MUN For

Dummies
How to win “Best Delegate”
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Pre-Emptive
Note from the Author
What is MUN
What are the Benefits of participation
Chapter 2: Introduction
Responsibilities as a delegate
What is a resolution
Chapter 3: Choosing your Committee
Full resolution comitee
Clause by clause comittee
Crisis committee
Chapter 4: Preparing for your MUN
Procedure
Drafting a resolution
Pre ambulatory Clauses
Operative Clauses
Fress-code
Chapter 5: MUN Structure
Motions
Points and Rights
Chapter 6: How to Win Best Delegate
Research Binder
Lobbying
Diplomacy
Ending notes
Appendix
Example Opening speeches
Example Resolutions
Example Position Paper

pg 2
 Chapter 1:
Pre-
emptive

Basic background knowledge

pg 3
Note from the Author
Dear Reader,
My name is Hannah van der Meer. I
love MUN, at the time of writing this, I
have attended 5 conferences as a
delegate, and won 3 best delegate
awards. With being an Ambassador as
my chosen career field, it was a given
that I would have a passion for MUN. It
brings me joy that every year more and
more people join the club, and more
people get to experience the same
thrill as I do attending conferences.
That being said, it can be hard to know
exactly what to do at all times. Due to
this, I have decided to create a book
which entails everything a first time
delegate needs to know, from the
dress code to councils. I hope that this
book proves useful in my mission, and
that it can be your go-to MUN tool.
Best Wishes!

pg 4
 What is MUN
MUN stands for Model United Nations. It's an
educational academic activity in which students learn
about diplomacy, international relations, and the United
Nations.

In a Model United Nations conference, participants

(students) represent different countries or organizations
in simulations of UN committees. They engage in
discussions and debates about various global issues,
aiming to find solutions through diplomatic means,
similar to how real UN delegates would.

MUN conferences can be held at various levels, from

local to international, and can cover a wide range of
topics, from climate change and human rights to
security concerns and economic development.

pg 5
 What are the
Benefits of Joining
Aside the fact that joining an MUN would help you if
you have a general interest in politics and global
affairs, MUN has many other benefits.

MUN teaches research skills, as a good delegate

throughouly researches their position. It also
teaches communication, as a delegate has to ‘lobby’
and sell their idea to other delegates. Delegates also
learn how to think critically and act on their feet,
responding to an issue in a fast pace.

Besides the self-improvement skills, participating in

MUN also helps with university applications (if you
are applying for a humanities course). It looks like
gold on an application.

Alongside practical reasons, MUN also helps with

networking, and getting to know people. I have met
many people in my MUN conferences, which I now
have the priviliege of being associated with, and who
I will possibly attend university with.
pg 6
 Chapter 2:
Introduction

Basic delegate information

pg 7
 Responsibilities as
a Delegate
Your responsibilities as a delegate can be boiled down to a
few points
1) Represent the interests and concerns of the organisation
or country you were given: It can be difficult to align yourself
with certain viewpoints, however as a delegate it is your
obligation to be an ambassador for your country or
organisation.

2) Drafting a resolution: The goal of MUN is to pass clauses, or

your whole resolution, so it is important delegates have one
prepared to tackle the given issue for their comittee.

3) Negotiating/Lobbying: In order to get delegates to agree

with your resolution and countrys stance , as a delegate you
need to prepare to negotiate, or persuade others as to why
your perspective is good.

4) Keeping informed: It is good to keep informed about news

and policies surrounded your topic, as other delegates can
use your country/organisations stance against you, however
as a delegate you can also do the latter.
e.g. The delegate of Italy in MUNISE23 demanded for an
unbiased party, the Red Cross, to moderate their activities in
Abyssinnia. The delegate of Abyssinia reminded Italy via a POI
that Italian troops bombed a Red Cross hospital during the
invasion
pg 8
What is a Resolution
In Model United Nations (MUN), a
resolution is a formal document that
outlines proposed solutions to a
specific issue or topic being discussed
during a simulated session of a United
Nations committee.

