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Modern Model United Nations

The Delegate Handbook

2023-2024
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Table of Contents:

The Theme 3

What is Model UN? 4

Rules of Procedure 5

Types of Points 9

Draft Resolution Format 10

Position Paper Format 15

Crisis Rules of Procedure 16

Communique format 18
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The Theme:

"The Renaissance of Cultural Heritage: Preserving

Diversity, Promoting Dialogue"

The very essence of human civilization lies not just in our shared future, but also in our rich and
varied past. As we stand at the crossroads of history and innovation, the theme "The Renaissance of
Cultural Heritage: Preserving Diversity, Promoting Dialogue" couldn’t be more pertinent. This
theme encapsulates a vision where the revival of our cultural roots intertwines with the ethos of
inclusivity and conversation.

The term "Renaissance" evokes a period of European history marked by a fervent revival of art,
science, and knowledge. But in the broader sense, a renaissance symbolizes rebirth. Today, as we
witness rapid technological advancements and globalization, there is an urgent need for a
renaissance of our cultural heritage. This does not mean a mere nostalgic return to the past. Instead,
it implies a revival of values, traditions, and knowledge, ensuring they are relevant and vibrant in
contemporary contexts.

Cultural heritage is the tapestry of human experience. It encompasses not only monumental
structures and ancient manuscripts but also intangible elements like folklore, rituals, and traditions.
Preserving this diversity is crucial. Every time a dialect is forgotten, or a unique craft vanishes, we
lose a piece of our shared human story. The preservation of our diverse heritage is not merely an
act of historical conservation. It is a statement that every culture, no matter how big or small, brings
something irreplaceable to the global narrative.

However, preservation alone is not enough. The world is not a static place; it is ever-evolving, with
cultures continually intersecting. This is where the second part of the theme, promoting dialogue,
comes into play. Dialogue bridges gaps, fosters understanding, and builds respect. In a world where
misunderstanding can lead to conflicts, intercultural dialogue is a beacon of hope. Through
conversations, we can dispel myths, shatter stereotypes, and appreciate the beauty in diversity.

But how do we promote such dialogue? It begins in our schools, where curricula should be
designed to reflect global histories and not just dominant narratives. Museums, galleries, and
cultural festivals should be spaces of interaction, where the stories of different cultures are told and
retold, allowing for shared learning. Digital platforms can also play a role, making cultural
exchanges accessible to a global audience.

In conclusion, the theme "The Renaissance of Cultural Heritage: Preserving Diversity, Promoting
Dialogue" is a call to action. It reminds us that our strength lies in our diversity and that our
survival as a global community depends on our ability to understand, respect, and celebrate this
diversity. As we move forward, let us not only preserve the myriad colors of our cultural mosaic
but also foster spaces where these colors can converse, blend, and shine brighter together.
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What is Model UN?

A Model UN conference is a simulation of an actual United Nations conference, where students
are tasked with solving a global issue through research, drafting, lobbying and debate to pass a
practical and feasible resolution. Students take on the roles of delegates, speakers, and chairs,
representing different nations and work together with other students to take part in discussions,
debates and reach an appropriate solution for the assigned agenda.

Model UN involves many of the same activities that actual UN delegates participate in, which is
a great way to learn and understand the working of different countries and committees who aim
at solving global problems. Model UN conferences also focus on current issues, so you will be
learning about relevant current events that are being discussed and debated around the world.

A MUN involves meeting new people, interacting with unfamiliar faces, working in blocs to
create appropriate resolutions to the assigned agendas and expressing views in a confident
manner. From preparing for the MUNs to the discussions, debates, and resolutions made during
the MUN, the entire experience will serve to boost your confidence.

Being a diplomatic initiative, a MUN is a great setting where people can try to face their fear of
public speaking. This chance to overcome a fear of public speaking is great because it supports
delegates’ personal growth and triggers self-confidence. The independence, challenges, and
teamwork will also enhance your leadership skills, as you take charge as a representative of a
real-world country.

Model UN is a great extracurricular for students looking to learn more about global politics,
current affairs, or international relations and for students who want to improve their public
speaking and debate skills.

