CNMUN-2025

WTO
BACKGROUND
GUIDE
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LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE BOARD
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to CNMUN 2025 - WTO. We are truly thrilled to have you join us for what
promises to be two days of engaging debate, diplomatic finesse, and dynamic
learning.
For us, Model United Nations is not just an academic exercise—it’s a way of thinking,
a discipline that shapes how we understand the world. It allows us to walk in the
shoes of diplomats, think critically, and view global issues from a multitude of
perspectives. We hope that as soon as you step (or log) into committee, you feel
inspired, challenged, and supported in equal measure.
Whether you are a seasoned MUNer or participating in your very first conference,
remember that growth lies in every experience—whether it’s refining your public
speaking, building consensus, or leading from the front. If nerves find you, let
curiosity guide you. If you’re unsure, let us be your support. The Executive Board is
always available to guide and assist you at every step.
A MUN doesn’t end when gavel drops. Every conference expands your worldview
and sharpens your ability to think both critically and compassionately. This
background guide is meant to serve as a launchpad, not a limit. It provides
foundational insight but leaves ample room for your own research, perspectives,
and innovative solutions. We want to witness your understanding and your analysis
shape the debate.
We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure this committee is intellectually stimulating and
diplomatically enriching. It’s time we all come together—across ideologies and
borders—to uphold the values of peace, security, and cooperation.
Here’s to thoughtful deliberation, bold diplomacy, and a shared vision for a better
world.
Warm regards,
The Executive Board
CNMUN 2025 - WTO

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UNITED NATION AT A GLANCE
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization founded on
October 24, 1945, after the end of World War II. The UN was created to
promote global peace, security, and cooperation and to prevent another
catastrophic war. The UN has 193 member states, and its work is guided
by its Charter, which outlines the purposes and principles of the
organization. The primary objectives of the UN are to maintain
international peace and security, protect human rights, promote
sustainable development, and provide humanitarian aid.
The UN achieves its objectives through various bodies, such as the
General Assembly, the Security Council, and specialized agencies like the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s
Fund (UNICEF).
The General Assembly is the main body of the UN, where all member
states come together to discuss and coordinate on issues of global
concern. The General Assembly is responsible for establishing
international law, promoting economic and social cooperation, and
approving the UN budget. Each member state has one vote in the General
Assembly, and decisions are made by a two-thirds majority. The Security
Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It
is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members
(China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and
ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-
year terms. The Security Council has the power to impose sanctions,
authorize military action, and establish peacekeeping operations.

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The UN also has specialized agencies, such as the WHO, UNICEF, and the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), that work on specific issues related to
health, education, and development. These agencies provide technical expertise
and resources to member states, and they also coordinate with other organizations
to address global challenges. One of the core principles of the UN is the promotion
of human rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in
1948, is a foundational document that outlines the basic rights and freedoms that
every human being is entitled to, regardless of their nationality, race, or gender.
The UN also has several treaty bodies that monitor the implementation of human
rights treaties, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the
Child.
Another key aspect of the UN is sustainable development. In 2015, the UN adopted
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is a global plan of action for
people, the planet, and prosperity. The 2030 Agenda includes 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure
that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs are interconnected and
require global cooperation and partnership to achieve. The UN also provides
humanitarian aid to people affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and other
emergencies. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
coordinates humanitarian responses and provides support to governments and
other organizations to deliver life-saving assistance to those in need. Despite its
accomplishments, the UN faces many challenges and criticisms. One of the
biggest challenges is the persistence of conflict and violence in many parts of the
world. The UN peacekeeping missions have been criticized for being underfunded,
understaffed, and unable to effectively protect civilians in conflict zones. The UN
also faces criticism for being too bureaucratic and slow to respond to emerging
global challenges, such as climate change and cybersecurity threats.

