Security Council I
· Open Agenda
Security Council II
· Open Agenda
Regional Security Council
· Afghanistan
· West Africa
· Cyprus
· Somalia
1st Committee
· International Weapons Trade to Conflict Areas (Ethics & Surplus)
· Nuclear Non-Proliferation
· Biological/Chemical Weapons
· Weapon Sales Transparency/Ethics
3rd Committee
· Rights of Indigenous People
· Rights of Migrants
· Promotion & Protection of the Rights of the Child
· Empowering Women in Less Developed Countries
6th Committee
· Combating International Terrorism
· Drug Smuggling
· The Illegal Diamond Trade
· Child Soldiers
UNEP
· Population Growth
· Clean Energy
· Water and Energy Security
· Climate Change
WHO
· Pandemics
· Health Care in Less Developed Countries
· Pharmaceutical Costs
· Maternal Health & Child Mortality
ECOSOC
· Economic & Social Impacts of Drug Cartels, the Mafia, & Terrorist
· Promoting Equality Between Highly Developed Countries & Less Developed Countries
· Integration of Emerging Economics
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
HOW TO WRITE AN OPENING SPEECH by THIMUN
I – Why Do You Have To Write an Opening Speech?
If you are the Ambassador for the country you represent at THIMUN, you can be asked to do an opening speech before the General Assembly (GA for short). An opening speech, should last 1 minute. In this minute, you should address very clearly to the audience the position of the country/organization you represent on the primary concerns about the state of the world.
II – What Are The Different Parts of An Opening Speech?
There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for an opening speech:
- First of all, there is the beginning of the speech. It is customary to address the
President of the GA and the delegates present by starting your speech, saying something like: “Fellow Delegates, Distinguished Delegates”
- Then go on to the main body of your speech. The main body of your speech should address the issue on the agenda your Delegation feels most strongly about. Some delegates think that this part of the speech should be funny and entertaining. This is not what the speech is about at all. Keep it diplomatic and concentrate on getting one single message across. It is standard practice to end the speech with a flourish such as: “Thank you, Delegate.”
III – How To Deliver An Opening Speech?
When speaking your committee at JMUN, you can be easily in awe of the number of people you are facing. You will be nervous. The best way to overcome this is by practicing the delivery of your speech in your school and having your MUN Director present and also maybe your fellow delegates. Ask them what they think about your speech and adjust it if you think it needs that. You should open your speech with a strong sentence to gain audience attention. Also, when delivering your speech, you must remember to speak slowly and clearly. As a rule of thumb, you are speaking slowly enough when you think to yourself: “I am speaking too slowly now.” Have the speech timed and see that it does not exceed the time allotted to you. If necessary, the President will remind you that your time is almost up by saying: ‘Will the Delegate please come to His closing remarks’. If you hear this said to you, please act accordingly.
Summing up, an opening speech consists of an opening flourish, a main body that drives home one point only and a closing flourish
If you are the Ambassador for the country you represent at THIMUN, you can be asked to do an opening speech before the General Assembly (GA for short). An opening speech, should last 1 minute. In this minute, you should address very clearly to the audience the position of the country/organization you represent on the primary concerns about the state of the world.
II – What Are The Different Parts of An Opening Speech?
There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for an opening speech:
- First of all, there is the beginning of the speech. It is customary to address the
President of the GA and the delegates present by starting your speech, saying something like: “Fellow Delegates, Distinguished Delegates”
- Then go on to the main body of your speech. The main body of your speech should address the issue on the agenda your Delegation feels most strongly about. Some delegates think that this part of the speech should be funny and entertaining. This is not what the speech is about at all. Keep it diplomatic and concentrate on getting one single message across. It is standard practice to end the speech with a flourish such as: “Thank you, Delegate.”
III – How To Deliver An Opening Speech?
When speaking your committee at JMUN, you can be easily in awe of the number of people you are facing. You will be nervous. The best way to overcome this is by practicing the delivery of your speech in your school and having your MUN Director present and also maybe your fellow delegates. Ask them what they think about your speech and adjust it if you think it needs that. You should open your speech with a strong sentence to gain audience attention. Also, when delivering your speech, you must remember to speak slowly and clearly. As a rule of thumb, you are speaking slowly enough when you think to yourself: “I am speaking too slowly now.” Have the speech timed and see that it does not exceed the time allotted to you. If necessary, the President will remind you that your time is almost up by saying: ‘Will the Delegate please come to His closing remarks’. If you hear this said to you, please act accordingly.
