Model United Nations – 23 September 2023

May 25, 2023 by sanimoyo

We invite all High School students to our High School Model United Nations. Join us for a stimulating discussion on some of the critical challenges confronting our world today.

The Model United Nations (MUN) offers a unique platform for students to cultivate vital communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities, all while having a fantastic time!

Date: Saturday, 12 August 2023.

Venue: Northriding College.

Google Maps directions: https://bit.ly/NorthridingCollegeDirections

Time: 11:00am

Fee: R350 per delegate

Click here to Register or Indicate your Interest.

What is the Model United Nations?

The Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation and academic activity that replicates the workings of the United Nations. It provides students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the role of diplomats representing different countries or organizations within UN committees. Participants engage in debates, negotiations, and drafting resolutions on various global issues, ranging from peace and security to human rights, sustainable development, and more. MUN fosters critical thinking, research skills, public speaking, diplomacy, and an understanding of international affairs. It allows students to gain insights into the complexities of global politics and develop a deeper appreciation for the challenges facing the world.

Agenda

9.30: Arrival and Registration

10.30 – 11:00: General Assembly (GA) Opening

11.00 – 12:00: General Assembly – Economic and Financial Matters Committee

12.30 – 13:30: General Assembly – Environment Committee

14.00 – 16:00: General Assembly – Special Political Committee

Topics

Economic and Financial Matters Committee

The state of the global economy post COVID.
External Debt, Sustainability and Development.

Environment Committee

Combating Climate Change

Special Political Committee

The issue in Sudan.
The issue in Ukraine.
The issue in the Indo-Pacific Ocean
The issue with Ethiopia’s Nile River dam.

How to prepare for the Model United Nations

Country Profile

Your first step in assembling your research binder should be your country profile- a research packet about what country you’re going to represent! While you may not need to know what your 8^th biggest export is, it’s critical to have a decent understanding of your country if you want to represent them in debate.

Research Your Topic

Once you have completed your research on your assigned country, it is crucial to delve into the topic that will be the focus of your discussions. Building a strong foundation of knowledge about the topic is essential before exploring your country’s perspective on it. By doing so, you will be better equipped to understand and interpret your country’s stance on the issue effectively. Utilize Google Search and AI such as ChatGPT.

Research Past International Action and your country’s standpoint

To effectively represent your country at the Model United Nations, there are two key aspects to consider. Firstly, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the actions and initiatives taken by the international community regarding the topic under discussion. Understanding the existing measures and efforts will provide valuable insights into the global perspective on the issue.

Secondly, it is equally important to ascertain your country’s position and objectives concerning the topic. By gaining clarity on your country’s stance, you can effectively articulate its interests and proposed actions within the context of the UN.

Position Papers

All delegates are required to submit position papers on issues (from the agenda) they wish to tackle at the conference. Position Papers should be sent to sani@edufleek.co.za by 21 July 2023

A Model United Nations (MUN) position paper is a written document that outlines the stance and proposed solutions of a country or delegate on a specific topic or issue to be discussed during the MUN conference. It serves as a formal representation of the country’s perspective and guides the delegate’s participation in committee sessions.

The position paper serves as a reference document for delegates during committee sessions and facilitates productive discussions and negotiations with other delegates. It demonstrates the delegate’s understanding of the issue, research capabilities, critical thinking skills, and ability to advocate for their country’s interests within the context of the MUN simulation.

Position Paper Structure

They should be written from the perspective of the government of your country, include a header, and answering the following questions:

Heading

Committee: [Your Committee Title]

Topic: [Your Topic]

Country: [Your Country]

School: [Your School]

Topic Background

What is the definition of the topic?
Where does the topic take place? Who is involved?
How many people does it affect? Where, and in what ways?
Why is this topic important?

Past International Action

Have there been any interesting statements by UN officials on this topic? Try to find a quote.
What are the most important UN resolutions and treaties on this topic?
Do any major Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) work on this topic?

Country Policy

How has this topic impacted your country?
What has your country tried to do about this topic?
What types of policies would your country want the UN to adopt (or not adopt) on this topic?
Possible Solutions
What specific plans would your country like the UN to undertake to address this issue?
What specific plans would your country like Members States to undertake in their own countries?

