A student acting as a representative of a member state or observer in a Model UN committee.
Delegate
100
A list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic is opened for discussion, the Chair will create a speacial list by asking all delegates wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on them one at a time.
Speaker's List
100
A summary of a country's position on a topic, written by a delegate before a Model UN conference.
Position Paper
100
The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent any draft resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no.
Veto
100
To agree with a motion being proposed.
Second
200
A member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, rules on points and motions, and enforces the rules of procedure. Also known as a Moderator
Chairman
200
The order in which the issues before a committee will be discussed.
Agenda
200
A document in which the ideas of some delegates on how to resolve an issue are proposed. Frequently the precursor to a draft resolution.
Working paper
200
A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put on the floor and signs the draft resolution to accomplish this.
Signatory
200
A piece of cardstock with a country's name on it that a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes to speak.
Placard
300
A member of the dais that oversees the creation of working papers and draft resolutions, acts as an expert on the topic, makes sure delegates accurately reflect the policy of their countries, and ensures that decorum is maintained during caucuses.
Director
300
A type of caucus in which delegates remain seated and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a short period of time, enabling a freer exchange of opinions than would be possible in formal debate.
Moderated Caucus
300
A document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, it will become a resolution.
Draft Resolution
300
The part of a resolution that describes previous actions taken on the topic and reasons why the resolution is necessary. It begins with a participle or adjective (noting, concerned, regretting, aware of, recalling, etc.)
Preambulatory Clause
300
A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a similar opinion on a particular topic. Blocs typically vote together.
Bloc
400
A delegate in a Model UN committee that has volunteered to pass notes from one delegate to another, or from a delegate to the dais, for a short period of time.
Page (pigeon)
400
All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote. This means that the debate is suspended until the next meeting. This can be a short time (e.g., overnight) or a long time (until next year's conference)
Adjournment of Debate
400
At a Model UN conference, when a working paper or draft resolution is first written, it may not be discussed in debate. After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the committee, it can be discussed and be...
On the floor
400
A change to a draft resolution on the floor.
Amendment
400
The order and respect for others that all delegates at a Model UN conference must exhibit.
Decorum
500
The leader of the MUN conference
The Secretary General
500
A request raised by a delegate for information or for an action relating to that delegate.
A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole do something.
Point and Motion
500
Vote on a draft resolution or amendment already on the floor during voting bloc. Only member states (not observer states or non-governmental organizations) may vote.
Substantive voting
500
The part of a resolution which describes how the UN will address a problem. It begins with an action verb (decides, establishes, recommends, etc.)
Operative Clause
500
The minimum number of delegates needed to be present for a committee to meet.