Summing up, an opening speech consists of an opening flourish, a main body that drives home one point only and a closing flourish
HOW TO BE A GOOD DELEGATE by THIMUN
I –What Is The General Behavior of A Delegate?
JMUN is a simulation of the United Nations Organization, therefore you are, as a student, considered to behave like a diplomat of the country you represent. In addition, you are a representative of your own school. This double representation implies that you must behave at any times as properly as possible inside the Conference Centre during the conference itself and, outside (public transportation, streets, places such as shops, cafés etc.).
II –Why Does JMUN Have A Dress Code?
For you as delegate and as for all participants at JMUN, Student Officers, Admin Staff, MUN-Directors, a correct outfit is mandatory during the whole time of the conference. This dress code has been fixed in order to prove our respect towards the countries that are represented at the THIMUN Conference.
What To Wear
A – Men’s clothing
· A suit, a pair of trousers and jacket
· A tie
· Dark shoes
B – Women’s clothing
· A skirt, a dress
· A pair of trousers
· A blouse
JMUN is a simulation of the United Nations Organization, therefore you are, as a student, considered to behave like a diplomat of the country you represent. In addition, you are a representative of your own school. This double representation implies that you must behave at any times as properly as possible inside the Conference Centre during the conference itself and, outside (public transportation, streets, places such as shops, cafés etc.).
II –Why Does JMUN Have A Dress Code?
For you as delegate and as for all participants at JMUN, Student Officers, Admin Staff, MUN-Directors, a correct outfit is mandatory during the whole time of the conference. This dress code has been fixed in order to prove our respect towards the countries that are represented at the THIMUN Conference.
What To Wear
A – Men’s clothing
· A suit, a pair of trousers and jacket
· A tie
· Dark shoes
B – Women’s clothing
· A skirt, a dress
· A pair of trousers
· A blouse
JMUN Speech Types
There are two kinds of speeches:
· General debate
· Substantive debate
In all speeches make sure that the audience understands you country’s policy on the topic in general debate or on a specific resolution in substantive debate.
· General debate
· Substantive debate
In all speeches make sure that the audience understands you country’s policy on the topic in general debate or on a specific resolution in substantive debate.
General Debate
Look at your resolution packet and the topics that your committee will deal with what is listed in outline form. If the committee is discussing these topics then the debate is considered to be general. It is in theses speeches that you will strive to “teach,” “enlighten,” “inform,” and communicate statistics to prove your point, example, etc.
When you present general debate information, you are always giving information that is in policy with your country.
Include statistics, examples, facts, and ideas that extend our knowledge of the topic in a general way. Remember to always look at the topic through the lens of your country.
Look at your resolution packet and the topics that your committee will deal with what is listed in outline form. If the committee is discussing these topics then the debate is considered to be general. It is in theses speeches that you will strive to “teach,” “enlighten,” “inform,” and communicate statistics to prove your point, example, etc.
When you present general debate information, you are always giving information that is in policy with your country.
Include statistics, examples, facts, and ideas that extend our knowledge of the topic in a general way. Remember to always look at the topic through the lens of your country.
Substantive Debate
Each resolution is discussed individually and this is called, substantive debate. The speeches you write for substantive debate are specifically written to address each separate resolution in your packet. You might use statistics but you will also present your country’s views mostly on the operatives (solutions). You could correct information presented in the preambular clauses but only if it is in your country’s interest to do so.
Focus on preambular clauses that you like, dislike, and state the reasons. You should also make suggestions as to what you would like accomplished.
Each resolution is discussed individually and this is called, substantive debate. The speeches you write for substantive debate are specifically written to address each separate resolution in your packet. You might use statistics but you will also present your country’s views mostly on the operatives (solutions). You could correct information presented in the preambular clauses but only if it is in your country’s interest to do so.
Focus on preambular clauses that you like, dislike, and state the reasons. You should also make suggestions as to what you would like accomplished.
Facts on File, Data:
Thinking on your feet is important. It is possible that you will not use the speeches you prepared beforehand. But probably you will use portions or parts of the speeches. You must be able to re-work the speech based on the directions of the committee.
That means you might delete or add certain facts you may have on file to fit the discussion. Be ready to re-write or even create a speech on the spot.
