delegate guide 2012

Rome Model United Nations 2012 Edition

DELEGATE PREPARATION

GUIDE

RomeMUN

19-23 MARCH 2012 Powered by


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Tentative Programme

MONDAY, MARCH 19 – LUISS Guido Carli University, Room Aula Magna, Viale

Pola 12

2.00 pm Delegates Registration

2.30/7.00 pm Opportunity Fair

3.30 pm Workshop “Youth and International Careers

7.00 pm Closing Cocktail

Moderator: Minister Stefano Baldi – Director of the Diplomatic Institute of the Italian Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and Author of “Carriere Internazionali”

Invited Speakers:

- Welcome Remarks:

Prof. Luigi Telò* - LUISS Guido Carli University

Gianni Alemanno* – Mayor of Rome

Dr. Daniela Conte- Giovani nel Mondo Association

- Keynote speech: Ambassador Giampiero Massolo – Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

- A career within the UN system:

With the participation of: UN/DESA, FAO, WFP, UNICEF, IFAD, UNICRI, UNRIC

*To be confirmed

Moderator: Lorenzo Valeri – Scientific Manager LUISS School of Government

- International Cooperation and Humanitarian Diplomacy:

With the participation of: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), EMERGENCY, AMREF,

FOCSIV, INTERSOS, OXFAM, CESVI

Opportunity fair:

UNDESA, WFP, IFAD, UNICRI, UNICEF

AMREF, FOCSIV, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS, AICEM,

EMERGENCY, ICU, ANIMOSA ONLUS, VIDES, GREENPEACE, NGO RESEARCH AND

COOPERATION, NATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE, AGENZIA NAZIONALE GIOVANI (Youth in

Action), FULBRIGHT COMMISSION, GO STUDY, BRITISH INSTITUTES, FESTIVAL OF

DIPLOMACY, SCAMBI EUROPEI, SoG, LUISS, GIOVANI NEL MONDO


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TUESDAY, MARCH 20 – European University of Rome,

Viale degli Aldobrandeschi, 190

9.30 am/11.00am Workshop on Rules of Procedures

11.30/1.30 pm Coffee Break + Meeting with Embassies based in Rome

1.30 pm Light Lunch

2.30 / 5.00pm Committees Session I

5.00/5.30 pm Coffee Break

6.00 p.m./7.00 pm Committees Session II

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 - European University of Rome,


9.30 am/11.00 am Committees Session

11:30 am/1 pm Committees Session

1.00 pm Light Lunch

3.00 pm/ 5.00pm Committees Session


6.00 p.m./7.00 pm Committees Session

THURSDAY, MARCH 22 - European University of Rome,


9.30 am/11.00 am Committees Session

11:30/ 1.00 pm Committees Session

1.00 pm Light Lunch

2.30 / 5.00 pm Committees Session


6.00 p.m./7.00 pm Committees Session

7.00 pm Delegate dance party

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, UNIVERSITY PONTIFICIA LATERANENSE,

Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4 Vatican City

10:00/11:00 am Closing Ceremony RomeMUN: Imaging new ways of development

11.30 am/1.00 pm RomeMUN TV News Report/Youth Associations Contacts/Award Assignment


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Workshop: New images for our future: development-resources-cooperation.

- Welcome Remarks:

S.E. Mons. Enrico dal Covolo SDB, Rector Pontificia Università Lateranense

- Keynote speech: Mr Christopher Prentice, British Ambassador to Italy

With the participation of: Festival of Diplomacy

PLEASE NOTE: During RomeMUN we will try to put all delegates in contact with relevant experts

from international organizations, so we are organizing some meetings in institutional buildings

present here in Rome and other similar activities. More information about those sessions will be

available soon.


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Contents

RESEARCH AND PREPARATION FOR ROMEMUN 2012 ............................................................................................. - 9 -

1. Study the structure and history of the United Nations ............................................................................................ - 17 -

2. Understanding what a Model United Nations conference is................................................................................... - 18 -

3. Study the structure and history of the GA Plenary .................................................................................................. - 18 -

SEGMENT I: INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Presented by Ambassador

Ahmad Kamal ............................................................................................................................... - 19 -

SEGMENT III: INTERVIEW WITH AMBASSADORS TO THE GA Featuring Ambassador Sir

Jeremy Greenstock (United Kingdom) and Ambassador Ahmed Aboul Gheit (Egypt) ................ - 19 -

SEGMENT IV: INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE GA Featuring H.E. Mr. Han

Seung-Soo, President of the 56th GA ........................................................................................... - 19 -

4. Understand the politics of your assigned Member-State ........................................................................................ - 19 -

5. Focus on the Agenda Topics ................................................................................................................................... - 20 -

6. Prepare a Position Paper ....................................................................................................................................... - 21 -

Position Paper Example ............................................................................................................... - 22 -

Awards criteria for RomeMUN position papers: .................................................................................... - 25 -

7. ROMEMUN RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES ........................... - 26 -

GENERAL RULES ........................................................................................................................ - 26 -

RULE 1: SCOPE .................................................................................................................................... - 26 -

RULE 2: LANGUAGE .......................................................................................................................... - 26 -

RULE 3: DELEGATIONS ..................................................................................................................... - 26 -

RULE 4: CREDENTIALS ..................................................................................................................... - 26 -

RULE 5: PARTICIPATION OF NON-MEMBERS .............................................................................. - 26 -

RULE 6: STATEMENTS BY THE SECRETARIAT ........................................................................... - 26 -

RULE 7: GENERAL POWERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY STAFF ....................................... - 26 -

RULE 8: QUORUM ............................................................................................................................... - 27 -

RULE 9: COURTESY............................................................................................................................ - 27 -

RULES GOVERNING DEBATE ................................................................................................... - 28 -

RULE 10: AGENDA .............................................................................................................................. - 28 -

RULE 11: DEBATE ............................................................................................................................... - 28 -

RULE 12: UNMODERATED CAUCUS ............................................................................................... - 28 -

RULE 13: MODERATED CAUCUS .................................................................................................... - 29 -


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RULE 14: CLOSURE OF DEBATE ...................................................................................................... - 29 -

RULE 15: SUSPENSION OR ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING ............................................... - 29 -

RULE 16: POSTPONEMENT AND RESUMPTION OF DEBATE .................................................... - 29 -

RULE 17: RULES GOVERNING SPEECHES ..................................................................................... - 29 -

RULES GOVERNING POINTS .................................................................................................... - 30 -

RULE 18: POINTS OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE ............................................................................... - 30 -

RULE 19: POINTS OF ORDER ............................................................................................................ - 30 -

RULE 20: POINTS OF PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY ...................................................................... - 30 -

RULES GOVERNING THE PATH TO A DRAFT RESOLUTION ............................................... - 30 -

RULE 21: WORKING PAPERS ............................................................................................................ - 30 -

RULE 22: DRAFT RESOLUTIONS ..................................................................................................... - 30 -

RULE 23: INTRODUCTION OF DRAFT RESOLUTIONS ................................................................ - 31 -

SEGMENT II: DRAFTING OF UN RESOLUTIONS & DECISIONS Presented by Mr. Jean Gazarian ............ - 31 -

RULE 24: AMENDMENTS .................................................................................................................. - 31 -

RULES GOVERNING VOTING ................................................................................................... - 32 -

RULE 25: PROCEDURAL VOTING .................................................................................................... - 32 -

RULE 26: SUBSTANTIVE VOTING ................................................................................................... - 32 -

RULE 27: VOTING ............................................................................................................................... - 32 -

RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR SECURITY COUNCIL .......................................................................... - 33 -

I. MEETINGS .................................................................................................................................. - 33 -

RULE 1 ................................................................................................................................................... - 33 -

RULE 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... - 33 -

RULE 3 ................................................................................................................................................... - 33 -

RULE 4 ................................................................................................................................................... - 33 -

RULE 5 ................................................................................................................................................... - 33 -

II. AGENDA .................................................................................................................................... - 34 -

RULE 6 ................................................................................................................................................... - 34 -

RULE 7 ................................................................................................................................................... - 34 -

RULE 8 ................................................................................................................................................... - 34 -

RULE 9 ................................................................................................................................................... - 34 -

RULE 10 ................................................................................................................................................. - 34 -

RULE 11 ................................................................................................................................................. - 34 -


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RULE 12 ................................................................................................................................................. - 34 -

III. REPRESENTATION AND CREDENTIALS ..................................................................................... - 35 -

RULE 13 ................................................................................................................................................. - 35 -

RULE 14 ................................................................................................................................................. - 35 -

RULE 15 ................................................................................................................................................. - 35 -

RULE 16 ................................................................................................................................................. - 35 -

RULE 17 ................................................................................................................................................. - 35 -