Resolutions are the primary means

through which delegates work together
to address global challenges and reach
consensus.
During MUN sessions, delegates debate
and negotiate the content of
resolutions, working together to gain
support and consensus from other
delegates.

Once a resolution has been approved

by a majority vote, it becomes an
official stance or recommendation of
the committee.

pg 9
Chapter 3:
Choosing
your
Comittee

What suits you

pg 10
Full resolution Committee
A Full Resolution Committee is a specialized committee focused
entirely on the development, debate, and approval of resolutions.
This committee is distinct from other MUN committees, like General
Assemblies or specialized agencies, which may have broader
agendas and discussions. Most committees follow this structure. If
you come to this committee, you are expected to bring a full
resolution, as well as speeches to defend your country/organisations
stance.

Key Features:
1. Dedicated to Resolutions: Unlike other committees that might
discuss a range of topics, a Full Resolution Committee is
exclusively focused on one specific issue or topic.
2. Intensive Resolution Crafting: Delegates in this committee spend
the majority of their time working on the language, content, and
details of resolutions related to the chosen topic.
3. Comprehensive Research: Delegates are expected to conduct
thorough research on the topic at hand, as the effectiveness and
relevance of resolutions rely on accurate information.
4. Preambulatory and Operative Clauses: Delegates collaborate to
construct well-structured resolutions, including both
preambulatory clauses (offering background and context) and
operative clauses (containing specific proposed actions or
recommendations).
5. Negotiation and Compromise: Delegates in a Full Resolution
Committee work together to find common ground, build
consensus, and refine the resolution's language to gain broader
support.
6. Formal Presentation and Debate: Once a resolution is drafted, it
is formally presented to the committee by its sponsors.
Delegates then engage in structured debate to discuss and
amend the resolution.
7. Voting and Adoption: The committee votes on the resolution,
and if it garners a majority of support, it is officially adopted as
the committee's stance on the issue.
pg 11
Clause by clause Committee
A "Clause-by-Clause Committee" is a specialized format often used in
high-level committees like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
during Model United Nations (MUN) conferences. This approach is
distinct from the traditional process of passing a resolution, as it
involves a more detailed examination of each individual clause within
a proposed resolution.

Here's how a Clause-by-Clause Committee typically operates:

1. Focus on Specific Clauses: Instead of considering an entire
resolution at once, this committee scrutinizes each clause
separately. Delegates discuss, debate, and negotiate the wording
and intent of each clause.
2. Intensive Review Process: Each clause is analyzed in depth.
Delegates may propose amendments, revisions, or deletions to
refine the language and content.
3. Emphasis on Precision and Detail: Delegates in a Clause-by-Clause
Committee pay careful attention to the specifics of the resolution.
They aim for clear, actionable language that accurately addresses
the issue at hand.
4. Enhanced Diplomatic Skills: This format demands a high level of
negotiation, diplomacy, and consensus-building skills. Delegates
must navigate the interests of different countries while ensuring
the resolution remains effective.
5. Incremental Approval: Rather than voting on the entire resolution
at once, the committee votes on each clause individually. This
allows for a more granular examination of the content.
6. Focused Debate and Discussion: The committee's discussions are
tightly focused on the language and intent of each clause. This
may lead to more substantive debates on specific points.
7. Thorough Understanding of the Topic: Delegates are expected to
have a deep understanding of the issue being addressed, as they
need to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of each clause.
8. Time-Intensive Process: Clause-by-Clause Committees can be
more time-consuming compared to standard committees, as each
clause requires thorough consideration.
pg 12
 Crisis Comittee
When I first started doing MUN, I was not
aware what a Crisis Committee was. It was
only till MUNISE23 where a ‘news reporter’
walked into our room, and read out an event
that none of us prepared for, did I learn. Our
time cutoff in this MUN was 1935, then an
event was presented in 1937 which we were
all asked to create clauses to solve. This
committee is called a crisis committee & can
be implemented within any normal
committee.
The idea of this committee is to see how
fast delegates can think on their feet. It
oftentimes seems overwhelming, however it
is more simple than it seems. If you do
proper research into your countries foreign
policy, it will be easy to know their position
on a given issue. From this you can make
brand new resolution clauses. Oftentimes I
adapt clauses from my prepared resolution
and edit them towards the matching
situation.

