HISMUN

Training Session
2023
STUDENT COUNCIL –
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
• MUN’s are essentially simulations of United Nations wherein you discuss and debate over various global issues.

• We will be following the UNA-USA MUN procedure.

• In an MUN you are allotted a country which you have to represent, keeping in mind your foreign policy and
maintaining utmost diplomatic courtesy. You can be allotted any country.

• The representative of the allotted country is known as delegate.

• For Example: Indian delegate to a UN conference, where the Indian delegate is arguing over the situation of
Kashmir, he/she would follow the Indian policy of saying Kashmir is a part of the Indian territory while constantly
also maintaining his/her ties and good relations with other countries such as that with United States, Russian
Federation etc.
Official and working languages
English shall be the official and working language of all committees during formal and informal
debate.

Decorum
Delegates are to obey instruction given by UNA-USA MUN staff. Those who do not obey
directions will be dismissed from the conference.

● MUN is an extremely formal event, and when we refer to people as delegates (including
ourselves) in a MUN, we never use personal pronouns.
● For ex: If I, the delegate of France, wants to say something to the delegate of China, then, instead
of saying “I would like to discuss something with you”, I say, “The delegate of France would like
to discuss with the delegate of China”. Make sure you NEVER maintain eye contact with another
delegate.
● There is a set of moderators for each committee, who are called the Executive Board or EB. They
will moderate the committee and will act as your judges. The EB comprises one chair, one vice-
chair and one rapporteur.
 Dress Code
• All clothing must portray professionalism as expected in diplomatic settings. If attire is
deemed inappropriate, individuals may be asked to leave the session and return with
appropriate attire.
• Professional business attire is a business jacket/coat, dress, shirt, tie, skirt, pants and shoes.
• All UN symbols are acceptable.
• Clothing considered too casual includes sweaters, novelty jackets, shorts, sundresses/other
casual dresses, ball caps, jeans, athletic wear, and sunglasses.
Roll Call
In MUNs, roll calls are used to check which countries are attending
the committee. This is used by the executive board to calculate the
majority required in voting procedures. When you hear your
countries’ name, reply with either “Present” or “Present and Voting”.

If you choose “Present”, it gives you the ability to abstain from

substantial votes (such as resolution votes), while if you choose
“Present and voting”, you have to vote for the substantive vote, which
means your country must truly have an opinion on the matter.
Types of Debates
There are 2 types of debates in an MUN:

1) Formal debates

2) Informal debates

Formal Debate
General Speakers list (GSL): GSL is opening statements made by the delegates which are
acting as country representative. In this form of debate you can discuss anything about the
agenda. It does not has to be topic specific. For Eg: If Coronavirus is the agenda, then the
delegate is not restricted from talking about any specific problem which arose out of
coronavirus, he could talk about any issue like death or economic slowdown etc. This form of
debate cannot be exhausted/finished, as the executive board from time to time will keep
asking for names of country who wish to speak in a GSL. If the GSL gets exhausted then the
committee adjourns.
Speakers List
The Chair shall open the speakers list for each topic to be discussed at the request of a delegate. Any
delegate wishing to be added to the speakers list shall indicate so when asked by the Chair by raising their
placards or shall submit such a request in writing to the Dias.

Limitation of Speaking Time

The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker. However, delegates can motion to increase or
decrease the speaking time, which will be voted upon by the committee or council. When a delegate
exceeds his or her allotted time, the Chair may call the speaker to order without delay. Speaking time
can be determined by the delegate while passing the motion to start the list.

Speeches
No delegate may address any body without the previously obtained permission of the Chair. The Chair may
call a speaker to order if his/her remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion.
Composition of speech

● About your country

● From a global perspective

● Solutions, preventions and actions taken

Anything said after your set speaking time will not be taken into

account. You will not be marked / given extra points for the points

you mention after your time is over.