IV. PRESIDENCY ............................................................................................................................. - 35 -

RULE 18 ................................................................................................................................................. - 35 -

RULE 19 ................................................................................................................................................. - 36 -

RULE 20 ................................................................................................................................................. - 36 -

V. SECRETARIAT ............................................................................................................................ - 36 -

RULE 21 ................................................................................................................................................. - 36 -

RULE 22 ................................................................................................................................................. - 36 -

RULE 23 ................................................................................................................................................. - 36 -

RULE 24 ................................................................................................................................................. - 36 -

RULE 25 ................................................................................................................................................. - 36 -

RULE 26 ................................................................................................................................................. - 37 -

VI. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS ........................................................................................................... - 37 -

RULE 27 ................................................................................................................................................. - 37 -

RULE 28 ................................................................................................................................................. - 37 -

RULE 29 ................................................................................................................................................. - 37 -

RULE 30 ................................................................................................................................................. - 37 -

RULE 31 ................................................................................................................................................. - 37 -

RULE 32 ................................................................................................................................................. - 37 -

RULE 33 ................................................................................................................................................. - 38 -

RULE 34 ................................................................................................................................................. - 38 -

RULE 35 ................................................................................................................................................. - 38 -

RULE 36 ................................................................................................................................................. - 38 -

RULE 37 ................................................................................................................................................. - 38 -

RULE 38 ................................................................................................................................................. - 39 -

RULE 39 ................................................................................................................................................. - 39 -

VII. VOTING ................................................................................................................................... - 39 -


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RULE 40 ....................................................................................................................................... - 39 -

VIII. LANGUAGE ............................................................................................................................. - 39 -

RULE 41 ................................................................................................................................................. - 39 -

RULE 42 ................................................................................................................................................. - 39 -

RULE 43 ................................................................................................................................................. - 39 -

RULE 44 ................................................................................................................................................. - 39 -

RULE 45 ................................................................................................................................................. - 40 -

IX. PUBLICITY OF MEETINGS, RECORDS ........................................................................................ - 40 -

RULE 46 ................................................................................................................................................. - 40 -

RULE 47 ................................................................................................................................................. - 40 -

RULE 48 ................................................................................................................................................. - 40 -

RULE 49 ................................................................................................................................................. - 40 -

RULE 50 ................................................................................................................................................. - 40 -

RULE 51 ................................................................................................................................................. - 40 -

RULE 52 ................................................................................................................................................. - 41 -

RULE 53 ................................................................................................................................................. - 41 -

RULE 54 ................................................................................................................................................. - 41 -

RULE 55 ................................................................................................................................................. - 41 -

X. RELATIONS WITH OTHER UNITED NATIONS ORGANS .............................................................. - 41 -

RULE 56 ................................................................................................................................................. - 41 -

FORMAT OF A DRAFT RESOLUTION ...................................................................................... - 43 -

SAMPLE DRAFT RESOLUTION ........................................................................................................ - 45 -

ORDER OF PRECEDENCE .................................................................................................................................................. - 47 -

GENERAL RULES ............................................................................................................................................................... - 48 -


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RESEARCH AND PREPARATION FOR ROMEMUN

2012

The RomeMUN Conference is an educational project with the purposes of:

1) Increasing the practical and experience-based approach to college study in Italy;

2) Providing delegates from different countries worldwide the possibility to acquire skills and

experience that will be useful both during and after college;

3) Bringing youth closer to the United Nations institutions and activities.

RomeMUN prides itself on realizing, for the second time in Rome, an international meeting which

allows hundreds of college-level students to address some of the most important and delicate issues

of our time.

In this guide you will find all the guidelines necessary in order to become a successful delegate.

However, be aware that in order to achieve this goal your contribution is essential, as it is the main

part of the conference.

Please note: the key to being a successful RomeMUN delegate is through your preparation before the

final conference

All MUN projects around the world are very complex, particularly for those who are experiencing

their first conference. With that said, this guide aims to give you the best tools in order to prepare

yourself.

If you have any questions or doubts about the content of this guide, please feel free to contact

RomeMUN staff for personal assistance, the following are the most useful contacts:

RomeMUN Executive Director (about the general organization)

Dr. Daniela Conte

[email protected]

RomeMUN Secretary General (about procedural aspects)

Dr. Sabika Zehra

[email protected]

General Assembly First Committee

Chair Ebenezer Essilfie-Nyame

Director Iglika Mancheva

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



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General Assembly Second Committee

Chair Aditi Agrawal

Director Donata Faccia

[email protected]

General Assembly Third Committee

Chair Adjei Maxwell

Director Made Handijaya Dewantara

[email protected]

Security Council

Chair Nihal Hatem Ezz

Director Donatella Gomez Paloma

[email protected]

Let‟s know better your chairs and directors!!

Sabika Zehra- Secretary General

I was born in India but have been raised in the Middle East. I

am currently pursuing my Bachelors in International Relations

and International Economics with a minor in Actuarial

Mathematics at the American University of Sharjah(AUS),

UAE. On campus, I work with the Student Leadership

Program and was on the Organizing Committee for the 2011

AUS Student Leadership Conference. I was selected to

represent India at the Global Village for Future Leaders of

Business and Industry (2011) in Pennsylvania, US.

My academic focus is on Development Economics. I have

interned at the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. I am involved in

several other micro-projects that deal with community

development. In addition to Development Economics, I am

also interested in International Humanitarian Law. I have participated in Moot Court competitions in

the United States of America. This year,I will be representing AUS at the Jessup Moot Court in

Washington D.C.

My experience with Model UN began while I was still in High School. Since then I have participated,

organized, chaired over 13 MUNs around the world. My participation in the Model UN in fact

shaped my choice of career in International Civil Service. I am currently the President of MUN

International Association at AUS. In this capacity, I select and train students to attend international

MUN competitions. Last year, I attended RomeMUN as a Delegate of Democratic Republic of

Congo and was awarded the "Most Outstanding Delegation". It was truly a great experience in a great

city. I am honored to be serving as the Secretary General for RomeMUN 2012. I am committed to




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make this Conference an enriching and memorable experience for all the participants. I look forward

to seeing you in March.

GA 1 Committee

Ebenezer Essilfie-Nyame was born and raised in Ghana. He is a

final year student studying his bachelor‟s degree in Environmental

Science at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Due to his

interest in the activities of the United Nations and Global issues,

Ebenezer has been engaging in Model UN activities since 2006

with both local and international participation as a delegate,

committee director, chair, rapporteur, General Assembly President

and Secretary General. He has helped to organize several MUN

programs in his country and trained a lot of students. For

Ebenezer, MUN has been a great breakthrough; as he has

developed important life skills, better understood the challenges

faced by communities around the world, met a lot of people

throughout the World, and inspired him to take up various actions

and leadership opportunities. Outside Model UN, he dedicates

most of his time to work with the United Nations High

Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representation in Ghana as

a volunteer, and serves as the Editor-In-Chief of “The Environ” Newsletter - an annual newsletter

which focuses on environmental issues and seeks to champion environmental stewardship in our

World today.

Sports also play an important role in his life with special interest in soccer – a „diehard‟ Barcelona f.c

supporter. Ebenezer is deeply humbled by the opportunity to chair the First Committee at Rome

MUN 2012 and sees this as a great networking and idea-sharing opportunity; because one day, not

too far off, many of us will receive the reigns from the current leaders and decision-makers and we

will be in charge of the future of our wonderful World.

Born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria, Iglika Mancheva is currently

pursuing a BA in International Affairs at John Cabot University in

Rome. Having graduated from the American College of Sofia,

Iglika has grown up in a multinational environment, and has

developed a profound interest in international politics.

After her first MUN experience at SOFIMUN in 2010, Iglika was

fascinated by the opportunities Model United Nations provide

students with in expanding their competence in international and

domestic politics, law, and economics. Since then, she has

participated in conferences across Europe.

Iglika is looking forward to a challenging learning experience at her

first RomeMUN conference. She is eager to meet young


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enthusiastic people from around the globe, and work together towards the building a better

tomorrow!

GA 2 Committee

Aditi Agrawal. I am a second year English literature student at Lady

Shri Ram College, Delhi University. I am also a social entrepreneur and

love working towards the development of society in any possible way. I

have co-founded ngo Fuel and worked with organizations such as Teach

For India and lets graduate. TFI was one of the most transformational

experiences of my life wherein I was responsible for twenty-six children

and it provided me with unparalleled leadership skills. I am also

interning with a social business called What‟s up Bharat which is

developing a “cool” platform to engage and empower the youth of India.

I am extremely passionate about MUNs and have participated in various

national and international conferences. I love everything about them- the

United Nations, the interaction with people of different cultures,

backgrounds, countries, the level of diplomacy and negotiations, the

debate and so on. I have been a delegate, an organizing committee

member, a chief editor and an executive board member at MUNs; however, my favourite role is that

of a delegate.

