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Opening Speech
An opening speech in MUN is a short statement where delegates introduce their country’s stance on the agenda and outline their key priorities for debate.
An opening speech should include:
- Brief introduction of your country’s history of the topic
- Past actions taken by the U.N., Member States, NGOs, etc. to combat the
problem - The current situation of the topic
- Your country’s overall position on the topic/reason for position
- Possible ideas or goals for a resolution
Strong Attention Grabber – Pull your audience in with a thought-provoking
question, anecdote or fact. 1-2 sentences
Topic Introduction – Highlight the importance of the topic, linking it to your
future solutions. 1-2 sentences
Assert Your Position – State your country’s position on the topic, express your
priorities and set a foundation. 1-2 sentences
Reasoning and Solutions – Outline your approach and how it solves the problem,
and how it can work with other delegates. As much space as you can afford.
Tie it Together – Summarize your main point, close with something encouraging
OR express the potential consequences if a resolution is not found. 1-2 sentences.
Some facts and figures will add credibility to your speech. Make sure that you
choose data that is directly related to your key points. Avoid overwhelming your
audience with too many numbers; instead, focus on the most impactful ones.
- “According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are
currently over 70 million displaced people worldwide. This is the highest
number since World War II. These individuals are not just statistics; they are
people with hopes, dreams, and the right to live in dignity and safety.”
Examples help to clarify and reinforce your points. Use real-life examples that
your audience can relate to or that vividly illustrate the issue at hand. Examples
make abstract ideas more concrete and understandable.
- “Consider the success of the Scandinavian countries in achieving near-zero
waste. Sweden, for instance, recycles almost 99% of its household waste, with innovative systems in place for sorting and reusing materials. This highlights that with the right policies and societal commitment, it is possible to make significant strides toward sustainability and environmental conservation.”
Quotes are another way to help make your speech more memorable. If you use a
quote from a well-known person, it helps to make your entire speech sound more
authoritative.
- “To quote former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, ‘Saving our planet,
lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth… these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security, and women’s
empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.’”
Using a list of three can enhance the rhythm and impact of your speech. This
technique groups ideas or items into threes, making them more memorable and
persuasive.
- “To effectively address climate change, we must focus on three key areas:
reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and promoting
global cooperation. By tackling these three aspects, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Opening Speech example
Opening Speech Example
Committee: UNEA
Topic: The effects of climate change on international trade
Country: The People’s Republic of China
Speaking Time: 1:30
Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates. The potential effects of climate change on international trade can be devastating. Extreme weather events, droughts, and rising sea levels disrupt global supply chains leading to catastrophic economic and environmental issues. The international community is in need of a sustainable trade strategy capable of mitigating pressure on the environment while still being able to keep up with international trade changes. The delegation of China recommends the innovation of clean energy technologies in trade through supply chains and trade routes. Yet global supply chains crucially need to be able to maintain operations during crisis and bounce back from shock. The current concentration of supply chains make them vulnerable to disruptions. That is why China recommends the diversification of supply chains. This gives countries the opportunity to sustainably develop their economies while helping with the worldwide transition to a greener global trade system. Yet this plan is incomplete without the input of other countries. China calls upon all member nations to collaborate in the hopes of making the idea of eco-friendly trade systems a reality working towards goals 13 and 8 of the UN sustainable development goals. Paving the way for a future of economic prosperity and environmental sustainability
Important Vocabulary
Important MUN vocabulary refers to the formal terms and phrases used to communicate effectively and follow proper debate procedure.
Abstain – During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may abstain rather than vote yes or no. This generally signals that a state does not support the resolution being voted on, but does not oppose it enough to vote no.
Adjourn – All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote to adjourn. This means that the debate is suspended until the next meeting. This can be a short time (e.g., overnight) or a long time (until next year’s conference).
Agenda – The order in which the issues before a committee will be discussed. The first the duty of a committee following the roll call is usually to set the agenda.
Amendment – A change to a draft resolution on the floor. It can be of two types: a “friendly amendment” is supported by the original draft resolution’s sponsors, and is passed automatically, while an “unfriendly amendment” is not supported by the original sponsors and must be voted on by the committee as a whole.
Background guide – A guide to a topic being discussed in a Model UN committee which is a starting point for any research before a Model UN conference.
Bloc – A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a similar opinion on the topic .
Caucus – A break in formal debate in which countries can more easily and informally discuss a topic.
There are two types: moderated caucus and unmoderated caucus.
Chair – A member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, rules on points and motions, and enforces the rules of procedure. Also known as a Moderator.
Dais – The group of people, usually high school or college students, in charge of a Model UN committee. It generally consists of a Chair, a Director, and a Rapporteur.
