Tips for new delegates

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 country and its goal is to express the country’s views and ideas the best.

Delegation

A group of delegates representing the same country. Though all represent the same country, each one will be on different committees. During the General Assembly, all delegates will be seated and working together.

Committees

These are the rooms where the topics are being debated. Different committee rooms debate different topics. In the IRCMUN, we have 9 committees such as the Security Council, NATO, SPECPOL, and ECOSOC.

General Assembly (GA)

The General Assembly takes place after all committees have finished debating. All delegates come together forming their delegations, and debate upon the chosen resolutions. The delegation will have one placard as a whole, and the delegates should work together to make points or speeches and vote on each resolution.

Resolution

This is the paper on which the debate is based. In a resolution, an alliance proposes solutions/measures to counteract the issue.

Preambulatory Clauses

It’s the beginning of the resolution and it gives the general idea for the topic such as background information, past events, and decisions on the country and UN level. It is not debated as part of the resolution.

Operative Clauses

These are the paragraphs in each resolution where the delegates can suggest measures or solutions to be taken, and state what developments they would also welcome or what changes they are hoping to see. You can see the Rules of Procedure of our conference where you can find detailed information.

Amendments

Amendments are used to improve the resolution, leading to achieving a wide consensus that will help the resolution pass. When you want to amend something on the resolution, all you have to do is simply write it on the special form on our website on the page of your committee and it will be sent to the Chairs. Amendments can add, remove, or alter a clause.

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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