Scribd
Upload
16 views9 pages

Understanding Resolution Writing in MUN

This document provides guidance on writing resolutions for Model UN conferences. It discusses the key components of a resolution, including preambles and operative clauses. Preambles provide background context and reference past work, while operative clauses call for specific actions and can establish new UN agencies. The document emphasizes researching a country's position papers and previous resolutions to debate from their perspective in the third person. It outlines three types of operative clauses - using moral authority, specific calls to action, and establishing new treaties or agencies. Overall, the document serves as a guide for properly structuring and drafting Model UN resolutions.

Uploaded by

Blu Bostock
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views9 pages

Understanding Resolution Writing in MUN

This document provides guidance on writing resolutions for Model UN conferences. It discusses the key components of a resolution, including preambles and operative clauses. Preambles provide background context and reference past work, while operative clauses call for specific actions and can establish new UN agencies. The document emphasizes researching a country's position papers and previous resolutions to debate from their perspective in the third person. It outlines three types of operative clauses - using moral authority, specific calls to action, and establishing new treaties or agencies. Overall, the document serves as a guide for properly structuring and drafting Model UN resolutions.

Uploaded by

Blu Bostock
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Resolution Writing

Week 5
What is a resolution? - Recap
A resolution is a document that aims to address one of the topics being addressed by
the committee. It is split into two parts:

● Document which aims to address one of the topics being addressed by the committee
● Split into two part: preambles and operatives
● Preambles give background information and set the scene
● Operatives provide the action and how the issue is to be addressed
● Preambles end in commas, operatives end in a semicolon
● Operatives can have sub-clauses
● Only one full stop at the end
New Rule - Third Person
In MUN, when speaking from now on, it must be in the third person. This is because
you are debating from the views of the country.

eg. ‘The delegate believes…’, ‘we believe…’


Research
Before you start writing a resolution, research is key - you must debate from the views
of your country. Remember the 3 Ps:

1. Profile - what is your country’s general position on topics? ie. for China in EE,
look at China’s environmental records. What are the demographics? politics?
2. Position Papers - What are your country’s views on the topics being debated in the
committee - get more specific.
3. Previous Work - Look at previous resolutions. What has worked? What has failed?
Treaties?
Preambles
Your preambles should be built upon your research. You could mention any historical
work that has been done.
You could also include various facts and figures. It should be about half a page.
Preambles should end in commas, and the first phrase should be italicised.
eg. The Question of improving access to education in developing countries
Alarmed by the rate of illiteracy in developing countries,
Deeply disturbed by the fact 75 million children are out of school,
Recalling the “Education for All” movement that aims to meet the learning needs of all
children,
Operative Clauses
There are three types of operative clauses. These are:

● Use of Moral Authority


● Specific Call to Action
● Establishment of a new UN Agency/Treaty

All operative clauses should end in a semicolon, apart from the last clause, which
should have a full stop. Operative clauses can also have sub-clauses. The action words
should also be underlined.
Type 1: Use of Moral Authority
The United Nations is a great source of moral authority, and it is generally respected
and listened to. Due to a lack of real power, it relies heavily on moral authority.

Many UN resolutions are filled with congratulatory or critical clauses (eg. Deplores,
Expresses Concern, Notes with Concern). But, be careful as it is easy for these to
appear as preambles.
Type 2: Specific Call to Action
This requests action by the UN to a third party, or requests for action within the UN.
Most of the times, actions will be directed towards a third party (eg. “member states”,
regional organisations, “international community”, Secretary-General, individual
states).

eg. Urges all member states who have not already done so to expediently sign and
ratify the Inhumane Weapons Convention and the Convention of Conventional
Weapons Amended Protocol 2 expediently;
Type 3: Establishment of a new UN Agency/Treaty
MUN likes to establish these. But, if one already exists, they should not be created
unnecessarily.
If you are creating one, the resolution should outline a clear mandate and reporting
structure.
Drafting a new treaty can also be useful. To do this in a resolution, remember the
resolution is not the treaty itself, just a call for one. Treaties should be called for by
requesting/suggesting the creation of a committee, which should also be clearly
mandated.
eg. Calls for a new UN body to be created called the United Nations Protection of
Journalists (UNPOJ);

You might also like