24 th february 2010 pre-summit training session (writing a declaration)
TRANSCRIPT
24th February 2010Pre-Summit Training Session
(Writing a Declaration)
Timothy YapDeputy Secretary-General
AgendaAgenda
WHAT IS A DECLARATION?WHAT IS A DECLARATION?
One (very) long sentenceE.g. UDHR In MAS: To state a country’s stance and course of action on a certain issueLine space between each clauseAcronyms and abbreviations have to be written out in full the first time they are usedSchool names DO NOT appear on resolution
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
Submitters’ List
Preamble (Preambulatory clauses)
Operative clauses
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
E.g. Main Submitter (drafter of declaration) : Russian FederationQuestion (issue at hand) : The question of the adoption of an international framework for sustainable development in view of climate change.
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
E.g. Co-Submitters (delegations approving for the declaration to be debated): Ukraine, India, Sudan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Greece
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
Known as “Preamble”Gives an overview of the background of the problemEstablishes a reasoning behind the calls for action in the operative clauses
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES: As stated above, the preambulatory clauses are a series of sentence fragments which denote the reasons for taking action. These should not propose any action. They should begin with a preambulatory phrase (which should be underlined), a list of which is provided below, have a line spacing between each clause, and end with a comma. Expressing its appreciation of the work of UNICEF in promoting the rights of children in poverty-stricken countries and especially in Sub-Saharan Africa,
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
E.g. (Given a topic on Climate Change/Sustainable development) Alarmed by the emerging climate change crisis and the possible adverse effects and trends of global warming such as rises in sea levels and severe damages to the climate system,Aware of the pertinence of sustainable development in the face of climate change,Deeply disturbed by the Earth’s rapidly depleting natural resource base,Recognizing the need for more international cooperation over and above the individual efforts displayed by countries,Recalling the Kyoto Protocol, which was introduced on 11 December 1997 to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and engage in emissions trading if countries maintain or increase emissions of these gases,
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
Operative ClausesSolution to issue at hand Must be specific (explain details and feasibility of
solution) Calls for concrete action Addressing NGOs or countries involved and stating
their participation in the resolution Showing benefits to be gained and encouraging
countries and NGOs to support it
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
OPERATIVE CLAUSES: Again, as earlier stated, the operative clauses are a series of sentence fragments which propose action on the issue of discussion. These should be numbered and should begin with an operative phrase (which should, once again, be underlined, and a list of which is provided later), have a line spacing between each clause. Each clause should end with a semi-colon, except for the last clause which should end with a full stop. Sub-clauses should be numbered a), b), c) and so on, and sub-sub clauses should be numbered i), ii), iii) etc. E.g.:
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
Operative clauses and sub clauses are indented
1. Sub clauses are lettered ie: a,b a. Sub clause 1 b. Sub clause 2;
2. Sub-sub clauses to be numbered ie: i, ii b. Sub clause 2
i. Sub-sub clause 1.
DRAFTING A DECLARATIONDRAFTING A DECLARATION
E.g.:1. Calls for the creation of an International Fund to
Rehabilitate Child Soldiers (IFRCS), under the auspices of UNICEF, in order to:a. Provide basic necessities for ex-child soldiers who
have been rescued by volunteers/UNICEF, including but not limited to:
i. Food, water, lodging and healthcareb. Provide psychological counselling for ex-child
soldiers;
STAGES OF WRITINGSTAGES OF WRITING
Pre-conferenceDeveloping a policy statement and formulating delegation’s stand on the issueDrafting of declaration
STAGES OF WRITINGSTAGES OF WRITING
During the ConferenceLobbying
Diplomatic, informal interaction with other delegates to win support for the drafted declarationDiscussing and merging ideas with other delegatesConvincing other delegates of your declarationLooking for co-submitters
Receiving approval from chair Debating (and passing) of declaration
PASSING A DECLARATIONPASSING A DECLARATION
Registration for vetting by Approval PanelConsists of SG, DSG and SD for HCMAS
Requires a consensus to pass in the forum
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGeneral Tips
Write operative clauses first, preambles serve only to contextualize the operative clausesUse introductory phrases appropriatelyMark out clearly the benefits for the countries and NGOs involvedShow a clear and feasible course of action
Things to considerRead through every clauseBe open to new suggestions and ideas Take note of the concerns of other countriesBe aware of religious or social sensitivities