The ultimate goal of a MUN conference is to encourage youth awareness of current international
relations and issues, understand and try to form possible solutions to solve the issue at hand,
whilst providing an atmosphere where students can improve their communication, critical
thinking, problem solving and networking skills.
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Rules of Procedure

Roll Call

The chairs will begin formal committee proceedings with a roll call in alphabetical order of the
delegations, as long as quorum is achieved.

Delegations will reply to this with either “present” or “present and voting”.

If a delegate says “present” they may choose to abstain during voting procedures, whereas if a
delegate says “present and voting” they have to vote either for or against during voting
procedures.

Quorum

Quorum is the minimum number of delegates required to proceed with the debate at hand. The
ratio is 1/5th of Committee number required to be present in order to begin the proceedings of
the day.

Motions

1) Motion to open the floor for debate - This motion opens the floor for general debate
and then paves the way for setting the agenda. It is usually the first motion passed on the
floor.

The delegate of would like to propose a motion to open the floor for debate.

2) Motion to set the agenda - You use this motion to set the agenda for debate. This motion
only passes if there is 50% majority supporting the motion.

The delegate of would like to propose a motion to set the agenda for debate
as (agenda verbatim- included in background guide)

3) Motion to open a General Speakers List - You use this to open the general speakers
list. GSL speeches are usually 90 seconds long and the list never elapses. The
committee may revert back to the GSL if there is a failure on the part of the committee
to pass anyother motions.
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The delegate of would like to open a General Speakers List.

OR

The delegate of would like to move back into the General Speakers List.

4) Motion for a Moderated Caucus - You use this motion to move into a moderated
caucus to discuss a sub-topic or problem related to the agenda. Usually used to discuss
topics that are heavily relevant to the agenda and will compliment Draft Resolutions. The
agenda and the verbatim topic set for the Moderated caucuses cannot be the same.

The delegate of would like to establish a moderated caucus for the

topic with the total speakers time as and the individual
speakers time as .

5) Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus - A delegate can raise this motion if they wish to
move into an unmoderated caucus for a specific amount of time that is established if the
committee reaches ⅔ majority. The delegates can utilize this time to lobby or work on
their draft resolutions.

The delegate of would like to propose a motion to move into an

unmoderated caucus for a total time of .

6) Motion to discuss the draft resolution - A delegate can raise this motion if they wish to
discuss a resolution and debate upon it. It generally tends to be raised to discuss a
resolution from the delegate's own bloc.

The delegate of would like to raise a motion to discuss the draft

resolution put forward by the delegate of 's bloc.

Motion to adjourn debate - This motion is raised after the last part of the committee
proceedings for the day. This motion is not debatable and is generally passed by the chair's
discretion, however it may be voted upon and requires only a simple majority to pass (simple
majority is half the committee + 1).

The delegate of would like to raise/propose a motion to adjourn debate.

Motion to suspend debate - This motion is used to suspend debate for that specific day
and is raised at the end of every session except the last day. This motion is not debatable
as well and is generally passed by chair's discretion, however if voted upon, requires only
a simple majority to pass.
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The delegate of would like to raise/propose a motion to suspend

debate.

7) Motion to divide the house - A delegate can raise this motion if a vote on a resolution
has failed, and the number of abstentions added to the number of votes for would yield a
majority, delegates may propose a motion to divide the house. This means that delegates
cannot abstain from voting.

The delegate of would like to raise/propose a motion to divide the

house.

Moderated Caucus

A debate that allows delegates to make short comments on a specific sub-topic of an agenda.
Typically, delegates that are interested in speaking will raise up their placards and the Chair’s
will call on delegates to speak one at a time. In a moderated caucus, the motions must include the
overall/total speaking time, the time per speaker and the sub-issue to be discussed.

Unmoderated Caucus

Unmoderated Caucus (also called Informal Caucus or Lobbying Sessions) is a debate format in
which delegates can leave their seats to go and talk to others freely and informally. This is
usually when delegates find allies and work on draft resolutions. These motions must include the
total time for lobbying to take place.

Reso Debate

This is a debate used to discuss resolutions in committee. Resolutions consist of solutions put
forward by a bloc in the committee for the agenda at hand.

