Delegates' Cheat Sheet

What is MUN?

Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation of the United Nations where students role-play as delegates from different countries to discuss global issues. Participants work in committees to debate, negotiate, and draft resolutions on topics like climate change, human rights, and security. MUN develops skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and critical thinking, fostering a deeper understanding of international relations and the complexities of global governance. The main goal is to cultivate active global citizenship and to induce them to a more direct participatory action regarding the socio-political situation.

Key Terms

Delegate

A participant who represents a specific country, with the responsibility of accurately conveying and promoting that country’s positions, interests, and perspectives during the conference.

Delegation

A group of delegates representing the same country. Although they share the same national representation, each delegate serves in a different committee. During the General Assembly, all members of the delegation are seated together and collaborate as a unified team.

Committees

Committees are the designated forums where specific topics are discussed and debated. Each committee focuses on different issues. At IRCMUN, there are ten committees, including the Security Council, NATO, SPECPOL, and Legal.

Resolution

A resolution is the formal document upon which committee debates are structured. It outlines proposed solutions and measures formulated by an alliance of delegates in order to address and respond to the issue under discussion.

Preambulatory Clauses

Preambulatory clauses constitute the introductory section of a resolution. They provide an overview of the issue by outlining background information, relevant historical developments, and previous actions taken at both the national and United Nations level. These clauses set the context for the resolution and are not subject to debate during the committee sessions.

Operative Clauses

Operative clauses form the main body of a resolution. They outline the specific actions, measures, and solutions that delegates propose in response to the issue at hand, and may also indicate developments the committee encourages or changes it aims to achieve. For more detailed guidance, delegates may consult the conference’s Rules of Procedure.

Amendments

Amendments are formal proposals submitted by delegates to refine or improve a resolution, aiming to build broader consensus and increase its chances of adoption. When a delegate wishes to introduce an amendment, it is submitted to the Chairs through a diplomatic note. Amendments may add new clauses, remove existing ones, or modify their content.

General Assembly

The General Assembly convenes after all committees have concluded their debates. During this session, all delegates come together as part of their respective delegations to discuss and deliberate on the proposed resolutions. Each delegation is represented by a single placard, and delegates collaborate to deliver speeches, present arguments, and vote on each resolution collectively.

Delegates' guide.pdf

Tips for Delegates

All delegates MUST speak in English throughout the entire conference.
Delegates MUST be dressed in formal clothing.
Delegates are advised to bring their laptops or tablets, as they may seem useful throughout the conference.
Bring a notebook and a pen or pencil, in case you need to take notes.
Phones are permitted in the conference room but should be muted so as not to disturb the debate's conduction. Furthermore, it shall not be a distraction to the delegate using it and be used only for debate purposes (search information, write speeches, etc.).
Delegates are urged to read the BGP of their committee, but they should also conduct their own research to gain special knowledge about their assigned country. Moreover, it would be useful to find the policy of their country, as well as, of other countries so that they know their allies and enemies.
Delegates are advised to write two individual resolutions, one for each topic. Also, they should have with them, their resolutions printed and/or in a digital form (i.e. USB sticks).
Delegates are responsible for their country’s placards. If lost or damaged, it will not be replaced and they should pay a refund.
Speaking throughout the debate is prohibited unless you have the permission of the Chairs.
We advise delegates not to be anxious and take the initiative to deliver a speech or raise a point of information. The debate aims to exchange opinions and make sure that you will not miss the opportunity.
Do not worry if your amendment or resolution doesn’t pass. This is your first debate and your number one goal is to have fun and learn. No one was perfect from their first debate so relax and try to learn as much as you can from this experience.

If you have any questions or concerns during the conference, feel free to ask any of the Executive or GA Members. For prior clarifications, seek assistance at our conference’s email: interconference.ath@gmail.com

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