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What is Documentation and Why is it Important?

Since MUN is a simulation of the actual workings of the UN, it is imperative for the representatives to work together to make the changes they very well wish to see in the world. Documentation is of great importance since it forms the basis on which the legality of the policies takes place.

DOCUMENTATION

What are the types of documentation and which will we be accepting?

Documentation in MUNs includes Position Papers, Directives, Memorandums, and Draft Resolutions. Each document is important. However, the documentation chosen in a committee is up to the discretion of the EB.

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A Position Paper is a document in which the Member State writes about its State’s position or stance on the agenda of the committee. You can include your portfolio’s history, policies and administrative measures with respect to the agenda of the committee.

The key parts of a good position paper are:

Introduction to the agenda
Your portfolio's history with the agenda
Explain your stance with regard to the agenda
Elaborate upon the current provisions your State has with respect to the agenda.
Summarise or conclude your position paper towards the end.
Use of Formal and Diplomatic language

POSITION PAPERS

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DRAFT RESOLUTION

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A Draft Resolution is the culmination of your work for the entire committee. It is the final outcome of the committee which consists of all the steps discussed in regards to what the members of the international organisation feel about global issues. There are three main parts to a draft resolution: the heading, the preamble and the operative section. The heading shows the committee and topic. It also lists the draft resolution’s sponsors and signatories. The preamble and operative sections then describe the current situation and actions that the committee will take in the future.

DRAFT RESOLUTION

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Who are Sponsors and Signatories?

Sponsors:

A Sponsor is someone who made a significant contribution to the resolution writing process. They had some of the key ideas and worked with the other sponsors to create a resolution.

Signatories:

Signatories are people who may simply be supportive of your ideas or believe that a Resolution is significant enough to submit to the dais for debate. Getting Signatories for a Resolution is a rather straightforward process as most delegates will reciprocally sign each other’s resolutions. It’s important to remember that you can be a Signatory and still vote against a resolution.

DRAFT RESOLUTION

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There are two types of clauses used in a DR:

Preambulatory Clauses
Operative Clauses

DRAFT RESOLUTION

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Preambulatory Clauses

Preambles' help explain the basis of action that will be introduced and requested for in the operative clauses, which present the actual solutions delegates propose. These clauses are used to build arguments on what sub-issue needs most focus, or can build support on having other delegates agree with the group’s focus. Each preamble begins with a present participle and ends with a comma.

Example:

Observing the continuous violations of human rights in Afghanistan,

DRAFT RESOLUTION

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Operative Clauses

Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Operative clauses must be logical and must contain an idea or a proposal. If a clause requires further explanation, bulleted points or roman numbers can be used as bullets. It is important to number the operative clauses. Each operative clause begins with a verb (called an operative phrase) and ends with a semicolon.

Example:

Authorises the formation of an official UN Working Body in Bangladesh to offer aid and support to the citizens;

DRAFT RESOLUTION

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DRAFT RESOLUTION

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AMENDMENT PROCEDURE

Amendment = Change

There are three types of Amendments delegates can propose:

Add a Clause
Example:

Amendment 1.1 to Resolution 2.0

Add a clause to the end of the resolution, which will be clause 7:

7. Urges nations make use of the Voluntary Trust Fund.

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AMENDMENT PROCEDURE

There are three types of Amendments delegates can propose:

2. Amend a Clause

Example:

Amend clause 2 which originally reads the following:

2. Recommends that a three-level information exchange system be established

2. Recommends that a four-level information exchange system be established

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AMENDMENT PROCEDURE

There are three types of Amendments delegates can propose:

3. Remove a Clause

Example:

Amendment 1.3 to Resolution 2

Strike Clause 3 from the resolution

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United Nations

Environment Programme (UNEP)

Transitioning to Renewable Energy Systems to Reduce Global Carbon Emissions