The Model UN Delegate Preparation Guide
Welcome to the website of MUNJA, the Model United Nations conference for Juniors in Austin! On behalf of all the students at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy, thank you for your interest in global issues and your willingness to explore the workings of the UN and how the international community works together to combat problems that affect the entire world. We strongly recommend you read through this entire guide thoroughly in order to prepare yourself for the conference. The guide will provide you with all the necessary instructions as to how to prepare yourself for the Model UN experience. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to visit the Contact Page of our website to contact any of the chairs, mentors, or the webmaster.
Thanks!
MUNJA V Staff and Secretariat
Prep Steps:
1) Once your country and committee have been confirmed, start your research!
a. Country Research: Find out general geographic, political, and economic information about your country.
Questions to explore include:
i. Which countries does your country ally with? Are you a member of any regional
organizations/groups? (OPEC, ASEAN, NAFTA, etc.) What about global organizations?
(WTO, British Commonwealth)
ii. What type of government does your country have (democracy, communist, dictatorship,
etc)?
iii. What major historical events have taken place in your country during the past 50
years?
iv. What are some major resources that your country has and who do they trade with?
v. Are you considered a developed or developing country? What is your Human
Development Index (HDI) Rating?
vi. Are you a receiver or giver of foreign aid or foreign loans?
b. Topic Research: These steps should be followed for both topics assigned to your committee.
i. Read the background paper for the topic posted on this website under the committee
page. Reading the background paper should answer question (ii-vii)
ii. What is the problem and how has it evolved?
iii. Where is the issue most problematic?
iv. How has the issue affected your country?
v. What has your country done to combat the problem?
vi. Use Google to search news articles to learn the latest about the topic.
vii. Develop your country's position on the topic.
c. If you’re having problems finding a position feel free to contact your mentor who will be assigned to you. Their role is to help you!
Helpful Links:
* CIA World Fact Book, US State Department, British Foreign Ministry
* the Permanent Missions to the UN Site
* the Foreign Ministry (or equivalent) site for your nation
* Economist Country Briefs and The Economist in general
* BBC News
* NYT News
* Washington Post News
* UN Wire
* Transparency International
* geo.worldbank.org (Great place to start before looking at World Bank)
* World Bank, IMF, State Department Data
* Organization of American States
* Globalization Index
* Economic Freedoms Index
* Transparency.org NGO discussion cooruption in governments
* Freedomhouse ranking of democratic and political freedoms
* UN main website, from there you can access particular committees
* Library of Congress Country Studies
*Globalis
* US Institute for Peace (Peace Agreement Database)
2) Compile your research into a position paper, using the given format.
a. Formatting Guidelines
- One page in length, single spaced
-One-inch margins
-Size 12 Times New Roman font
-Black print only
· Heading: Committee Name, Topic, Country Name, School Name, and Delegate Name(s) in the upper left
corner of the page
· No title
b. Content Guidelines
· Part 1 - Background of the topic with relation to the country (i.e. what is the country's outlook on or history with the problem)
· Part 2: What past actions relating to the topic have been taken by your country, the UN, and other international organizations?
· Part 3 – Explain the official position of the country (this may be explicitly stated on the web somewhere-such as that the US is opposed to terrorism- or you may need to infer this from your country’s past actions and/or support of international treaties related to the topic) and what solutions to the problem are agreeable your country
c. See a sample Position Paper - located below!
See the rules of parliamentary procedure that we'll be using - located below!
Check out the video that shows delegates going through the basics of parliamentary procedure
Click here for video link.
3) Prepare your conference clothes. The dress for MUNJA is business casual, such as a button up and slacks. A suit is by no means necessary, just dress nicely. If you are unsure of what to wear, talk to your teacher or email a chair.
