Unit 3: How to write a resolution
There are four main pieces of information that need to be included in the header section of the resolution:
- Committee- The name of the committee represented by the delegates
- Topic- The name of the topic debated
- Sponsors- The main authors that wrote the clauses of the resolution
- Signatories- The delegates that would like to see this resolution introduced in the committee. It is not necessary that they support the resolution but they want it to have a profound number of signatories so it can be accepted by the Chair (usually about 20% of the committee is required).
|
Sponsor: An author of all or parts of a resolution, that agree with the content of the resolution. Signatory: A delegate that wishes to see the resolution debated before the committee but does not necessarily contribute content or agree with the content of the resolution. |
Here the delegates set the scene for the resolution. They talk about the reasons the resolution is being written, how serious is the topic they are addressing, its impact and who it is affecting. In this section, there can also be a reference to previous UN Resolutions, Treaties, International and European Actions related to the topic.
Preambular paragraphs serve to explain the basis for the action called for in the operative paragraphs. They can be used to build an argument. They can also be used to build support. Sometimes they express general principles and the tone can be elevated. Some lack of precision in the wording of preambular paragraphs is tolerable.
Preambular paragraphs each start with “preambular phrases”, which should be italicized in the resolution. Each preambular paragraph should end in a comma.
Words commonly used at the beginning of preambular paragraphs:
Operative paragraphs determine what action the UN will take on the issue. This can mean funding solutions, directing members of the UN Secretariat what to do, or requesting actions by UN Member States. Each paragraph takes action,
Operative paragraphs express what the conference has decided to do. Precise clear language enhances political impact and facilitates implementation. Likewise, brevity is preferable, as it is politically much more powerful.
All resolutions need to have one, at least, operative paragraph, but they sometimes have several preambular and several operative paragraphs. If several preambular or operative paragraphs begin with the same word (for example, ‘noting’ or ‘notes’) it is traditional to use ‘further’ for the second such use and ‘also’ for the third and subsequent uses (for example, ‘Noting’, ‘Further noting’, ‘Also noting’, etc.)
Operative paragraphs start with operative phrases, which should be italicized.
Words commonly used at the beginning of operative paragraphs:
Examples of resolutions:
Watch this video to see a sample of a Model United Nations Intervention
Voting and Awards
After the resolutions are drafted, the delegates of each alliance of committees are asked to vote for the 3 policies that are more essential to be implemented. Their decision will be based on what they have previously talked about during the presentations of the committees and their respective topics. Each delegate will have to give reason as to why they give their vote to a specific policy.
The delegates that are part of the committees and alliances whose policies receive most votes will finally be awarded for their negotiation, diplomacy and persuasion skills during an award ceremony and then, the session is officially ended!