Learn the Basics

You. You represent one country and speak only for that country's interests, never your personal opinion.

The people running the committee. They decide the speaking order, time limits, and what motions are in order.

The card with your country name on it. Raise it to be recognized to speak, to motion, or to vote.

Minimum number of delegates needed to start debate. Usually announced at the start by the Chair.

Used at the very start to formally begin substantive discussion.

Opens a running list of delegates who want to give general speeches on the topic.

Structured discussion on a sub-topic. Chair calls on raised placards. You propose total time, individual speaking time, and the topic.

Informal time — delegates leave their seats and negotiate, form blocs, and draft papers.

Used when you believe procedure is being broken. Should be rare. The Chair rules immediately.

A question to the Chair (not another delegate) about procedure or instructions.

Acknowledge the Chair and the body. Builds credibility before content.

One sentence on the stakes, ideally with a number or named consequence.

Name a mechanism, fund, body, or timeline. Vague speeches don't get cited in resolutions.

End by naming delegations you want to work with, or the kind of bloc you're seeking.

Show you understand the issue without copy-pasting Wikipedia. 1 paragraph, focused on what matters for your country.

Your country's actual stance. Cite real treaties, votes, statements. This is where most rookies lose marks.

What has your country (or the body) already done? Include UN resolutions, funding commitments, or domestic policy.

2-3 concrete proposals that fit your country's policy. Should preview the resolution language you'll push.

A group of delegates working on the same draft resolution. Usually forms along regional, ideological, or economic lines.

Early-stage draft of solutions. Not yet a resolution. Shared informally with the Chair.

Formal document submitted for debate. Has preambulatory and operative clauses.

Sponsors write and defend the resolution. Signatories just want it to be debated and don't necessarily agree with it.

Never say "I think." Always say "the delegation of [country] believes." You are a diplomat, not a person.

Chairs hate this. Use only when procedure is actually broken, not to disagree with another delegate.

Don't propose climate funding as Saudi Arabia. Don't propose abolishing the veto as the US. Chairs check.

Awards are won in unmoderated caucus. If you don't walk over to a bloc and start writing, you don't exist.