Delegates

guide
1

Content
This Guide contains all the information you
need to help you succeed in your role as a
Delegate in any MUN Conference.
Content

Page Number

Introduction

Research

Points

Motions

6-7

Opening Speech

Resolution Writing

Amendments

10

Dress code

11

General Rules

12

Presentation

13

Appendix.

14-19

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om

Introduction
Model United Nations (also Model UN or
MUN) is an academic simulation of the
United Nations that aims to educate
participants about current events, topics in
international relations, diplomacy and the
United Nations agenda.

What Does a
Delegate do?
A Delegate at a MUN conference takes
the role of a diplomat representing a
country in a specific council, you would
present an opening speech, debate on
resolutions (Solutions of Issues) and
work alongside others to solve the
issues.

Research
Model UN Preparation
The first step in preparing for a rewarding Model
UN experience is to gather information. Give
yourself plenty of time before a conference to
research, read and then formulate your
arguments. Use the Internet for the majority of
your research, The internet is a sea of
information !
While conducting research, try to keep in mind
that your primary goal is to represent your
country as realistically as possible. To do so, you
will need to research three different areas. Follow
these links for tips on researching each of the
three components:
Your country and its positions;
The issues to be debated at the
conference; and
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 The UN system.

Points
Point

Description
Used to alert chair of
the delegates physical
discomfort such as
inability to hear the
speech.
After a delegate has
given a speech, he/she
may receive points of
information in forms of
questions from other
delegates.
Used when a delegate
believes a chair has
made a mistake in the
committee. The
delegates must not
include anything related

Point of Personal
Privilege

Point Of Information

Point of Order

to the subject matter.

Point of parliamentary
inquiry

Used to ask questions

regarding the rules of
procedure. (May not
interrupt speaker)

Proposing a point
A delegate may propose a point by raising his/her
placard and stating the nature of the point.

Motions
Motion
Motion to extend the
debate

Description
This motion extends the
time set for the current
debate time, allowing
more opportunities for
speeches on a
resolution or clause. It
should be proposed as
soon as the allotted
time for debate ends.
This motion ends the
current debate time on

Move to voting
procedure
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an issue, directly
initiating voting
procedure on that
issue. It may be
proposed during any
debate time (without
interruption)
This motion calls for an
explanation from a
voting side to explain
the reason behind an
individual vote. The
chairpersons pick a
delegate from each
voting category (for,
against, and
abstention) to explain,
at the podium, the
motives behind their
choice of vote on the
issue. The selected
delegates may be
volunteers, random
selections, or specific
exceptions.
This motion calls for a
temporary recess, or
break, from formal
debate to allow

Motion to explain vote

Motion to recess

delegates to participate
in a lunch or coffee
break. This motion
should not be abused
and if it is, may be
suspended within a
council by a chair.
In the event of a tied
vote, division of house
will result in voting with
for and against
without abstentions.
This motion is called for
at the end of a
conference in order to
close an entire session.

Motion to divide the

House

Motion to adjourn

Proposing a motion
A delegate may propose a motion in the same
way he/she may propose a point:
By raising his/her placard and stating the nature
of the motion. Motions may be made during a
debate or following voting procedure.

Opening Speeches
The committees first start by the opening
speeches, where it is customary to address the
chairs, delegates and guests present by saying:
Your excellencies, Mr/Madam Chairperson,
fellow delegates and honoured guests.
Then go on to the main body of your speech. The
main body of your speech should address the
issue on the agenda your Delegation feels most
strongly about. Keep it diplomatic and
concentrate on getting one single message
across.
-Also, the opening speech should cover one
minute only, the delegate will be interrupted if
he/she exceeds the time limitation.
You may Include the following:
First paragraph: Short introduction on country
and Position. (Not required, although highly
recommended as it shows knowledge and effort
made to research)
Second Paragraph and Beyond: Address the
issue and stating its importance. Most
conferences have two Issues/Topics, although
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some would have three, Address all Issues in the

opening speech.