Public Speaking Tips

When making speeches at Model United Nations (MUN), it can be helpful to follow a structured approach. Consider using the following guidelines for organizing your speeches, particularly for opening speeches:

Hook:

Begin your speech with a compelling hook that captures the audience’s attention. This can be achieved through various techniques:

Thought-provoking question: Pose a question that stimulates the audience’s thinking and introduces the topic.

Relevant quote: Share a relevant quote from a notable figure to evoke interest and establish context.

Startling statistic: Present a surprising or impactful statistic that highlights the significance of the issue.

Brief story: Share a concise and compelling story that exemplifies the challenges or importance of the topic.

Point:

Clearly state your country’s policy on the topic as the central point of your speech. This conveys your country’s position and provides a framework for your arguments. Additionally, offer 2-3 reasons that support your country’s policy, providing logical explanations and evidence.

Call to Action:

End your speech with a strong call to action, which outlines your proposed solutions or actions to address the issue at hand. Your call to action should be specific and feasible, encouraging the international community to take action and collaborate.

Remember, crafting effective speeches in MUN requires practice, research, and the ability to communicate your country’s position convincingly. By employing these techniques, you can effectively engage the audience, present your arguments, and inspire meaningful action within the MUN framework.

How The Day will Pan Out

Opening Ceremony

The model United Nations section will start with the opening section, in which the Chairman will welcome delegates and outline the rules. A few countries will be selected to address the conference. If you would like to address the conference in the opening section please email let the chairman know by emailing sani@edufleek.co.za

Delegates can utilize their opening ceremony address to make other countries aware of their standpoint on the issues that are important to them on the agenda, and what outcomes they hope to achieve.

Committee Meetings

A Model United Nations (MUN) committee meeting follows a structured format to facilitate productive discussions and negotiations among delegates. Here is an overview of how a typical MUN committee meeting is run:

Call to Order

The Chair or Moderator officially opens the committee meeting and calls it to order. They welcome the delegates, make any necessary announcements, and introduce the agenda for the session.

Setting the Agenda

The Chair presents the proposed agenda for the committee meeting. Delegates may suggest additions or modifications to the agenda through motions, which are then voted upon by the committee.

Speaker’s List

The Chair establishes a Speaker’s List, which determines the order in which delegates can speak. Delegates indicate their desire to be added to the list by raising their placards or using a digital platform. The Chair manages the list and calls upon delegates to speak one by one.

Opening Speeches

Delegates deliver their opening speeches, adhering to time limits set by the Chair (1 minute, 30 seconds). During opening speeches, delegates present their country’s position on the agenda topics, highlight key points, and outline their proposed solutions or policies.

Moderated Caucus

Following the opening speeches, the committee moves into a moderated caucus. Delegates engage in a structured debate, guided by the Chair. The Chair sets specific time limits for speakers and directs the discussion to focus on specific subtopics or questions related to the agenda. Delegates take turns speaking and address their comments to the Chair or through moderated questions to other delegates.

Unmoderated Caucus

The committee then moves to an unmoderated caucus. Delegates have the opportunity to freely move around the room, interact with one another, form alliances, negotiate, and work on drafting resolutions or collaborating on solutions. During this time, delegates can engage in informal discussions, build coalitions, or seek support for their ideas.

Working Papers and Draft Resolutions

Delegates collaborate to develop working papers and draft resolutions that propose solutions to the issues at hand. These documents outline the collective position and proposed actions of a group of delegates or countries. Working papers and draft resolutions are submitted to the Chair for review and distribution to the committee.

Formal Debate and Voting

Once the working papers and draft resolutions are submitted, the committee returns to formal debate. Delegates discuss and negotiate the content of the documents, propose amendments, and seek consensus on the final text. The committee then proceeds to vote on the resolutions, amendments, or other proposals.

Closing Statements

The committee meeting concludes with delegates delivering closing statements. Delegates summarize their country’s stance, highlight their contributions to the discussions, express appreciation for the collaborative efforts, and offer final remarks on the committee’s work.

Adjournment

The Chair formally adjourns the committee meeting, bringing the session to a close.

The MUN committee meeting provides a platform for delegates to engage in diplomatic discourse, negotiation, and collaboration as they work towards addressing global issues and finding solutions through diplomacy and consensus-building.