My name is Donata Faccia and I will be the Director for the

General Assembly 2 – the Economic and Financial committee at

RomeMUN 2012.

Please let me introduce myself. I‟m in my last year of the

Graduate Programme in Economics and Finance – Economics and

Public Finance pathway- at Padua University and I‟m working as

tutor in the School of Economics and Business Administration.

Before I graduated in Economics and Business (summa cum

laude).

During my bachelor studies I attended the International Summer

Programme in Management (Michigan University), I was an

intern in Regione Veneto and I was an Erasmus student in Austria.

I have previous experiences in RomeMUN conferences: I represented the delegation of Lesotho

during RomeMUN 2010 conference, when I was awarded as honourable mention delegation; last

year I worked during the RomeMUN 2011 edition as staff member and this year I‟m working as

North Italy coordinator.

As the Director of GA- 2 committee I will serve as expert on committee decisions and i wll be

responsible for overseeing the entire resolution process and approving draft resolutions.


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GA 3 Committee

I am Maxwell Adjei, you can simply call me Max. I was

born and raised in a city in Ghana called Kumasi. I am in

my final year at the University of Ghana pursuing a degree

in Political Science. My interest in International Relations

developed when I joined the United Nations Students

Association on University of Ghana campus. I played

several roles within this association and worked closely

with numerous Ambassadors and Diplomats representing

their countries in Ghana. I am currently the Conference and

Training Director of the association. In order to get a practical sense of activities within the UN, I

have attended numerous conferences organized by the United Nations University, Tokyo- Japan and

UNU-INRA. Over the years I have engaged myself in many MUNs both locally and internationally

playing roles as a delegate or official. In 2010, I led the Greek delegation as the Head Delegate to the

Global Model UN in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have been the Under Secretary General for

Conference Management and General Assembly at the Ghana International Model UN (GIMUN)

2010, a Conference Director at the GIMUN 2011 and a General Assembly Vice President at the

Global Model UN 2011. In 2011, I was a Co-Chairman of the Model African Union Summit

(MAUS) organized by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ghana. I was among the short listed 450 youth

around the world who took part in the International Students Festival in Trondheim, Norway in 2011.

My personal view of life is that with dedication, determination, and discipline, success is inevitable.

It is a pleasure for me to be able to devote myself

assisting you on the General Assembly 3, Rome

Model United Nations 2012, Italy. My name‟s Made

Handijaya Dewantara from Bali, Indonesia and I

humbly welcome you as Director on this council. I

have several Model UN experiences as part of official

and also as delegate, both in national and international

level. In some of those MUN‟s, I can reach honorable

mention as the best delegate. My international

conference experiences actually wasn‟t begun in

Model UN format and I‟ve seen there are so many

uniqueness also more learning points can be gained

through a Model UN conference. In my country, I

have several youth activities and some organization

experiences, which mostly related to social and

humanitarian fields. Currently, I‟m still a member of

Indonesian Future Leaders, Indo-Debaters, and other

regional and local youth organizations. Besides achievements in Model UN, I also have several

competition rewards, especially in scientific writing, debating, and essay writing competitions. I

assume that the moment would be very prestigious. This becomes very interesting because by


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following Rome MUN, we will not only learn how to involve in a world-class Model UN conference,

but also can share experiences and knowledge with the world's students with different backgrounds.

So, see you soon in Rome, the beautiful city in Italy.

Security Council

Nihal Hatem Ezz Model United Nations has been a new

experience within a concurrent aspect of my personality, that

concurrent aspect is my drive to develop my country through

MUN. I have been a student in different MUNs in Egypt

since high school; I can owe the development of my personal

and professional skills as well as the cultivation of my

political awareness to Model United Nations. 2011 was our

first year Cairo University‟s delegation (ALMUN) had the

chance to attend an international conference; NMUN, which

stipulates to me and all the ALMUN team a huge

accomplishment and a turning point in the role of ALMUN

in the Egyptian Society. In Egypt we are at times of

transition where all our values are questioned the most,

maintaining the assertiveness on ones goals becomes the

hardest challenge. Sending the first NMUN delegation was a

testament for our perseverance at the times of the revolution,

going through this challenge I became more committed to

help sending future delegations from Cairo University to NMUN and to have an active role in

NMUN.

My contribution to RomeMUN 2012 is a collection of every aspect of my personality, academic

background, culture and experience. My academic contribution as a chair will be of a diverse, holistic

nature for that my focus in University studies was statistics and its application in social sciences.

While my passion to Model United Nations and other political simulations ignited me to excel in the

area of political science and develop analytical skills as well as writing skills of political nature. This

contribution will entail the combination between the different experiences and positions I held in the

different activities and the initiatives I were part of during

my university study. In return this experience will

contribute to me in my personal development and in the

evolution of my participation in international conferences

and having the chance to give back in an outstanding venue.

For that my goals in life stipulate around helping my country

develop in the international arena, helping in the

organization and the realization of this conference will


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provide me with the qualifications and the stamina to achieve said goals.

Hello, my name is Donatella Gomez Paloma. I was born in Naples, Italy, and attended an English-

speaking school for most of my life. At the age of eighteen, I continued my college studies in Rome

where I started John Cabot University. Currently, I am a junior-level student majoring in

International Affairs, who wishes to become an International lawyer in the future. Last summer, I

participated in a summer session at Harvard University in Boston where I followed two fascinating

courses centered on Law and Psychology, and International Conflict and Cooperation. My

willingness in participating in Model United Nations, as a Secretary in my school's Club and in

conferences around Europe, derives from my strong interest in both Internationality and diplomacy. I

look forward to meeting all of the delegates!


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USEFUL REMINDER

In preparing for MUN it is useful to learn how to manage your time, as well as using smart study

habits. In studying smartly you must be ORGANIZED! Try using this method to help you prioritize

what you should be studying before the conference begins.

There are six main areas of research which should be addressed in the preparation process:

1. The structure and history of the United Nations

2. Understand what a Model United Nations conference is

3. Study the structure and history of the General Assembly (GA)

4. Understand the politics of your assigned Member-State*

5. Focus on the agenda topics from what is written in the background guides and beyond

6. Prepare a position paper outlining your Member State‟s policies towards the agenda topics

7. Understand the Rules of Procedures

How to find sources about these six main areas of research?

The RomeMUN background guides provide detailed explanations of topics as well as what has been

done by the GA sub-committees and Security Council to reach their goals. You will have to research

you country‟s position on all three topics in order to be able to participate successfully in the

conference.

*Remember, you are NOT representing your opinion!


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1. Study the structure and history of the United Nations

Use as references the UN Charter; here we quote only the Preamble of the Charter for all chapters see

http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/intro.shtml :

“WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED

to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has

brought untold sorrow to mankind, and

to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human

person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and

to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from

treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and

to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

AND FOR THESE ENDS

to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and

to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and

to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force

shall not be used, save in the common interest, and

to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social

advancement of all peoples,

HAVE RESOLVED TO COMBINE OUR EFFORTS TO ACCOMPLISH THESE AIMS

Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San

Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the

present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be

known as the United Nations.”1

Other useful sources:

United Nations website: http://www.un.org

On the Web site of the United Nations you can access individual committee sites, links

to specific issues on the UN’s agenda, related information and data, and links to Representations of

Member States to the UN, etc.

United Nations Bibliographic Information System: http://unbisnet.un.org/

This source is one of the most basic and useful sources, including UN documents, resolutions of UN

bodies, meeting and voting records or press releases.

United Nations WebTV: http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/preamble.shtml

This source is useful if you want to see with your eyes what really happens inside the UN bodies, the

most important meeting of UN are recorded here. To see the videos it is necessary to download Real

Player program.

1 Charter of the United Nations, UN official website, from http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/preamble.shtml

http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/intro.shtml


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2. Understanding what a Model United Nations conference is

Model UN Conferences are formative programs aimed to teach students the inner workings of the

United Nations. Participants represent member countries in a simulation-game of multilateral

diplomacy, reproducing the debate of one or more UN committees like real delegates. The aim of this

experience-based program is to find common and effective solutions on the agenda topics by signing

and approving a number of resolutions. Model UN conferences have been organized in many

countries all over the world; the most prestigious ones are based in New York at the official UN

building like the National Model United Nations. The history of the Italian participation to Model

UN is recent, that is why an official international MUN has never taken place in Rome before.

In an MUN conference delegates reproduce two main aspects of multilateral negotiations, the formal

and informal debate. Formal debate is a simulation of the committee‟s meetings where member states

express their own positions in front of the entire Assembly trough brief speeches (details on the rules

of procedures section); the informal debate is a way to speed up the process of debating; also called

with the parliamentary term “Caucus”, the informal debate is a procedural “time out,” where the

committee can break down into smaller groups for discussing the topic, drafting resolutions, or

debating the merits of various resolutions.

