MUN Formative Test

This is an example of an Opening Speech: "Honorable chair, fellow delegates and distinguished guests: The delegation of Sudan realizes the importance of a world without a digital divide between MDCs and LDCs, genetic privacy and nondiscrimination, as well as resolution on the issues between Israel and Palestine. However the delegate of Sudan wishes to especially focus on digital access among all countries, for all people. The digital divide between MDCs and LDCs is something that needs to be bridged in order to help lower the rates of poverty worldwide and give many LDCs a better economy. As an LDC, Sudan is affected by this issue because of its lack of up to date digital access. The delegate of Sudan believes that a possible solution to the bridging of the digital divide is assistance from MDCs to LDCs in the form of programs, donations, and training. The delegate of Sudan looks forward to hearing and debating other delegations’ opinions on this and other issues".

An [blank_start]Amendment[blank_end] is a change to a draft resolution on the floor. Can be of two types: "friendly" which is supported by the original draft resolution's sponsors, and is passed automatically, while an "unfriendly one" is not supported by the original sponsors and must be voted on by the committee as a whole.

During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may ___________ rather than vote yes or no. This generally signals that a country does not support the resolution being voted on, but does not oppose it enough to vote no.

The leader of a Model UN conference.

The minimum number of delegates needed to be present for a committee to meet. In the General Assembly, a [blank_start]quorum[blank_end] consists of one third of the members to begin debate, and a majority of members to pass a resolution. In the Security Council, there is no specific number of delegates for the body to debate, but nine members must be present to pass a resolution.

The order and respect for others that all delegates at a Model UN conference must exhibit. The Chair will call for [blank_start]decorum[blank_end] when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of a speaker, of the dais, or of their roles as ambassadors.

[blank_start]Adjourn[blank_end] is a suspension of the meeting until next meeting. You must end every session this way.

Caucus is a break in formal debate in which countries can more easily and informally discuss a topic.

The [blank_start]Chair[blank_end] is a member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, rules on points and motions, and enforces the rules of procedure. AKA the moderator.

[blank_start]Moderated[blank_end] caucus is a type of caucus in which delegates remain seated and the chair calls on them one by one to speak for a short period of time. This allows the free exchange of opinions.

A [blank_start]sponsor[blank_end] is one of the writers of a draft resolution.

A draft resolution is a summary of a country's position on a topic, written by a delegate before a Model UN conference.

A document that has been passed by an organ of the UN that aims to address a particular problem or issue.

To yield the floor means: To have been given the right to speak in debate before the house.

A point of order is a question directed to the Chair by a delegate who feels that a mistake has been made in the order of debate or who requires clarification of the rules of procedure.

Point of personal privilege: A way in which a legislator can get the attention of the presiding officer on the floor of either chamber. It is used when some question requires immediate consideration, such as making a parliamentary inquiry, calling attention to disorderly conduct or words, or raising the question of no quorum.

A point of inquiry is a motion from the floor or from a committee member in order to ask a question. Typically, such questions are about such issues as parliamentary procedures or agenda items under consideration.

It is a one or two page document that is essentially a summary of your knowledge of the topic and the way your country thinks about an issue when it enters a committee. It typically contains four sections: Background of Topic, Past International Actions, Country Policy, and Possible Solutions. They are usually due before the conference.

During the debate, delegates will be able to send notes to each other and to the Moderators. All notes are moderated and archived. Note passing will be monitored by the dedicated Moderator and the MUN Director/Assistant Director in attendance. Notes may be passed to the moderators at any time. Note passing will be suspended during roll call, voting, and at the discretion of the Chair.

A [blank_start]placard[blank_end] is a piece of cardstock with a country's name on it that a delegate raises in the air to speak or vote.