/she feels that
additional time would benefit the work of the committee. This Motion requires a simple
majority to pass and is not debatable. The Delegate instigating a move for an Extension
of Un-Moderated Caucus must suggest a length for the extension. The Chair may suggest
a more appropriate caucus length or may rule the Extension of the Un-Moderated Caucus
out of order without the possibility of appeal. If the Motion passes, the Un-Moderated
Caucus will be extended.
A Delegate may motion for a Tabling of Debate to end debate on a substantive issue
without having gone through voting process on the Draft Resolution on the floor. If the
Chair rules the Motion in order, there will be two (2) Delegates speaking in favour of the
Motion and two (2) Delegates speaking against. The Motion will be put to immediate
vote. A simple majority is required to pass the Motion. If the Motion passes, all debate
on the issue will stop without any vote or further action. The committee will return to the
Primary Speaker's List. While in the Primary Speaker's List, the Chair may entertain a
Motion to go back to the dismissed topic. In that event, the Chair will entertain one (1)
Speaker for and one (1) Speaker against. A two-third majority (2/3) vote is required
for the Motion to be carried. If the Motion carries, debate on the dismissed topic
resumes and the committee automatically returns to the original Speaker's List.
A Delegate may motion for a Closure of Debate to end debate on a substantive issue and
move to vote on all amendments and Draft Resolutions presented to the floor. If the Chair
rules the Motion in order, there will be two (2) Delegates speaking against the Motion,
none taken to speak in favour of the Motion. A 2/3 majority is required to pass the
Motion to close debate. If the Motion passes, all debate on the issue will stop and the
committee will move into voting procedure. Debate will automatically be closed if the
Speaker's List is exhausted; any amendments or Draft Resolutions will be put to a vote.
A Delegate may motion for a closure of the Speaker's List to prevent any additional
names to be added to the end of the List. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, there will
be a two-third (2/3) majority vote required to pass. If the Motion passes, no additional
Speakers will be placed on the List. Once the Speaker's List is exhausted, the committee
will move to vote on the amendments and Draft Resolutions on the floor.
A Delegate may motion to re-open the Speaker's List to allow for additional names to be
placed on the List if a previous Motion has been made to close the Speaker's List. If the
Chair rules the Motion in order, there will be a two-third majority (2/3) vote required to
pass the motion. If the Motion passes, additional Speakers will be allowed on the
Speaker's List.
During the discussion of any matter, a delegate 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. It requires simple majority to pass. A delegate may move a
motion to revert back to an issue whose debate has been adjourned.
The chair may under his or her discretion rule this motion out of order. This only requires
a simple majority to pass. Delegate may apply for appeal of a decision under this rule.
When a proposal/draft resolution has been adopted or rejected, it may not be reconsidered
at the same session unless the General Assembly/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. It shall require 2/3 majority to pass.
The Chair will recognize one (1) Speaker in favour and one (1) Speaker against the
Motion. There will be a two-third (2/3) majority vote required to pass. If the Motion is
approved, the document will be retracted and will not be allowed to be re-introduced.
13.3. Resolutions
Documents submitted to the Director under proper Resolution format will be referred to
as a Draft Resolution. Delegates may refer to a document as a "Draft Resolution" in a
speech only once it has been accepted as a Draft by the Director with a number assigned
by the Dais.
A Draft Resolution that has been put to a vote by the committee and passes may be
referred to as a "Resolution".
13.3.3. Format
Draft Resolutions must be properly formatted as per the guidelines provided by the
National Secretariat.
13.3.4. Sponsors
Sponsors are recognized as the writers of the Draft Resolution. The required number of
Sponsors will be set by the Chair according to committee size. The respective number of
Sponsors must be present on a Working Paper to be introduced to the floor as a Draft
Resolution (in addition to the required number of Signatories). Any amendments to a
Draft Resolution must be accepted by the Sponsors to be considered "friendly". Sponsors
must agree to support a Resolution unless major changes have been introduced through
the amendment process.
13.3.5. Signatories
Signatories are recognized as the supporters of the Draft Resolution. The required
number of Signatories will be set by the Chair according to committee size. The
appropriate number of Signatories must be present on a Working Paper to be introduced
to the floor as a Draft Resolution (in addition to the required number of Sponsors).
Amendments to the Draft Resolution are not required to be approved by Signatories.
Signatories are not required to support the Draft Resolution during voting procedure; they
only agree to put their names as those who are interested to see the Working Paper
become a Draft Resolution for further debate.
A Delegate wishing to introduce a Working Paper as a Draft Resolution may rise to such
an introduction. The introduction of a Draft Resolution is a procedural matter and
remains at the discretion of the Chair. This cannot be done during a speech. It requires a
simple majority vote. Once the Working Paper has been introduced as a Draft Resolution,
the Chair will invite the Sponsors of the Resolution to read out the Draft Resolution to the
committee.
13.4. Amendments
13.5. Withdrawal
The Sponsors of Draft Resolutions and Friendly Amendments may request a withdrawal
of the documents at their discretion.
13.5.3. Re-Introduction
A procedural or substantive matter requiring a simple majority to pass implies that fifty
percent plus one vote (50% + 1) of the committee must vote in favour of the matter to
pass. If the vote is a tie, the matter will be considered to have failed.