For a deeper look into MUN world see the video “Model United Nations for Everyone”.

3. Study the structure and history of the GA Plenary


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The RomeMUN 2012 conference will consist of the simulation of the following committees: General

Assembly 1-2-3- committees and Security Council, so it is necessary that everyone understands the

role and the history of one of those bodies of the United Nations.

Let‟s start screening the video about the UN GA, focus on Segment I, III, IV:

SEGMENT I: INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Presented by Ambassador Ahmad Kamal

This tape is an excellent introduction to the UN General Assembly, perfect for new students of the

UN or Model UN. Ambassador Kamal provides details and his personal insight on topics such as:

-Main organs of the UN and their functions

-Charter of the UN and rules of the GA

-Use of the rules to achieve Representatives' goals

-Rights of UN Member States

-Mechanics of debates in the GA

-And many more

Running time: 40 minutes

SEGMENT III: INTERVIEW WITH AMBASSADORS TO THE GA

Featuring Ambassador Sir Jeremy Greenstock (United Kingdom) and Ambassador Ahmed Aboul Gheit

(Egypt)

Ambassadors Greenstock and Aboul Gheit engage in a moderated discussion about diplomacy in the

UN GA. Topics of discussion include:

-What is the real importance of the GA?

-How important are individuals in molding GA resolutions?

-How important is negotiation in the GA?

-Can the UN learn any new procedures from Model UN students?

-And many more

This Segment is an excellent resource on diplomacy for both beginning and advanced audiences.


SEGMENT IV: INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE GA

Featuring H.E. Mr. Han Seung-Soo, President of the 56th GA

Ambassador Kamal and President Han discuss topics including:

-What is the President role in reconciling the conflicting national interests represented at the UN?

-How does the President provide leadership in the GA? How is this authority granted?

-What is the relationship between the GA and the Security Council?

-How did the events of 11 September 2001 impact the work and priorities of the GA?

This rare, taped footage of a General Assembly President is an excellent resource for any audience.


For more information see GA Plenary website http://www.un.org/ga/

4. Understand the politics of your assigned Member-State


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At the RomeMUN conference you are the representative of your assigned member state. DO NOT

FORGET IT!

One of the scopes of the simulation is to represent your member state as honestly and correctly as

possible. That is why it is so important that the most part of your individual research focuses on the

general overview of your country (populations, labor sectors, natural resources, type of government,

economy, position in the international arena, important alliances, economical and social issues), and

particularly about what your country has done regarding the three agenda topics.

The CIA World Fact Book (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/) provides

you a general presentation about your country. Your individual research must focus on what actions

your country as taken in the United Nations.

5. Focus on the Agenda Topics


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As a participant of any MUN conference you have to present a position paper before the beginning of

the conference. A position paper is a document in which you present the position of your member

state on the agenda topics. In order to write a strong position paper, you must understand the topics,

and know how your country feels about each topic, as well as any actions your country has taken in

favor or against each topic.

Our suggestion is to study topics one by one and then write down the position paper.

RomeMUN provides you the background guide with an introduction of each topic and an extensive

annotated bibliography. The guide represents an understanding of how each of the topics has been

addressed in the last year at the international level and particularly in the UN.

In order to exchange points of view with the other delegates attending RomeMUN and to receive

more information about the agenda topics, the RomeMUN team has set up an online forum. The

RomeMUN team will be hosting meetings on the forum for all of the delegates to participate in

throughout the end of February and the beginning of March. The forum can be found at this link

www.romemun.org/forum. (Detailed information about these meetings will be available as soon as

possible)

6. Prepare a Position Paper

ALL POSITION PAPERS MUST BE SENT BY MARCH 11TH

TO [email protected]

The following are the main guidelines for writing your position paper. All position papers will be

saved onto a CD; each delegation will receive a copy of this collection at the beginning of the

RomeMUN conference.

The position paper has to be prepared by each delegation; it is the summary of your country position

on the topics set in the agenda. The position paper is one of the most important parts of your

preparation. It is the beginning point of your research and one of the ways you will be presenting

your country‟s political position on the agenda topics. The best position paper will be awarded at the

closing ceremony of the conference. All papers must be formatted as following:

length must not exceed one double-spaced page or two single-spaced pages

font must be Times New Roman size 10 pt or 12 pt

your country name clearly labeled on the first page

each agenda topic should be clearly labeled

national symbols are inappropriate

The majority of your preparation time for the Conference will be spent researching your actual

committee topics. Search for speeches made by your country on the topic, as well as important

resolutions that were discussed.

What are you looking for in your research?



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Basic Questions:

1. Which is the focus of each of the topics?

2. Why are these issues important internationally? Especially for your country?

3. If this issue has been addressed previously by the GA or SC, why does it remain unresolved?

4. What are the most important resolutions on each topic? Is your country a signatory?

5. What actions have various international bodies taken in the past regarding these issues?

6. What actions are being taken, or what committees exist to address them?

7. What should be done from the perspective of your state to solve the issues?

Please note that your position paper must cover what the UN and your country have done

previously to address the matter, what is currently in place, and what is planned for the future.

Internal structure of the position paper:

1. Introduction: Historical excursus (in brief) and Focus on topic;

2. Problem analysis: Political relevance of the topic, actions taken in the past by your country,

Statements of political representatives of your country (Head of State, Ministries), reference to

previous agreements to implement or to modify;

3. Solutions and proposals: Possible solutions, strategies proposals and actions to be taken,

proposing at least one resolution, recommendation or declaration of principles, Cooperation with

regional or international organizations.

The Position Paper must be coherent:

-Internal coherence: logical evolvement of the essay, starting from the problem and ending with the

solutions

-External Coherence: declarations in line with the real politics of the represented country

An example of a position paper is on the next page.

Position Paper Example


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Delegation from Malaysia

Position Paper for General Assembly2

The topics before the General Assembly are: eradicate extreme hunger and poverty; protecting the earth facing the

climate change; the role of the youth in fostering intercultural dialogue. Malaysia is a affirm believer that a just and

equitable international system needs to be in place for nations to reach peace, security and to pursue economic

advancement. However, recent international events have dealt with the “3F” crises – fuel, food and finance adversely

affecting nations worldwide. These crises are the most visible evidences of how interdependent the community of nations

has become. Malaysia believes that the UN continues to be a relevant organization to provide a platform for nations

seeking collective solutions to global problems.

1. Eradicate the extreme hunger and poverty

For half of a century, Malaysia has been trying to promote just economic system, which guarantees equal opportunities

for every ethnic group. In fact, a priority for the government, as the Article 25 of the Universal Human Rights

Declarations states, is to ensure every citizen a high standard of life, and adequate social services including access to

food, clothing, housing, and medical care. Our progress to eradicate poverty and hunger has been demonstrated by the

most recent United Nation Development Program (UNDP) report; in fact the New Economic Plan (NEP) created in the

1970‟s built a strong economic system based on urbanization that has reduced the poverty trend. It is effectively known

that in 1970 half of our population lived below the poverty line, in 2005 just 5.5%. We appreciate the solutions brought

by the institution of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but these are not sufficient on their own. Respecting

one of the common goals to halve the hunger rate between 1990 and 2015, since 1993 Malaysia has reduced the

percentage of children under five years old who are underweight from 23.3% to 10.6%. This is only the first step of our

development strategy, our ambition is to improve the results achieved in these past few years. However we are convinced

that a better world can be built only with just and transparent laws. As underlined in the 2009 Non Aligned Movement

(NAM) summit in Sharm El Sheikh, there is an urgent need to reform the UN system to give more representation to every

member. An important agency like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is the expression of the global subordination

of developing countries under the current economic power. Many times the poorer countries remain with a growing debt

caused by the unsustainable rates of the loans given by the International Monetary Fund. It is deeply unfair that the

financial policies of this institution are under the unilateral oligopoly of few developed countries. Agreeing with

resolution A/64/418/Add.3, the issue of foreign debt is fundamental to cope with the problem of hunger and extreme

poverty, but it isn‟t a sufficient reason to get rid of the interest rates on low-income countries until 2011. The crisis we are

living in points out how in this system the poorest countries are the most affected. As reported by the Food and

Agricultural Organization (FAO) in the 2009 Rome summit report, the number of malnourished people across the globe

has increased from 824 million in 1992 to 963 million in 2007- 2008.