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ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
World Trade Organization (WTO)
The Global Guardian of Fair Trade
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the principal international body responsible for
overseeing and regulating global trade. Established in 1995, it succeeded the General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With
164 member states, the WTO serves as the backbone of the modern multilateral trading
system.
The core mission of the WTO is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and
freely as possible. It does this by creating and enforcing a set of common rules that govern
international trade in goods, services, and intellectual property. These rules are negotiated
and agreed upon by all member nations, giving the WTO legitimacy and global reach.
One of the most important features of the WTO is its dispute settlement mechanism, which
allows countries to resolve trade disagreements through a structured legal process rather
than unilateral action or trade wars. This function upholds the rule of law in international
economic relations.
But the WTO is more than just a trade referee. It also works to lower trade barriers, promote
transparency, build capacity in developing countries, and help integrate them into the
global economy.
In recent years, the WTO has faced significant challenges. The rise of protectionism, digital
trade disputes, strategic decoupling (like the U.S.–China tensions), and the weaponization
of trade dependencies have raised questions about the organization’s relevance and
effectiveness. Moreover, the Appellate Body—a key part of its dispute resolution system—
has been paralyzed due to political disagreements among major powers.
Today, as the lines between trade, technology, and geopolitics continue to blur, the WTO
must evolve. Questions around digital sovereignty, economic coercion, supply chain
security, and fairness for developing economies have brought the organization to a turning
point.
In this committee, delegates will represent WTO member states and explore how the
organization can redefine its role in a rapidly changing global landscape. The challenge is
not just to fix the past—but to build a trade system that is inclusive, resilient, and future-
ready.

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MANDATE
The mandate of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is to oversee the global system of trade rules
between nations and ensure that international trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as
possible. More specifically, the WTO's mandate includes the following core functions and objectives:

Set and enforce rules for international trade: The WTO administers a set of agreements, negotiated and
signed by the majority of the world’s trading nations, which serve as legal ground rules for commerce in
goods, services, and intellectual property.

Act as a forum for trade negotiations: It provides a platform for member countries to negotiate further
trade liberalization and to address new trade issues.

Resolve trade disputes: The WTO has a formal process for resolving trade disputes between members,
aiming to prevent conflicts from escalating and to interpret existing agreements.

Monitor and review national trade policies: Through the Trade Policy Review Mechanism, the WTO
monitors and promotes transparency in the trade-related policies of its member countries.

Assist developing countries: The WTO offers technical assistance and training programs to help
developing and least-developed countries integrate and benefit from the global trading system.

Cooperate with other international organizations: It coordinates with organizations like the IMF and
World Bank to enhance coherence in global economic policy.

Promote sustainable development: Sustainable development is a core objective, enshrined in the WTO's
founding Marrakesh Agreement. The organization addresses issues where trade and environmental
policies intersect and monitors the sustainable development aspects of negotiations in all areas.

The WTO operates on fundamental principles such as non-discrimination (including the most-favoured-
nation and national treatment principles), transparency, the encouragement of fair competition, and the
provision of special provisions for developing nations.

At its heart, the WTO’s mandate is to harness trade as a vehicle for raising living standards, creating jobs,
and improving people's lives across member countries. All major decisions are taken by consensus
among members and are intended to make trade a source of stability, cooperation, and development.

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AGENDA
Redefining the Role and Relevance of the World Trade Organization in the Era
of Strategic Decoupling, Digital Sovereignty, Economic Coercion, and the
Weaponization of Global Trade Norms: A Comprehensive Deliberation on Post-
2020 Multilateral Trade Governance

The agenda is a response to the fundamental question: Can the WTO remain
relevant in a fractured, politicized, and digitally transforming global economy?
Established in 1995 to promote fair, rules-based international trade, the WTO
was designed under the assumption that economic interdependence would
lead to peace and prosperity. But the post-2020 world has sharply disrupted
that vision. COVID-19, the US–China trade war, growing techno-nationalism,
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of protectionist policies have
revealed deep flaws in the WTO’s structure and authority. The multilateral
trade system is facing unprecedented stress from both developed and
developing nations who now prioritize strategic autonomy over global
integration. What used to be the consensus around globalization is now
giving way to skepticism and recalibration.
This agenda invites delegates to critically examine the WTO’s institutional
capacity to manage and adapt to these shifts. Can WTO rules address the
rising weaponization of trade and sanctions? Are its dispute resolution
systems fit for the new era of digital and strategic rivalries? Is the organization
able to govern cross-border data flows, AI commerce, or digital taxation? The
agenda is not just about crisis—it is about reform, reinvention, and relevance.
Delegates are expected to rethink trade governance for a fragmented but
digitally connected world, balancing state sovereignty with collective
accountability.