Resolutions are usually discussed when a delegate introduces a motion for it. A delegate will say
“The delegate of would like to propose a motion to discuss the draft resolution
submitted by Bloc ”

The motion gets passed and then your resolution is brought out in front of the committee. Your
resolution is then read out after which the Sponsors and Author give opening speeches.
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After the speeches are given and the resolution has been explained, there is a POI session, where
delegates that have been recognized by the chairs ask the Sponsors and Author questions.

After this session, Amendments are submitted by members of the committee.

If an amendment is deemed friendly, it automatically passes.
If an amendment is deemed unfriendly, the submitter must give a pro-speech for the amendment
and anyone else from the committee can give an against-speech for the amendment. After these
speeches voting takes, and the amendment is then passed or failed depending on the results.

After the amendment sessions, For and Against speeches for the resolution as a whole are taken
and then voting for the resolution as a whole takes place. It is then failed or passed depending on
results.

Amendments format

While discussing a draft resolution, if a delegate wishes to amend certain portions of the
clause(s)/resolution, they may send an amendment to the chair.
Amendments are of three types :

1) Add - A delegate wishes to further clarify an aspect of the subject mentioned in the
clause (or even sub-clause/sub-sub-clause) and thus proposes to make an addition.

2) Strike (or Strike and Replace) - A delegate wishes to completely remove a clause/sub-
clause/sub-sub-clause (Strike). They may also propose a new statement be added instead
of the previous statement (Strike and Replace).

3) Modify - A delegate simply wishes to modify certain words/phrases utilized in the

clause/sub-clause/sub-sub-clause and proposes such modification to the chair.

Format of an Amendment
From :
Amendment :
Clause to be amended(number):
Sub-Clause/Sub-Sub-Clause : (Only if Necessary)
Sample Amendment:
From : India
Amendment : Strike
Clause : 2
Sub-Clause : ii)
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Types of Points
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry - A point raised in order to ask a question in case a
delegate has some confusion regarding committee proceedings.

Point of Order - A point that is raised to point out a flagrant error in the procedure
by the Executive Board/a delegate or a flagrant factual inaccuracy. Points of Order
can only be phrased in the form of a statement and not a question.

Point of Personal Privilege - A point that is raised when a delegate encounters

individual personal inconvenience that prevents their capacity to participate in the
committee. Internet disturbance during committee, can't hear another delegate, and
so forth.

Point of Information - A Point Of Information is raised after a delegate's speech

in case a delegate has a question to ask someone right after their speech. A POI can
only be asked if the delegate who has finished speaking voluntarily yields his time
to POIs. POIs can only be phrased in the form of a question and are meant to be
restricted to a 15 to 25 second time frame in order to keep POI debate short and
concise.

Draft Resolution Format

A document containing solutions that is approved by the chairs, and introduced to the committee
but not yet voted upon is called a draft resolution. Delegates will be spending most of their time
writing and amending the draft resolutions.

The format for a draft resolution is:

Committee:
Agenda:
Author*(max. 2):
Sponsors**(min. 3):
Signatories***(min. 1/5th of committee):
Preambulatory Clauses****
Operative Clauses*****
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Sample Resolution:
Committee: United Nations Security Council

Topic: Effect of Non-State Actors on International Relations and Sovereignty of Nations

Author: Syrian Arab Republic

Sponsors: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt

Signatories: Russia Federation, United States of America, French Republic, United Arab
Emirates, Turkey, United Kingdom

The United Nations Security Council,

[Listed Below are the Preambulatory Clauses]

Emphasizing the need to strengthen national measures of export control of materials related to
nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery,

*Author - The main-submitter of the resolution. (only one)

**Sponsors - The co-submitters of the resolution. (multiple)
***Signatories - The delegates that wish to see the draft resolution debated but may or may not agree with all the ideas that are being put forward in the resolution. (multiple)
****Preambulatory Clauses - Clauses in the first section of the draft resolution that portrays the issues that the council needs to solve as well as past estimates and previous policies implemented
to battle the issue.
*****Operative Clauses - Clauses in the second section of the draft resolution that put forward probable solutions and policies the author and sponsors of the resolution want to implement.

