THE PSBB MILLENNIUM SCHOOL
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THE PSBB MILLENNIUM MUN 2014 Delegate Manual
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THE PSBB MILLENNIUM SCHOOL
1. Introduction!
2. Procedure!
3. Rules and Regulations !
1. Parliamentary Points !
4. Position Paper and Foreign Policy Statement!
5. Resolutions !
6. Clauses!
1. Pre-ambulatory!
2. Operative!
7. Rubrics!
8. Awards !
9. Resources !
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THE PSBB MILLENNIUM SCHOOL
A Note from the Millennium MUN OC
When we were first timers at the CVMUN organized by Chettinad Vidyashram, we
were quite daunted; all that research, getting that position paper done on time,
exams looming over our heads and how exactly were we supposed to act all formal
and not sass around when people unwittingly wronged us really did destabilize our
confidence.
Turns out, we weren’t upto the mark, mostly because we lacked confidence; doing
something extremely research oriented and oratorically intensive for the very first time
in front of a crowd of highly experienced orators was not an easy task. And added
to that, we were completely oblivious to the protocols and atmosphere of the
conference.
For the same reason, The Organizing Committee of the Millennium Model UN is
putting together this Delegate Manual, for your reference and convenience, so that
even the inexperienced may shine through.
After attending 6 Model UN Conferences in total, we now know that confidence is
the key to it all. If anything good is to come out of your research, you need to have
confidence in your oratorical skills.
And this very basis led to the creation of The PSBB Millennium School’s very first
Model United Nations Conference - The Millennium Model UN 2014.
This conference will be a platform to bring out the potential MUNer in you.
So get out there and put up the best stance you can muster, because after all,
You are the acting diplomats of the United Nations;
You are the pursuers of progress,
and most importantly,
You are the citizens of tomorrow!
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INTRODUCTION
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One of the most common questions we are asked is what exactly is a Model United
Nations (or MUN in short).
Well, politically speaking, a MUN is a simulation of an actual UN Conference, where
students play the role of delegates, forming and debating the solutions for some very
realistic situations.
To a commoner, a MUN is an excellent opportunity for students interested in current
affairs and building on their social skills.
Procedures in a MUN are actually really straight forward and once you get the hang
of it, it really feels more sophisticated and formal.
And that’s where this manual comes in. The target audience - first timers. This
manual is your bible. All rules, regulations, procedures and everything in between, it’s
all here in a language easy to understand and comprehend.
So all the very best, go through this manual carefully, take a print out if required
(that’s what I did for my first MUN) because this will save you time and again from
sticky situations.
For additional information, you can get in contact through our mail,
[email protected] or access some resources from the official website
www.millenniummun.ml.
See you on 11th and 12th January!!
- Head Of World Press
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PROCEDURE
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So how does a MUN work?
A MUN demands that you be uber-formal and sophisticated. This is an absolute
necessity. Penalties could be anything ranging from being gagged in committee to
being suspended, and this could seriously affect your credits, which the moderator
will be tracking. !5
• ROLL CALL
The Roll call begins with the moderator calling out the name of your country, and the
delegates must reply, with either “Present” or “Present and Voting” instead of using
casual phrases such as “yes ma’am” or “here”. The term “Present” indicates that the
delegate will not vote on the resolution on the floor or rather, abstain from voting.
“Present and Voting” makes it obligatory that the delegate votes.
Succeeding this, Any delegate can propose a motion to begin formal session. This
marks the presentation of the Opening Speech..
• OPENING SPEECH
The opening speech is a very brief speech made by a delegate regarding either one
or all the agendas. Also, no points will be entertained during these speeches. The
number of Point of Orders to be entertained after a certain number of speakers will
be decided by the chairs of your respective committees.
NOTE: Opening speeches will be entertained only on the first day at the beginning of
the session.
• SETTING OF THE AGENDA
Next up is voting on your agendas, and if your committee has multiple agendas, you
can choose which one will be discussed first. The delegate will assign a speaking
time and give a very brief introduction on what the topic is and why it is of
importance. Other delegates, if they agree, will vote for it and it should be passed
with simple majority. However, it can be passed even with the Chair’s discretion.
• GENERAL SPEAKERS’ LIST
The delegates who are on the speaker’s list will get to present their speeches
regarding the agenda. (The delegates need to critically analyse the situation at hand
and must mention what they want the committee to do through the United Nations’
resolution). This must be a GENERAL Speech on the topic. At the end of their
speech, delegates can “yield” the floor to questions or comments or both. If the floor
is opened to questions, other delegates can ask the speaker about certain points the
delegate mentioned in the speech, or general clarifications regarding the nation’s
policy. Questions do not have to be directly related to the delegate’s speech; but they
must be directly related to the topic. After posing a question, the delegate who
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asked the question can request for a follow up question in case the answer was not
satisfactory, or if further clarification is required. Typically about 2 to 5 questions will
be entertained. Comments are generally two to three sentences about the delegate’s
speech. Delegates are not ordinarily allowed to reply to comments. However, the
chair may entertain a Right to Reply in case the point is particularly thought
provoking.
