Resources
Everything you need to prepare for a Model UN conference from basic parliamentary procedure to writing a strong position paper.
Getting Started
Research & Preparation
Speeches & Debate
Advanced
Rules of Procedure
Motion to Open Debate
Made at the start of committee to formally begin debate.
Speakers List
The default speaking order. Delegates volunteer at the start of the committee to give 60-90 second speeches in turn. Usually only 10 speakers are allowed.
Moderated Caucus (Mod)
A motion to debate a specific sub-topic of the overall issue. Voted on, and if passed, the chair calls on delegates who raise their placards.
Unmoderated Caucus (Unmod)
An open discussion period. Delegates can move freely to collaborate, form blocs, and draft resolutions.
Gentleman's Unmod
This is the same as a traditional unmoderated caucus, but delegates have to remain in their seats and are not allowed to move around.
Point of Inquiry
A question that any delegate can ask, typically to seek clarification or additional information.
Point of Order
Raised to correct the chairs on a procedural matter (for example, if the chairs forgot to go to Speakers List after no motions passed).
Point of Personal Privilege
Raised when a delegate has a personal issue that affects their ability to participate (e.g., the room is too hot).
Yield
At the end of a speech, delegates may yield time to the chair or (rarely) another delegate.
Working Paper
An informal draft that outlines proposed solutions. Multiple working papers can merge into a single resolution.
Resolution
A formal document with preambulatory and operative clauses, submitted for committee debate and voting.
Voting Procedure
After debate closes, delegates enter Voting Block to vote Yes, No, or Abstain (only possible if they say "Present" in attendance) on each resolution.
How to Write a Position Paper
A position paper is a 1-2 page writeup that condenses your research and knowledge about your assigned country and proposes solutions to the committee's topic. Good research leads to a good position paper, which leads to great committee performance (preparation is key!). It also shows your chairs how much effort you put in and how well you understand the topic. Most conferences give out research awards to the best position papers, so it is worth putting in the time to submit one.
Always double-check your conference's specific position paper rules and rubric on their website. This guide covers the standard format, but some conferences have their own adjustments, page limits, or additional requirements.
Topic Background
A quick, objective introduction of the issue for someone completely new to the subject. It hooks the reader in with a quote or statistic at the start, then briefly covers the main issues and/or sub-issues, which countries/regions are most affected, and the most relevant information for understanding the problem. This section should be one of the shortest parts of your paper.
Past UN Action
Actions the UN has previously taken to address the issue, including but not limited to summits, treaties, humanitarian aid, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or international funding. This is often confused/merged with Country Policy: do not list your country's own stance here. Focus on broader UN-level action.
Country Policy
Your country's stance on the topic. Include relevant laws or policies, funding contributions, treaties signed, and any organizations your country is part of that relate to the issue. Analyze how these actions define your country's position on the matter. Your chairs should be able to clearly identify where your country stands and which countries you'd ally with.
Proposed Solutions
This is the MOST important section and will also be the longest. It contains your own ideas for resolving the issue while staying consistent with your country's policy. Aim for 3–5 specific, creative, and feasible steps. Usually in the form of an acronym, where each letter represents a point (i.e., RIOS - rehabilitate those involved, instill anti-corruption measures in government, orchestrate a global network against the drug trade, and shrink the supply and demand for illegal substances ). Each step should include specific details like numbers, timelines, or funding mechanisms.
Questions to Consider
Some conferences include a list of questions at the end of the topic guide and ask you to answer 2 or more of them. These target specific parts of the topic the chairs think are important. Answer them in a separate section (after everything else), keeping your country's policy in mind. Even if a conference doesn't require this, you can still use those questions to guide your research.
Bibliography
A list of all your sources cited and formatted in MLA. Good sources include the CIA World Factbook, UN databases, and reputable unbiased news outlets. Avoid heavily opinionated or unofficial sites. NEVER plagiarize and NEVER use AI to write your paper.