Resolution Writing
Be sure to follow the format for resolutions
provided by the conference organizers. Each
conference may have a slightly different format.
(Usually the same, ask Chairs for details)
Create a detailed resolution. For example, if
your resolution calls for a new program, think
about how it will be funded and what body will
manage it.
Try to cite facts whenever possible.
Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your
resolution that cannot be met. Make sure your
body can take the action suggested. For
example, the General Assembly can't sanction
another country only the Security Council can
do so.
Try to find multiple sponsors. Your
committee will be more likely to approve the
resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas.

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 Preambulatory clauses are historic

justifications for action. Use them to cite past
resolutions, precedents and statements about the
purpose of action.
Operative clauses are policies that the
resolution is designed to create. Use them to
explain what the committee will do to address
the issue.

Amendments
Approved draft resolutions are modified through
amendments. An amendment is a written
statement that adds, deletes or revises an
operative clause in a draft resolution. The
amendment process is used to strengthen
consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates
to change certain sections. There are two types
of amendments:

An amendment is a change to the draft

resolution. After the amendment is voted upon
and signed by all of the draft resolution's
sponsors and approved by the committee
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director or president, it will be automatically

incorporated into the resolution. Majority Votes
Required.

Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee

represent a great deal of debate and
compromise. They are the tangible results of
hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a result,
it is important to become familiar with the
resolution process and practice drafting
resolutions using the proper structure and
wording.

Dress Code
Females:
1. Formal pantsuit or skirt-suit.
2. The skirt/dress must not be shorter than 3 cm
above the knee.
3. Stockings compensate for short skirts/dresses.
4. Any see-through clothing is inappropriate.
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5. High heels must be less than 7 cm high.

6. No Sleeveless dresses.
7. No Unusual/Neon colours or complex floral
designs.
Males:
1. A formal suit. (Buttoned shirt and jacket).
2. Dress shoes (black, brown, or grey) No
Sneakers.
3. No Unusual/Neon Colours.
4. Tie and Jacket Compulsory.

General Rules
1) All Delegates should be prepared for the
conference way ahead of time.

2) No lateness is accepted from anyone. If late,

you might not be allowed to attend the
conference.
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3) All Delegates must stay within the councils

during the conference.

4) All Delegates must take conferences seriously.

5) Any Disrespect for others is not accepted. The

Staff have all right to remove you from the
premises and ban you from attending future
conferences.

6) Delegates should not talk loudly, shout or do

anything that would be deemed as
inappropriate/immature.

Presentation
Delegates should familiarize themselves with
their speeches and practice, as practice improves
your style and gives tone and confidence. As
representatives of the United Nations, delegates
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should appear to be confident at all times. Eye

contact is supremely important. Delegates should
make eye contact at all times.

Tips
-Make sure the speech is understandable and
doest sound awkward.
-Take into account your countries point of view.
-Stick to the time limits.
-Practice a few times to become acquainted with
your speech. -Make eye contact at all times.
-Use hand gestures.
-Do not read the whole speech non-stop.
-It is not recommended that you memorize your
speech.

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Appendi
x

Sample resolution
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Main Submitter: The Delegate of Jordan 2

Co-Submitters: Bahrain 1, Lebanon, Tunisia 1, Tunisia
2, UAE, Algeria.
Issue #2: Implementation of a single region currency.
The Arab League,
Recognizing the Arabs Leagues previous work in the area of
development and the efforts made in the aims of achieving a
better economy.
Noting the Arab Leagues objective of improving the
economy of the region, Expressing concern over the
consequences of the failure of such a currency union,
Affirming the Arab leagues commitment towards ensuring
the benefit of economy through the promotion of new laws,
regulations and increased rights, etc.
Appreciating the fact that despite the challenges, the Arab
league has played a role in achieving significant progress in
the economic field,
Taking note of the fact that the success of the economy is
key in the success of a county and its development.
1) Requests that governments make the following decisions an
course of action:
a) Research into the current economic state: i) Strength of the
current currency ii) The GDP of the countries
b) Recommends to use this data used for the benefit of the
proposed currency union to decide; i) Whether It is appropriate
and effective for their native economy; ii) How it would affect
the world economy;
2) Encourages that all member to look into whether a panArab currency would affect their counties economy in the
future;
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a) This would help countries decide whether its an appropriate