Decorum – The order and respect for others that all delegates at a Model UN conference must exhibit. The Chair will call for decorum when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of a speaker, of the dais, or their roles as ambassadors.
Delegate – A student acting as a representative of a member state or observer in a Model UN committee for a weekend.
Delegation – The entire group of people representing a member state or observer in all committees at a particular Model UN conference.
Draft Resolution – A document in the first stage that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, the draft resolution will become a resolution. Flow of debate- The order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference.
Gavel – The tool, shaped like a small wooden hammer, that the Chair uses to keep order within a Model UN committee. Many conferences give the gavel used in a committee to the delegate recognized by the dais as the best in that committee; therefore, the term is frequently used to refer to the award given to the Best Delegate, even in cases where no actual gavel is given.
Formal debate – The “standard” type of debate at a Model UN conference, in which delegates speak for a certain time in an order based on a speakers’ list.
Member State – A country that has ratified the Charter of the United Nations and whose application to join has been accepted by the General Assembly and Security Council. Currently, there are 193 member states. The only internationally recognized state that is not a member state is the Holy See.
Motion – A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole to do something. Some motions might be to go into a caucus, to adjourn, to introduce a draft resolution, or to move into the voting bloc.
Observer – A state, national organization, regional organization, or non-governmental organization that is not a member of the UN but participates in its debates.
On the floor – At a Model UN conference, when a working paper or draft resolution is first written, it may not be discussed in debate. After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the committee, it is put “on the floor” and may be discussed.
Page – A delegate in a Model UN committee that has volunteered to pass notes from one delegate to another, or from a delegate to the dais, for a short period of time.
Placard – A piece of cardstock with a country’s name on it that a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes to speak.
Point – A request raised by a delegate for information or for an action relating to that delegate. Examples include a point of order, a point of inquiry, and a point of personal privilege.
Position paper – A summary of a country’s position on a topic, written by a delegate before a Model UN conference.
Preambulatory Clause – The part of a resolution that describes previous actions taken on the topic and reasons why the resolution is necessary. It begins with a participle or adjective (noting, concerned, regretting, aware of, recalling, etc.).
Procedural – Having to do with the way a committee is run, as opposed to the topic being discussed. All delegates present must vote on procedural matters and may not abstain.
Quorum – The minimum number of delegates needed to be present for a committee to meet. In the General Assembly, a quorum consists of one third of the members to begin debate, and a majority of members to pass a resolution. In the Security Council, no quorum exists for the body to debate, but nine members must be present to pass a resolution.
Resolution – A document that has been passed by an organ of the UN that aims to address a particular problem or issue. The UN equivalent of a law. Right of Reply- A right to speak in reply to a previous speaker’s comment, invoked when a delegate feels personally insulted by another’s speech. Generally requires a written note to the Chair to be invoked.
Roll Call – The first order of business in a Model UN committee, during which the Rapporteur reads aloud the names of each member state in the committee. When a delegate’s country’s name is called, he or she may respond “present” or “present and voting.” A delegate responding “present and voting” may not abstain on a substantive vote.
Rules of Procedure – The rules by which a Model UN committee is run. Second- To agree with a motion being proposed. Many motions must be seconded before they can be brought to a vote.
Signatory – A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put on the floor and signs the draft resolution to accomplish this. A signatory need not support a resolution; it only wants it to be discussed. Usually, Model UN conferences require some minimum number of sponsors and signatories for a draft resolution to be approved. Simple majority- 50% plus one of the number of delegates in a committee. The amount needed to pass most votes.
Speakers’ List – A list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic is opened for discussion, the Chair will create a speakers’ list by asking all delegates wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on them one at a time. During debate, a delegate may indicate that he or she wishes to be added to the speakers’ list by sending a note to the dais.
Sponsor – One of the writers of a draft resolution. A friendly amendment can only be created if all sponsors agree.
Unmoderated Caucus – A type of caucus in which delegates leave their seats to mingle and speak freely. Enables the free sharing of ideas to an extent not possible in formal debate or even a moderated caucus. Frequently used to sort countries into blocs and to write working papers and draft resolutions.
Working Paper – A document in which the ideas of some delegates on how to resolve an issue are proposed. Frequently the precursor to a draft resolution.
Veto – The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent any draft resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no.
Vote – A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or do not support a proposed action for the committee. There are two types: procedural and substantive.
Voting bloc – The period at the end of a committee session during which delegates vote on proposed amendments and draft resolutions. Nobody may enter or leave the room during voting bloc.
Position Paper
A position paper in MUN is a written summary that explains a country’s stance on the agenda and outlines proposed solutions to the issues being discussed.