Recalling resolution 1803 (XVII) of the General Assembly on the sovereignty of peoples and
nations in terms of natural wealth and resources in accordance with the UN Charter and
principles contained in the resolution,

Recalling also resolutions 1540, 2325, 2456, 2477, 2481, 2485, 2490, 2491 and 2493 of the
Security Council regarding international peace efforts and the development of a portentous
framework so as to preclude the acquisition of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons of mass
destruction by non-state actors associated with terrorist and extremist activities,

Expressing appreciation to the commendable work and efforts of momentous inter-governmental

organizations such as but not limited to the United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund
(IMF), World Trade Organization (WTO) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),

Expressing concern over the substantial levels of economic, social and infrastructural damage
caused due to extreme violence by peculiar influential non-governmental organizations such as
the Islamic State (ISIS),
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Reiterating that any measures adopted by the Member States to consolidate their sovereignty and
obliterate terrorism must necessarily comply under their obligations to the international law
predominantly those pertaining to human rights,

Stressing that potent non-state actors can adversely affect international relations between nations
by creating political, social and economic predicaments,

Emphasizing the salient need to consolidate national measures of export control of materials
related to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery, consistent with
resolution 1540 (2004),

Condemning the provision of any and all forms of financial and/or military ministrations by
governments of the Member States to non-state actors,

[Listed below are the Operative Clauses]

1) Strongly advises all nations to thoroughly cooperate with the United Nations Security
Council and the 1540 Committee:

a) Submitting reports on time,

b) Providing additional information and statistical data on the implementation of

resolution 1540, whenever requested, and on national measures adopted by nations to
protect their sovereignty;

c) Reiterates the exigency of the enhancement of ongoing efforts of the 1540 Committee
to monitor the implementation of resolution 1267 and 2253 on counterterrorism:

i) Overseeing the regulation of activities of terrorist organizations by enhanced

methods of information technology and data collection,

ii) Provision of appropriate guidelines and areas of improvement and common

interests by the Member States;

d) ensuring that the intelligence collection methods mentioned in clause 3(a) to abide by
the UN charter;

2) Urges the Member States, particularly those in which the existence of non-state actors is
prevalent, to take and enforce potent measures to implement portentously consistent and
practical regulations and controls on Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs):

a) Preventing the augmentation of any chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and
their reprehensible acquisition by non-state actors,
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b) Consolidating stringent rules regarding their mechanisms of transportation,

c) Initiating and manifestly perpetuating pertinent law enforcement strives and border
controls through collaboration between member states and IGO’s:

i) Efficiently detecting and obviating, through comprehensive international

cooperation wherever essentially applicable, the eminently unlawful trafficking
and engagement in the despicable orchestration regarding the use of WMDs in
accordance to the international law and the Charter of the United Nations,

ii) Administering apposite civil and criminal penances for contraventions of laws
and regulations regarding the shipment or financing of the transportation of
WMDs;

3) Strongly encourages developed countries and world powers to proffer financial and
military assistance to LEDCs (Lower Economic Developed Countries) which are faced
with a significant threat by the presence of non-state actors, peculiarly terrorist and
military organizations:

a) Funds and ministrations to be provided through legal instruments,

b) Strictly prohibits the provision of any form of assistance to militant organisations,

such as ISIS, to instigate/provoke an already existing conflict,

c) Funds to be only used by the government of the nation to obliterate the threat to their
sovereignty by annihilating the existence of these non-state actors, for rebuilding and
economic and social development purposes as well as enhancing regulatory and legal
infrastructure;

d) Establishes a UN conventional weapons destruction (CWD) program to inhibit illicit

weapons from non-state actors;

