The concept of MUN, which stands for Model United Nations, is an international format of debate that allows young, ambitious individuals to take part in simulations of the United Nations by representing different countries and NGOs/IGOS in different committees that debate a range of relevant issues. It develops debating and negotiating skills as well as argument-building and framing techniques while at the same time giving you the chance to travel to new countries and meet people from many different cultures and backgrounds. MUN offers invaluable experiences that can only be developed through hands-on work discussing and trying to solve global issues, and really does spark a huge passion for making the world a better place.
Below you can find the Delegates' Handbook, a short booklet containing, amongst other things, a summary of how to write resolutions and position papers, an outline of how to debate, and some general MUN advice.
Resolutions
A resolution is an official UN document which contains the solution and the approach that will be taken to tackle the issue. Each resolution is submitted by ONE nation and debated in the committee. For GA and ECOSOC Committees, some resolutions are then further debated in the General Assembly or the Plenary.
Resolutions are made up of two parts:
Preambulatory Clauses - The first clauses you will find in the resolution, they set the background for the issue in hand, bring up any relevant fact and just generally highlight the approach it will take.
Operative Clauses - The second set of clauses which are found in a resolution, they contain all the action and measures that the United Nations of other third parties will/should take to tackle the issue. Each operative clause must start with an approved phrase, a full list of which can be found at the end of this document.
Position Papers
During the time leading up to the conference, you will do some research on all the two topics that you will be debating and consider the opinions of your country.
Prior to the conference, you will also be required to write a Position Paper, which is a document where you state your country´s opinion on the issue on the agenda. Position papers are not expected to be longer than one page and are mandatory for all delegates. They will be reviewed by the chairs and the Secretary General.