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SUB-AGENDAS
STRATEGIC DECOUPLING
Strategic decoupling refers to the intentional process by which countries—
especially economic giants like the United States and China—seek to
reduce their economic interdependence in strategically important sectors.
While globalization encouraged integration of supply chains, decoupling
reverses that trajectory. Since the 2020s, governments have taken
aggressive steps to relocate production domestically or to "friendly"
countries (friend-shoring), particularly in areas deemed sensitive to
national security, such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, rare earths,
and energy. The U.S. CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act are examples
where billions of dollars are poured into reshoring and creating domestic
resilience.

While strategic decoupling is often justified in the name of national security

or pandemic preparedness, it also has serious implications for the WTO’s
foundational principles—particularly non-discrimination and trade
liberalization. Decoupling can lead to selective trade practices, higher
tariffs, subsidy wars, and fragmented global value chains. The WTO, which
promotes integration and cooperation, currently lacks mechanisms to
regulate or even interpret these new shifts in a consistent manner.
Delegates will need to ask: Can WTO rules adapt to this new paradigm
where nations weaponize interdependence? Should the WTO allow
exceptions for national security, and if so, to what extent?

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Digital Sovereignty
Digital sovereignty encompasses a nation’s control over its digital
infrastructure, data, and online ecosystems. As economies digitize, data
has become the most valuable commodity—more important than oil in
some contexts. Governments are increasingly seeking to assert
sovereignty over this resource, often by implementing data localization
laws, restrictions on foreign tech platforms, and cross-border
surveillance policies. The European Union’s GDPR, India's proposed
Data Protection Bill, and China’s Cybersecurity Law are examples of
digital sovereignty in action. These laws often prioritize user privacy,
national control, or ideological independence over unrestricted global
data flows.
The WTO currently has no binding rules governing digital trade, data
flows, or platform governance, making this one of its weakest areas in
modern trade policy. Although members have signed Joint Statement
Initiatives (JSIs) on e-commerce, there’s no global consensus on issues
like cloud infrastructure, algorithm transparency, AI ethics, or digital
services taxes. Moreover, digital sovereignty may come into direct
conflict with WTO commitments, as some countries may see it as a
form of protectionism or non-tariff barrier. Delegates must debate
whether digital rules should be made mandatory, how privacy laws
intersect with trade, and whether the WTO can reconcile digital
sovereignty with the free flow of goods and services online.

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Economic Coercion
Economic coercion involves the use of trade tools such as tariffs,
sanctions, import bans, or regulatory delays to pressure or punish
other countries for political or strategic reasons. This practice has
gained international visibility as countries increasingly use
economic leverage to achieve non-economic goals. A widely cited
case is China's informal trade embargo against Lithuania following
diplomatic tensions over Taiwan. Similarly, the U.S. frequently uses
unilateral sanctions to exert pressure on countries like Iran,
Venezuela, and Russia. While such actions might reflect national
foreign policy, they often contravene WTO norms of Most-Favored
Nation (MFN) treatment and fair competition.
The WTO currently lacks any concrete mechanism to define, detect,
or respond to economic coercion, especially when states justify
their actions under the national security exception clause (Article
XXI of the GATT). Moreover, retaliatory acts, often outside WTO
jurisdiction, further erode the credibility of its dispute system. This
sub-agenda invites delegates to explore whether the WTO should
formally recognize and regulate acts of coercion, and how it can
prevent its own rules from being used as weapons. Should new
norms or protocols be introduced? Should dispute settlement be
strengthened to handle such cases quickly and impartially?

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Weaponization of Global Trade Norms
This sub-agenda explores how states increasingly use the
language and mechanisms of trade law to justify acts of
retaliation, exclusion, or strategic pressure. For example,
countries invoke WTO-compatible excuses (like dumping,
subsidies, or health standards) not for legitimate trade
regulation, but to disguise political intentions. The U.S. use of
Section 301 to impose tariffs outside WTO processes, or the EU’s
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which some
developing countries see as eco-protectionism, show how “legal
trade instruments” can be turned into geopolitical tools.