4) Come to the conference and have fun discussing, debating, and negotiating with other countries in the format that the real United Nations follows! Things to keep in mind:
a. Always stick to your country’s positions. Don't give in to other country’s demands if your country doesn’t agree with their views. Make sure to keep your personal views separate from your country’s stance.
b. Although countries should try and reach a consensus to address the problem effectively, this may not happen if countries aren’t willing to make meaningful concessions. It is nearly impossible to please every country, but the more countries that agree, the more effective the resolution will be.
c. There will be awards given to the excellent delegates in each committee. Award recipients will be chosen based on the following criteria:
i. Authenticity: Did the delegate consistently speak based upon their country’s stance
on the issue?
ii. Public Speaking: How effective was the delegate in communicating their ideas to the
committee?
iii. Diplomacy: Did the delegate negotiate well with other delegates, and encourage
other delegates to participate? Awards will not be given to a delegate if they
dominate the debate in the room and prevent other delegates from participating.
iv. Participation: Was the delegate involved during the Moderated and Unmoderated
Caucuses? Participation is not measured by the number of comments you make alone,
but also on the quality and contributive effect you have on debate.
Sample Position Paper:
United Nations Environmental Programme
Impacts of the Polar Ice Cap Recession
People’s Republic of China
LASA High School
John Doe
Although the earth has experienced natural warming and cooling trends throughout its natural history, reaching far beyond its period of human inhabitance, recent trends indicate that the current warming trend is unusually quick. Researchers blame this seeming unnatural trend on the idea of global warming, which is based largely on the Greenhouse Effect. The Greenhouse Effect is the process in which carbon dioxide molecules in earth’s atmosphere prevent solar radiation from leaving earth’s atmosphere after reflecting off the earth, thereby insulating the earth. While natural, the Greenhouse Effect has been increased by an increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide, due largely to humans since they began using fossil fuels as energy sources during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th Century. All countries in the world are responsible for their share of carbon emissions, although the most egregious culprit is the United States, the largest emitter. Scientists claim that this global warming trend has caused glaciers to begin melting at increased rates, therefore causing minute increases in global sea levels, which is especially troublesome to coastal countries that have major cities near sea level that could partially flood with sea level rises of less than a meter. Ever year that passes without substantial international action is a year that dangerous gasses are emitted into the atmosphere that will remain there for many years and possibly harm our planet. If international action is not taken, drastic effects are possible including more severe droughts, floods, and storms as well as habitat loss, sea level rises, and global thirst.
While the situation has no international solution, there have been many attempts to mitigate this possible disaster. One well intended treaty is the Kyoto Protocol, which aimed to curb carbon emissions from countries. However, due to its demands that developing countries such as China should work just as hard as developed countries such as the US and therefore jeopardize the progress of their developing economies has led countries such as China to reject this treaty. UNEP has also implemented an educational program aimed to deliver information and tools to countries and the world’s youth to raise awareness and plan action. A recent initiative by UNEP is the Billion Tree Campaign, which aims to facilitate the planting of a billion trees across the world each year. China itself has become the first developing nation to create a National Climate Change Program. Under this, China aims to reduce emissions through increasing hydro and nuclear power production, upgrading thermal power generation, and utilizing other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy.
Despite accusations that China is oblivious and insensitive to its carbon emissions, China is in fact interested in participating in talks to develop a new climate treaty that will replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire in 2012. China believes that due to its status as a precarious developing country, and to the fact that its per capita emissions are roughly a third of those of the US, developed countries must be persuaded to take the lead in carbon emission reductions. China would also like to see other countries utilize a program similar to the analytical and advisory assistance (AAA) program that was established in 2005 in China by the World Bank. Programs like these would allow countries to utilize their water resources more effectively.
Welcome to the website of MUNJA, the Model United Nations conference for Juniors in Austin! On behalf of all the students at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy, thank you for your interest in global issues and your willingness to explore the workings of the UN and how the international community works together to combat problems that affect the entire world. We strongly recommend you read through this entire guide thoroughly in order to prepare yourself for the conference. The guide will provide you with all the necessary instructions as to how to prepare yourself for the Model UN experience. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to visit the Contact Page of our website to contact any of the chairs, mentors, or the webmaster.
Thanks!
MUNJA V Staff and Secretariat
Prep Steps:
1) Once your country and committee have been confirmed, start your research!
a. Country Research: Find out general geographic, political, and economic information about your country.