You have to raise the right Point to be recognized by the chair in case of questions or
comments. And please be accurate, crisp and concise while raising your points.
• MODERATED CAUCUS
The formal session resumes and any delegate may propose a topic-which comes
under the mandate of the committee (but preferably related to the agenda) - for a
proposed total time period and a proposed individual speaker time.
• UN-MODERATED CAUCUS
The un-moderated caucus is when the delegates will come together to draft their
resolutions. During this caucus session, formal rules will not apply and delegates are
free to walk around the room and speak to one another informally. The chairs may
not necessarily be present in the room at all times. However, irrespective of their
presence, delegates are required to maintain absolute decorum as they will be under
the constant scrutiny of the moderators in charge, who will be observing their ability
to display leadership skills in gathering support for resolutions, and framing credible
ones.The time limit for un-moderated caucuses will be specified when the motion is
raised by the delegate. Delegates are expected to hand in their resolutions within the
specified time frame. Resolutions which fail to reach the chairperson on time may not
be debated upon in the committee.
A simple majority is required for passing of a resolution. Amendments for the
resolution are appreciated and will be passed with 2/3rds majority. Delegates must
bear in mind that the final approval of the resolution is solely the discretion of the
respective chairs of each committee.
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*Un-Moderated and Moderated Caucus can be interchanged in the order of events in case all speakers on GSL have not
completed their speeches.
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RULES AND REGULATIONS
A MUN really requires you to be as diplomatic and formal as humanly possible. So
language and behaviour really needs to be brief and formal. Here are some general
tips –
• We mention it time and again- FORMAL LANGUAGE is an absolute must and
delegates may even be suspended for using informal or inappropriate language.
• Usage of personal pronouns are STRICTLY forbidden during session. This implies
that no offhand phrases such as “I got a question for you man.” or the like may be
used. If the delegate wishes to refer to himself/herself or others, he/she must
strictly use -“the Delegate of (country)” or just “the Delegate.”
• When any Chair, Moderator, Head, or Dignitary enters your committee, your Chair
is likely to say “Rise for __________”. When this happens, you are expected to,
very simply, raise your placards.
• Attire during the conference is strictly formal. You are NOT permitted to wear jeans
and sneakers. It’s either Western or Indian formals.
Boys are expected to wear a formal shirt with formal trousers. Ties and
blazers are optional.
Girls are expected to wear a formal blouse with a formal skirt (or) formal
pants; or a formal dress. If you are wearing a skirt or dress, it’s not mandatory,
but obligatory to wear stockings and if you are wearing sleeveless, you are
expected to wear a formal jacket.
Indian formals include kurtas, veshtis, pyjamas (for boys) and sarees or
salwars (for girls). Yet again, jeans are not permitted.
• Electronic gadgets are allowed, HOWEVER, the usage of internet is STRICTLY
PROHIBITED during Formal session.
• DO NOT make eye contact with any other delegate in the committee. That calls
for a couplet:
Look at the ground, look at the sky Anywhere but the delegate’s eye. • Chit (or Note) passing is almost always in order (But beware, we are like the NSA
to your Russia. If you get this… you might just be the best delegate).
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Parliamentary Points
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POINT OF INFORMATION
After a speaker has finished a speech about a resolution, a clause, or an
amendment, she/he may open the floor to questions and comments. Any and all
questions and comments directed towards the delegate must be raised in the form
of a Point of Information. You must raise your placard and get recognized by the
board before speaking.
RIGHT TO REPLY It is raised if the delegate feels that his or her personal or national integrity has been
compromised or insulted.
POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Point of personal privilege refers to personal comfort. You have the right to request
this point if you cannot hear another delegate or the chair, or did not receive one or
multiple materials. This point should not deliberately be used to interrupt another
delegate’s speech. If you feel the need for this point, you may raise your placard at
any time of the conference; however, you may not speak until recognized by the
chair. Any points such as a request to visit the restroom or permission for a water
break must be requested through a note to the chair.
POINT OF ORDER
A point of order is raised when one recognises a Factual Inaccuracy or a Foreign
Policy Violation. You may raise this point at any point of time another delegate’s
speech and must merely QUOTE the incorrect fact(s) from the delegate’s speech.
POINT OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE/ POINT OF INQUIRY
If you are unsure of a rule or procedure, you can request an explanation from the
chair, but this does consume debate time, so it is strongly recommended that such
enquiries be made via a note to the chair.