course of action at the time;
b) This would help ensure that in the future, the countries
economy would not decline and effect their GDP.
3) Requests governments to consider including the following
courses of action to prevent the proposed currency to affect
their economy;
a) Proposed sub-divisions;
i) Which would prevent LEDCs from being controlled by MEDCs;
ii) To prevent a crisis similar to the Euro-Zone crisis;
b) These sub-divisions would include countries in a similar
economic state;
4) Supports governments to share ideas and collaborate with
other governments, organizations which will help benefit all
countries and help gain a better understanding of the issue;
5) Suggests an alternative to the arab league currency which
would;
a) Include a separate currency for the GCC countries, African
regions and other areas;
i) Separating this would speed up plans as; (a) The area would
be smaller; (b) The demand of currency, loans, etc. would be
less
ii) Balance the economic state of the countries, without there
being any major differences;
iii) This would also help LEDS get their economy to start to
improve;
6) Suggests the bank be centralized in an area which;
a) Could handle the heavy burden of the finances of a large
area
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b) Wouldnt be In the highest developed nor the lowest;

7) Urges governments to take into consideration the negative
effects of the proposed currency,:
a) Which would evaluate further;
i) Whether it is a good idea to go through with the plans;
ii) Whether it is possible to go through with the plans.

Sample opening speeches

Your Excellencies; mister and madam chairperson; fellow
delegates; and honoured guests;
Since its independence from the British crown, the Hashemite
kingdom of Jordan has developed greatly in the fields of
democracy and human rights. Its economy has thrived with its
oil exports and with more free trade agreements than any other
Arab country in the region.
The Hashemite kingdom of Jordan believes that the issue of
Human rights of migrant workers in the region is an extremely
important one, as most Arab counties depend heavily on
foreign labour, and all humans should be treated equally
without prejudice.
The Hashemite kingdom of Jordan believes that the
implementation of a single region currency could help the
economy in many ways. A single currency would be more
stable and would unleash a greater potential for growth and
would increase and encourage trade within the region.

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Your Excellencies, Mr /Madam Chairperson, fellow delegates,

honoured guests:
Luxembourg, a highly developed, stable constitutional
monarchy and parliamentary democracy is known to be one of
the smallest countries in Europe. For as when the UN signed a
charter on the 26th of June 1945, Luxembourg became one of
the smallest founding members of the UN, which had
eventually led to a flourishing and prosperous future.
Furthermore, Luxembourg believes in an essential health care
that should be distributed towards all classes in a community.
Luxembourg also strongly advises that it should be shared
equally to all parts of the nations, especially under developed
countries with lacking necessities such as health care.
Healthcare is a necessity to every individuals life in order to
survive, and the UN ensures that the issues tackled revolving
this aspect is to be developed and strongly believes in it. The
UN believes in every individuals right when it comes to
healthcare, embracing it and always makes sure that it is one
step ahead in developing it and tackling its issues.

Preambulatory clause
phrases
Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving

Expecting
Expressing its
appreciation
Expressing its
satisfaction
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Having received
Having studied
Keeping in mind

Aware of
Fulfilling
Bearing in mind Fully alarmed
Believing
Confident
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply
concerned
Deeply
conscious
Deeply
convinced
Deeply
disturbed
Desiring
Emphasizing
Taking note

Noting with regret

Noting with deep
concern
Fully aware
Noting with
satisfaction
Fully believing
Noting further
Further deploring Noting with
approval
Further recalling Observing
Guided by
Reaffirming
Having adopted
Realizing
Having
considered
Having
considered
further
Having devoted
attention
Having examined
Having heard
Taking with
appreciation

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Recalling
Recognizing

Referring
Seeking
Taking into
account
Taking into
consideration
Welcoming

Operative clause
phrases
Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls upon
Condemns
Confirms
Congratulates
Considers
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its
appreciation
Expresses its hope

Further invites
Further proclaims
Further reminds
Further recommends
Further requests
Further resolves
Has resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Regrets
Reminds
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Trusts

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