Questions to explore include:
i. Which countries does your country ally with? Are you a member of any regional
organizations/groups? (OPEC, ASEAN, NAFTA, etc.) What about global organizations?
(WTO, British Commonwealth)
ii. What type of government does your country have (democracy, communist, dictatorship,
etc)?
iii. What major historical events have taken place in your country during the past 50
years?
iv. What are some major resources that your country has and who do they trade with?
v. Are you considered a developed or developing country? What is your Human
Development Index (HDI) Rating?
vi. Are you a receiver or giver of foreign aid or foreign loans?
b. Topic Research: These steps should be followed for both topics assigned to your committee.
i. Read the background paper for the topic posted on this website under the committee
page. Reading the background paper should answer question (ii-vii)
ii. What is the problem and how has it evolved?
iii. Where is the issue most problematic?
iv. How has the issue affected your country?
v. What has your country done to combat the problem?
vi. Use Google to search news articles to learn the latest about the topic.
vii. Develop your country's position on the topic.
c. If you’re having problems finding a position feel free to contact your mentor who will be assigned to you. Their role is to help you!
Helpful Links:
* CIA World Fact Book, US State Department, British Foreign Ministry
* the Permanent Missions to the UN Site
* the Foreign Ministry (or equivalent) site for your nation
* Economist Country Briefs and The Economist in general
* BBC News
* NYT News
* Washington Post News
* UN Wire
* Transparency International
* geo.worldbank.org (Great place to start before looking at World Bank)
* World Bank, IMF, State Department Data
* Organization of American States
* Globalization Index
* Economic Freedoms Index
* Transparency.org NGO discussion cooruption in governments
* Freedomhouse ranking of democratic and political freedoms
* UN main website, from there you can access particular committees
* Library of Congress Country Studies
*Globalis
* US Institute for Peace (Peace Agreement Database)
2) Compile your research into a position paper, using the given format.
a. Formatting Guidelines
- One page in length, single spaced
-One-inch margins
-Size 12 Times New Roman font
-Black print only
· Heading: Committee Name, Topic, Country Name, School Name, and Delegate Name(s) in the upper left
corner of the page
· No title
b. Content Guidelines
· Part 1 - Background of the topic with relation to the country (i.e. what is the country's outlook on or history with the problem)
· Part 2: What past actions relating to the topic have been taken by your country, the UN, and other international organizations?
· Part 3 – Explain the official position of the country (this may be explicitly stated on the web somewhere-such as that the US is opposed to terrorism- or you may need to infer this from your country’s past actions and/or support of international treaties related to the topic) and what solutions to the problem are agreeable your country
c. See a sample Position Paper - located below!
See the rules of parliamentary procedure that we'll be using - located below!
Check out the video that shows delegates going through the basics of parliamentary procedure
Click here for video link.
3) Prepare your conference clothes. The dress for MUNJA is business casual, such as a button up and slacks. A suit is by no means necessary, just dress nicely. If you are unsure of what to wear, talk to your teacher or email a chair.
4) Come to the conference and have fun discussing, debating, and negotiating with other countries in the format that the real United Nations follows! Things to keep in mind:
a. Always stick to your country’s positions. Don't give in to other country’s demands if your country doesn’t agree with their views. Make sure to keep your personal views separate from your country’s stance.
b. Although countries should try and reach a consensus to address the problem effectively, this may not happen if countries aren’t willing to make meaningful concessions. It is nearly impossible to please every country, but the more countries that agree, the more effective the resolution will be.
c. There will be awards given to the excellent delegates in each committee. Award recipients will be chosen based on the following criteria:
i. Authenticity: Did the delegate consistently speak based upon their country’s stance
on the issue?
ii. Public Speaking: How effective was the delegate in communicating their ideas to the
committee?
iii. Diplomacy: Did the delegate negotiate well with other delegates, and encourage
other delegates to participate? Awards will not be given to a delegate if they
dominate the debate in the room and prevent other delegates from participating.
iv. Participation: Was the delegate involved during the Moderated and Unmoderated
Caucuses? Participation is not measured by the number of comments you make alone,
but also on the quality and contributive effect you have on debate.