Asian and South Pacific countries have the highest number of hungry people: 642 million. These numbers make regional

cooperation fundamental in order to combat the food crisis. Because of the volatility of food prices, every nation with an

agriculture-based economy has suffered. For this reason, we want to discuss a reform of the global financial system that

could ensure effective rules on the protection of economies based on the agricultural production. Too often, food prices

have been used as an instrument for political and economic pressure and this is unacceptable. Food security and the

objective to eradicate extreme poverty are essential topics guarantying international peace and security.

2. Protecting earth, how to face climate change?

Climate change is already happening and represents one of the greatest environmental, social, and economic threats

facing the planet. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2007 (IPCC) and the report on the

Security implications on climate change for the UN system (2004) climate change has been causing: warmer

temperatures; more rainfall, more frequent and severe floods and droughts; rising sea levels, which are further expanded

by run off from melting continental ice fields; increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as

hurricanes and tornadoes; and extended ranges and seasons for tropical disease carriers. Malaysia is among the countries

most involved in working together with the UN to partially solve the problem of global warming by cutting greenhouse-

gas emissions (GHGs) and helping vulnerable nations adapt to the adverse consequences of global warming. Although we

2 This is one of position papers which received the Award as best position paper in RomeMUN 2010


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are a developing country with few resources, Malaysia is slowly achieving all of the MDG's concerning the matter of

protecting the environment. We ratified the Kyoto protocol in 2002 and have participated in the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and also ratified the Montreal Protocol concerning the Ozone

Depletion Substances (ODS) and are committed to these causes. Despite our efforts, Malaysia still remains one of the

most vulnerable nations facing climate change, as reported in the Executive Talk Global Warming: Climate Change

Adaptation organised by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD). For this reason Malaysia‟s intention is “to

balance the goals of socio-economic development and the maintenance of sound environmental conditions” as affirmed in

the First National Communication to the UNFCCC, which aims to continue our development but in a “sustainable” way.

Aiming to realize this goal, Malaysia not only strongly promotes to curb deforestation, as it releases harmful GHGs, and

in this way helps to preserve biodiversity as the cornerstone of its economy. Moreover, we would like to continue to use

our own natural resources towards Energy Efficiency (EE) and strengthen its commitment on the issue. Deeply conscious

of the fact that in the past few years our nation successfully initiated Renewable Energy projects, like the Renewable

Photovoltaic Energy agreement with Japan (as the climatic conditions in Malaysia are favourable for the development of

solar energy), the Biofuel Policy on Palm Oil and the Malaysian Building Integrated Photovoltaic Technology Application

Project (MBIPV). Referring to Article 4.7 of the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) by Developing

Countries and resolution A/63/L.8/Rev.1 of the 85th

General Assembly Plenary “it was vital that Member States,

particularly industrialized nations, promote sustainable development, while adhering to the principle of common but

differentiated responsibility, and fully implement Agenda 21 and other relevant development commitments”. Agreeing

with this, and despite the fundamental support of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Center for

Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia (CETDEM) Malaysia needs more help from the Climate Funds and

the Multilateral Climate Technology Fund (MCTF), to make our “sustainable” projects become realities. Above all we

would like to receive help from more developed countries.

PLEASE NOTE THAT U HAVE TO PREPARE ONE POSITION PAPER PER COMMITTEE, SO IF YOUR

COUNTRY IS REPRESENTED IN ALL THE 4 COMMITTEES U HAVE TO DO 4 POSITION PAPERS. EACH

POSITION PAPER WILL BE PREPARED BY THE ONE OR TWO MEMBERS OF EACH COMMITTEE.


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Awards criteria for RomeMUN position papers:

1. Overall quality of writing, proper style, grammar, etc.

2. Citation of relevant resolutions/documents

3. General Consistency with bloc/geopolitical constraints

4. Consistency with the constraints of the United Nations

5. Analysis of issue, rather than reiteration of the Committee Background Guide

6. Receipt of the position paper by March 11th (.doc or .pdf)

All position papers are due by the 11th

of March by email to [email protected], any late papers will

not be considered for an award.

PLEASE TITLE EACH E-MAIL/DOCUMENT WITH THE NAME OF THE COMMITTEE,

AND ASSIGNMENT NAME (Example: GA 1_NAMIBIA or SC_GABON)



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7. ROMEMUN RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE GENERAL

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES3

GENERAL RULES

RULE 1: SCOPE

These rules for the General Assembly are self-sufficient, except for modifications provided by the

Secretary General, and will be considered adopted in advance of session. No other rules of procedure

are applicable.

RULE 2: LANGUAGE

English will be the official and working language of the General Assembly.

RULE 3: DELEGATIONS

Each member state and Accredited Observer will be represented by one delegation. Each delegation

of a member state will be made up by one or two delegates. Each delegation shall have one vote.

RULE 4: CREDENTIALS

The credentials of all delegations have been accepted upon registration. Actions relating to the

modification of rights, privileges, or credentials of any member may not be initiated without the

written consent of the Secretary General. Any representative to whose admission a member objects

will provisionally be seated with the same rights as other representatives, pending a decision from the

Secretary General.

RULE 5: PARTICIPATION OF NON-MEMBERS

Representatives of Accredited Observers will have the same rights as those of full members, except

that they may not sign or vote on draft resolutions or amendments. A representative of a state

organization that is not a member of the United Nations or an Accredited Observer may address a

committee only with the prior approval of the Secretary General.

RULE 6: STATEMENTS BY THE SECRETARIAT

The Secretary General or a member of the Secretariat designated by him/her may at any time make

either written or oral statements to the General Assembly.

RULE 7: GENERAL POWERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY STAFF

The Chair will declare the opening and closing of each meeting and may propose the adoption of any

procedural motion to which there is no significant objection. The Chair, subject to these rules, will

have complete control of the proceedings at any meeting. The Chair will also direct discussions,

accord the right to speak, pose questions, announce decisions, rule on points of order and motions,

keep time and ensure the liveliness of the debate. The Chair may temporarily transfer his or her

duties to the Director, Assistant Director or Rapporteur.

The Director is responsible for overseeing the entire resolution process and approving draft

resolutions.

3 Part of Rules of Procedures are used with permission from World Model UN


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The Assistant Director is responsible for aiding the Director in the resolution process, specifically

with resolution formatting and non-substantive questions.

The Rapporteur is responsible for keeping the General Assembly in order by maintaining the

speakers‟ list, calling roll, and tracking all resolutions and votes.

General Assembly staff members may also advise delegations on the possible course of debate. In the

exercise of these functions, the General Assembly staff will be at all times subject to these rules and

responsible to the Secretary General.

RULE 8: QUORUM

The Chair may declare the General Assembly open and permit debate to proceed when at least one-

quarter of the members of the General Assembly (as declared at the beginning of the first session) are

present.

A member of the General Assembly is a representative who is officially registered with the

Conference. The presence of a majority of the members will be required for the vote on any

substantive motion. A quorum will be assumed to be present unless specifically challenged and

shown to be absent. A roll call is never required to determine the presence of a quorum.

RULE 9: COURTESY

Delegates will show courtesy and respect to the General Assembly staff and to other delegates. The

Chair will immediately call to order any delegate who fails to comply with this rule.


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RULES GOVERNING DEBATE

RULE 10: AGENDA

The first order of business for the General Assembly will be consideration of the Agenda.

A motion should be made to put a topic area first on the agenda. This motion requires a

second.

The only topic areas that may be proposed for the agenda are those listed in the preparation

materials. The Chair may modify these topic areas at his or her discretion.

A committee in which only one topic area may be proposed for the agenda will be considered

to have automatically adopted that topic area without debate.

A Speakers List will be established „for‟ and „against‟ the motion; speakers „for‟ will speak in

support of the topic area suggested, speakers „against‟ will speak in favor of the other topic

area.

A motion to close debate will be in order after the General Assembly has heard from two

speakers for the motion and from two against, or all the speakers on one side and at least two

on the opposite side. In accordance with the normal procedure described in Rule 14, the Chair

will recognize two speakers against the motion to close debate, and a vote of two-thirds is

required for closure of debate on the agenda. If the Speakers List on setting the agenda is

exhausted, debate will automatically be closed even if a motion to close debate would not

normally be in order.

When debate is closed, the General Assembly will move to an immediate vote on the motion.

A simple majority is required for passage. If the motion fails, the other topic area will

automatically be placed first on the agenda.

RULE 11: DEBATE

After the Agenda has been determined, one continuously open Speakers List will be established for

the purpose of general debate. This Speakers List will be followed for all debate on the Topic Area,

except when superseded by procedural motions, amendments, or the introduction of a draft

resolution. Speakers may speak generally on the Topic Area being considered and may address any

draft resolution currently on the floor. Debate automatically closes when the Speakers List is

exhausted.

RULE 12: UNMODERATED CAUCUS

A motion for an unmoderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of

debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly explain its purpose and specify a time limit for

the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes. The motion will immediately be put to a vote. A majority

of members is required for passage. The Chair may rule the motion out of order.


