How to Write a Resolution
Introduction
Before HABSMUN, you have the option to write a draft resolution on one of the topics. The
issues of the resolutions can be found in the agenda of the conference at [Link]. The
resolution is a document produced by delegates as a solution to an issue that is being debated; it
is a formal statement of a proposal to a UN Council or Committee.
A resolution is made up of preambulatory and operative clauses.
The preambulatory clauses provide a background to the problem and are the introduction of the
resolution. These are not debated. However, there are a variety of acknowledgements you need
to make. You will need to write references to former UN resolutions, ratified conventions, and
declarations. You may want to provide official figures and possibly congratulate countries and
organisations which have worked on the issue. You might wish to explain any difficulties that
have been encountered thus far on the issue.
The operative clauses are the basis for the debate. They set out what further action and
measures need to be. These need to be researched and formed on the basis of viable solutions
and the policy of the nation a delegate is representing. You must ensure that your proposals fully
reflect the existing policies of the country that you represent. You may, for example, wish to
encourage or invite countries to sign/ratify a convention. You may propose a new method of
approaching an issue. You may support existing work or wish to supplement it. You may wish to
implement new bodies or sub-bodies to specifically address the issue at hand.
Structure
As stated above, the resolution is split between preamble and operative clauses. At the beginning
of each resolution the following must be stated:
COMMITTEE: You write down the name of your committee
QUESTION OF: You write the issue of the resolution
SUBMITTED BY: You write down the name of your country
The resolution is addressed to the General Assembly and each new clause begins with a verb,
whilst each perambulatory clause begins with a present participle (see below). The following rules
apply when writing a resolution:
● The opening verb of each clause is underlined.
● There is a line-space between each clause.
● Each operative clause is numbered.
● The sub-clauses begin with a), b), c), etc.; Acronyms are written out in full the first time
they are used (bracketed).
● Each preambulatory clause is followed by a comma.
● Each operative clause is followed by a semicolon.
● There is only one full stop, that is, at the end of the resolution.
● Each line is numbered for easy reference
Preambulatory Clause Words
Acknowledging Deeply disturbed …considered Observing Reaffirming
Affirming Determined …examined further Realizing Recalling
Alarmed Emphasizing …received Recognizing Regretting
Anxious Encouraged …reviewed Reiterating Seeking
Approving Endorsing Keeping in mind Stressing Welcoming
Aware Expressing Mindful Noting …further
…with deep
Bearing in mind Fully …with approval …with concern
concern
…with grave
Being convinced …aware …with regret …with satisfaction
concern
Believing …believing …adopted Guided by Having
Concerned …bearing in mind …approved Considering Convinced
Operative Clause Words
Accepts Confirms Expresses Requests Suggests
Adopts Congratulates Instructs Supports Takes note of
Affirms Considers Invites Transmits Urges
Appeals Declares Proclaims Welcomes Appreciates
Approves Deplores Reaffirms …its belief Recognizes
Authorises Designates Directs Recommends Regrets
Calls upon Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Repeats
Calls for Concurs