How to write a Resolution

Writing a Model United Nations (MUN) resolution is an important aspect of the conference. Resolutions serve as formal documents that propose solutions to the agenda topics and guide the committee’s discussion. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to write an MUN resolution:

Understand the Structure

Resolutions typically follow a specific structure: the Preamble, Operative Clauses, and Signatories.

The Preamble provides background information, highlights relevant international agreements or treaties, and establishes the context for the issue.

The Operative Clauses outline the proposed actions, policies, or solutions to address the problem.

The Signatories section includes the names of the countries or delegates supporting the resolution.

Research and Preparation

Conduct in-depth research on the agenda topics, relevant international conventions, treaties, and your country’s position.
Familiarize yourself with the perspectives of other countries and potential areas of consensus.

Collaborate and Build Alliances

Engage in discussions with fellow delegates to form alliances and build support for your resolution.
Seek common ground, negotiate compromises, and incorporate diverse viewpoints into the resolution.

Start with the Preamble

Begin the resolution by drafting a preamble that provides a concise introduction to the issue.

Present the background information, highlight the significance of the problem, and refer to relevant international agreements or resolutions.

Develop Operative Clauses

Construct the operative clauses to propose specific actions or policies that address the issue.
Each operative clause should contain a clear and actionable statement.
Organize the operative clauses logically and in a sequential manner.
Use action verbs to indicate the proposed actions, such as “urges,” “recommends,” “calls upon,” or “condemns.”

Support Clauses with Evidence

Support each operative clause with evidence, statistics, or references to authoritative sources.
Use facts, examples, or expert opinions to strengthen the credibility of your proposed actions.

Specify Implementation and Funding

Clearly indicate how the proposed actions will be implemented and by whom.
If financial resources are required, suggest mechanisms for funding or identify potential sources of funding.

Seek Co-Sponsors and Signatories

Approach delegates from other countries to garner support for your resolution as co-sponsors or signatories.
Co-sponsors actively participate in drafting the resolution and demonstrate their commitment to its success.
Signatories indicate their support for the resolution but may not have participated in its drafting.

Edit and Revise

Review the resolution for clarity, coherence, and consistency.
Ensure that each clause contributes to the overall objective and is free from ambiguity.
Edit for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Submit the Resolution

Submit the resolution to the Chair or committee staff within the designated timeline.
Be prepared to present and defend your resolution during the committee discussion.

Rules and Procedures

Decorum and Diplomacy

Maintain respectful and diplomatic behavior throughout the conference.
Use appropriate and professional language when addressing fellow delegates and the Chair.
Avoid personal attacks, offensive language, or disrespectful behavior.

Dress Code

Dress in professional attire that represents the formality of the United Nations.

Participation and Speaking Time

Respect the speaking time limits set by the Chair.
Raise your placard or use a designated digital platform to indicate your desire to speak.
Await recognition from the Chair before speaking.
Direct all comments, questions, and remarks through the Chair.

Points and Motions

Use points and motions to engage in formal proceedings:

Point of Order: To raise a procedural concern or question regarding the rules of the conference.
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: To seek clarification on procedures or rules.
Point of Personal Privilege: To address any personal discomfort or technical issues.
Motion to Suspend the Meeting: To temporarily halt the proceedings.
Motion to Adjourn the Meeting: To end the meeting.

Voting

Follow the voting procedures established by the conference and the Chair.
Cast your vote accurately and responsibly, based on your country’s position or personal judgment.

Resolution and Amendment Procedures

Collaborate with other delegates to draft resolutions that propose solutions to the agenda topics.
Submit resolutions to the Chair within the specified deadline.
Follow the rules and procedures for proposing amendments to resolutions.

Research and Preparation

Conduct thorough research on your assigned country’s position, policies, and past actions.
Familiarize yourself with the agenda topics and relevant international agreements or treaties.
Prepare speeches, position papers, and statements in advance to contribute effectively to the discussions.

Next Steps

Let us know you are coming.

Confirm your attendance by either emailing sani@edufleek.co.za WhatsApp: 0645414911 or through our website www.edufleek.co.za
Pay the conference fee of R150 per delegate.
Research your country and topic.
Prepare and send your Position Papers to sani@edufleek.co.za by 21 July 2023, the earlier you send them, the better .
Prepare resolutions on agenda topics, you will like to push on behalf of your country.
Come to Northriding College on Saturday, 12 August and enjoy the Model United Nations.

Complete the form below to register or to indicate your interest:

Related