When the Chair announces that the committee is entering voting procedure, no entrance
or exiting from the room will be permitted, unless there is an emergency, until voting
procedure has come to an end. All Motions are out of order except for Motions to Divide
the Question, for an Important Question, Point of Order on voting procedure, Point of
Parliamentary inquiry and Roll Call.
Each Delegate of the committee has one vote and must demonstrate his/her voting
intentions by raising his/her placard at the Chair's requests unless there is a Roll Call vote
(see rule 14.5.1). In accordance with rules 10.1.1 and 10.1.2, Delegates must vote in
favour, against or abstain. No Delegate shall vote on behalf of another Delegate
14.5.1. Roll Call
Roll Call Motions may only be in order for substantive matters. This Motion is
automatically accepted unless the Chair rules it out of order; the decision is not subject to
appeal.
14.5.2. Passing
A Delegate may, during Roll Call, choose to pass. The Chair will place the Delegate at
the bottom of the voting List. A Delegate who has passed once during a voting sequence
may not pass again.
A Delegate may request a right of explanation after voting. Upon completion of voting,
the Delegate will be permitted to explain the reasons why he/she has chosen to vote a
certain way. The Chair may limit the speaking time at his/her discretion.
All Un-Friendly Amendments shall be voted on in the order they were proposed before
the committee moves to vote on the Draft Resolution as a whole. If one Amendment
implies the rejection of a second Amendment, the second Amendment will not be voted
upon. A simple majority is required to pass an Amendment. A passed Amendment shall
be automatically included in the Draft Resolution. Once all the Amendments relating to a
Draft Resolution have been voted on, the committee may move to vote on the Draft
Resolution as a whole.
A Motion to have a Draft Resolution considered an Important Question may be ruled out
of order at the discretion of the Chair. If the Chair rules the Motion in order, one (1)
Speaker shall speak in favour and one (1) Speaker shall speak against the Motion. A
simple majority is required to pass the Motion. If the Motion is passed, the Draft
Resolution will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass.
If a vote is equally divided on matters other than procedural matter, a second vote shall
be taken. If this vote also results in equality, the proposal shall be regarded as rejected.
19. Voting
The General Assembly shall normally vote by show of hands or by standing, but any
representative may request a motion for roll-call voting. The name of each member shall
be called in any roll-call, and one of its representatives shall reply "yes", "no" or
"abstention". The result of the voting shall be inserted in the record in the English
alphabetical order of the names of the members.
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 (right to explain vote), either before
or after the voting, except when the vote is taken by secret ballot. The chair may limit the
time to be allowed for such explanations. The President shall not permit the proposer of a
proposal or of an amendment to explain his vote on his own proposal or amendment.
During formal debate (except during voting) delegates will be permitted 30 seconds of
orderly and discreet movement. The movement shall be directed only towards a delegate
who has just immediately spoken. The process may be carried out by only one delegate
from a delegation. The process shall be as follows; the delegate may,
• Rise up
• Head in front of the dais
• Observe protocol as a sign to respect the dais
• Make their way to the delegate who has just spoken
• Shake hands (congratulate)
• Walk towards the dais
• Observe protocol again
• Finally return to their seats.
The following guidelines will assist a delegate to research and write in preparation for the
conference.
WRITING
1. Position Papers
A position paper is an essay detailing your country’s policies on the topics being
discussed in your committee. Writing a position paper will help you organize your ideas
so that you can share your country’s position with the rest of the committee. If you
conduct extensive research, a position paper should be easy to write.
A resolution is composed of two parts, namely the preambulatory clauses and the
operative clauses.
Preambulatory Clauses
The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is
addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause
begins with a present participle (called a Preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma.
Preambulatory clauses should include:
References to the UN Charter;
Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;
Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or
agency;
Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing
with the issue; and
General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.
The preambulatory clauses should therefore highlight the following:
Operative Clauses
Delegates must ensure that they efficiently get to understand their country and their
foreign policies before they can represent them. The following steps are advised to be
followed to facilitate basic preparation for the conference;
The delegates are expected to know all the basic information about their country e.g.
country location, capital city, head of state, head of government, name of currency, allies,
blocs, development status, military capacity, wealth, trade partners.
2. Gather background information on the United Nations Organization
Participants must be fully aware of the foreign policies of their assigned countries. They
must acquaint themselves with the international issue areas, and the status of discussions
at the UN in these areas so as to properly represent them in the Model UN session. The
set agenda items must be intensely researched and thus the delegate must establish
thoroughly their countries stance on the issue.
Delegates must develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated at the Model
UN conference. Many conferences send out background materials or issue briefs, which
can help jumpstart your research.
4. Review the speeches at the UN by the country’s representatives
Speeches and discussions in prior meetings of the principal organs of the United Nations
and their subsidiary bodies and ad-hoc committees are important towards understanding
the foreign policy of the country.
5. Review policy statements from the country’s political leadership
These are useful documents that will be key to understanding the actions of the country in
the international arena. Such information can be obtained from letters written by the head
of state and foreign ministers to the Secretary General on issues in the international
system.
6. Study the texts of resolutions sponsored by the country
Participants must be well aware of the resolutions and the issues that their countries
involve themselves in. This will also enable the participant to be able to know which
resolutions they can support, write, sponsor and be a part of without misrepresenting their
countries.
7. Develop an understanding of the country’s voting pattern
Delegations must be able to understand voting patterns of their countries. This is a critical
element of a successful simulation. Delegates are encouraged to master this pattern so as
to do the same trend in the Model UN session