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FOREIGN POLICY STATEMENT (POSITION PAPER)
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It is held in general view that perhaps the compilation of the Foreign Policy Statement
(FPS) is the most challenging thing about a MUN. Albeit, as hard as it may seem, it is
merely a matter of good research and will be supportive and elementary throughout
the Conference.
An FPS should include:
i. Your country’s policies with respect to the issue and your countries justification
for these policies;
ii. Quotes from your country’s leaders about the issue;
iii. Statistics to back up your country’s position on the issue;
iv. Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue;
v. UN Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified;
vi. UN actions that your country supported or opposed;
vii. What your country would like to accomplish in the committee’s resolution.
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• Do not forget, you are marked even for your FPS.
• Last date of submission: 6th January 2014
• Send your FPS to the respective committee emails
Security Council - [email protected]
DISEC - [email protected]
UNEP - [email protected]
HRC - [email protected] !10
Sample FPS
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Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
Topic: The security concerns regarding arms transfers, with conflict states and non-state
actors, with special reference to Nuclear Proliferation.
Country: Argentine Republic (Argentina)
Delegate: name xyz (school abc)
Arms trafficking, as the name suggests, is the contraband of weapons and ammunition.
Although arms’ trafficking is predominantly seen in countries facing political turmoil, it is
most definitely not restricted to these areas. Arms’ trafficking, for obvious reasons, poses a
great threat to the civilian security of any country. Apart from security reasons, it may even
be the cause of political pandemonium. These weapons are used as a means of violating
human rights, including jeopardizing the peace of a nation, in particular, through the
resurgence of crime and armed gangs as well as road blockers and mercenaries; Small
arms and light weapons are also at the root of a new wave of crisis and conflicts that
compromise any prospect of peace and security.
The growing availability of arms has been a major factor in the increase in the number of
conflicts, and in hindering smoother rebuilding and development after a conflict has ended.
It is estimated, for example, that there are around half a billion military small arms around the
world; Some 300,000 to half a million people around the world are killed by them each year;
They are the major cause of civilian casualties in modern conflicts.
The illicit trade in arms and ammunition delivers a global supply of weapons and ammunition
to the demand of rogue state and non-state actors. Trade also takes place when a state
sells arms to the rebels of another, thus improving their own economic status. While arms
do not create conflict, they increase the intensity of violent conflict. The illicit trafficking of
small arms contributes to irregular conflicts in the Middle East, a region of persistent conflict
and instability. The international community has attempted to regulate the global supply of
small arms through non-binding agreement and embargoes, but these efforts have been
ineffective in achieving the goal of preventing the flow of weapons to criminal organizations,
terrorists, and other de-stabilizing non-state actors.
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Now, with nuclear weapons in the picture, the world has become a more formidable one.
Although Argentina has never produced or used any nuclear missiles from the 1960-1970’s,
the country’s uranium-based missile and its ballistic missile program were a source of
international concern. This concern was mainly based on the stated intention of the
Argentine government to build nuclear weapons and to proliferate missile technologies to
other countries. Moreover, Argentina refused to join the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT) until February 1995, and its nuclear facilities were not covered by any safeguards
agreement in the 1960s and 1970s.
But when the authoritarian rule ended in 1970, the nuclear programme was placed under
civilian control. Under the pressure from the United States, the Argentine government began
to dismantle its missile program in 1993 and joined the Missile Technology Control Regime
(MTCR), as well as various export control groups. The accession to the Treaty of Tlatelolco
in 1994 and the NPT in 1995 led to further adherence to international nonproliferation
norms.
The NPT is a landmark international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of
nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of
nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and
complete disarmament. The Treaty represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral
treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States. Opened for signature in
1968, the Treaty entered into force in 1970.
The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) could be the solution for the illicit trade of arms. It is the first
ever international treaty to regulate the trade of conventional weapons will open a door of
hope to millions of people living in deprivation and fear because of the poorly controlled
trade and the proliferation of these deadly weapons.
Although implementation is years away and there is no specific enforcement mechanism,
the treaty would for the first time force sellers to consider how their customers will use the
weapons and to make that information public. The goal is to curb the sale of weapons that
kill tens of thousands of people every year.
As a sponsor and as a signatory, Argentina continues to support the ATT and works toward
a more secure and safe world.
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RESOLUTIONS
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Resolutions are documents written by participating delegates during caucusing (it’s
an actual word). Resolutions are the ultimate results of a MUN Conference. A
Resolution is a carefully drafted document consisting of well formulated solutions,
keeping in mind the foreign policies of all Nations. These documents have several
key concepts attached to them, which must be thoroughly understood:
• Format: A resolution follows a fixed format or pattern. It starts with the name of
the submitting committee and country, and proceeds to the list of co-submitters.