4) Calls upon the UN CCPJ to create unbiased subsidiary tribunals in LEDC’s countries that
specialize in conducting trials for non-state actors and even cyber terrorists. There should
be at least one tribunal in each third world country. The key points for these tribunals
include:

a) The trials will take place in the nation in which the non-state actors have been
apprehended;

b) The accused will also be prosecuted in accordance with UN CCPJ anti-

terrorism laws;
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c) The tribunals will play a significant advisory role in helping judiciaries of

third world countries to improve their anti-terrorism legislation;

d) The courts will deny any extradition in order to prevent diplomatic conflicts;

e) Reports of all proceedings will be sent back to the UNCCPJ head office and ;

f) Judges for this tribunal will be recruited from the P5+1 nations with a 4-year
term after a thorough background check is conducted on them. After the term
has elapsed, the judges are shuffled and transferred to a new branch of this
tribunal network. Juries will include a 13-member jury which will be required
to pass background checks by T-DAWG and must meet requirements to
qualify as a jury member in the country where the trial is taking place;

g) Funding for this tribunal will come from the World Bank;

h) Cases where Convicts on trial that have garnered international media attention
must have T-DAWG forces deployed to the perimeter of the courts;

i) The entry of the press into the court premises will not be permitted.

5) Further notes that to place sanctions on countries against which undeniable evidence for
state-sanctioned terrorism has been presented by;

6) Recommends UNESCO and UNICEF to work together to create deradicalization

program called UNDSRP (United Nations Societal Deradicalization and Reintegration
Program) that aims at deradicalizing and rehabilitating the prisoners of war under non-
state actors and civilians who are directly adversely affected by non-state actors. The
UNDSRP aims to: -

a) Provide UNICEF determined curriculum programs to victims below 18;

b) Work with UN-affiliated NGOs to provide food and housing to those affected;

c) Educational courses will be conducted for victims above 18 that guarantee a

qualification degree;

d) Helps course graduates find jobs for a period of 2 years after graduation;

e) The program will be undertaken by UNICEF volunteers;

7) Acknowledges the considerable efforts in the war against terrorism and further
recommends international cooperation so as to accelerate the elimination of callous non-
state actors;
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8) Decides to remain active in this matter due to its preponderant importance and encourages
further discussions and puissant action to be taken;

9) Further requests the economic cooperation of the IMF and WTO in coordination with
the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee.
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Position Paper Format

Position papers should be no more than one and a half single-spaced pages for the agenda.
Font: Times New Roman
Font Size:12
No country flags to be included in the position paper

Essentially each position paper should have 3 sections.

1) A background on the agenda.

The first section of the position paper should talk briefly about the topic in general. It should not
be a re-statement of the background guide. It should elaborate on the issue as your country sees
it. What are the fundamental issues and problems that need to be addressed and why these
problems have arisen. Which are the main stakeholders and parties involved in the issue.

2) A background on your country’s relation to the agenda.

The second section should be talking about your country’s involvement or relation to the agenda.
Assessing the various solutions your country has explored, any action or initiatives taken by your
government. What your general position is and has been in the past. What similar situations has
your country had to deal with. This helps highlight your stance.

3) Proposed Solutions and conclusion.

The third section of your position paper should discuss solutions you would like the United
Nations and your committee to discuss and explore. How you feel the agenda and its key issues
should be handled and addressed. What solutions does your country oppose. Why this is a viable
solution and how you plan on tackling the problem.
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Crisis Rules of Procedure

After a crisis update is announced, the chair/director/moderator will open the floor to speeches
on the update. Delegates/Representatives may use this opportunity to bring forth Directives,
make Presidential Statements, or even make speeches on the topic (like a GSL).

If a delegate wishes for the committee to discuss his/her directives, they may do so when the
chair opens the floor to speeches on the update. After a delegate is recognized by the director, the
delegate may choose to ask the chair: “Point of Parliamentary Inquiry- Has the chair received the
directive sent/proposed by the delegate of _?” . If the chair has received the directive, the
chair will move on to displaying the directive for the committee. The delegate is given a time
limit upon the discretion of the chair during which they present their directive to the committee.
After the time to present has elapsed, the delegate may choose to yield his time to the floor for
POIs, to the chair, or even to another delegate. Delegates may also wish to propose Joint
Directives if they feel it is necessary.

