General Assembly

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Introduction

Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations. Delegates are assigned to a country to represent and are placed in a committee that focuses on a specific topic. Typically, a Model UN conference can be broken down into four separate segments: preparation, the moderated caucus, the unmoderated caucus, and the resolution papers.

If you are a new delegate, we highly recommend beginning with General Assembly.

Preparation

It is vital to come prepared to Model UN conferences. Typically, a conference will require the delegate to write a position paper, which is a short essay that explains the delegate's intentions at the conference, past actions that have been taken to combat the issue the committee focuses on, and possible solutions to the issue. The information to write this position paper can be found through research or the conference's background guide (found on their website).

The Moderated Caucus

A conference will begin with the quorum, which is the roll call at the beginning of a conference that establishes the attendance of delegates.

Moderated caucuses, the next part of a conference, allows delegates to make speeches with allotted times about specific topics. The order of speeches is determined by the speaker's list, which is written at the beginning of each moderated caucus. It's important to take notes while other delegates are talking to be aware of other perspectives.

The Dais

The dais is the group of people who lead a committee. They moderate the committee, select speakers/awards, and accept/reject points or motions. It's important to always be respectful towards the dais, especially when they are speaking.

Points, Motions, and Yields

Points are requests raised by delegates for information or for an action relating to the delegate. A delegate does not need to be called on to make a point. The four different types of points are: Point of Inquiry (asks a question about the rules or proceedings of the committee), Point of Order (addresses improper parliamentary procedure), Point of Personal Privilege (addresses factors that hinder a delegate from participating), or Point of Information (asks a question to the delegate who most recently gave a speech).

Motions are requests raised by a delegate in order to have the committee perform a certain action. Some examples are moving for a new moderated caucus (one with a different topic), moving for an unmoderated caucus (see "The Unmoderated Caucus" below), or moving to vote on resolution papers (see "The Resolution Paper" below). Motions are only requested once the previous caucus has elapsed (unless the motion is to adjourn the current caucus).

A delegate may yield their speaking time during a moderated caucus either to: the chair (remaining time relinquished), another delegate (allows another delegate to speak without being on the speaker's list), or questions (gives time for other delegates to ask questions).

Notes

Delegates can also send notes (small pieces of paper) to other delegates during a moderated caucus. These notes are methods of reaching out to people a delegate may want to work with during an unmoderated caucus (see "The Unmoderated Caucus" below). Do not send notes during another delegate's speech, as it is considered disrespectful.

The Unmoderated Caucus

Typically, an unmoderated caucus occurs after a few moderated caucuses have elapsed. This caucus is an informal type of debate/discussion in which delegates leave their seats to mingle and speak freely, working with other delegates or having one-on-one discussion. This is frequently used to form blocs (small groups of delegates that plan to work together on a solution) and draft resolution papers (see "The Resolution Paper" below). Work with people that have a similar perspective and position to you.

The Resolution Paper

Resolution papers are the summation of all of a bloc's solutions and ideas into one document. Some examples of actions a resolution paper can take are establishing refugee camps, holding summits, forming committees, calling on other UN bodies, or making recommendations for other actions.

Resolution papers are split into preambulatory clauses, which state the intention of the resolution paper, and the main body, which contains the actions the delegates aim to take.

Sponsors and Signatories

Resolution papers typically have sponsors and signatories. Sponsors are delegates who contributed greatly to a resolution paper and often come up with many of the main ideas (typically 2-5 delegates). Signatories are other delegates who helped write the resolution paper or delegates of another bloc who want to see the paper presented (see "Presentation and Voting Procedure" below). Typically, there is no limit on signatories.

Presentation and Voting Procedure

As long as a resolution paper has enough sponsors and signatories (varies by conference), the sponsors will be able to present the resolution paper to the rest of the committee. Some sponsors will read the resolution paper and others will participate in a Q&A session with the rest of the room. Once all presentations are finished, all delegates will vote on each resolution paper presented. If a paper gets enough votes (varies between 1/2 and 2/3 of the votes), it will be passed. Once all papers are voted on, the committee ends.

Respect and Behavior

It is important to be respectful to other delegates, the dais, and the conference as a whole. A lot of effort is put into the creation and running of every Model UN conference, so delegates should put their best effort into their work and contribute to the committee as much as they can.

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