People & Places
This person represents a country or organization in a committee and speaks on its behalf.
Delegate
Point used when a delegate has a personal concern.
Point of personal privilege
This list keeps track of delegates who have asked to speak during formal debate.
Speaker's list
This formal document presents a committee’s recommendations and proposed actions.
A Resolution
This type of vote decides things like opening debate or setting the agenda. (procedures)
Procedural vote
This committee official runs debate, recognizes speakers, and enforces the rules.
The chair
Point of parliamentary inquiry
In this type of caucus, delegates speak for short, timed periods on a specific topic.
Moderated Caucus
This is the working version of a resolution before it is voted on.
Draft resolution
This is the choice to neither support nor oppose a proposal in a vote.
Abstaining
This raised desk at the front of the room is where the chair and committee staff sit. (assistants to the chair)
The dais
This point is used when a delegate believes the chair has made a procedural mistake.
Point of Order
This is the term for the length of time a delegate is allowed to speak once recognized.
Speaking Time
This informal document lets delegates share ideas before writing a full draft resolution.
Working paper
This type of vote decides whether to pass a resolution or amendment.
Substantive Vote
This conference-wide leader oversees all committees and often gives opening and closing remarks.
The Secretary General
This motion temporarily pauses formal debate so delegates can negotiate informally.
Unmoderated Caucus
When a delegate finishes early, they may do this with their remaining time—to the chair, to questions, or to another delegate.
These clauses at the start of a resolution describe the problem and past international actions.
Preambulatory Clauses
This power allows any P5 country to block a substantive resolution in the Security Council.
Veto
These five countries hold permanent seats and veto power on the UN Security Council.
US, China, Russia, UK, France
This motion ends debate and moves the committee into voting procedure.
Motion to close debate
This term means proper and respectful behavior during committee sessions.
Decorum
These numbered clauses in a resolution outline the specific actions to be taken.
Operative Clauses
This is the minimum number of delegates needed for a committee to conduct official business.
Quorum