Thinking on your feet is important. It is possible that you will not use the speeches you prepared beforehand. But probably you will use portions or parts of the speeches. You must be able to re-work the speech based on the directions of the committee.
That means you might delete or add certain facts you may have on file to fit the discussion. Be ready to re-write or even create a speech on the spot.
Comment on a Speech:
You will find that your comments on speeches the delegates make are often taken from portions of your speech, facts on file, to correct an erroneous statement, etc. again, be ready to create a response that is informative and didactic.
Suggestions for Procedure:
· Write number of resolution on a note card, piece of paper, etc
· Type, do not write
· Use bullets to make your speech seem extemporaneous
You will find that your comments on speeches the delegates make are often taken from portions of your speech, facts on file, to correct an erroneous statement, etc. again, be ready to create a response that is informative and didactic.
Suggestions for Procedure:
· Write number of resolution on a note card, piece of paper, etc
· Type, do not write
· Use bullets to make your speech seem extemporaneous
WHAT IS LOBBYING by THIMUN
This is probably the most important yet baffling part of the conference. The key to successful lobbying is to be pro-active, which means taking active steps to present and discuss your proposals. Keep an eye on the fact that the aim is to negotiate in order to reach consensus. Before the start of the formal conference you informally try to gain the interest and support of other delegates for their draft resolution. As a basis for a draft resolution, a well-researched and well-written policy statement can be used. You may find other delegates with a similar resolution and decide to merge the two, making the resolution stronger and more likely to succeed in debate. This is the time for delegates to air their views. Allies need to be found to support the draft resolution. Sometimes a delegate might abandon his/her own resolution in favor of another, better one. Your draft resolution should not be longer than 2-4 pages, and be clearly expressed in the official format (see How To Write A Resolution). It forms the basis for discussion and you should expect your resolutions to be merged with others as long as national interests and security are not undermined. You should create resolutions that are representative of the policies of specific interest groups and that make realistic recommendations for actions to be taken in dealing with the issues. Generally, time spent on lobbying usually results in a stronger resolution.
HOW TO RESEARCH A COUNTRY OR AN ISSUE by THIMUN
There are two fields of research that you have to focus on when preparing for any MUN conference. First you need to learn about the country you represent and then there are the issues on the agenda.
I – How To Research A Country?
When researching your country you have several options. One of them is trying to contact its Embassy in your country. You will find that some Embassies are cooperative and others will be less so. You will just have to try. Another option is to use the Internet. A widely used website for this is the CIA World Factbook. Choose the country you represent and you will find the information you need. If you need a guideline on what you need to know about your country you can refer to the Council of World Affairs. This is a very useful site, by the way, in preparing for many aspects of a conference. Alternatively you might try individual countries’ websites.
II – How To Research An Issue?
The issues on the agenda of a THIMUN conference are taken from the UN website. Hence going to this website and typing in the issue on the agenda into its search engine will be a good way to start your research on these issues. Member states have websites for their Permanent Missions at the UN that can also be useful if you want to learn about the views of your country on a given issue. You can also try its Embassy in your country, but cooperation may again vary.
III – Useful websites
http://thimun.org/research/index.html
http://www.un.org/english
http://www.un.org/members/missions.shtml
http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/
https://www.cia.gov/
http://www.cowac.org/
http://www.embassyworld.com/
http://www.economist.com/
http://www.idebate.org/index.php
http://www.cnn.com/
http://www.bbcworld.com/
I – How To Research A Country?
When researching your country you have several options. One of them is trying to contact its Embassy in your country. You will find that some Embassies are cooperative and others will be less so. You will just have to try. Another option is to use the Internet. A widely used website for this is the CIA World Factbook. Choose the country you represent and you will find the information you need. If you need a guideline on what you need to know about your country you can refer to the Council of World Affairs. This is a very useful site, by the way, in preparing for many aspects of a conference. Alternatively you might try individual countries’ websites.
II – How To Research An Issue?
The issues on the agenda of a THIMUN conference are taken from the UN website. Hence going to this website and typing in the issue on the agenda into its search engine will be a good way to start your research on these issues. Member states have websites for their Permanent Missions at the UN that can also be useful if you want to learn about the views of your country on a given issue. You can also try its Embassy in your country, but cooperation may again vary.