Sample Position Paper:
United Nations Environmental Programme
Impacts of the Polar Ice Cap Recession
People’s Republic of China
LASA High School
John Doe
Although the earth has experienced natural warming and cooling trends throughout its natural history, reaching far beyond its period of human inhabitance, recent trends indicate that the current warming trend is unusually quick. Researchers blame this seeming unnatural trend on the idea of global warming, which is based largely on the Greenhouse Effect. The Greenhouse Effect is the process in which carbon dioxide molecules in earth’s atmosphere prevent solar radiation from leaving earth’s atmosphere after reflecting off the earth, thereby insulating the earth. While natural, the Greenhouse Effect has been increased by an increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide, due largely to humans since they began using fossil fuels as energy sources during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th Century. All countries in the world are responsible for their share of carbon emissions, although the most egregious culprit is the United States, the largest emitter. Scientists claim that this global warming trend has caused glaciers to begin melting at increased rates, therefore causing minute increases in global sea levels, which is especially troublesome to coastal countries that have major cities near sea level that could partially flood with sea level rises of less than a meter. Ever year that passes without substantial international action is a year that dangerous gasses are emitted into the atmosphere that will remain there for many years and possibly harm our planet. If international action is not taken, drastic effects are possible including more severe droughts, floods, and storms as well as habitat loss, sea level rises, and global thirst.
While the situation has no international solution, there have been many attempts to mitigate this possible disaster. One well intended treaty is the Kyoto Protocol, which aimed to curb carbon emissions from countries. However, due to its demands that developing countries such as China should work just as hard as developed countries such as the US and therefore jeopardize the progress of their developing economies has led countries such as China to reject this treaty. UNEP has also implemented an educational program aimed to deliver information and tools to countries and the world’s youth to raise awareness and plan action. A recent initiative by UNEP is the Billion Tree Campaign, which aims to facilitate the planting of a billion trees across the world each year. China itself has become the first developing nation to create a National Climate Change Program. Under this, China aims to reduce emissions through increasing hydro and nuclear power production, upgrading thermal power generation, and utilizing other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy.
Despite accusations that China is oblivious and insensitive to its carbon emissions, China is in fact interested in participating in talks to develop a new climate treaty that will replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire in 2012. China believes that due to its status as a precarious developing country, and to the fact that its per capita emissions are roughly a third of those of the US, developed countries must be persuaded to take the lead in carbon emission reductions. China would also like to see other countries utilize a program similar to the analytical and advisory assistance (AAA) program that was established in 2005 in China by the World Bank. Programs like these would allow countries to utilize their water resources more effectively.
Parlimentary Procedure | |
File Size: | 86 kb |
File Type: |
Guidelines for Opening Speeches:
Your opening speech should be 1 paragraph long . . . short enough to present in about 1 minute 30 seconds. You should not try to cover everything . . .you should focus on the key issues that are most important to your country.
Here are steps:
1.) Begin with a formal greeting:
Something like: “Honorable Chair, Esteemed Delegates . . .”
2.) Get the audience’s attention by writing a few powerful sentences about the basic issues involved and how they relate to your country.
3.) Elaborate on your key points/problems.
4.) Brief summary of your country’s central suggestions and what sort of working papers/resolutions you would be willing to endorse.
5.) Close your speech off with a sentence or two that leaves the audience with a powerful impression (Remember to keep your country’s position in mind)
6.) Thank the delegates and the chair.
Your opening speech should be 1 paragraph long . . . short enough to present in about 1 minute 30 seconds. You should not try to cover everything . . .you should focus on the key issues that are most important to your country.
Here are steps:
1.) Begin with a formal greeting:
Something like: “Honorable Chair, Esteemed Delegates . . .”
2.) Get the audience’s attention by writing a few powerful sentences about the basic issues involved and how they relate to your country.
3.) Elaborate on your key points/problems.
4.) Brief summary of your country’s central suggestions and what sort of working papers/resolutions you would be willing to endorse.
5.) Close your speech off with a sentence or two that leaves the audience with a powerful impression (Remember to keep your country’s position in mind)
6.) Thank the delegates and the chair.
Photo by Ashitaka San