Furthermore, the paralysis of the WTO’s Appellate Body has

severely weakened the organization’s ability to enforce
discipline. Without an operational dispute settlement system,
countries are less incentivized to follow rules. In this lawless
vacuum, norms lose meaning, and power begins to replace
principle. Delegates must discuss whether the weaponization of
trade law can be curbed through institutional reform, including
restoration of the Appellate Body, and whether new checks are
needed to ensure that WTO tools are not used as shields for
aggression.

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SUGGESTIONS FOR MOD TOPICS
Reevaluating the Foundational Principles of the WTO in a Post-
Globalization World.
Can the WTO Regulate Power Politics in Global Trade?

Reforming WTO Dispute Settlement for the 21st Century.

Multilateralism vs Sovereignty: Where Does the WTO Draw the Line?

The Role of the WTO in Addressing New-Age Trade Barriers: Data, AI,
and Services.

Bridging the Global North–South Divide in the Next Phase of WTO

Reform.

Defining the Limits of Strategic Trade Retaliation within WTO Norms.

Reimagining the WTO’s Role Amid Strategic Alliances and Trade Blocs.

Can the WTO Survive the Era of Economic Nationalism and Strategic
Decoupling.

Designing a New Framework for Resilient, Inclusive, and Secure

Multilateral Trade Governance.

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CASE STUDY 1
China vs. Lithuania — A Test of WTO’s Authority on Economic
Coercion
In 2021, Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius using the name
"Taiwan" rather than the customary "Taipei." In retaliation, the People’s Republic of China
undertook a wide range of economic coercive actions, including:

Halting imports from Lithuania,

Pressuring multinational companies (like German carmaker Continental) to sever Lithuanian
supply chains,
Delisting Lithuania from customs systems entirely.

The European Union, on behalf of Lithuania, filed a formal complaint at the WTO in January
2022. The complaint alleged discriminatory trade practices, lack of transparency, and politically
motivated economic coercion in violation of WTO commitments under the GATT and the
Trade Facilitation Agreement.

Key issues:
The case tests how far the WTO can go in addressing politically motivated trade retaliation.
China argues it is acting under the national sovereignty and diplomatic recognition framework,
which the WTO doesn't govern.
Lithuania’s case is one of the first major attempts to confront informal coercion tactics through
the WTO framework.

Relevance to the Agenda:

This case underscores the absence of strong WTO mechanisms to regulate or define
“economic coercion.” It also raises important questions about the limits of WTO jurisdiction
when national security and diplomacy are used as shields for trade discrimination. Delegates
can debate whether the WTO needs a dedicated framework for coercive trade practices or if it
should remain neutral on such disputes.

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CASE STUDY 2
The U.S. CHIPS and Science Act (2022) — Strategic Decoupling in Action

The United States passed the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, allocating over $52
billion in subsidies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The goal was to
reduce U.S. dependence on East Asian (especially Chinese) semiconductor supply
chains, seen as a national security vulnerability after COVID-19 disruptions and
growing U.S.–China tensions.

The Act bars companies receiving subsidies from expanding semiconductor

production in China for a decade.
This move reflects a clear instance of strategic decoupling where geopolitical
interests override trade efficiency or WTO norms.
The U.S. also imposed export restrictions on high-end semiconductor technology to
China in 2022 and 2023.

While the U.S. maintains that the Act is within its sovereign right under national
security exemptions, several WTO members, including China, South Korea, and the
EU, have raised concerns that such massive subsidies violate WTO rules on state aid
and market distortion.

Relevance to the Agenda:

This case exemplifies the growing conflict between trade liberalization and national
security, and it calls into question whether WTO frameworks are equipped to deal
with new industrial policies motivated by strategic autonomy. Delegates should
assess whether Article XXI (national security exception) is being abused, and if the
WTO needs a clearer definition or threshold for invoking national security in trade.

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CASE STUDY 3
India’s Data Localization Policies — Sovereignty in the Digital Age

Since 2018, India has pushed forward a series of regulatory frameworks (such as
the now-revised Personal Data Protection Bill) that mandate storage of personal
data within national borders. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also required all
payment data to be stored exclusively on domestic servers. These measures are
justified on the grounds of data privacy, cybersecurity, and national control over
sensitive information.