After the time to discuss directives has elapsed, the chair will open the floor to speeches for the
directive where delegates make 90 second speeches supporting the directive, after which the
chair opens the floor to speeches against the proposed directive. If the delegates have
amendments for the directive, they must be discussed in against speeches. If a delegate is
recognized by the chair to make an against speech and he/she has an amendment for the
directive, they must ask the chair: “Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: Has the chair received the
amendment submitted by the delegate of ?”. If the chair responds affirmatively, the
chairperson will move into displaying the amendment submitted. The chairperson will then ask
the author of the directive whether the author deems the amendment friendly or unfriendly. If the
author responds by saying friendly, the amendment will be incorporated into the directive
without voting and without any speeches made on the amendment. However, if the author deems
an amendment unfriendly, the chair will use discretionary powers to set a time limit for the
delegate who proposed the amendment to make a speech presenting the amendment, after which,
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the delegate may choose to yield his/her time to the floor for POIs or to the Chair. The chair may
or may not entertain for or against speeches on the amendment based on their discretion and may
choose to move into voting on the amendment. Other delegates may choose to propose
amendments too after voting is done on the previous amendment, which may or may not be
entertained upon discretion of the chair. After voting on amendments is done, the chair moves
into voting on the (if) amended directive as a whole.

After voting on the directive/s, the chair will once again open the floor to speeches on the update
as a whole. If the delegates wish to make presidential statements during this time, they are
required to send a written request to the chair, expressing the need for a presidential statement
and outlining the rationale for why a presidential statement is required in that particular instance
and a brief outline of the points being discussed in the speech.

During Crisis, the delegates may send written communiques to the chair. Written Communiques
are requests to a delegate’s home country’s agency/ministry to undertake a certain action. These
communiques can also be sent to ally delegates to undertake a certain joint action/operation. The
delegate can also send communiques to other delegates in other committees in special cases (eg-
GA1 to UNSC or HRC to JIC).

Directive format

Directives are basically actions taken by a country/group of countries during a sudden crisis.
They are not meant to be thorough and are meant to have basic and immediate solutions to a
problem. They are usually understood as brief mini draft resolutions without preambulatory
clauses.

1) Enforces a no-fly zone. This zone will function as follows:

a) Will be implemented over the airspace above:

i) The entirety of the Pacific Ocean;

b) The no fly zone lasts for a period of three months, after which the committee will
vote again on imposing a no fly zone for another period of three months;

c) The breach of the airspaces mentioned in 1) a) i) will lead to an automatic

authorization of the countries whose airspace has been breached to shoot down
the entity that has entered the airspace by all means necessary;
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d) A breach of the pacific ocean airspace will lead to the neutralization of the entity
by the use of the United States THAAD anti-ballistic missiles stationed in South
Korea;

Communique format
These are messages sent from all of the committee members to another delegation, delegate, or a
bloc, or to a ministry within the delegate’s own government. They help in facilitating dialogue
with regards to relevant members involved in a crisis. These messages often range from requests
for support and/or aid, negotiations and even threats, etc. They are usually used when a
delegation’s permission, stance or opinion is required on a particular issue who is not currently
present in committee. Documents like these are generally written by the committee in order to
inform the public or outside world about the actions taken or effects that it has achieved.
Although they have no particular format, they must clearly mention the entity to which the
communique is addressed.

Sample Communique :

To: The Government of UK

From: MI6, Joint Intelligence Committee
Given the recent developments that have taken place in the world, the representative of MI6
would like to:

1) Call upon the government of the UK to start funding infrastructure projects in the newly
administered Iran. These projects will include but not be limited to the construction of:
a) Dams;
b) Bridges;
c) Roads;
d) Public Hospitals;
e) Government Offices;
f) Sewage Pipelines;

2) Call upon the government of UK to stop purchasing oil from Russia and cuts all trade
relations with china;
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3) Call upon the Government of UK to move all valuable intelligence from online servers
and computer storage to physical paper documents and delete all existing intelligence files on
computers/servers;

4) Recommends increased purchasing, servicing and mechanical upgrades of

decommissioned typewriters used by the UK intelligence agencies in the pre-80s era, and these
typewriters must be used to prepare intelligence reports;

This will ensure that Iran becomes a key ally in our war against Russia and will cement
diplomatic ties between the Government of UK and Iran.