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RULE 13: MODERATED CAUCUS

The purpose of the moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive debate at critical junctures in the

discussion. In a moderated caucus, the Chair will temporarily depart from the Speakers List and call

on delegates to speak at his/her discretion. A motion for a moderated caucus is in order at any time

when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly

explain its purpose and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes, and a time

limit for the individual speeches. Once raised, the motion will be voted on immediately, with a

majority of members required for passage. The Chair may rule the motion out of order. No motions

are in order during a moderated caucus. If no delegate wishes to speak during a moderated caucus,

the caucus shall immediately end.

RULE 14: CLOSURE OF DEBATE

When the floor is open, a delegate may move to close debate on the substantive or procedural matter

under discussion. Delegates may move to close debate on the general topic, debate on the agenda, or

debate on an amendment. The Chair may rule such a motion dilatory. When closure of debate is

moved, the Chair may recognize up to two speakers against the motion. If there are no speakers

against the motion it automatically passes. No speaker in favor of the motion will be recognized.

Closure of debate requires the support of two-thirds of the members present. If the General Assembly

is in favor of closure, the Chair will declare the closure of the debate, and move the committee to

immediate voting procedure.

RULE 15: SUSPENSION OR ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING

Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the suspension of the meeting, to suspend all

General Assembly functions until the next meeting, or for the adjournment of the meeting, to suspend

all General Assembly functions for the duration of the Conference. The Chair may rule such motions

out of order. When in order, such motions will not be debatable but will be immediately put to a vote,

barring any motions taking precedence, and will require a majority to pass. A motion to adjourn will

be out of order prior to the lapse of three-quarters of the time allotted for the last meeting of the

General Assembly.

RULE 16: POSTPONEMENT AND RESUMPTION OF DEBATE

Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the postponement of debate on a draft

resolution, amendment, or topic currently on the floor. The motion, otherwise known as "tabling,"

will require a two-thirds vote to pass and will be debatable to the extent of one speaker in favor and

one opposed. No debate or action will be allowed on any draft resolution, amendment, or topic on

which debate has been postponed. A motion to resume debate on an amendment, draft resolution, or

topic on which debate has been postponed will require a majority to pass and will be debatable to the

extent of one speaker in favor and one opposed. If there is no speaker against, the motion

automatically passes. Resumption of debate will cancel the effects of postponement of debate. The

Chair has discretion over postponement of debate.

RULE 17: RULES GOVERNING SPEECHES

No delegate may address a session without having previously obtained the permission of the Chair.

The Chair may call a speaker to order if his or her remarks are not relevant to the subject under

discussion, do not follow correct parliamentary convention or are otherwise discourteous. The Chair

may limit the time allotted to each speaker. The minimum time-limit will be thirty seconds. When a

delegate exceeds the time limit, the Chair may call the speaker to order.


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RULES GOVERNING POINTS

RULE 18: POINTS OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Whenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort which impairs his or her ability to participate

in debate, he or she may rise to a point of personal privilege to request that the discomfort be

corrected. A delegate may rise to a point of personal privilege at any point during debate. While the

point of personal privilege may interrupt a speaker, the delegate should only do so with the utmost

discretion.

RULE 19: POINTS OF ORDER

At any point during debate, a delegate may rise to a point of order to indicate improper parliamentary

procedure. At this time, the delegate rising to the point of order may not speak on the substance

matter in discussion. The Chair will immediately decide the point of order in accordance with the

rules of procedure and may rule the point out of order if it is improper. A staff member or delegate

may not be interrupted with a point of order.

RULE 20: POINTS OF PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY

Only when the floor is open, a delegate may rise to a point of parliamentary inquiry. A point of

parliamentary inquiry allows the delegate to ask the Chair any question regarding the rules of

procedure. A point of parliamentary inquiry may never interrupt a speaker and cannot refer to the

substantial issue under discussion. In the case of a substantive inquiry, the delegate may either send a

note to the Chair during the debate or approach the Chair during an unmoderated caucus.

RULES GOVERNING THE PATH TO A DRAFT RESOLUTION

RULE 21: WORKING PAPERS

Delegates may propose working papers for General Assembly consideration. Working papers are

intended to aid the Assembly in its discussion and formulation of draft resolutions and need not be

written in draft resolution format. Working papers are not official documents, but do require the

signature of the Director to be copied and distributed. Once distributed, delegates may begin to refer

to that working paper by its designated number, but otherwise debated proceeds normally on the

topic.

RULE 22: DRAFT RESOLUTIONS

A draft resolution may be introduced when it receives the approval of the Director and is signed by

20 members in the General Assembly. Signing a draft resolution need not indicate support of the

draft resolution, and the signatory has no further obligations. Signing a draft resolution only indicates

a desire for the draft resolution to be discussed in session. There are no official sponsors of draft

resolutions. A draft resolution requires a simple majority of members voting pass. Only one draft

resolution will be passed per topic area. After a draft resolution is passed, voting procedure will end

and the Assembly will move directly into the second topic area.


- 31 -

RULE 23: INTRODUCTION OF DRAFT RESOLUTIONS

Once a draft resolution has been approved as stipulated above and has been copied and distributed, a

delegate(s) may motion to introduce the draft resolution. The Director, time permitting, shall read the

operative clauses of the draft resolution. A procedural vote is then taken to determine whether the

resolution shall be introduced. Should the motion received the simple majority required to pass, the

draft resolution will be considered introduced and on the floor. The Director, at his or her discretion,

may answer any clarification points on the draft resolution. Any substantive points will be ruled out

of order during this period. More than one draft resolution may be on the floor at any one time, but at

most one draft resolution may be passed per Topic Area. A draft resolution will remain on the floor

until debate on that specific draft resolution is postponed or closed or a draft resolution on that Topic

Area has been passed. Debate on draft resolutions proceeds according to the general Speakers List for

that topic area and delegates may then refer to the draft resolution by its designated number. No

delegate may refer to a draft resolution until it is formally introduced.

For a better explanation about how to draft a resolution see the UN Video, Segment II

SEGMENT II: DRAFTING OF UN RESOLUTIONS & DECISIONS Presented by Mr. Jean Gazarian

This tape walks through the life of a UN resolution, from drafting to completion. Topics are covered

which are appropriate for both beginning and advanced students, including:

Definition of resolutions and decisions

Construction and parts of a resolution

Terminology and accuracy in resolutions

Lending emphasis to resolutions

The semantics of resolutions -- how to add emotion in clauses

The importance of negotiation, compromise and consensus building on draft resolutions


RULE 24: AMENDMENTS

Delegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced. Only one amendment may be

introduced at any given time. An amendment must have the approval of the Director and the

signatures of 12 members in the General Assembly.

Amendments to amendments are out order; however, an amended part of a draft resolution may be

further amended. There are no official sponsors of amendments or friendly amendments.

Perambulatory phrases may not be amended. The final vote on the amendment is procedural.

A motion to introduce an approved amendment may be introduced when the floor is open.

If the motion receives the simple majority required to pass, the Director will read the

amendment aloud, time permitting. General Debate will be suspended and a Speakers List

will be established for and against the amendment.

A motion to close debate will be in order after the General Assembly has heard from two

speakers for the amendment and from two speakers against or from all the speakers on one

side and at least two on the other side.


- 32 -

Following the normal procedure the Director will recognize two speakers against the motion

to close debate and a vote of two-thirds is required for closure.

When debate is closed on the amendment, the General Assembly will move to an immediate

vote. Amendments need a simple majority to pass.

After the vote, debate will resume according to the general Speakers List.

RULES GOVERNING VOTING

RULE 25: PROCEDURAL VOTING

Each delegation of the General Assembly, including observers, shall have one vote on procedural

motions including votes on amendments. No abstentions are permitted on procedural matters.

RULE 26: SUBSTANTIVE VOTING

The only substantive question concerns the adoption of resolutions, where only full Member States

may vote. Each vote may be a „yes‟, „no‟ or „abstain‟. Members present and voting will be defined as

members casting an affirmative or negative vote only.

Decisions of the General Assembly on important questions shall be made by a two-thirds majority of

the members present or present and voting. In this circumstance, a vote may be considered by the

Chair and on the recommendation of the Chair an „important question‟ under Article 18 of the UN

Charter.

Decisions on other questions, including the determination of additional categories of questions to be

decided by a two-thirds majority, shall be made by a simple majority of the members present and

voting.

A simple majority requires a greater number of 'yes' votes than 'no' votes. A tie will fail. A two-thirds

majority requires at least twice as many „yes‟ votes as „no‟ votes.

RULE 27: VOTING

Voting shall normally be by a show of placards, except when the Chair has authorized a roll call vote

or where a motion for a roll call vote has been passed by a simple majority of the General Assembly.


