FAQs

Q: Should you memorize your position paper?

A: No, you do not need to, and should not memorize your position paper. At small conferences, position papers are only really given to the dias. They use the position paper to assess your policy. At larger conferences, your position paper will be posted beforehand so that other delegates can get a sense of your policy. Your position paper only guides policy and solutions; you will not reference it in committee unless you have a quote or statistic that could strengthen an argument. Many people do also like to use their position paper to create their opening speech. Go to slides 5-6 here to see a good opening speech.

Q: How long on average does it take to write a position paper?

A: This is a hard question to answer because it's honestly different for everyone. For the board members, it can range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. This time does not include researching. Obviously, it's different for new members, but don't spend too long on it. It's your first time so it doesn't have to be perfect.

Q: Do you have to use the Background guide? Can you use outside information along with the Background guide?

A: Yes, you do have to use the Background guide, but it's also important to do extra research with it. When starting, use the background guide to get a feel for the direction your dias wants you to go with this topic. That means looking at sub-issues and specific concepts they want you to discuss in committee. After reading and taking notes on the background guide, you have to look for other outside information. This means finding news articles, encyclopedias, and other resources to further your understanding of the topic, especially from the perspective of your country. Check out this helpful database of sources on Best Delegate's Website linked here.

Q: Tips on solutions?

A: Before you start researching possible solutions, it's best to look at the powers of your committee. If you are a General Assembly committee (larger committees), you will probably only have the power to recommend solutions. If you are a smaller committee, you will probably have more power; this is more specific, so it requires you to do specific research. This will really only affect the wording of your solutions but it is important to understand the distinction.

After you research committee powers, start to look at possible solutions. There is a list of good vs. bad solutions in the presentation linked here. If you have questions on specific solutions, reach out to any of the board members and we can discuss those specific ideas with you. Try to be creative. This means taking a new angle to the situation and finding some solution that hasn't been implemented before.

When you are researching and compiling possible solutions, make sure you do not write solutions in clause format. This is against Model UN rules. If you are confused about that, please reach out because it is important that you understand what that means.

Q: What do you do if your country's policy is ambiguous?

A: For countries whose policies are more unknown, base it off a couple of things. First, look through any previous UN resolutions that your country may have signed on to. Second, look at the situation that your country is currently in. Third, look at what representatives have said.

In cases when you're not sure about your countries position, you have to tread lightly. Do as much research as possible and just go with what you know. Make sure though, you do not make things up that could be against the policy. Obviously, you might have to fill in some gaps, but make sure always to have evidence to support your claim.

Q: When you write your solutions, can you jot down ideas (it won't be a formal solution) during the conference?

A: Yes. Before and while you are in committee you can jot down ideas in a non clause format. You can only write solutions in clause format when you are writing your working paper with your bloc.

Q: Are you just coming up with a solution based on your country?

A: Yes. All your solutions have to be based on what your country would do. If a solution would go against the policy of your country, you would not propose that in your position paper or in committee.

Q: What is a working paper?

A: Working paper are papers containing solutions to the crisis. While these papers are being written, they are called working papers; when these papers are voted on by the committee, they become resolutions. Essentially, working papers and resolutions are the same thing - a paper that is written to solve the problem in your committee. If you are still confused check out this presentation here: Link (Slide 31)

Q: How are working papers presented?

A: For working papers to be presented, a delegate has to motion to introduce working papers or introduce working paper 1.1 (whatever number working paper it is). Then, once the motion is voted on and passed, the dias will go through a procedure to share the working papers with everyone in committee. Depending on the conference, if you are a sponsor, you will go up and read the paper word for word, or you will give an overview of your working paper. There is no motions at this time, and you won't follow the speakers list or a moderated caucus list. Once the paper is read, there will be time allotted for a Q&A. The timer will start when the sponsors are answering questions, not when a delegate is asking them. The dias, or the sponsors of that paper (depending on the conference), will call on delegates who have questions. This will go on until the Q&A time has elapsed. This will make more sense as you get into committee.

Q: What power do resolutions hold on the international stage?

A: Resolutions can hold varying degrees of power on the international stage. In committees such as DISEC, resolutions hold little power. The solutions are only recommendations so if the countries don't implement these solutions, there is nothing the UN can do. This is one of the criticisms of the UN because people believe that it holds little power to make any effective change. But, there are ways for the UN to enact change with committees such as the UN Security Council. This and other smaller bodies create directives and resolutions that have larger implications on the international stage.

Q: What is the format of the working papers?

A: We have added the format for working papers (Draft Resolutions & Resolutions) under solutions & resolutions, linked here.

Q: What is clause format?

A: At a conference, you will always write working papers and draft resolutions in clause format. This means you will follow the template linked here. When writing in clause format, you will use preambulatory and operative phrases. If you are prepping for a conference, you CANNOT write in clause format. If you bring prewritten clauses, that counts as cheating and you will be ineligible for an award. Here is a very basic example (Yemen Crisis):

Clause Format:

The United Nations General Assembly,

Recognizing the horrific conditions that Yemeni refugees face and lack of supplies that these refugees have,

1. Urges for a worldwide campaign to raise awareness and funds to help the Yemeni People.

Notes Format (without clauses):

• The Yemeni refugees face horrific conditions and lack supplies such as food, water, clothing, medicines, and more.

• A campaign in countries that can provide aid will help funnel more funds to the Yemeni people to alleviate the famine they are currently facing.

Q: Is it normal to feel unprepared or unsure at your first conference?

A: Yes! This is totally normal. We have thrown a lot of information at you in a short period of time, so it's understandable. We think that the best way to learn Model UN is by attending a conference because that's where it all sticks. Over time, the skills and concepts will become a lot easier to understand. We have all been in your position, so don't worry. At the first mock, we are here to help you, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Someone else probably has the same question too.