III – Useful websites
http://thimun.org/research/index.html
http://www.un.org/english
http://www.un.org/members/missions.shtml
http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/
https://www.cia.gov/
http://www.cowac.org/
http://www.embassyworld.com/
http://www.economist.com/
http://www.idebate.org/index.php
http://www.cnn.com/
http://www.bbcworld.com/
HOW TO WRITE A DRAFT RESOLUTION by THIMUN
I –What Is A Resolution?
Before an MUN Conference, you write one or two draft resolutions. The issues of the resolutions can be found in the agenda of the conference. With a draft resolution in your hand, you will participate actively during the debates. A resolution is initially a formal statement of a proposal to a UN Council, Committee or Commission. It consists of one long, but coherent, sentence divided into clauses and sub-clauses. A resolution should not represent the position of one country but rather of a majority of the UN member states.
II – How To Write A Resolution?
The language of a UN resolution is very formal, diplomatic and somewhat legalistic. In order to help you, please read the 4 following questions:
A – What is the preamble?
The preamble is the introduction of the resolution. It contains the background and the argumentation to the issue you have chosen.
B – How to write the preambulatory clauses?
You will write your references to former UN resolutions, ratified conventions, and/or declarations. You will provide official figures, the most recent ones possible, to illustrate the issue. You will congratulate countries and/or organizations (i.e. UN organizations, NGOs) which have worked on the issue. You will emphasize the difficulties that have been encountered in the past. You will need to begin the perambulatory clauses with a present or a past participle or an adjective. See the following list:
PREAMBULATORY PHRASES
Acknowledging, Affirming, Alarmed by, Approving, Aware of, Believing, Bearing in mind, Confident, Congratulating, Convinced, Declaring, Deeply concerned, Deeply conscious, Deeply disturbed, Deeply regretting, Deploring, Desiring, Emphasizing, Expecting, Expressing its appreciation, Expressing its satisfaction, Fulfilling, Fully alarmed, Fully aware, Fully believing, Further deploring, Further recalling, Guided by, Having adopted, Having considered, Having devoted attention, Having examined, Having received, Having studied, Keeping in mind, Noting further, Noting with appreciation, Noting with approval, Noting with deep concern, Noting with regret, Noting with satisfaction, Observing, Pointing out, Reaffirming, Realizing, Recalling, Recognizing, Referring, Reminding, Seeking, Taking into account, Taking into consideration, Viewing with appreciation, Welcoming
C – What are the operative clauses?
The operative clauses contain the policy statements of the body making the resolution. The clauses should be clear and unambiguous. They present by order of importance what the UN should do or what attitude it should adopt.
D – How to write the operative clauses?
This question is the most difficult one. You must ensure that your proposals are actually workable and that they fully reflect the existing policies of the country or agency that you represent. You encourage, and/or invite countries to sign/ratify a convention/declaration. You may propose, welcome or deplore all new situations. You may support, congratulate or refuse new proposals. You may confirm, regret what it is already existing. You have to begin the operative clauses with verbs in the third person singular of the Present Tense. See the following list.
OPERATIVE PHRASES
Accepts, Affirms, Approves, Asks, Authorizes, Calls for, Calls upon, Congratulates, Confirms, Declares accordingly, Deplores, Designates, Encourages, Endorses, Expresses its satisfaction,, Expresses its hope, Further recommends, Hopes, Invites, Proclaims, Proposes, Recommends, Regrets, Requests, Resolves, Seeks, Strongly affirms, Strongly urges, Suggests, Supports, Trusts, Transmits, Urges
Rather than just borrowing/copying clauses from UN resolutions or resolutions from previous conferences, you will be in a much better position to defend and debate during the conference if you write your own resolution from scratch.
III – How To Present A Resolution?
The heading, which appears on each page, must state specific information:
FORUM: you write down the forum you belong to.
QUESTION OF: you copy the issue of the resolution.
SUBMITTED BY: you write down the name of your delegation country or organisation.
The opening verb of each clause is underlined. There is a line-space between each clause. The lines of the resolution are NOT numbered. Each operative clause IS numbered. The sub-clauses begin with a), b), c), etc.; sub-sub-clauses begin with i), ii), iii), etc. Acronyms and abbreviation are written out in full the first time they are used. Each preambulatory clause is followed by a comma. Each operative clause is followed by a semicolon. There is only one full stop, that is, at the END of the resolution. Do make sure that you not only take a number of hard copies of your draft resolution but also an electronic version (e.g. USB, flashdisk, iPod, etc.). You should have enough copies to distribute to other members of his forum during the lobbying process.
