Model United Nations

Model United Nations Resolution Preparation Guide

Tips for Resolution Writing • Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference organizers. Each conference may have a slightly different format. • Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution calls for a new program, think about how it will be funded and what body will manage it. • Try to cite facts whenever possible. • Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that cannot be met. Make sure your body can take the action suggested. For example, the General Assembly can’t sanction another country – only the Security Council can do so. • Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas. • Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action. • Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to explain what the committee will do to address the issue.

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. • Example Draft Resolution

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. Many conferences require signatures from 20 percent of the countries present in order to submit a draft resolution. A staff member will read the draft resolution to ensure that it is relevant and in proper format. Only when a staff member formally accepts the document and assigns it a number can it be referred to in formal debate. • 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.

Preambulatory Clauses • The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which 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.

Sample Preambulatory Phrases AffirmingAlarmed byApprovingAware ofBearing in mindBelievingConfidentContemplatingConvincedDeclaringDeeply concernedDeeply consciousDeeply convinced Deeply disturbedDeeply regrettingDesiringEmphasizing ExpectingExpressing its appreciationExpressing its satisfactionFulfillingFully alarmedFully awareFully believingFurther deploringFurther recalling Guided byHaving adoptedHaving consideredHaving considered furtherHaving devoted attentionHaving examinedHaving heardHaving received Having studiedKeeping in mindNoting with regretNoting with deep concernNoting with satisfactionNoting further Noting with approvalObservingReaffirmingRealizingRecallingRecognizingReferringSeekingTaking into accountTaking into considerationTaking noteViewing with appreciationWelcoming

Operative Clauses • Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each operative clause begins with a verb (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.

Sample Operative Phrases AcceptsAffirmsApprovesAuthorizesCallsCalls uponCondemnsConfirmsCongratulatesConsidersDeclares accordinglyDeploresDesignatesDraws the attentionEmphasizes EncouragesEndorses Expresses its appreciationExpresses its hopeFurther invitesDeploresDesignatesDraws the attentionEmphasizesEncouragesEndorsesExpresses its appreciationExpresses its hopeFurther invitesFurther proclaimsFurther reminds Further recommendsFurther requestsFurther resolvesHas resolvedNotesProclaimsReaffirmsRecommendsRegretsRemindsRequestsSolemnly affirmsStrongly condemnsSupportsTakes note ofTransmitsTrusts

Affirm • “Affirming our belief in...” • Definition 1 a:validate, confirmb: to state positively <he affirmed his innocence>2: to assert (as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed3: to express dedication to <affirm life> • In Context: We, affirming our belief in equity among all peoples, propose the following: • Pronunciation: Affirm

Alarm • “We are alarmed by...” • Definition 1: sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger 2: a warning notice • In Context: We are alarmed by the working conditions for women throughout Cambodia. • Pronunciation: Alarm

Approve • “Approving the motion...” Definition • : to have or express a favourable opinion of • couldn't approve such conduct • In Context: We approve of the recent changes put forward. • Pronunciation: Approve

Aware • “We are aware of...” • Definition 1: having or showing realization, perception, or knowledge • Part of Speech aware·nessnoun • In Context: We are aware of the ongoing political instability. • Pronunciation: Aware

Bearing in mind • “Bearing in mind the difficulties...” • To keep at the forefront. “keeping in mind” • In Context: Bearing in mind the difficulties faced by children in developing countries... • Pronunciation: Bearing in mind

Believing • “We continue to believe...” Definition • 1 a: to have a firm religious faith b: to accept as true, genuine, or real <ideals we believe in> <believes in ghosts>2: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something <believe in exercise>3: to hold an opinion :think <I believe so> • Pronunciation: Believe

Confident • “We are confident...” Definition • 1: full of conviction :certain <confident of success> <confident that conditions will improve>2: having or showing assurance and self-reliance <a confident young businessman> <a confident manner> • In Context: We are confident that if the following measures are adopted... • Pronunciation: Confident

Condemn • “We condemn any and all...” Definition • 1: to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation <a policy widely condemned as racist> • In Context: We condemn as racist the policies of the current regime. • Pronunciation: Condemn

