SPYING
A delegate privately tells you another country's voting plan. What should you do with this information?
Don't assume its true!
What does a delegate raise to signal they'd like to ask a question or raise a motion?
Their placard
What is the name of the document delegates write to explain their character's or their country's position on a committee topic before a conference?
A position paper
Your bloc has spent 20 minutes writing a draft resolution, but the delegate who was supposed to submit it has left the room. The Chair announces that submissions close in five minutes. What do you do?
Contact the missing delegate if possible, and immediately ask the Chair about the submission procedure. Don't assume anyone can submit it without meeting the requirements.
What document should you research before a conference to understand your assigned country's position on the committee topics?
The Background Guide.
You discover that another bloc has copied your proposed operative clauses into its own draft resolution. What should you do?
Point out the overlap, approach the bloc to negotiate.
What is the difference between a moderated caucus and an unmoderated caucus?
Moderated caucus: delegates speak through the Chair according to established rules.
Unmoderated caucus: delegates can move around, negotiate, and collaborate informally with others.
What are the two main types of clauses found in a draft resolution, and what does each one do?
Preambulatory clauses: explain the background, context, and reasons for addressing an issue.
Operative clauses: propose actions, solutions, or recommendations.
A delegate proposes removing your resolution's most important clause. What do you do?
Defend the clause, negotiate alternative wording, or oppose the amendment under the applicable rules.
Instead of saying, "You're completely wrong," what is a more diplomatic phrase to use during debate?
"The delegation of x disagrees with y"
You have 60 seconds to introduce your country's position on a committee topic. What three things should your speech include?
Your country's position, relevant context, and proposed solutions.
A delegate wants to temporarily suspend debate so delegates can discuss ideas/negotiate freely. What motion should they propose?
A motion for an unmoderated caucus.
bonus: with a specified duration
What is the difference between a working paper and a draft resolution?
Working paper: presents ideas and possible solutions for discussion, often in an informal format.
Draft resolution: a more formal document that follows the required resolution format and can be submitted for consideration and voting once approved by the Chair.
The Chair rejects your draft resolution because it does not follow the required format. What should you do?
Correct the formatting errors and resubmit it according to the committee's rules.
You find a statistic online that perfectly supports your argument, but the website provides no source. What should you do before using it in your speech?
Verify the statistic using credible sources, ideally reputable international organizations.
A delegate asks you a loaded question:
"Why should this committee trust your country when it has repeatedly failed to address this issue?"
How do you respond without dodging the question?
Acknowledge their concern, defend/contextualize your country's record with evidence, and redirect the discussion toward specific, credible solutions.
During a speech, a delegate makes a statement that another delegate believes misrepresents their country's position. What procedural option might the offended delegate request?
A Right of Reply: a procedural tool that lets a delegate respond immediately.
* It is not automatically granted just because a delegate disagrees with a speech.
In a draft resolution, what is the purpose of an amendment, and what are the two common types of amendments?
An amendment changes the text of a draft resolution.
Friendly amendments: accepted by the relevant sponsors under the applicable rules.
Unfriendly amendments: which require a vote or other prescribed procedure.
Seconds before voting, your main sponsor withdraws support for your resolution. What can you do?
Do not edit without the chair approving edits.
A delegate asks you a question during your speech, but you don't know the answer. What is the best way to handle it?
Respond honestly, acknowledge the limitation in your knowledge, and avoid inventing facts.
Offer to follow up after verifying the information.
After your speech, a delegate asks you to explain how your proposed solution would actually be implemented, but you only prepared your speech. What do you do?
Think on your feet, explain the steps behind your proposal, and acknowledge any limitations rather than making up details
*This is why it's important to know your position on a topic.
A delegate believes the chair has incorrectly applied the rules of procedure. What motion can they raise to challenge the ruling?
An appeal of the chair's decision, if appeals are permitted under the conference's rules of procedure
What is the difference between a sponsor and a signatory on a draft resolution?
Sponsors: the delegates who helped develop and support the draft resolution and are responsible for presenting it.
Signatories: indicate that they want the draft resolution to be discussed, but their signature does not necessarily mean they agree with its content.
Another delegate presents your country's proposed solution as their own during formal debate. How do you respond?
Politely clarify that your delegation proposed the idea first?
Your assigned country's real-world government supports a policy that conflicts with your personal beliefs. What should you do in committee?
Represent your assigned country's official position accurately and argue in its interests.