pg 13
 Chapter 4:
Preparing
for your
MUN

What you really need to know

pg 14
 Procedure
The following is basic Procedure:
Delegates must never speak using personal
pronouns
e.g. Rather than saying ‘you’ or ‘I’, say ‘The delegate
of _______”
Delegates may never speak to each other. Delegates
can instead pass notes (lift a note in the air and an
admin will pass it) or address another delegate
through the chair.
For matters such as role call, voting, or when you
want to speak, you must raise your placard.
In order for delegates to present their resolution to
be debated, they need to have a speech introducing
it. At the end of speaking (at the podium) a delegate
can open themselves up to Points of Information.
You can open yourself up to as many as you would
like to answer, e.g. “one”/”two”/”any and all”.
In order to give a point of information you need to
raise your placard and speak in the order given to
you by the chair.
In the end, only one resolution can pass (so make
sure yours is the best)
*general rules of procedure differ per conference
however each conference will provide documents
for this pg 15
Drafting a Resolution
Format
COMMITTEE: name the Committee
SPONSORS:
SIGNATORIES:
TOPIC: the issue or case study that the resolution deals
with
1. the introductory word or phrase of each clause is
underlined (examples given in the next pages).
2. there is a line space between each clause. (Except sub-
clauses)
3. each operative clause is numbered.
4. sub-clauses are lettered: a), b), c), etc. and sub-sub
clauses numbered i), ii),
5. iii), etc.
6. sub-clauses are single spaced together.
7. operative clauses and subclauses are
8. indented (by using tab settings not the
9. spacebar!)
10. acronyms and abbreviations are
11. written out in full the first time they
12. are used in a resolution.
13. Each preambulatory clause ends with
14. a comma.
15. Each operative clause ends with a
16. semicolon.
17. Sub-clauses do not end in a comma or
18. a semicolon.
19. The resolution ends in a period.
pg 16
20. The entire resolution is one sentence.
Preambulatory Clauses
Preambulatory Phrases: Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications
for action. Use them to cite past resolutions, precedents and statements
about the purpose of action.

Acknowledging Guided by
Affirming Having adopted
Alarmed by Having Considered
Approving Having considered further
Aware of Having devoted attention
Believing Having examined
Bearing in mind Having heard
Confident Having received
Congratulations Having studied
Contemplating Keeping in mind
Convinced Noting further
Declaring Noting with appreciation
Deeply concerned Noting with approval
Deeply conscious Noting with deep concern
Deeply convinced Noting with regret
Deeply regretting Noting with satisfaction
Deploring Observing
Desiring Pointing out
Emphasizing Reaffirming
Expecting Recalling
Expressing its appreciation Recognizing
Expressing its satisfaction Referring
Fulfilling Reminding
Fully alarmed Seeking
Fully aware Taking into consideration
Fully believing Viewing with appreciation
Further deploring pg 17
Further recalling
 Opperative Clauses
Operative phrases: Operative clauses are policies that the
resolution is designed to create. Use them to explain what the
committee will do to address the issue.

Accepts Hopes
Affirms Proclaims
Approves Proposes Recommends
Asks Regrets
Authorizes Requests
Calls for Resolves
Calls upon Condemns Seeks
Congratulates Confirms Strongly affirms Strongly
Declares accordingly condemns Strongly urges
Deplores Suggests
Designates Supports
Encourages Trusts
Endorses Transmits Urges
Expresses its appreciation
Expresses its hope
Further invites
Further proclaims
Further recommends
Further requests
Further resolves

*If confused check the appendix for examples

pg 18
 Dress code
Dress-codes can differ from MUN to MUN, however these are
some basic themes I have picked up

Office wear/ Business attire What to wear

(think dress pants, button
ups)
No midriff
No open toe heels
Skirts over the knees
No denim
No casual shirts (e.g. Polos)
No sneakers (dress shoes,
heels, or plain boots are
acceptable)
No political messages on What to not
clothing wear
No military wear
No caps/hats
No shorts
No deep V-necks
Blazer is not always
required, however is
recommended
Tie is not always required,
but is recommended
Recommended not to wear
stilettos
pg 19
If cold, use a blazer or
sweater
 Chapter 5:
Rules of
Procedure

Technicalities & a lot of text (I‘m

sorry)

pg 20
 Motions
Motions are used to discuss procedural matters and they help to further the
discussion on your committee topic.