The U.S. and EU argue that India’s rules are protectionist and violate WTO
principles by creating non-tariff barriers to digital services trade.
Tech giants like Amazon, Google, Mastercard, and Visa have raised concerns over
operational and compliance costs, and some consider the policies discriminatory.

While the WTO doesn’t yet have binding rules on data flows, the tension between
digital sovereignty and digital trade liberalization is becoming a central debate.
India, along with countries like Indonesia and Brazil, defends its position as a
sovereign right, while developed nations push for “free flow of data with trust.”

Relevance to Agenda:
This case exemplifies the growing divergence between developed and
developing economies on digital regulation, as well as the urgent need for the
WTO to modernize its rulebook to address digital trade. It also raises fundamental
questions: Can data be governed like goods? And where does national interest
end and digital protectionism begin?

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KEY STAKEHOLDLERS AND THEIR
POSITIONS
United States of America (USA):
The United States is both a founding architect and active disruptor of
the WTO system. While it values the idea of a rules-based trade order, it
has increasingly prioritized national security, economic sovereignty, and
strategic competition—especially with China—over multilateralism. It is
highly skeptical of the WTO’s ability to deal with 21st-century
challenges.

People’s Republic of China:

China presents itself as a champion of globalization and multilateral
trade, but is widely seen as leveraging WTO rules for strategic state-led
capitalism. While it has benefited enormously from WTO membership
since 2001, it frequently engages in opaque subsidies, intellectual
property controversies, and politically motivated trade actions.

European Union (EU):

The EU is a staunch defender of multilateralism and WTO legitimacy. It
supports comprehensive WTO reform to make the organization more
relevant, especially in areas like digital trade, climate, and dispute
settlement.

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Federative Republic of Brazil:
Brazil walks a middle path—supporting WTO reform and sustainability
goals, while also defending flexibility for developing nations. It sees the
WTO as vital for resolving trade disputes and advancing agriculture and
bioeconomy exports.

Republic of South Africa:

South Africa is a strong critic of WTO imbalances and positions itself as
a champion for African and LDC interests. It believes the WTO has
systematically favored developed nations, particularly on IP rights,
trade-related investment measures, and digital policy.

Russian Federation:
Russia’s position has become more isolated post-Ukraine invasion, with
sanctions restricting its global trade access. However, it continues to
defend sovereign trade policy and views WTO mechanisms as
politicized by the West.

Republic of India:
India is a leading voice for the Global South and strategic autonomy
within the WTO. It supports multilateralism but strongly opposes rules
that limit domestic policy space, particularly in areas like agriculture,
subsidies, and digital data governance.

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IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO BE STUDIED
The Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (1994) forms the
constitutional basis of the WTO. It lays down the organization’s structure, purpose, and the
legal commitment to multilateralism, non-discrimination, and sustainable development.
This is the go-to document for delegates trying to understand the foundational mandate of
the WTO.
[Link]

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1994) is central to WTO governance
on trade in goods. Of key importance is Article XXI, the “security exception,” which is at the
core of recent disputes involving strategic decoupling and coercion. Delegates should
study how this clause has been interpreted and used in recent WTO cases.
[Link]

The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which entered into force in 2017, is designed to
streamline cross-border customs procedures and increase transparency. It is critical for
delegates discussing whether WTO rules can prevent informal trade blockades and
hidden forms of coercion.
[Link]

The Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on E-Commerce is an ongoing negotiation process

involving over 90 WTO members aiming to frame rules for digital trade. The debate around
this initiative cuts to the heart of the digital sovereignty vs. digital globalization argument.
[Link]

The World Trade Report 2023, published by the WTO, focuses on the theme of "Re-
globalization for a Secure, Inclusive and Sustainable Future." It offers deep analysis of trade
fragmentation, climate-linked trade rules, and institutional reform. This is a goldmine for
research on the future direction of the WTO.
[Link]

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The Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) is the legal backbone of WTO’s
dispute resolution system. However, with the Appellate Body non-functional since
2019, the DSU is under massive strain. Any conversation around WTO reform must
include how to revive or reimagine this document.
[Link]

