Model UN

By Isela

Model UN

Definition: simulation in which students or people pretend to be actual councelours of the United nations.

Important things to know if attendind a Model UN

Diplomacy: delegates must be respectful at all times.
Position Paper: you must make a legal document that states your countries position about the debated topic.
Resolution Paper: when delegates reach a conclusion they state their ideas and solutions in this document. It must include a certain format and you must use the preambulatory and operative clauses. This are certain phrases you use to give formality to your resolution.
Parliamentary procedure: during the session delegates can not address to each other whenever they want to. This is why you use the "parliamentary procedure". The most important motions you use are:

Point of order: Used to object when the parliamentary procedure has been violated.
Point of personal priviledge: Used to complain or make a personal request such as asking the delegate reading a position paper to read a slower or louder.
Point of information: Used to ask a question to the speaker with the chair's permission.
Point of inquiry: Used to ask something to the chair.
Right of reply: Used to complain if another delegate offended you or your nation.
Motion to: You use this for a variety of things like: Opening the session, opening the speakers list, add more time to the speakers list, allow a delegate to finish reading his position paper, close the session, start a moderated or unmoderated caucus and adding time to a caucus.

Frequent questions about Model UN:

What is a caucus?

Caucus is a synonym for debate.

What is a moderated caucus?

It is when delegates debate but through the chair.

What is an unmoderated caucus?

It is very similar to a moderated one but delegates are allowed to stand up and talk without using the parliamentary procedure. The chair supervises that delegates remain calmed and respectful. It is very important to use the official language of the committee. Remember:You are sill debating not in a break!

What is the standard procedure to pass a resolution in a Model UN?

Gather all the ideas and put them in the required format.
After it has been formatted it becomes a "working paper".
The chairs will now check it to see if any changes need to be made regarding to grammar, spelling and format.
If it is correct and after it is properly typed it becomes a resolution.
You must now make a motion to vote for it.
If the majority of the committee agrees you must choose two delegates to go and read it to General Assembly. NOTE: All committees must pass their resolution to the General Assembly except the Security Council.
If the resolution does not pass in the GA you must repeat all the steps and improve it until it passes.
Sometimes the committee is torn between two or more resolutions. In this case each resolution receives a label such as: Resolution "A" and votation proceeds normally bot delegates can vote now for Resolution A or B.

How do I dress if I am going to a Model UN?

Boys: Suit, formal shirt and tie. DO NOT wear tennis shoes this will make you look informal and careless.

Girls: Formal skirt, dress or trouser. Blouse, sweater or anything with sleeves on it. Any skirt or dress must be knee high and pronounces cleavages are not recommended. Please remember you are attending a formal event not going to party with your friends, it is more important having a clean image than looking sexy!

Everything previously mentioned may variate depending on the Model UN you are going but I believe the information and tips mentioned will be very helpful regardless the simulation.

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars."

— Les Brown

Model Un Resources and Information

	Insiders Guide to the Un The United Nations is often viewed primarily as the world's premier peacekeeping force. But as Fasulo, U.N. correspondent for NBC News, MSNBC and NPR, asserts, the U.N. has an ever-increasing number of responsibilities and roles in our continually changing world. In light of this, she has written a comprehensive overview of this organization and has provided a detailed analysis of the U.N.'s myriad faces; she covers "Keeping Tabs on How Nations Vote," "Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Threats," and "Rule of Law and Human Rights." According to Fasulo, this guide is "for those who want to know more, who ask how the proceedings are conceived, prepared, and paid for, and about their chances for a lasting impact." Based on her own observations as well as those of other insiders, this book will be a useful source for those seeking in-depth information about one of the international community's most influential establishments at a time when its role and significance are very much in question. Amazon Price: $6.88 List Price: $16.00
	Basic Facts about the United Nations This new, updated edition of Basic Facts about the United Nations reflects the multitude of ways in which the United Nations touches the lives of people everywhere. It chronicles the work of the Organization in such areas as peace, development, human rights, humanitarian assistance, disarmament and international law. In describing the work of the United Nations family of organizations, this book provides a comprehensive account of the many challenges before the international community, as well as the joint ongoing efforts to find solutions. Amazon Price: $9.65 List Price: $15.00
	The Parliament of Man: The Past, Present, and Future of the United Nations (Vintage) Historian and political commentator Kennedy here turns his attention to the United Nations, an institution he believes, with reform and sustained effort, can make serious headway in addressing the kinds of problems he documented in Preparing for the Twenty-First Century. The core of the book-six broad and insightful mini-histories of the last sixty years of global security; peacekeeping efforts; economic development; environmental, social, and cultural advancement; human rights; and the creation of an international civil society-is grounded by a strong opening account of the historical factors and motivations shaping the U.N. charter. That document achieved the formidable task of keeping all of the Great Powers involved and is largely responsible for the U.N.'s indispensable role in shaping policy addressing Kennedy's six problem areas. However, Kennedy argues that international changes like widespread corruption in failing postcolonial states and a shifting balance of world power have created an urgent need for moderate structural changes and more radical conceptual ones if the organization is to remain effective and become more so-as, he believes, it must. Concluding with a brisk series of reform proposals that recognizes the limitations of superpower realpolitik, Kennedy offers an impressive, authoritative and sympathetic account of the U.N.'s past contributions and potential for the future. Amazon Price: $7.00 List Price: $16.95
	The United Nations in the 21st Century (Dilemmas in World Politics) The third edition of this popular text focuses on major events since 2000, including 9/11 and the war against terrorism, the Iraq War's effect on the UN's relevance, and the Millennium Development Goals. Thoroughly revised throughout, the text also has a new chapter on human security issues that encompasses environmental concerns and global health. Amazon Price: $0.01 List Price: $38.00