The resolution then moves into the pre-ambulatory clauses (which highlights the
situation at hand), followed by the operative clauses ( which lists out of the actions
to be taken to curb the issue ).
• Main Submitting nation: This is the nation that assumes leadership of the group
that produces the resolution. The representative delegate of this nation makes the
opening speech on the resolution.
• Co-Submitting nations: Member nations, other than the main-submitting nation,
which participate in the formation of the resolution, form the list of co-submitting
nations. Delegates can only co-submit one resolution on a particular issue.
• Signatories: Signatory nations are those who want the resolution to be
discussed. A delegate may be a signatory to more than one resolution. NOTE: A resolution requires a minimum of 1/6th of the committee as signatories
for the resolution to be discussed.
• Amendments: An amendment to a resolution is a change in one or more clauses
in the resolution. This is proposed by a delegate so that the resolution can be
made more effective. Amendments must be voted upon before the suggested
changes are made to a resolution. Amendments may add new clauses, remove
existing ones entirely, or alter them.
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Clauses
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PRE-AMBULATORY CLAUSES
These Clauses describe the recent history of the situation and the issue as it
currently stands. It is the base for resolution making. Delegates must acknowledge or
mention the following in their Preambulatory Clauses:
• Past United Nations actions regarding the issue, if applicable.
• Previous UN resolutions passed on the topic, if applicable.
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OPERATIVE CLAUSES
They Include statements of actions to be undertaken to solve the problem at hand.
Each clause is numbered and indented. Each introductory word is Capitalized and
underlined .
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Points To Remember
• Be accurate in reflecting the views and policies of the country you represent
• Be crisp and concise by using language that is direct and easily comprehensible
by all.
• Don’t be blatantly political in the content of the resolution; this may damage efforts
to reach a consensus on the issue.
• Remember to end your resolution with ‘Decides to remain actively seized of the
matter.’, if you’re in the Security Council.
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SAMPLE RESOLUTION
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Main Submitters: United States of America, Russian Federation
Co-Submitters: Japan, Canada, Netherlands
Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Brazil, India, Denmark, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Indonesia
Topic: "Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies”
The General Assembly,
Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use
commas to separate preambulatory clauses]
Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN
bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance,
Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental
organizations,
Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform,
particularly in the humanitarian realm,
1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at
the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative
clauses]
2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to
streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;
3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief
efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies;
4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donations from
the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces;
5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and
social situations and events of all countries;
6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian
assistance; and
7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through
reconstruction and development. [end resolutions with a period] !
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Pre-ambulatory Clauses
Acknowledging
Considers
Further (e.g. considers)
Noting with (e.g.
satisfaction)
Affirming Approving
Contemplating
Guided by
Observing
Alarmed by
Convinced
Having adopted
Reaffirming
Approving
Deeply (e.g. concerned)
Having approved
Realizing
Aware of
Deploring
Having considered
Recalling
Bearing in mind
Desiring
Having examined
Recognizing
Believing
Determined
Having received
Referring
Concerned
Emphasizing
Having reviewed
Regretting
Condemns
Expecting
Having studied
Seeking
Confident
Expressing (e.g.
gratitude)
Keeping in mind
Stressing
Congratulates
Fully (e.g. alarmed by)
Noting
Taking note
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Operative Clauses
Affirms
Declares accordingly
Further reminds
Requests
Approves
Deplores
Further requests
Solemnly affirms
Authorizes
Designates
Has resolved
Strongly condemns
Calls
Draws the attention
Notes
Supports
Calls upon
Emphasizes
Proclaims
Takes note of
Condemns
Encourages
Reaffirms
Transmits
Confirms
Endorses
Recommends
Trusts
Congratulates
Further invites
Regrets
Considres
Further proclaims
Reminds
*A copy of this page is highly recommended for the conference. !16
RUBRICS
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You will be marked along the following parameters::
• Foreign Policy
• Diplomacy
• Pre-requisite knowledge regarding topics
• Negotiating skills and effectiveness
• Active participation
• Behaviour during formal session.
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AWARDS
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In each committee, the following awards will be presented –
• Best Delegate - This award is handed to the best delegate in each committee.
• Best FPS - This is handed to the two best Foreign Policy Statement in each committee.
• Honorary Mentions - These are awarded to two delegates who have put up an excellent performance. !17
RESOURCES
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1. www.bestdelegate.com
2. www.unfoundation.org
3. www.un.org
4. www.reuters.com
5. www.cnn.com
6. www.amnesty.org
7. www.millenniummun.ml
8. www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
9. www.indexmundi.com
10.Governmental organizations’ websites
11.News networks websites
12.Model UN Application on Play-store and App store.
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