The WTO Ministerial Conference 12 (MC12), held in Geneva in 2022, concluded with
a ministerial declaration and decisions on fisheries subsidies, pandemic response,
and a reaffirmation of commitment to reform. The documents provide insight into the
latest consensus (and disagreements) among WTO members.
[Link]

The UNCTAD Digital Economy Report 2021 addresses global inequalities in digital
trade, the rise of data sovereignty, and the challenges faced by developing countries
in the digital economy. This is particularly relevant to delegates representing the
Global South.
[Link]

The UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/73/27 (2018) on “Advancing Information

and Communication Technologies for Development” urges multilateral cooperation
while supporting national sovereignty in ICT governance. It supports balanced digital
development and equity in access.
[Link]

The UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2023 focuses on the rise of economic
fragmentation, trade weaponization, and the urgent need for structural WTO reforms.
It is a powerful resource to argue for equity-focused modernization of global trade
rules.
[Link]

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Rules of Procedure (ROP) – UNA-USA
Attendance (Motion to Verify the Quorum)
Roll Call: At the beginning of each session, and upon a Motion to verify the Quorum,
Chairpersons will call on all Member States in alphabetical order to state their status
of attendance. Member States may reply “present” or “present and voting.”
Representatives stating “present and voting” may not abstain from any vote on
substantial matters.
Late Arrival: If any Representatives were not present during the Roll Call, upon arrival
they must send a note to the Chairpersons clarifying their status of presence.

Quorum
Definition: The quorum is the minimum number of delegates required to open a
session for debate.
Requirement: The quorum is met when at least one-third of all registered delegates
are present at the committee session. Quorum is verified at the beginning of each
session by Roll Call.

Setting the Agenda

First Step: Setting the agenda is the first step for the committee.
a. A motion to put a topic area on the agenda should be made first. This motion
requires a second.
b. Delegates can propose only topics as put forward by the Secretariat in the
provisional agenda, i.e., topics set by the Secretariat prior to the conference.
c. If there is no opposition to the motion, it is considered adopted.
d. If there is opposition to the proposed order of the agenda, a Speaker’s List of either
two or four delegates “for” and “against” the order will be established, with an equal
number of speakers for both sides.

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Types of Sessions
Debate Modes
Formal Session: General Speaker’s List
Informal Session: Moderated Caucus
Informal Session: Unmoderated Caucus
Upon setting the agenda, the Speaker’s List is opened either at the discretion of the
Chairs or by a delegate proposing a Motion to Open the Speaker’s List.

General Speaker’s List

The General Speaker’s List shows the order of speakers for the topic on the agenda
and is open for the whole duration of the discussion.
Speaking time is set to 90 seconds. This can be altered by a Motion to Change the
Speaker’s Time.
The Speaker’s List is open only for the topic currently on the agenda.

Moderated Caucus
The moderated caucus facilitates and accelerates discussion on essential and
critical issues related to the agenda.
Any delegate may introduce a motion for a moderated caucus once the Floor is open
for Points and Motions. The delegate must specify the total time of the motion (not
exceeding 20 minutes), individual speaker’s time (not exceeding the time set for the
General Speaker’s List), and the purpose of the motion, which must be more specific
than the general topic.
A Simple Majority of the quorum is required for the motion to pass. If multiple
moderated caucuses are proposed, the committee votes in descending order of total
time.

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Unmoderated Caucus
The unmoderated caucus is the most informal form of debate, allowing delegates to
discuss freely, lobby, resolve issues, and create working papers and resolutions.
Any delegate may introduce a motion for an unmoderated caucus once the Floor is
open for Points and Motions. The delegate must specify the purpose and total time
(not exceeding 30 minutes).
A Simple Majority of the quorum is required for the motion to pass.

Types of Yields
A delegate granted permission to speak may yield their remaining time to:
Another Delegate: The remaining time is offered to another delegate, who cannot
further yield except to the Chairpersons.
Point of Information: The delegate may open themselves to questions, at the
discretion of the Chairpersons. Inquiries do not count against the remaining time, but
answers do. The delegate may refuse to answer any question.
Yield Back to the Chairs: If the delegate does not wish to answer questions or yield to
another delegate, they may yield the remaining time back to the Chairpersons.