Confirm • “We confirm our support...” Definition • 1: to give approval to :ratify <confirm a treaty>2: to make firm or firmer :strengthen <confirm one's resolve> • In Context: We confirm our opposition to the existing proposal. • Pronunciation: Confirm

Congratulate • Function: transitive verb Definition • 1: to express sympathetic pleasure at (an event)2: to express vicarious pleasure to (a person) on the occasion of success or good fortune <graciously congratulated the winner>; also: to feel pleased with <congratulating herself for a job well done> • In Context: We would like to congratulate delegations in support of successful measures opposing poverty in S.E. Asia. • Pronunciation: Congratulate

Consider “Considers that the situation in Rwanda has...” Definition • 1. to think carefully about, esp. in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on 2. to regard as or deem to be: I consider the story improbable. 3. to think, believe, or suppose • In Context: He considered the cost before buying the new car. • Pronunciation: Consider

Declare (Declares accordingly) “Declares that until action is taken...” Definition • To announce one’s support, choice, or opinion. • In Context: The winner was declared after the race. • Pronunciation: Declare

Deplores “Deplores the conditions...” Definition • To bewail; to weep bitterly over; to feel sorrow for. • In Context: Many people deplore the actions of a corrupt government. • Pronunciation: Deplore

Designates “Designates the following committee...” Definition • To mark out and make known; to point out; to name; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description; to specify; as, to designate the boundaries of a country; to designate the rioters who are to be arrested. • To call by a distinctive title; to name. • To indicate or set apart for a purpose or duty; -- with to or for; to designate an officer for or to the command of a post or station. • Pronunciation: designate

Draws the attention • “Draws upon the resources of the region...” Definition • To rouse someone to notice something, to cause someone to focus on something. • In Context: I'd like to draw your attention to this part of the chart. • Pronunciation: DrawAttention

Emphasizes “emphasizes the importance of action...” Definition • To stress, give emphasis or extra weight to (something). • In Context: Bold print emphasized the importance of the terms. • Pronunciation:Emphasize

Express (Expresses its hope) “Expresses hope for the future of children...” Definition • Moving or operating quickly, as a train not making local stops. • Truly depicted; exactly resembling. In Context: • I gave him express instructions not to begin until I arrived, but he ignored me. • Pronunciation: Express

Further invites “Further invites NGO participation...” In Context • In early 1993, education staff were further invited to seminars, workshops and training days. • Pronunciation: FurtherInvite

Encourages “Encourages tolerance between rival factions...” Definition • To mentally support; to motivate, give courage, hope or spirit. • To spur on, strongly recommend. We encourage the use of bicycles in the town centre. • To foster, give help or patronage In Context: • I encouraged him during his race • Pronunciation: Encourage

Endorses “Endorses the intention of the draft...” Definition • to support, to back, to give one's approval to, especially officially or by signature • To write one's signature on the back of a cheque when transferring it to a third party, or cashing it • To give or receive an endorsement In Context: All endorsed the treaty as critically important for achieving peace. Pronunciation: Endorse

Further resolves “Further resolves to be vigilant...” In Context • Further resolves that we call upon all city officials and employees to respect the civil rights and liberties of all members of this community. Pronunciation: FurtherResolve

Proclaims “Proclaims belief in the charter...” Definition • to state something publicly In Context: • Abbot has always proclaimed his innocence of the charges. Pronunciation: Proclaim

Recommends “Recommends immediate action on behalf...” Definition • To advise, propose, counsel favourably In Context: • The board recommends Philips, given his ample experience in similar positions. Pronunciation: Recommend

Regrets “Regrets that progress has not...” Definition • To feel sorry about some past thing, wishing it had not happened, but something else instead. In Context: We regret any inconvenience caused by the delay. Pronunciation: Regret

Requests “Requests that all members...” Definition • an act of asking for something in a polite or formal way In Context: Requests for visas will be dealt with immediately. Pronunciation: Request

Transmits “Transmits intentions to all concerned...” Definition • To send or convey something from one person, place or thing to another. In Context: • We transmit our values to our children. Pronunciation: Transmit

Model United Nations