Informal Debate
There are 2 types of informal debates :

Moderated Caucus:

In a moderated caucus you have to be restricted by a specific topic of the agenda. For example:
If Coronavirus is the agenda then you need to restrict it to a specific topic of coronavirus. Eg:
Economic slowdown due to coronavirus. Under this topic you cannot talk about the deaths due
to coronavirus. You have to talk about things specific to the topic. This form of informal debate
can be exhausted/finished.

Unmoderated Caucus:

In an unmoderated caucus, the judge panel walks out of the room, and you are allowed to talk
to other delegates in order to discuss how to proceed further in the committee, which sub topics
of the agenda you need/want to discuss in the committee, whether you want to form some sort
of agreement between countries. This discussion is not observed by your judge panel unlike the
formal debate and moderated caucus.
 Yielding Time

The delegate, who has been recognized by the Chair to address the body on a
substantive issue, may yield any time left over after their speech. Yields may be made in three ways:
to another delegate, to points of information (questions), or to the Chair.

● Yield to another delegate. His/her remaining time shall be given to another delegate. Once a
delegate yields his/her time, the second delegate (the one who has been yielded to) may not
yield any remaining time.

● Yield to questions. Delegates shall be selected by the Chair to ask one question per speech.
The Chair has the right to call order to any delegate whose question is, in the opinion of the
Chair, not designed to elicit information. Answers to questions are limited to the time remaining
in a delegate's speech.

● Yield to the Chair. Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish his/her speech to
be subject to comments. The Chair shall then move on to the next speaker.
How to establish various motions in the committee

Motion: a specific action made by delegates to direct debate in a certain direction.

Motion to move into formal session

“ With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___ (xyz) ___ country would like to
propose a motion to move into formal committee procedure. “

Motion to move into roll call

“With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___ (xyz) ___ country would like to
propose a motion to move into roll call ”

Setting the agenda/topic of debate

“With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___ (xyz) ___ country would like to
propose a motion to set the agenda as _____(abc)______.”
Establishing a GSL
“ With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___ (xyz) ___ country would like to
establish the general speakers list for 90 seconds. “

Establishing a moderated caucus during GSL

“ With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___(xyz)___ country would like to
suspend formal debate and move into an informal debate on the moderated caucus topic___(abc)___ with a
total speaking time of 10 minutes and an individual speaking time of 1 minute. ”

(The speaking time is not fixed but this is the most sensible option. The total speaker’s time MUST be
divisible by the individual speaker’s time)

If you propose a motion for moderated caucus, you can choose whether you want to go first or last (no
other options).
Establishing an unmoderated caucus during GSL

“With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___ (xyz) ___ country would like to suspend the
formal debate and move into an unmoderated caucus for a total time of 10 minutes.”

(Total time can be changed according to your requirement)

Motion to suspend the committee (when going for breaks and at the end of the first day)

“With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___ (xyz) ___ country would like to raise a
motion to suspend the committee “

Motion to move into session

“ With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___ (xyz) ___ country would like to propose a
motion to move into formal session. “

Motion to adjourn the committee (at the end of the first, second day)

“With the prior permission of the EB (executive board), the delegate of ___ (xyz) ___ country would like to raise a
motion to adjourn the committee “
 Points
1. Point of personal privilege
You can raise a point of personal privilege in the committee whenever you feel some form of
discomfort or if you forgot to hear some point made by the other delegate. Discomfort can include
anything like hot, itchy, cold, or if the other delegate is not audible(speaking softly).

2. Point of order
You can raise a point of order if you heard the delegate make a statement which is factually
incorrect. For eg: Delegate of Sri Lanka says Mumbai is the capital of India You raise a point of
order like this: “Delegate of Sri Lanka says Mumbai is the capital of India(his exact statement)”
whereas the fact remains that Delhi is the capital of India. While saying the exact statement made by
the delegate in the beginning of the point of order it is necessary for you to say quote the delegate
stated this unquote. Always be ready to provide a credible source/report which supports your belief
as the burden of proof lies on the delegate who is raising the point of order. Credible sources are: UN
reports, Reuters, government reports.
3. Point of Information (question to other delegates)
You can raise a point of information if you have to ask the delegate a question about
something which he stated in his speech. You can only ask a question about something
which was stated by the delegate. You can ask a point of personal privilege only at the
discretion of the executive board or once your EB recognizes you to ask a question.

4. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry

You can raise this point in the committee if you have some form of doubt with regards to
the procedure of the committee which shall be clarified by your judge panel or executive
board (EB). This motion can be raised only during GSL
Right Of Reply
The Chair may recognize the Right of Reply only in instances of a grave personal insult. Rights of Reply
must be submitted in writing to the Chair or by raising of placards, and may only be granted after a
speech is completed. The Chair shall inform the Secretary-General of the circumstances surrounding the
Right of Reply. No ruling on this matter is subject to appeal.

Appeal to the Chair’s Decision

An appeal is made when a delegate feels that the Chair has made an incorrect ruling. The delegate
formally challenges the Chair in writing by sending a note to the dais, moving to appeal the Chair's
decision. The appeal will be taken to the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General or Director-
General who will decide if the appeal will be considered. Once the motion is acknowledged, the Secretary
General will hear from both the delegate and the Chair before making a decision.
Voting:
Conduct While In Voting Procedure

After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no representative may enter or leave the room, nor shall
any representative interrupt the voting except on a Point of Personal Privilege, Point of Inquiry, or a Point of
Order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Communication between delegates is strictly
forbidden. A member of the staff shall secure the doors during the voting procedure.

Method Of Voting

Delegations may vote in favor of or against a proposal or may abstain from voting. The committee shall
normally vote by raising hands, but any delegate may request a roll call vote on substantive matters. The roll
call vote shall be taken in alphabetical order of the English names of the countries present.
During a roll call vote, delegations may answer with an affirmative vote, a negative vote, an abstention (when
appropriate) or may pass. Delegations passing in the first round of voting will be called upon alphabetically in a
second round, at which time they may only answer with an affirmative or negative vote. Delegations that appear
to be voting out of policy, while casting an affirmative or negative vote, may reserve the right to explain their
vote by Voting with Rights. Delegations must announce that they are Voting with Rights at the time they cast
their vote. The Chair may permit delegations Voting with Rights to explain their votes after voting has
concluded but before the decision has been announced.
 Chits
Chits enjoy considerable weight in the evaluation of your performance. Hence it is advisable to always back
up your speeches with good quality chits.
- Chit passing in our MUN will take place in the following method : in order to pass chits, raise your
hands, not your placards, and a volunteer will approach you. Hand your chit over to them.
- Substantive chits – when you are recognized to talk (there is no time for you to talk) you can send the
remainder of your speech as a chit to the EB.
- Also, the points of information (if the delegate is not recognized by the executive board) can be sent via
chits
- During the documentation process for the resolution, the amendments (addition, deletion or
modification) have to be sent via chit to the executive board in a specified format.
- Also, if the delegate wants to add his or her name again to the speakers list for a Moderated Caucus or
the General Speaker's List, it can do so via sending chit to the executive board for requesting the same.
- To ask questions to fellow delegates.
- To lobby with co-delegates in the committee for bloc formation
Format of a chit

To : The delegate of ____________ / The Executive Board

Via The EB (optional-Via is used when we want to say something to someone specific & want
the chair to announce it)

From : The delegate of _____(xyz)______

// Content //
 Position Paper
A MUN Position Paper, also known as Policy Paper, is a strategic document that gives an overview of
a delegates country position. It is a document that is essentially a summary of your knowledge of the
topic and the position your country plans to take when it enters committee.

A good MUN Position Paper has three parts:

• Country’s Position on the Topic

• Country’s Relation to the Topic
• Proposals of Policies to Pass in a Resolution

https://www.wisemee.com/how-to-write-a-mun-position-paper/
 Blocs

Blocs are at the heart of Model UN. They are where ideas are nurtured, where people collaborate, where
working papers are formed, and where leaders can step into their roles. Forming a bloc is the cornerstone
of succeeding in Model UN for any delegate.

