How a MUN debate works
A MUN debate may seem complicated when you just read the rules, but it's really not, and you will pick it up within the first few hours of debate, either way. On this page you can get an idea of how debating works, through videos, weblinks and other resources. Below you can find an
American Model UN Video. Some of their rules of procedure are a bit different from the ones we will be using at MUNKi, but these are just details.
American Model UN Video. Some of their rules of procedure are a bit different from the ones we will be using at MUNKi, but these are just details.
Structure of a debate
1. Roll Call
The Roll Call is the first thing you do in the committee. It is very important to be on time for roll call, or you may lose your voting rights.
When the Chair calls your nation, raise your placard. The roll call happens in alphabetical order. You can answer either "present" or "present and voting". If you chose to be "present and voting", you have to vote either "yes" or "no" for every resolution.
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2. Motion to set the Agenda
A delegate will raise their placard and say "Motion to set the agenda", followed by the topic they wish to debate first. If the motion is in order (allowed by the Chair), then they will call 2 speakers to speak for the order, and 2 speakers against. Once that is done, the committee will proceed to a vote.
"The delegate of Ghana moves to set the agenda to Topic B followed by topic A"
If there is only one topic, a delegate will instead have to make a "motion to open debate".
3. Formal (also called General) debate
Once the agenda has been set, debate may officially start. A delegate will suggest a default speaking time.
The Chair will then ask delegates to sign up to the speaker's list. If none are willing to speak, the Chair may appoint someone. The speaker's list is strictly followed.
It is important that people sign up to the general speaker's list, because once there are no more delegates on it, it is considered that no one wants to discuss anymore, and the debate will automatically move into voting procedure, which ends the debate (So if there's only one topic, the whole conference ends).
The Chair will then ask delegates to sign up to the speaker's list. If none are willing to speak, the Chair may appoint someone. The speaker's list is strictly followed.
It is important that people sign up to the general speaker's list, because once there are no more delegates on it, it is considered that no one wants to discuss anymore, and the debate will automatically move into voting procedure, which ends the debate (So if there's only one topic, the whole conference ends).
4. Moderated Caucus
The delegate of Armenia moves for a moderated caucus of 10 minutes, individual speaking time 30 seconds, to discuss "How to tackle human trafficking of refugees from the Horn of Africa"
A moderated caucus has many purposes, but the main one is to allow delegates to discuss sub-topics under the main topic for debate. As the topic titles of committees will be very general, it is up to the delegates to steer the debate in the direction they want to go, and get people to discuss the issues that are relevant for them.
So if your nation has a problem related to human trafficking, it might be interested in discussing that, because solutions might be transferable, or maybe your nation has already implemented measures that have worked well that you want to share with the committee.
In a Moderated Caucus, the Chair is allowed to choose more freely who gets to speak.
So if your nation has a problem related to human trafficking, it might be interested in discussing that, because solutions might be transferable, or maybe your nation has already implemented measures that have worked well that you want to share with the committee.
In a Moderated Caucus, the Chair is allowed to choose more freely who gets to speak.
5. Unmoderated Caucus
The Russian Federation moves for an unmoderated caucus for 10 minutes An unmoderated caucus is sometimes also called a lobbying session. Delegates are allowed to move from their seats to go and talk to other delegates freely and in the groupings of their choice. Unmods (as they are also called) are used to write working papers and draft resolutions, and to lobby other nations into supporting your stance.
Unmods will only be in order after a certain time into the debate, as the Chair will want to ensure that you have enough to discuss, and don't just use it as a break. |
6. Working papers
Working papers are informal documents containing a framework for a resolution. They may be submitted to the Chair. If you want delegates to discuss the specific points in it, you can move for a moderated caucus to discuss your working paper. The Chair will then put it up on the screen, and if the motion to discuss it passes, you can get a lot of good feedback, and learn who agrees with you, and who doesn't.
The delegate of Uruguay moves for a moderated caucus of 8 minutes, individual speaking time 30 seconds, to discuss working paper 1.4
7. Draft Resolutions
Draft resolutions are more formal documents. They have to be written in the correct UN resolution format (go to "How to write a resolution" to find out what that is), because they are the ones that will be voted upon, and if they get a majority in the vote, they become resolutions.
In order to get a draft resolution discussed, you have to get a set minimum amount of supporters for the resolution. The can be either sponsors (people who wrote the resolution with you) or signatories (people who do not necessarily agree, but want to hear the resolution discussed). Usually this will require support by at least 1/5 of the participants. In addition, the Chair has to agree that the resolution can be introduced.
In order to get a draft resolution discussed, you have to get a set minimum amount of supporters for the resolution. The can be either sponsors (people who wrote the resolution with you) or signatories (people who do not necessarily agree, but want to hear the resolution discussed). Usually this will require support by at least 1/5 of the participants. In addition, the Chair has to agree that the resolution can be introduced.
The delegate of Vietnam moves to introduce Draft Resolution 1.2 to the floor.
8. Debate on Draft Resolutions
Once the draft resolution has been introduced, it may be discussed, and delegates may propose amendments (changes) to the draft. A delegate who wants to make an amendment has to get a set number of supporters for the amendment, and send it to the Chair, who can then approve it for discussion. Each amendment must be introduced, debated and voted upon separately to become a part of the draft resolution.
9. Voting Procedure
Chair: All those in favour of this resolution? |
Once the committee is satisfied that the draft resolution represents what they believe is the best possible solution to the problem, a delegate can make a motion to close debate. This will bring all the resolutions on the topic to a vote, and more than one resolution may be adopted. However, once the vote has been done, no more resolutions on the topic may be brought forth, so only make this motion once you are satisfied that there is nothing more you want to say.
The delegate of the United States of America moves to close debate and move into voting procedure Once the motion has been made, the delegates 1. Vote upon whether to move into voting procedure. 2. If the motion passes, vote upon the draft resolution.
A delegate can vote "YES", "NO", or abstain from voting. A resolution passes by simple majority. Abstentions are noted, but do not count towards the majority. This means that even if There are only 4 votes in favour and 3 against, with 35 abstentions, the resolution still passes. |