Resolution Writing 101

1. Resolution Writing 101 Mark Anthony ARCEÑO 24 October 2009 ACMUN 2009

2. What’s a Resolution? Simply put, a resolution is any document used to organize thoughts and suggestions aimed at resolving an issue. When read in its entirety, a resolution is actually a single sentence, separated by a colon. There are three parts to a resolution: the heading, the background, and the action.

3. The Introduction • Resolutions vary from simulation to simulation. With that said, there are some general notes to take into account when writing a resolution. • Line 1: Name of the Committee • Line 2: Subject/Topic of the Resolution • Line 3: List of Sponsors • The main authors/supporters of the resolution • Line 4: List of Signatories • The countries that support discussing the resolution (i.e., they don’t promise to vote in favor of the resolution, but rather are okay talking about it)

4. The Background The second part of a resolution acts as a preface to what is actually being suggested in the third part of a resolution. This introduction allows the assembly to know what the current state of affairs are, and why something must be done about it. Delegates will take this points into account as they read through your proposal. Every sentence must begin with a word/phrase of a similar fashion to those presented in the next slide. NOTE: This section cannot be amended once it is discussed.

5. Pre-Operatives/Pre-Ambulatory Clauses Affirming Alarmed by Anxious Appreciating Approving Aware of Bearing in mind Believing Cognizant Concerned Confident Conscious Considering Considering also Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Deploring Desiring Determined Emphasizing Encouraged Endorsing Expecting Expressing deep concern Expressing its satisfaction Expressing its wish Fulfilling Fully aware Fully alarmed Fully believing Further deploring Further recalling Gravely concerned Grieved Guided by Having adopted Having considered Having considered  further Having decided Having devoted attention Having examined Having heard Having received Having studied Keeping in mind Mindful Noting further Noting with approval Noting with deep concern Noting with great concern Noting with regret Noting with satisfaction Noting with zest Observing Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Reiterating Seeking Stressing Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming Wishing 

6. The Action The third part of the resolution is the actual meat of the resolution. This section explains what you propose the international community do, in order to resolve the issue. If countries disagree with the wording, the logic, etc., they may vote against your resolution. In order to try and prevent that, you must be prepared to work with them until they like what they’re reading. This is where the Chair can really get a sense of how you cooperate with everyone, i.e., how well you play the diplomatic game.

7. The Action (continued) • Be sure that your wording is concise and has meaning. • Common elements that the Chair and the committee are looking for are: • Timeline • Sources of funding • Viable and sustainable suggestions • Points that speak directly to the topic • All phrases of each section must begin with a word/phrase of a similar fashion to those presented in the next slide.

8. Operatives/Ambulatory Clauses Accepts Acknowledges Adopts Affirms Appeals Applauds Appreciates Approves Authorizes Calls Calls upon Commends Concurs Condemns * Confirms Congratulates Considers Decides Declares Declares accordingly Demands * Deplores * Designates Draws attention to Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Expresses its thanks Expresses the hope Expresses the belief Further endorses Further invites Further proclaims Further reminds Further recommends Further requests Further resolves Has resolved Having resolved to Instructs Notes Offers Proclaims Reaffirms Recognizes Recommends Regrets Reiterates Reminds Renews Repeats Requests Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns * Supports Suggests Takes note of Transmits Trusts Urges Welcomes * Security Council only 

9. Discussing Your Resolution Your committee may have multiple resolutions waiting to discuss. As a result, having a resolution to work with is essential if you want anything done. Don’t be afraid to try and compromise with other countries, so long as doing so doesn’t violate your country’s policy. Common compromises include voting for a resolution if one of your points is included, agreeing to support discussing someone’s else resolution in exchange for their support in discussing your resolution, etc.

10. Keep in Mind… Many resolution topics are so precise, that the resolution itself should also be precise. As such, and bearing in mind the fact that this is only a simulation (at the collegiate level), your writing must be sophisticated enough to fit within the confines of one page. Otherwise, other delegates may not want to discuss your resolution (because of its length), no matter how brilliant it may be.

11. Keep in Mind… (continued) • Once again resolution formats vary from simulation to simulation. However, it’s nevertheless a good idea to: • Number each line of your resolution. It really helps to have the numbered lines when trying to bring someone’s attention to a specific point! • Separate pre-ambulatory clauses with a comma. • Separate ambulatory clauses with a semi-colon. • End the resolution with a period.

12. Sample Resolution Committee: GA Third Committee (Social Committee) Subject: Strengthening U.N. Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance Sponsors: United States, Austria, Italy Signatories: Greece, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands,Costa Rica, Belgium, United Kingdom, India, and Gabon The General Assembly, Remindingall nations of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality, and inalienable rights of all global citizens, Reaffirmingresolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages governments to work with established U.N. bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, Notingwith satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant U.N. bodies and Non-Governmental Organizations:

13. Sample Resolution (continued…) 1.Encouragesall relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carryout of relief efforts; 2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the U.N. Department of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid; 3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies; 4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donation from the private transnational sector to aid in the funding of rapid deployment forces.