First Paragraph – Opening Statement (2-4 sentences)
- Why is this topic important for the committee to address?
- Why does your country care about this topic in general?
- What is your country’s policy on this topic?
Second Paragraph – National Actions (4-6 sentences)
- Is this topic an issue in your country?
- What actions has your country done to address the issue on a national level?
Third Paragraph – International Actions (4-6 sentences)
- How has your country addressed the issue on an international level?
- What actions has your country taken on the issue on an international level?
- What conventions, treaties and/or resolutions has your country supported on
this issue? - What organizations that address this issue is your country a member?
- Do you have quotes from government officials on this issue?
Fourth Paragraph – Recommendations for Action (3-4 sentences)
- What recommendations would your country like to see the international
community take to address the problem? - What role would your country like to see the international community take to
address the problem?
Example
Country Name: United Arab Emirates
Committee: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Topic: Eliminating Child Labor
Child labor has been a controversial topic throughout history, however the negatives far out way the benefits of child labor. The formational years of one’s life need to be educational development and freedom to explore the world to have a healthy, functional society. A society in which children must focus on labor creates submissive culture wherein research and development are not valued. This type of society stagnates and declines as a result. The United Nations has acted to address and protect children of our children through conventions like the C138 Minimum Age Convention, adopted in 1973 and established by the International Labour Organization under the United Nations. This convention set the minimum age to work to 15 years old, however it clearly failed because not enough time was put and it did not contribute to stopping the reasons for child labor like poverty, forcing families and their kids to work. Therefore, we must make every effort to invest in our children and the future.
“Giving every child, no matter where they live, the best start in life is the best way to ensure healthy and prosperous individuals, communities and nations…” according to Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairperson of Dubai Cares. In the United Arab Emirates, child labor is strictly forbidden, and our leaders make sure that all families are provided with social protections. Let’s not forget that social protections are a human right according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The delegation of the United Arab Emirates is and has been putting countless efforts to completely eliminate child labor from its country. To be exact, our government nationally implemented the Wadeema Law in 2016, which safeguards children against abuse, exploitation, and labor.
While child labor is not a major issue in the United Arab Emirates, it is in many other nations. That is why our nation’s goal is to not only stop child labor nationally, but to also completely end it in every nation. To do this, we’ve made programs like Dubai Cares, an organization that contributes to the lives of the youth in 60 developing nations. Our country is also a party to many international human rights treaties on children. For example, the Convention on the Rights of a Child in 1997. While all of these things done by our community and leaders have lessened the rate of child labor, it hasn’t completely eliminated it, meaning that we must take more steps to finish this issue once and for all.
For a solution to ever be successful in fully preventing child employment, the solution must be made from the work of multiple nations. For that reason, the delegation of the United Arab Emirates purposes a plan that would help raise money for families in poverty and schools called the ACE plan, or the Abolishment of Children Employment plan. In this plan, the main goal is to completely phase out the labor of individuals under 15 by 2043. After 2033, nobody below the age of 10 should be able to continue to work. We can help this goal become a reality by gathering with other nations to allocate discretionary funds to a general fund created under a multinational accord. During this time, welfare systems can be implemented for families who meet the economic criteria that puts children at risk for needing to work. Funds would be used for the welfare systems and building schools in areas where poverty rates are high. In our ever increasingly global society, the well being of all nations affect the well being of all nations of the world. By eliminating child labor world wide, we enable our future leaders to focus on education for battles against global problems like world hunger, climate change, and poverty.
Caucusing
Effective caucusing in MUN is the skill of collaborating, negotiating, and building alliances with other delegates to draft and refine resolutions.
Enter the caucus with a plan in mind: Formulate ideas on what your country would
like to see included in a resolution. Decide which clauses you are willing to
negotiate on and which you are not.
Establish connections with other delegates: Although it can be tempting to call a
fellow delegate “Pakistan,” “Brazil” or “Sweden”, you can form a better connection
with a delegate by learning his or her name and where he or she comes from. Ask
the delegate about his or her ideas and impressions of the debate. Showing interest
in your fellow delegates at the beginning of the conference will help you gain more
support later on and can help you to form lasting friendships.
Find delegates in your regional bloc: This is the easiest way to seek out allies.
However, if you find that the group you are working with is not meeting your needs,
do not be afraid to switch groups.
Provide ideas: Tell others what your country is hoping to achieve. If you do not agree
with an idea, do not hesitate to say that it is against your country’s policy.
Negotiate: While it is often necessary to give up something that you want, make
sure that you are not giving up anything too important.
Listen: By listening to what others are saying you will able to build on other people’s
ideas and add more to the discussion. Listening also shows respect for each
delegate in your group.