A bloc is a group of delegates who are working together on one or more documents or amendments and
also vote together. There are several common ways blocs are formed. First they can be comprised of
geographically close Member States; for example the European Union, African Union, Post-Soviet
nations, North American or Asian countries may choose to form a bloc, united by geography. Second,
similarly minded delegates may choose to form a bloc; for example, if a group of fifteen delegates agree
that they disagree with the ideas being discussed in speeches during formal debate they may choose to
form a bloc. Third a bloc might be formed by signatories to a treaty or international agreement; for
example the signatories to the Rome Statute may choose to form a bloc. It is not at all compulsory to form
a bloc in a committee. But remember to follow your country’s foreign policy when forming one.
 Resolution
The final results of research, caucusing and negotiation are resolutions — written suggestions for addressing a
specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are drafted by delegates and voted on by the committee, normally
require a simple majority to pass. All other UN bodies use resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions
for future action.

Draft Resolutions(DR) are the most important documents that are formed in the committee(when it's about to
adjourn). They are made to bring some form of conclusion to the agenda. They can be formed with as many
countries as possible. Draft resolutions are all resolutions that have not yet been voted on. Delegates write draft
resolutions with other countries. There are three main parts to a draft resolution: the heading, the preamble and the
operative section.

The heading shows the committee and topic. It also lists the draft resolution signatories. Each draft resolution is
one long sentence with sections separated by commas and semicolons. The subject of the sentence is the body
making the statement. The preamble and operative sections then describe the current situation and actions that the
committee will take.

A draft resolution must gain the support of half of the member states in the committee before it can be approved
by the Chair. The Chair will read the draft resolution to ensure that it is relevant and in proper format. Once
approved the Chair will circulate copies to all members of the committee for further consideration and potential
amendments.
Who: The Draft Resolution comprises sponsors and signatories. Any delegate in the committee
can write a resolution. The author of a resolution is called a sponsor. Most resolutions have
multiple sponsors because it takes a group of countries to share good ideas and to come to a
consensus. To be a sponsor means that you are one of the major countries who have contributed
massively to the draft resolution.

To be a signatory means that you have agreed to read this draft resolution and discuss it in
committee but have no other function towards the forgiven document.

What: A resolution is a document containing all the issues the committee wants to solve and
the proposed solutions to those issue. It’s called a resolution because that’s what the United
Nations calls the documents they produce.

Technically, the resolution should be called a draft resolution before it is voted upon and then
called a resolution after it is successfully passed during the voting bloc.
When/Where: Most conferences require students to write resolutions during the conference.
Specifically, resolutions are usually written during unmoderated caucus.

Resolution-writing becomes more focused during the latter sessions of the committee when
different country policies are clear and different ideas have been mentioned already. These
conferences will not allow any pre-written resolutions.

Why: The ultimate purpose of a committee session is to pass a resolution. All the speeches,
debate, negotiation, and teamwork is supposed to lead up to a resolution that contains all the
proposed solutions to the issue.
The resolution(s) that the majority of the committee agrees upon will be passed during voting
bloc and the sponsors will be informally commended for building consensus on good ideas
Order Of Draft Resolutions

If two or more draft resolutions relate to the same question, the committee shall vote on the
resolutions in the order in which they have been submitted.

Format of Draft Resolution

(Name of the MUN must be on the top right hand corner)

Heading can be anything (for example -Draft Resolution 1.0)
Sponsors: xyz
Signatories : abc
Agenda : 123
The above explained format is the beginning of the draft resolution. For the following
information, follow and adhere to this format strictly, as even the slightest of the
mistakes is enough to scrape off the complete draft resolution.
Clauses in a Draft Resolution
There are 2 types of clauses in a DR : Preambulatory clause and Operative clause

In preambulatory clause you reaffirm what has already been done by the international
community but in operative you showcase your own solutions.

