POSITION PAPERS
Helpful Files
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A good position paper should show...
- your country's unique understanding of the problem at hand
- your country's previous relationship to the topic (with relevant examples)
- policies and ideas that...
- represent the interests of your country
- show what you would ideally like to see in a resolution
- one page per topic with citations
- max font size is 12, minimum is 10
- times new roman
- heading must include country name, committee name, and topic names
- Three paragraphs consisting of
- topic background
- previous action
- position
WORKING PAPERS/RESOLUTIONS
A draft resolution is a document that states the intended action your bloc plans to take in order to solve your committee's issue. For your reference, here are some real UN resolutions: http://www.un.org/en/sections/documents/general-assembly-resolutions/index.html
But don't stress! Its not that complicated!
Heading
Include:
A sponsor is one of the authors of the resolution. While signatories are delegates that would like to simply see it debated. Remember, you can be sponsors and signatories on multiple papers.
Pre-ambulatory clauses
The pre-ambulatory clauses state reasons why the committee is working on this issue and highlight previous international actions on the issue.
Pre-ambulatory clauses can include:
Operative Clauses
Operative clauses state the solutions to the issue. (This is the most important part of the paper!)
The operative clauses should address the issues specifically mentioned in the pre-ambulatory clauses above it.
First, take a solution that you want to include in the draft resolution. You then take that solution, combine it with an underlined operative phrase, and end it with a semicolon (last with a period).
Amendements
An amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes or changes an operative clause in a draft resolution.
There are two types of amendments:
1. 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 chair, it will be automatically incorporated into the resolution.
2. 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. This also refers to delegates who did not write this resolution at all but see potential in it as long as several changes are made to it. The sponsors of the amendment will need to obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it.
Writing an amendment is very simple. All you have to do is make an operative clause that adds, deletes, or changes an operative clause in a draft resolution. Examples include:
Punctuation
A draft resolution should be readable as one large sentence. However, the punctuation can be a bit tricky.
All perambulatory clauses should end in a comma.
At the end of every operative clause there should be a semi colon. However, if you are listing a sub clause, you should use a colon before the sub clause. If you are simply listing sub clauses, you should use a comma or in certain cases ", and,"
But don't stress! Its not that complicated!
Heading
Include:
- the committee name
- the sponsors
- the signatories
- the topic.
A sponsor is one of the authors of the resolution. While signatories are delegates that would like to simply see it debated. Remember, you can be sponsors and signatories on multiple papers.
Pre-ambulatory clauses
The pre-ambulatory clauses state reasons why the committee is working on this issue and highlight previous international actions on the issue.
Pre-ambulatory clauses can include:
- Past UN resolutions
- treaties
- conventions related to the topic
- Past regional, non-governmental, or national efforts in resolving this topic
- References to the UN Charter or other international frameworks and laws
- Statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency
- General background info formation or facts about the topic, its significance, and its impact
Operative Clauses
Operative clauses state the solutions to the issue. (This is the most important part of the paper!)
The operative clauses should address the issues specifically mentioned in the pre-ambulatory clauses above it.
First, take a solution that you want to include in the draft resolution. You then take that solution, combine it with an underlined operative phrase, and end it with a semicolon (last with a period).
Amendements
An amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes or changes an operative clause in a draft resolution.
There are two types of amendments:
1. 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 chair, it will be automatically incorporated into the resolution.
2. 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. This also refers to delegates who did not write this resolution at all but see potential in it as long as several changes are made to it. The sponsors of the amendment will need to obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it.
Writing an amendment is very simple. All you have to do is make an operative clause that adds, deletes, or changes an operative clause in a draft resolution. Examples include:
- Adds an operative clause that reads “14. Encourages all Latin American countries to…”
- Deletes operative clause 9.
- Changes operative clause 1 to read “1. Calls upon the Red Cross to provide low-cost medicines…”
Punctuation
A draft resolution should be readable as one large sentence. However, the punctuation can be a bit tricky.
All perambulatory clauses should end in a comma.
At the end of every operative clause there should be a semi colon. However, if you are listing a sub clause, you should use a colon before the sub clause. If you are simply listing sub clauses, you should use a comma or in certain cases ", and,"
INTRO SPEECHES
An introductory speech should show your country's stance on your committees topic as well as retain a sense of diplomacy, all while giving ideas and plans to create a solution. Introductory speeches are the committee's first impression of you, meaning they are extremely important if you are striving for distinguished delegate or other awards. It also helps build up your confidence and makes you more comfortable in the committee. Since you have time to prepare, your opening statement should help you shake some of those nerves.
Here are some things to remember:
Here are some things to remember:
- When writing your statement, remember to focus on one or two ideas! A clear, bold statement will be much more memorable than any elaborate idea.
- Try to persuade instead of just describing.
- You have a limited amount of time, Your speech will have to be short and simple if you want to fit it in that small time space of about 45 seconds.