Motion to verify the quorum: When the session starts the chairs will clarify the
quorum by a roll-call procedure. Each delegate should raise their placard and state
present (basically taking attendance).

Motion to set the agenda: Since there is one topic area in each committee, the
agenda is set to the topic area of the committee by the chairs.

Motion to establish a speakers’ list: Before the discussion starts, a delegate should
entertain a motion to establish a speakers’ list, which is a formal debate. When a
delegate concludes their speech, they can yield their remaining time:
a) to the chair;
b) to another delegate, who can either accept or decline the yield;
c) to questions (points of information

Motion for a Moderated Caucus: When the floor is open, a delegate can entertain a
motion for a moderated caucus, which is an informal debate. The total duration,
the speaker’s time and the exact topic of the caucus should also be defined. During
the moderated caucus, there are no points of information and yielding of the floor
is not required.

Motion to extend the Moderated Caucus: After the end of the moderated caucus,
in case the floor remains open to points and motions, any representative may
propose a Motion to Extend the Moderated Caucus. The extension of the
Moderated Caucus shall be equal or shorter than the original duration of the
caucus.

Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus: When the floor is open, a delegate can
entertain a motion for an unmoderated caucus stating both the total duration and
the exact purpose of the caucus. The general purpose of an unmoderated caucus is
to allow immediate and informal negotiation and bargaining, in order to clarify
positions and prepare working papers, amendments or draft resolutions
(oftentimes used as lobbying time).

Motion to extend the Unmoderated Caucus: A motion to extend the unmoderated

caucus shall be in order right after the time of the original unmoderated caucus
has elapsed. The extension of the unmoderated caucus shall be equal or shorter
than the original duration of the caucus.

pg 21
 Motions
Motion to Introduce a Draft Resolution: When the floor is open the sponsor of
a draft resolution can entertain a motion to introduce a draft resolution.

Motion to introduce the amendments: After all the existing amendments have
been submitted to the Chairpersons of each Committee during the indicated
by the Board time, a motion to introduce the amendments should be made.

Motion to Close the Debate on a Draft Resolution: After the end of the
discussion on a draft resolution, a motion to close the debate on a draft
resolution is in order. If there are more than one draft resolutions to the floor,
after the closing of the debate on the first of them, the Committee should
proceed to the introduction of the second one and then proceed with the
same procedure once again. This motion needs a 2/3 majority in order to pass.

Motion to Close the Debate on Topic Area Under Discussion: When all the
submitted drafts are discussed and all debates on these drafts have been
closed, the Board will entertain a motion to close the debate on topic area
under discussion. After this motion passes – it requires a 2/3 majority – the
Committee will automatically enter the voting procedure for each one of the
existing draft resolutions.

Motion for a Roll-Call Vote: The Board will call the countries one by one to
vote, if this motion is suggested. It passes automatically.

Motion to Split the House: The Motion to Split the House is in order when the
representative proposing this Motion wishes to exclude abstention from the
voting options during the final vote on the draft resolution. Once the Motion
passes, the representatives shall not be allowed to abstain during the voting of
the resolution.

Motion to Divide the Question: When delegates want to vote on some clauses
separately. This motion requires a 2/3 majority and it is up to the discretion of
the President to recognize one speaker in favor and one against of this motion
before putting it to the vote.

Motion to adjourn the session: This motion should be entertained ONLY at the
end of the last session of the MUN conference, and the last passing of a
revolution.

pg 22
Points and Rights
Point of Personal Privilege:
It is applied if a delegate feels discomfort. It is usually
used to ask a delegate to speak up and if the delegate
would like to use the bathroom. It is recommended that
if a delegate would like to use the bathroom to send a
note to the chairs. It is the only point that can interrupt
a speaker.