● Never put a full stop in a DR apart from the end of the DR. Anything written in the
resolution after the full stop will not be considered. The resolution will be cut off after
the full stop.
● Always put , (comma) at the end of preambulatory clauses
● Always put ; (semi-colon) at the end of the operative clauses.
● You need to begin with Italics in Operative clauses.
● You need to underline the Preambulatory clause
● In a draft resolution you need to be cognisant of certain terms like reaffirming,
recognising, encouraging, urges, recommends.
 Preambulatory Clauses :

The preambulatory clauses states all the issues that the committee wants to resolve on this issue. It may state
reasons why the committee is working on this issue and highlight previous international actions on the issue.
Preambulatory clauses are supposed to be underlined and added at the beginning of the resolution.

Preambulatory clauses can include:

• Past UN resolutions, treaties, or conventions related to the topic

• Past regional, non-governmental, or national efforts in resolving this topic
• References to the UN Charter or other international frameworks and laws
• Statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency
• General background info formation or facts about the topic, its significance, and its impact.
 Operative Clauses

Operative clauses state the solutions that the sponsors of the resolution proposes to resolve the issues. The
operative clauses should address the issues specifically mentioned in the pre-ambulatory clauses above it.
Operative clauses tell us how to solve the problem (ex. Urges countries to, Must, etc.) It actually gives solutions
and is the most important part of the resolution.

Each operative clause begins with a verb (called an operative phrase) and ends with a semicolon. Operative clauses
should be organized in a logical progression, with each containing a single idea or proposal, and are always
numbered. If a clause requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off by letters or roman numerals can also be
used. After the last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period.
Operative clauses should not be underlined but they should be italicized and added in the end.
 Amendments

● Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a written statement that
adds, deletes or changes an operative clause in a draft resolution. The amendment process is used to
strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to change the operative clauses (the pre-
ambulatory clauses can not be modified).
● MUN amendment is when you:
1. Add a new clause
2. Remove a clause
3. Change text in an existing clause
Types of Amendments:

There are two types of amendments: friendly and unfriendly.

Friendly Amendments:
● A friendly amendment is what it sounds like. If an amendment author introduces it as a friendly amendment
and all of the resolution’s sponsors agree to it, the amendment will automatically become a part of the
resolution.
● There is usually nothing too controversial about friendly amendments. Most of the time they will be
accepted by all parties and the Chair and become a part of the draft resolution.
Unfriendly Amendments:
● An unfriendly amendment is a change that one, or more, of the resolution’s sponsors, do not agree with.
For an unfriendly amendment to be accepted for debate, it will need a certain percentage of the committee to
sign off on it (the Rules of Procedure should state the percentage needed).
● Unfriendly amendments will be open to debate. Time during the speaker’s list and caucusing can be
dedicated to unfriendly amendments.
Voting On Unfriendly Amendments

● During the voting procedure on a substantive proposal, unfriendly amendments to a

resolution shall be voted on first.
● When two or more amendments are proposed to a resolution, consequently, the
committee shall first vote on the amendment that creates the greatest change to the draft
resolution, as deemed by the Chair, and then the amendment that creates the second
greatest change to the resolution. This process continues until all amendments are voted
upon.
● Where, however, the adoption of the amendment necessarily implies the rejection of
another amendment (as decided by the Chair), the latter amendment shall not be put to a
vote. If one or more amendments are adopted, the amended proposal shall then be voted
upon.
● Amendment voting is a substantive procedure and adoption requires the simple majority
consent of the delegations present.
Passage Of Resolutions

If a vote does not result in a simple majority in favor, the resolution shall be regarded as
rejected.
A simple majority requires fifty percent of the members present during the last role call, plus
one.
Example: 99 members present requires 49.5 (50%) + 1= 50.5=51 affirmative votes.
 What we expect from this committee:

● We expect a proper resolution and amendments can be made if required.

● You should be dressed in a proper attire and good behaviour/diplomacy must be followed.
● Make sure you refer self in third person and don’t use personal pronouns and refer fellow delegates as
delegate of their country.
● We also expect you to come well prepared as we strive towards a fruitful session in committee.
● The EB expects a minimum of 3 moderated caucuses per day. You will need to raise an unmoderated
caucus on day 2 for discussion of resolution.
THANK YOU