Do not interrupt: Allow other delegates to finish their thoughts rather than
interrupting others in the middle of a sentence. It sometimes helps to write down
your idea so that you can bring it up when the delegate is finished speaking.
Record ideas: Start to formulate a resolution in writing. Rather than waiting until the
last minute, begin recording fellow delegates’ ideas right away.
Be resourceful: By providing fellow delegates with resolution text, maps or
information as they need it, you will show that you are valuable to the group.
Have one-on-one conversations: Speaking with an individual or in a small group is
the best way to find out a delegate’s position on an issue. Larger groups are better
suited to brainstorming.
Stay calm: In caucuses, delegates can sometimes “lose their cool.” Staying calm
will not only help your group be more effective, but will be noticed by the conference
staff. Always keep your voice at a normal level. If you see that you are becoming
upset or raising your voice, excuse yourself from the group for a few minutes.
Use time effectively: Make sure you have enough time to hear everyone’s ideas so
that you can discuss them during formal debate. Try not to waste time arguing over
small details that do not seriously affect the draft resolution.
Show respect: Never give orders or tell other delegates what they should or should
not do. Be polite and treat all your fellow delegates with respect.
Provide constructive critique: Rather than negatively criticizing another delegate,
focus on providing constructive critique. If you dislike an idea, try to offer an
alternative. Critique ideas, not people.
Caucusing Files
Resolution
A resolution in MUN is a formal document that presents proposed solutions and actions to address the issues discussed in the committee.
The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutions—written
suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are drafted by
delegates and voted on by the committee, normally require a simple majority to pass
(except in the Security Council). Only Security Council resolutions can compel nations to
take action. All other UN bodies use resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions
for future action.
Draft Resolutions
Draft resolutions are all resolutions that have not yet been voted on. Delegates write draft
resolutions alone or with other countries. There are three main parts to a draft
resolution: the heading, the preamble and the operative section. The heading shows the
committee and topic along with the resolution number. It also lists the draft resolution’s
sponsors and signatories (see below). Each draft resolution is one long sentence with
sections separated by commas and semicolons. The subject of the sentence is the body
making the statement (e.g., the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, or
Security Council). The preamble and operative sections then describe the current
situation and actions that the committee will take.
Sponsors and Signatories
Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its
substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN,
since countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the
draft resolution to pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution and only the sponsors can
approve immediate changes.
Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft
resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments. A certain
percentage of the committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution in
order for it to be accepted. This is usually 20 percent of the body.
Preambulatory Clauses
The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons why the committee is addressing the
topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a
present participle (called a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. Preambulatory
clauses can include:
- References to the UN Charter;
- Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;
- Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency;
- Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with the issue; and
- General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.
Operative Clauses
Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each
operative clause begins with a verb in the present active tense (called an operative phrase)
and ends with a semicolon. Operative clauses should be organized in a logical
progression, with each containing a single idea or proposal, and are always numbered. If
a clause requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off by letters or roman numerals
can also be used. After the last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period.
Bringing a Resolution to the Floor for Debate
A draft resolution must always gain the support of a certain number of member states in
the committee before the sponsors (the delegates who created the resolution) may submit
it to the committee staff. Most conferences require signatures from 20 percent of the
countries present in order to submit a draft resolution. A dais member will read the draft
resolution to ensure that it is relevant and in proper format.
In some cases a delegate must make a motion to introduce the draft resolution, while in
other cases the sponsors are immediately called upon to read the document. Because
these procedures can vary, it is essential to find out about the resolution process for the
conference you plan to attend. Copies of the draft resolution are distributed to delegates,
and sponsors are given the floor to introduce the draft resolution. After the sponsors read
aloud the operative clauses, the Chair will entertain a short moderated caucus to discuss
the draft resolution.
Amendments
Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a
written statement that adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft resolution.
The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing
delegates to change certain sections. There are two types of amendments:
A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with.
After the amendment is signed by all of the draft resolution’s sponsors and approved by
the committee director or president, it will be automatically incorporated into the
resolution.
An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolution’s sponsors
do not support and must be voted upon by the committee. The author(s) of the
amendment will need to obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it
(usually 20 percent of the committee). Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the
committee votes on all unfriendly amendments.
Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a great deal of debate and
compromise. They are the tangible results of hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a
result, it is important to become familiar with the resolution process and practice drafting
resolutions using the proper structure and wording.
At the close of debate the committee will move into voting procedures and vote first on
unfriendly amendments followed by the draft resolutions. More than one resolution may
be passed per committee per topic, but if directly contradictory resolutions pass it is the
latter that holds.
MUNDAMENTALS 