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry:

It can be used if a delegate would like to ask the chairs
upon the rules or the procedure. It cannot interrupt a
speaker.

Point of Order:
It can be used if a delegate is sure that the chairs have
made a misuse of the rules.

Right of Reply:
It is used when a delegate feels that their country or
their personal integrity has been insulted and wants to
make a statement and express their complain.

Point of Information:
It is the right to ask a question to another delegate. It is
used only when the rules permit it, namely only during
formal debate when a delegate yields their remaining
time to questions. pg 23
 Chapter 6:
How to win
best
delegate

If you want to go above and

beyond

pg 24
Research Binder
Research is one of the most important things in a
MUN. While I dont neccesarily carry a big binder
filled with pages of research, I do have a research
google document for every issue discussed within a
committee. Its helpful to have down policies that
your country has put into place regarding the issue,
as well as how this has effected your citizens.
Furthermore to go above and beyond, if you can find
the same information for other delegations in your
committee, it can be used for/against them in Points
of Information, or during lobbying time. I also like to
keep copies of certain treaties relating to the topic
at hand (clauses) in order to use them as concrete
evidence, or as references.
It is also possible to
have news articles or
reports reporting on the
committee issue to have
a further knowledge,
and reference back to.
I like to use a google
drive folder to organise
everything.

pg 25
 Lobbying
Before any debate occurs, an unmoderated
caucus usually gets put into procedure. This
allows delegates to ‘show off’ their
resolutions and convince everyone to
become a signatory. This moment determines
how you are percieved as a delegate, and if
your resolution can even get talked about.
From this moment, use your research, think of
your diplomatic ties, and think of other
delegations agendas. Oftentimes something I
like to do is pay homage to a certain human
rights convention, such as the UDHR or
CEDAW in order to sell my point.
Furthermore referencing events within
another delegations country makes them
more likely to vote in favour of you. Lobbying
is s time where social skills have to come into
play, so you need to be ready to talk, and
attempt to persuade.

pg 26
 Diplomacy
It is simple as a delegate to say, “oh my country
is allied with this one, therefor I should vote in
their favour.” Going above and beyond this can
truly help you as a delegate.
Knowing trade between countries, reliance,
and other minor yet critical things will help
you. Oftentimes going into an MUN I gather up
bad information on other delegates (e.g. how
their country has violated certain treaties or
other negative things). It can be as simple as a
statistic about discrimination within a country,
a news article on a government avoidable
issue, or citing a treaty they are breaking.
This makes other delegates more wary to vote
In favour of them, and makes you as a delegate
look more confident in what you know. The
opposite can also be done, where you research
the positives of other countries to support
them when they speak. It is important to also
research into how your delegation/country has
‘messed up’ regarding the committees issue, as
you need to be prepared to defend yourself.
I have made unlikely allies, and even more
unlikely rivals doing the above.

pg 27
 Ending notes
I know that all of this information likely
seems very overwhelming, and difficult to
remember. MUN is hard enough already
having to remember your country, its
geopolitics, dirt on other countries, and
having to do copious amounts of research.
I myself do not know all of these things by
heart. My best advice for you as a delegate
is to try. It may be scary to give a Point of
Information, however after the first it
starts to fly by. Occasionally you will slip
up, you’ll say or do something wrong, and
that is okay. Every delegate has those
moments, and the chairs will correct your
mistakes. MUNs have a lot of rules of
procedure, and formalities, however they
are fun. I hope that you are able to have
fun at MUN, the same way I have.

pg 28
 Appendix

Extra documents if you need

examples

pg 29
Example opening speech
from MiniMUN23

pg 30
Example resolution from
MiniMUN23

pg 31
Example resolution from
MiniMUN23

pg 32
Example resolution from
MiniMUN23

pg 33
Example resolution from
MiniMUN23

pg 34
Example resolution from
MUNISE23

pg 35
Example resolution from
MUNISE23

pg 36
Example resolution from
MUNISE23

pg 37
Example position paper from
MUNISE23

pg 38