BU Model United Nations

1. BU Model United Nations Resolution Writing 101

2. What is a resolution? • The UN’s method of outlining the steps needed to solve a problem • The end result of debate, writing, and negotiation • A comprehensive document of the committee’s ideas on the topic

3. How to write a resolution • Initial discussion; setting a topic • Establishing the main problems • Working Papers • Negotiations during unmoderated and moderated caucuses • Draft Resolution

4. Working Papers: The First Step • Need no sponsors or signatories • Follow no specific format • Let the rest of the committee know what your ideas are for future collaboration • Invite feedback from the other committee members

5. Format of a Draft Resolution • Should always begin with the following at the top of the page: • Committee Name: • Sponsors: • Signatories: • Topic:

6. Format of a Draft Resolution • Body of the Document: • Committee Name, • Preambulatory Clauses • Separated by commas • Operative Clauses • Separated by semicolons

7. Sponsors and Signatories • Sponsors • Principal authors that agree with all of it • Only sponsors can approve immediate changes to the document • Signatories • These countries may (not) agree with substance, but want to see it debated. • Remember to have the appropriate number of sponsors and signatories for the draft resolution to be accepted by the Dais.

8. Preambulatory Clauses • State general facts about topic • Refer to other relevant resolutions or treaties, including the UN Charter • Recognize contributions of NGOs and regional bodies to solving the issue

9. Operative Clauses • Give recommendations for action • Begin with a verb • Each should contain one proposal only • Subclauses and subsubclauses are used to clarify and specify ideas

10. What’s the difference? • Working Paper • No specific format • No minimum number of sponsors and signatories • Draft Resolution • Resolution format • Requires sponsors and signatories • Resolution • This is what a draft resolution aspires to become.

11. What should I include in a “good” resolution? • Details! • Cite facts. • Include multiple sponsors. • Sponsors should come from multiple regional blocs to show the resolution’s wide acceptability. • Be realistic; do not go beyond the scope of your committee, the countries and NGOs involved. • Ex: Cameroon cannot donate USD 3 Billion to the war on HIV/AIDS in Africa • Cover what was discussed in committee. • Don’t include everything that was discussed in 2 days’ time, but touch upon all major facets of the topic.

12. Designing programs and initiatives • Reporter Questions • Who, what, when, where, why, and how? • Why is this better than the alternative? • Why is this better than what has been done in the past? • Are there past examples that show that such a plan has worked?

13. Amendments • Use if you just want to fix a few points • Friendly vs. Unfriendly • These are introduced and are voted on in order of introduction right before the draft resolution. • If amendments pass, then the draft resolution is voted on with the added amendments.

14. Funding Issues • Involve NGOs – but make sure to stay within the realistic scope of an NGO • Ex: Amnesty International cannot donate USD 7 Billion to every cause. • If there are NGOs present at the conference and in the committee, make sure to discuss funding with them before adding it to the resolution.

15. How to work within the limits of committee jurisdiction • Stay on topic! • Only UNSC can use the following: • “Condemns”, “Demands” • “Decides to remain actively seized on the matter.” • If you’re in a crisis committee and do not know your jurisdiction, ask your chair or USG.

16. Sample Resolution Format Committee: General Assembly, SpecPol Sponsors: Germany, Italy, France Signatories: Togo, Sri Lanka, Greece, etc… Topic: The Political Future of Afghanistan The General Assembly,

17. Additional Resources • UNAUSA - http://www.unausa.org • Your delegate handbook • Your chair • Your fellow BU MUNers