Resolution Writing

process

Creating a Model UN Resolution:

  1. Usually prepared during an unmoderated caucus, closer to the end of the conference

  2. Drafts are prepared and changed multiple times through negotiations between delegates

  3. Send the Working Paper(s) to the Chair

    1. Approved or sent back to edit

  4. Present to Council by a motion

    1. "“Motion to introduce all Working Papers currently submitted to the Chair”

  5. Amendments

  6. Closing the Speaker’s List (motion) and Voting on Draft Resolutions

    1. Majority + P5 for UN Security Council

basics of a resolution

what?

A resolution is a document that contains all the issues that the committee wants to solve and the proposed solutions to that issue. It is called a resolution because that is what the UN calls the documents they produce. Technically, the resolution should be called a draft resolution before it is voted upon and then called a resolution after it is successfully passed during the voting bloc.

who?

Any delegate in the committee can write a resolution. The author(s) of a resolution is called a sponsor. Most resolutions have multiple sponsors because it takes a group of countries to share good ideas and to come to a consensus. Delegates many only sponsor ONE resolution per topic.

why?

The ultimate purpose of a committee session is to pass a resolution. All the speeches, debating, negotiations, and teamwork is supposed to lead to a resolution which contains all the proposed solutions presented during the conference about the issue. The resolution(s) that the majority of the committee agrees upon will be passed during the voting block and the sponsors will be informally commended for building consensus on good ideas. Conferences allow multiple resolutions to pass as long as they do not contradict each other.

WHen?

Usually written during unmoderated caucus where delegates are free to roam around the committee with the purpose to collaborate on ideas with each other. These conferences will NOT allow any pre-written resolutions.

Amendments

Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes, or changes an operative clause in a draft resolution. The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to change the operative clauses (the pre-ambulatory clauses CANNOT be modified).

Writing an amendment is very simple. All you have to do is make an operative clause that adds, deletes, or changes an operative caluse in a draft resolution. Examples include:

  • Adds an operative clause that reads" “14. Encourages all Latin American countries to …”

  • Deletes operative clause 9

  • Changes operaive clause 1 to read: “1. Calls upon the Red Cross to provide low-cost medicines…”

There are two types of amendments:

Firnedly Amendment

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.

Unfriendly Amendment

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, 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. Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments.

heading

The heading contains four pieces of information: (1) committee name; (2) sponsors; (3) signatories; and (4) topic name

Preambulatory Clauses

States all the issues the committee wants to solve for this topic, reasons why this committee is working on this issue, and highlights previous international actions. Preambulatory clauses can include:

  • Past UN resolutions, treaties, or conventions relates 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 information or facts about the topic, its significance, and its impact

Operative Clauses

Operative clauses state the solutions that the sponsors of the resolution proposes to resolve the issue. They should address the issues specifically mentioned in the preambulatory clauses above it.

(Tip: In general, you want fewer preambulatory clauses than operative clauses. More operative clauses convey that you have more solutions than problems.)