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RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR SECURITY COUNCIL

1. These rules shall be the only rules which apply to the Security Council (hereinafter, referred to as

“the Council”) and shall be considered adopted by the Council prior to its first meeting.

2. For purposes of these rules, the Security Council Director, the Assistant Director(s), the Under-

Secretaries-General, and the Assistant Secretaries-General are designates and agents of the Secretary-

General and Director-General, and are collectively referred to as the “Secretariat.”

3. Interpretation of the rules shall be reserved exclusively to the Director-General or her/his or her

designate. Such interpretation shall be in accordance with the philosophy and principles of the

National Model United Nations, and in furtherance of the educational mission of that organization.

4. For the purposes of these rules, “President” shall refer to the chairperson, or acting chairperson of

the Council.

I. MEETINGS

RULE 1

Meetings of the Security Council shall, with the exception of the periodic meetings referred to in rule

4, be held at the call of the President any time he or she deems necessary.

RULE 2

The President shall call a meeting of the Security Council at the request of any member of the

Council.

RULE 3

The President shall call a meeting of the Security Council if a dispute or situation is brought to the

attention of the Security Council under Article 35 or under Article 11 (3) of the Charter, or if the

General Assembly makes recommendations or refers any question to the Security Council under

Article 11 (2), or if the Secretary-General brings to the attention of the Security Council any matter

under Article 99.

RULE 4

Periodic meetings of the Security Council called for in Article 28 (2) of the Charter shall be held

once a year, at such times as the Security Council may decide.

RULE 5

Meetings of the Security Council shall normally be held at the seat of the United Nations. Any

member of the Security Council or the Secretary-General may propose that the Security Council

should meet at another place.


- 34 -

Should the Security Council accept any such proposal, it shall decide upon the place and the period

during which the Council shall meet at such place.

II. AGENDA

RULE 6

The Secretary-General shall immediately bring to the attention of all representatives on the Security

Council all communications from States, organs of the United Nations, or the Secretary-General

concerning any matter for the consideration of the Security Council in accordance with the provisions

of the Charter.

RULE 7

The provisional agenda for each meeting of the Security Council shall be drawn up by the Secretary-

General and approved by the President of the Security Council. Only items which have been brought

to the attention of the representatives of the Security Council in accordance with rule 6, items

covered by rule 10, or matters which the Security Council had previously decided to defer may be

included in the provisional agenda.

RULE 8

The provisional agenda for a meeting shall be communicated by the Secretary-General to the

representatives on the Security Council at least three days before the meeting, but in urgent

circumstances it may be communicated simultaneously with the notice of the meeting.

RULE 9

The first item of the provisional agenda for each meeting of the Security Council shall be the

adoption of the agenda.

RULE 10

Any item of the agenda of a meeting of the Security Council, consideration of which has not been

completed at that meeting, shall, unless the Security Council otherwise decides, automatically be

included in the agenda of the next meeting.

RULE 11

The Secretary-General shall communicate each week to the representatives on the Security Council a

summary statement on matters of which the Security Council is seized and of the stage reached in

their consideration.

RULE 12

The provisional agenda for each periodic meeting shall be circulated to the members of the Security

Council at least twenty-one days before opening of the meeting. Any subsequent change in or

addition to the provisional agenda shall be brought to the notice of the members at least five days

before the meeting. The Security Council may, however, in urgent circumstances, make additions to


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the agenda at any time during a periodic meeting. The provisions of rule 7, paragraph one, and of rule

9, shall apply also to periodic meetings.

III. REPRESENTATION AND CREDENTIALS

RULE 13

Each member of the Security Council shall be represented at the meetings of the Security Council by

an accredited representative. The credentials of a representative of the Security Council shall be

communicated to the Secretary-General not less than twenty-four hours before he or she takes her/his

seat on the Security Council. The credentials shall be issued either by the Head of State or of the

Government concerned or by its Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Head of Government or Minister of

Foreign Affairs of each member of the Security Council shall be entitled to sit on the Security

Council without submitting credentials.

RULE 14

Any Member of the United Nations not a member of the Security Council and any State not a

Member of the United Nations, if invited to participate in a meeting or meetings of the Security

Council, shall submit credentials for the representative appointed by it for this purpose. The

credentials of such a representative shall be communicated to the Secretary-General not less than

twenty-four hours before the meeting, which he or she is invited to attend.

RULE 15

The credentials of representatives on the Security Council and of any representative appointed in

accordance with rule 14 shall be examined by the Secretary-General who shall submit a report to the

Security Council for approval.

RULE 16

Pending the approval of the credentials of a representative on the Security Council in accordance

with rule 15, such representatives shall be seated provisionally with the same rights as other

representatives.

RULE 17

Any representative on the Security Council, to whose credentials objection has been made within the

Security Council, shall continue to sit with the same rights as other representatives until the Security

Council has decided the matter.

IV. PRESIDENCY

RULE 18


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The Presidency of the Security Council shall be held in turn by the members of the Security Council

in the English alphabetical order of their names. Each President shall hold office for one calendar

month.

RULE 19

The President shall preside over the meetings of the Security Council and, under the authority of the

Security Council, shall represent it in its capacity as an organ of the United Nations.

RULE 20

Whenever the President of the Security Council deems that for the proper fulfillment of the

responsibilities of the presidency he or she should not preside over the Council during the

consideration of a particular question with which the member he represents is directly connected, he

or she shall indicate her/ his decision to the Council. The presidential chair shall then devolve, for the

purpose of the consideration of that question, on the representative of the member next in English

alphabetical order, it being understood that the provisions of this rule shall apply to the

representatives on the Security Council called upon successively to preside. This rule shall not affect

the representative capacity of the President as stated in rule 19 or her/his duties under rule 7.

V. SECRETARIAT

RULE 21

The Secretary-General shall act in that capacity in all meetings of the Security Council. The

Secretary-General may authorize a deputy to act in his place at meetings of the Security Council.

RULE 22

The Secretary-General, or his deputy acting on his behalf, may make either oral or written statements

to the Security Council concerning any question under consideration by it.

RULE 23

The Secretary-General may be appointed by the Security Council, in accordance with rule 28, as

rapporteur for a specified question.

RULE 24

The Secretary-General shall provide the staff required by the Security Council. This staff shall form a

part of the Secretariat.

RULE 25

The Secretary-General shall give to representatives on the Security Council notice of meetings of the

Security Council and of its commissions and committees.


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RULE 26

The Secretary-General shall be responsible for the preparation of documents required by the Security

Council and shall, except in urgent circumstances, distribute them at least forty-eight hours in

advance of the meeting at which they are to be considered.

VI. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

RULE 27

The President shall call upon representatives in the order in which they signify their desire to speak.

RULE 28

The Security Council may appoint a commission or committee or a rapporteur for a specified

question.

RULE 29

The President may accord precedence to any rapporteur appointed by the Security Council. The

Chairman of a commission or committee, or the rapporteur appointed by the commission or

committee to present its report, may be accorded precedence for the purpose of explaining the report.

RULE 30

If a representative raises a point of order, the President shall immediately state his ruling. If it is

challenged, the President shall submit his ruling to the Security Council for immediate decision and it

shall stand unless overruled.

RULE 31

Proposed resolutions, amendments, and substantive motions shall normally be placed before the

representatives in writing. For purposes of this rule, all “proposals” shall be in the form of working

papers prior to their approval by the Secretariat. Working papers will not be copied, or in any other

way distributed, to the Council by the Secretariat.

The distribution of such working papers is solely the responsibility of the sponsors of the working

papers. Along these lines, and in furtherance of the philosophy and principles of the NMUN and for

the purpose of advancing its educational mission, representatives should not directly refer to the

substance of a working paper that has not yet been accepted as a draft resolution. After approval of a

working paper, the proposal becomes a draft resolution and will be copied by the Secretariat for

distribution to the Council. These draft resolutions are the collective property of the Council and, as

such, the names of the original sponsors will be removed. The copying and distribution of

amendments is at the discretion of the Secretariat, but the substance of all such amendments will be

made available to all representatives in some form.

RULE 32


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Principal motions and draft resolutions shall have precedence in the order of their submission. Parts

of a motion or of a draft resolution shall be voted on separately at the request of any representative,

unless the original mover objects.

RULE 33

The following motions shall have precedence in the order named over all principal motions and draft

resolutions relative to the subject before the meeting: 1. to suspend the meeting; 2. To adjourn the

meeting; 3. To adjourn the meeting to a certain day or hour; 4. To refer any matter to a committee, to

the Secretary-General or to a rapporteur; 5. To postpone discussion of the question to a certain day or

indefinitely; or 6. To introduce an amendment.