Types of Points
Point of Personal Privilege: Raised for personal discomfort affecting participation
(e.g., audibility, room conditions). May interrupt a speaker only for audibility.
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: Raised to clarify aspects of the Rules of Procedure.
May not interrupt a speaker and can only be introduced when the Floor is open for
Points and Motions.
Point of Order: Raised for discrepancies or improper application of Rules of
Procedure. The Chairs decide on validity and clarify irregularities. May not interrupt a
speech.
Point of Information: As previously explained.

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Right of Reply
A delegate whose country’s integrity or sovereignty is contested may request a Right
of Reply. The Chairpersons decide on the time limit and whether the Right of Reply is
in order. The Chairs’ decision is final.

Types of Documentation
Working Papers
Working papers aid the committee’s work, present viewpoints, and propose potential
solutions.
No signatories or sponsors are required, but the name(s) of the proposer(s) must be
included.
No set format is required; working papers are referred to by their designated number.

Position Paper
A Model UN Position Paper (Policy Paper) is a strategic document with three parts:
Country’s Position on the Topic
Country’s Relation to the Topic
Proposals of Policies to Pass in a Resolution

Amendments
An Amendment modifies, deletes, adds, or revises parts of a Draft Resolution.
Proposed in writing to the Chairpersons.
Friendly Amendment: Accepted by all Sponsors and incorporated without a vote.
Unfriendly Amendment: Not accepted by all Sponsors; requires a set number of
Sponsors and is subject to a vote. Amendments to Unfriendly Amendments are out of
order. Unfriendly Amendments can be withdrawn by all Sponsors before voting by
written request.

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Press Release
Press releases are used to inform or misinform the public or committee about
ongoing crises. Components include:
Header stating it is a Press Release
Descriptive Headline
Information for public reaction
Signature(s)
Goals:
Inform/misinform the public to elicit a reaction
Share previously secret information with the committee
Encourage international response

Draft Resolution
A Draft Resolution is a document in official resolution format.
Circulation requires prior approval of format and the required number of Sponsors
and Signatories by the Chairpersons.
“Sponsors” are recognized as the writers of the Draft Resolution; the minimum
number is set by the Chairs.
“Signatories” support discussion on the Floor with no further obligation; the minimum
number is set by the Chairs.
A Member State cannot be both Sponsor and Signatory simultaneously.
After introduction, delegates cannot add themselves as Sponsors but may be
removed by written request. If the required number of Sponsors is not met, the
document is removed from the Floor.
Delegates may add or remove themselves as Signatories at any time by written
request.
More than one Draft Resolution may be on the Floor at once.

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Voting
Procedural and Substantive Votes
Substantive Votes: Refer to resolutions, amendments, or their parts. Delegates may
vote in favor, against, or abstain. “Present and voting” delegates cannot abstain. Only
Member States may vote.
Procedural Votes: Refer to all other voting procedures. No abstentions allowed. All
observers may vote.
Majorities
Simple Majority: More than half (½ + 1) of all “Present and voting” delegates.
Qualified Majority: Two-thirds (2/3) of all “Present and voting” delegates.
All matters are passed by Simple Majority unless stated otherwise.

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HOW AND WHERE TO RESEARCH
What Should a delegate research upon
Your Country’s Trade Policy

Case Studies Involving Your Country

Regional Blocs and Alliances

WTO Mechanisms

Digital Trade & Sovereignty

Sustainable Trade & Climate Tariffs

Your Country’s Position on WTO Reform

Economic Coercion and Trade Weaponization

Digital Trade and Data Sovereignty

Industrial Subsidies and Strategic Sectors

Strategic Decoupling and Supply Chain Realignment

Participation in WTO Disputes

Role in Regional Trade Blocs & Trade Agreements

Sustainability, Climate Trade, and Green Protectionism

Innovation, Tech Trade, and IP Rights

WTO Negotiation Group Membership

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WHAT SOURCES CAN A DELEGATE
USE
Try that the Use of AI is 'minimum'

WHAT OTHER SOURCES CAN BE USED:

Official Sites of a country

Official UN documents
UN Digital Library
Sites like Reuters, BBC International, Amnesty
International etc.
Many official documents that can be used are already
mentioned above.

BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE

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