Before an MUN Conference, you write one or two draft resolutions. The issues of the resolutions can be found in the agenda of the conference. With a draft resolution in your hand, you will participate actively during the debates. A resolution is initially a formal statement of a proposal to a UN Council, Committee or Commission. It consists of one long, but coherent, sentence divided into clauses and sub-clauses. A resolution should not represent the position of one country but rather of a majority of the UN member states.
II – How To Write A Resolution?
The language of a UN resolution is very formal, diplomatic and somewhat legalistic. In order to help you, please read the 4 following questions:
A – What is the preamble?
The preamble is the introduction of the resolution. It contains the background and the argumentation to the issue you have chosen.
B – How to write the preambulatory clauses?
You will write your references to former UN resolutions, ratified conventions, and/or declarations. You will provide official figures, the most recent ones possible, to illustrate the issue. You will congratulate countries and/or organizations (i.e. UN organizations, NGOs) which have worked on the issue. You will emphasize the difficulties that have been encountered in the past. You will need to begin the perambulatory clauses with a present or a past participle or an adjective. See the following list:
PREAMBULATORY PHRASES
Acknowledging, Affirming, Alarmed by, Approving, Aware of, Believing, Bearing in mind, Confident, Congratulating, Convinced, Declaring, Deeply concerned, Deeply conscious, Deeply disturbed, Deeply regretting, Deploring, Desiring, Emphasizing, Expecting, Expressing its appreciation, Expressing its satisfaction, Fulfilling, Fully alarmed, Fully aware, Fully believing, Further deploring, Further recalling, Guided by, Having adopted, Having considered, Having devoted attention, Having examined, Having received, Having studied, Keeping in mind, Noting further, Noting with appreciation, Noting with approval, Noting with deep concern, Noting with regret, Noting with satisfaction, Observing, Pointing out, Reaffirming, Realizing, Recalling, Recognizing, Referring, Reminding, Seeking, Taking into account, Taking into consideration, Viewing with appreciation, Welcoming
C – What are the operative clauses?
The operative clauses contain the policy statements of the body making the resolution. The clauses should be clear and unambiguous. They present by order of importance what the UN should do or what attitude it should adopt.
D – How to write the operative clauses?
This question is the most difficult one. You must ensure that your proposals are actually workable and that they fully reflect the existing policies of the country or agency that you represent. You encourage, and/or invite countries to sign/ratify a convention/declaration. You may propose, welcome or deplore all new situations. You may support, congratulate or refuse new proposals. You may confirm, regret what it is already existing. You have to begin the operative clauses with verbs in the third person singular of the Present Tense. See the following list.
OPERATIVE PHRASES
Accepts, Affirms, Approves, Asks, Authorizes, Calls for, Calls upon, Congratulates, Confirms, Declares accordingly, Deplores, Designates, Encourages, Endorses, Expresses its satisfaction,, Expresses its hope, Further recommends, Hopes, Invites, Proclaims, Proposes, Recommends, Regrets, Requests, Resolves, Seeks, Strongly affirms, Strongly urges, Suggests, Supports, Trusts, Transmits, Urges
Rather than just borrowing/copying clauses from UN resolutions or resolutions from previous conferences, you will be in a much better position to defend and debate during the conference if you write your own resolution from scratch.
III – How To Present A Resolution?
The heading, which appears on each page, must state specific information:
FORUM: you write down the forum you belong to.
QUESTION OF: you copy the issue of the resolution.
SUBMITTED BY: you write down the name of your delegation country or organisation.
The opening verb of each clause is underlined. There is a line-space between each clause. The lines of the resolution are NOT numbered. Each operative clause IS numbered. The sub-clauses begin with a), b), c), etc.; sub-sub-clauses begin with i), ii), iii), etc. Acronyms and abbreviation are written out in full the first time they are used. Each preambulatory clause is followed by a comma. Each operative clause is followed by a semicolon. There is only one full stop, that is, at the END of the resolution. Do make sure that you not only take a number of hard copies of your draft resolution but also an electronic version (e.g. USB, flashdisk, iPod, etc.). You should have enough copies to distribute to other members of his forum during the lobbying process.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)