Any motion for the suspension or for the simple adjournment of the meeting shall be decided without

debate.

As the motion to adjourn the meeting, if successful, would end the meeting until the Council’s next

regularly scheduled meeting the following year, and in accordance with the philosophy and

principles of the NMUN and in furtherance of its educational mission, the President will not

entertain such a motion until the end of the last meeting of the Council.

RULE 34

It shall not be necessary for any motion or draft resolution proposed by a representative on the

Security Council to be seconded before being put to a vote.

RULE 35

A motion or draft resolution can at any time be withdrawn so long as no vote has been taken with

respect to it.

RULE 36

If two or more amendments to a motion or draft resolution are proposed, the President shall rule on

the order in which they are to be voted upon. Ordinarily, the Security Council shall first vote on the

amendment furthest removed from the original proposal and then on the amendment next furthest

removed until all amendments have been put to the vote, but when an amendment adds or deletes

from the text of a motion or draft resolution, that amendment shall be voted on first.

RULE 37

Any Member of the United Nations which is not a member of the Security Council may be invited, as

the result of a decision of the Security Council, to participate, without vote, in the discussion of any

question brought before the Security Council when the Security Council considers that the interests

of that Member are specially affected, or when a Member brings a matter to the attention of the

Security Council in accordance with Article 35 (1) of the Charter. If the Council considers that the

presence of a Member invited according to this rule is no longer necessary, it may withdraw the

invitation again. Delegates invited to the Council according to this rule should also keep in mind

their role and obligations in the committee that they were originally assigned to. For educational

purposes of the NMUN Conference, the Secretariat may thus ask a delegate to return to his or her

committee when his or her presence in the

Council is no longer required.


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RULE 38

Any Member of the United Nations invited in accordance with the preceding rule, or in application of

Article 32 of the Charter, to participate in the discussions of the Security Council may submit

proposals and draft resolutions. These proposals and draft resolutions may be put to a vote only at the

request of a representative of the Security Council.

RULE 39

The Security Council may invite members of the Secretariat or other persons, whom it considers

competent for the purpose, to supply it with information or to give other assistance in examining

matters within its competence.

VII. VOTING

RULE 40

Voting in the Security Council shall be in accordance with the relevant Articles of the Charter and of

the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

VIII. LANGUAGE

RULE 41

English shall be the official and working language of the Security Council.

RULE 42

Any representative may make a speech in a language other than the language of the Security Council.

In this case, he or she shall herself/himself provide for interpretation into English.

This rule does not affect the total speaking time allotted to those representatives wishing to address

the body in a language other than English. As such, both the speech and the interpretation must be

within the set time limit.

RULE 43

Verbatim records of meetings of the Security Council shall be drawn up in the language of the

Council.

RULE 44

All resolutions and other documents shall be published in the language of the Security Council.


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RULE 45

Documents of the Security Council shall, if the Security Council so decides be published in any

language other than the language of the Council.

IX. PUBLICITY OF MEETINGS, RECORDS

RULE 46

Unless it decides otherwise, the Security Council shall meet in public. Any recommendation to the

General Assembly regarding the appointment of the Secretary-General shall be discussed and

decided at a private meeting.

RULE 47

Subject to the provisions of rule 51, the verbatim record of each meeting of the Security Council shall

be made available to representatives on the Security Council and to the representatives of any other

States which have participated in the meeting not later than 10:00 a.m. of the first working day

following the meeting.

RULE 48

The representatives of the States which have participated in the meeting shall, within two working

days after the time indicated in rule 49, inform the Secretary-General of any corrections they wish to

have made in the verbatim record.

RULE 49

The Security Council may decide that for a private meeting the record shall be made in single copy

alone. This record shall be kept by the Secretary-General. The representatives of the States which

have participated in the meeting shall, within a period of ten days, inform the Secretary-General of

any corrections they wish to have made in this record.

RULE 50

Corrections that have been requested shall be considered approved unless the President is of the

opinion that they are sufficiently important to be submitted to the representatives of the Security

Council. In the latter case, the representatives on the Security Council shall submit within two

working days any comments they may wish to make. In the absence of objections in this period of

time, the record shall be corrected as requested.

RULE 51

The verbatim record referred to in rule 49 or the record referred to in rule 51, in which no corrections

have been requested in the period of time required by rules 50 and 51, respectively, or which has

been corrected in accordance with the provisions of rule 52, shall be considered as approved. It shall

be signed by the President and shall become the official record of the Security Council.


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RULE 52

The official record of public meetings of the Security Council, as well as the documents annexed

thereto, shall be published in the official language of the Council as soon as possible.

RULE 53

At the close of each private meeting the Security Council shall issue a communiqué through the

Secretary- General.

RULE 54

The representatives of the Members of the United Nations which have taken part in a private meeting

shall at all times have the right to consult the record of that meeting in the office of the Secretary-

General. The Security Council may at any time grant access to this record to authorized

representatives of other Members of the United Nations.

RULE 55

The Secretary-General shall, once each year, submit to the Security Council a list of the records and

documents which up to that time have been considered confidential. The Security Council shall

decide which of these shall be made available to other Members of the United Nations, which shall

be made public, and which shall continue to remain confidential.

X. RELATIONS WITH OTHER UNITED NATIONS ORGANS

RULE 56

Any meeting of the Security Council held in pursuance of the Statute of the International Court of

Justice for the purpose of the election of members of the Court shall continue until as many

candidates as are required for all the seats to be filled have obtained in one or more ballots an

absolute majority vote.


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APPENDIX


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FORMAT OF A DRAFT RESOLUTION

HEADING

The title should be centered, in capital letters, above the main body of the draft resolution. The title

can be as simple as “DRAFT RESOLUTION.” On the left margin and two lines below the title

should be the committee and topic name. NOTE: There are no sponsors of a draft resolution. The

signatures are only there to show that the committee wants to discuss the draft resolution. The names

of “authors” should not be included.

BODY

The draft resolution is written in the format of a long sentence, with the following rules:

• The draft resolution begins with The General Assembly for all GA committees.

• The next section, consisting of Perambulatory Clauses, describes the problem being

addressed, recalls past actions taken, explains the purpose of the draft resolution, and offers

support for the operative clauses that follow. Each clause in the preamble begins with an

underlined word and ends with a comma.

• Operative Clauses are numbered and state the action to be taken by the body. These clauses

are all with the present tense active verbs and are generally stronger words than those used in

the Preamble. Each operative clause is followed by a semi-colon except the last, which ends

with a period.

SAMPLE PREAMBULATORY/OPENING

CLAUSES

Affirming

Alarmed by

Approving

Aware of

Bearing in mind

Believing

Cognizant of

Confident

Contemplating

Convinced

Declaring

Deeply concerned

Deeply conscious

Deeply convinced

Deeply disturbed

Deeply regretting

Desiring

Emphasizing

Expecting

Keeping in mind

Noting further

Noting further

Noting with approval

Noting with deep concern

Noting with regret

Noting with satisfaction

Observing

Reaffirming

Realizing

Recalling

Recognizing

Referring

Seeking

Taking into account

Taking note

Viewing with appreciation

Welcoming

SAMPLE OPERATIVE CLAUSES

Accepts

Affirms

Approves


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Expressing its appreciation

Expressing its satisfaction

Fulfilling

Fully alarmed

Fully aware

Fully believing

Further developing

Further recalling

Guided by

Having adopted

Having considered

Having considered further

Having devoted attention

Authorizes

Calls for

Calls upon

Condemns

Confirms

Congratulates

Declares accordingly

Draws attention

Emphasizes

Encourages

Endorses

Expresses its appreciation

Expresses its hope


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SAMPLE DRAFT RESOLUTION


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ORDER OF PRECEDENCE


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GENERAL RULES

Being a Diplomat

Remember that the most important aspect of being a RomeMUN delegate is to act as a foreign

diplomat and/or expert. You are the representatives of the government and the peoples of the

Member State to which you have been assigned and professional diplomats conduct themselves, and

regard one another, with the utmost dignity and respect, regardless of foreign policy affiliation or

personal feelings. Even if inside the committee it is possible to assist of strongly conflicting

ideological perspectives all delegates must work closely together within the UN on diplomatic

matters of mutual concern.

Delegate‟s personal opinions are entirely inapplicable during the course of the simulation.

Clothing

In keeping with the spirit of the simulation, delegates are required to wear formal dress, in a

professional business style.

Further, national symbols of any kind are forbidden in committee chambers, in accordance with

practices of the UN. Only symbols associated specifically with the United Nations (e.g., the seal of

the UN) are allowed in committee chambers.

Decorum

Decorum is one of the most important rules for the days of the simulation. The ability to conduct

normal business while in formal or informal session is very difficult when decorum is not

maintained. Delegates will be asked for their assistance in this aspect.

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