Delegate Responsibilities
In addition to the necessary research, policy statements, and resolutions, it is important that you fully understand your role as a delegate of your assigned country.
You must constantly keep in mind that you are no longer a high school student and living in the United States, but a delegate and a diplomat of your assigned country. It is your job to represent your country’s best interests and strive to achieve its goals. Although these interests may conflict with your personal beliefs, you must nevertheless defend the country’s policies. Bear in mind that one of the purposes of Model UN is to gain an understanding of the varied policies of those countries that are members of the UN. Delegates are expected to be able to interpret their policies and not “parrot” them. This means that you should know your policy well enough to negotiate a settlement while maintaining your country’s position. This also means that you must conduct yourself in a “delegate-like” manner, as a genuine United Nations ambassador would. This includes the manner in which you regard other delegates: with the utmost respect. You should be prepared to bend your policy SOMEWHAT in debate, caucusing, and voting. Debate is the formal process of airing countries’ views. Nations are thus able to discover alternate solutions to the problem at hand. There are Rules of Procedure that must be followed to facilitate the progress of the committee. You must be very familiar with these rules. It will save much time and confusion if the Chairperson does not have to repeatedly explain them. Those delegates who are most familiar with the rules will be able to use them effectively and to their advantage. Any delegate who rises to the wrong rule, or attempts to use the rules to the detriment of the committee, will be called “out of order.” |
Delegate information & templatesRules and procedure of MUN conferences: http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/rules-of-procedure
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the United Nations?
A: The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. See more: http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/ Q: What is Model United Nations? A: Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the U.N. General Assembly and other multilateral bodies. Q: How did Model U.N. begin? A: Simulating international organizations began even before the birth of the United Nations, when students held a series of Model League of Nations in the 1920s. The Model U.N. Program is a successor to a student-directed simulation of what preceded the U.N. itself, but it is not documented exactly how the Model U.N. began. Q: Who participates in Model United Nations? A: The popularity of Model U.N. continues to grow, and today more than 400,000 middle school, high school and college/university students worldwide participate every year. Many of today's leaders in law, government, business and the arts participated in Model U.N. during their academic careers – from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and former World Court Justice Stephen M. Schwebel to actor Samuel L. Jackson. Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton is a Model U.N. veteran as well. Q: What is a Model United Nations conference? A: Some Model U.N. exercises take place in the classroom and others are school wide. Still others are regional, national, or even international. These are called conferences, and the events are much larger, with participants from all over the United States and the world. More than 1,000,000 people have participated in MUN conferences around the world since the conferences became popular over 50 years ago. Today there are more than 400 conferences that take place in 35 countries. Depending on the location, the average conference can have as few as 30 students or as many as 2,000. Q: Where and when are Model United Nations conferences held? A: There are an estimated 400 Model U.N. conferences held annually worldwide. These conferences take place virtually every month throughout the school year, but there are few events in the summer and even fewer around standardized testing such as the SAT. Q: What is a Model United Nations delegate? A: A Model U.N. delegate is a student who assumes the role of an ambassador to the United Nations at a Model U.N. event. A Model U.N. delegate does not have to have experience in international relations. Anyone can participate in Model U.N., so long as they have the ambition to learn something new, and to work with people to try and make a difference in the world. Model U.N. students tend to go on to become great leaders in politics, law, business, education and even medicine. Q: Why should I participate in Model United Nations? A: You should participate in Model U.N. because it promotes student and teacher interest in international relations and related subjects, increases the capacity for students to engage in problem solving, teaches aspects of conflict resolution, research skills, and communication skills, and creates the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Q: What are some of the educational benefits of Model United Nations? A: For over 50 years now, teachers and students have benefited from and enjoyed this interactive learning experience. It not only involves young people in the study and discussion of global issues, but also encourages the development of skills useful throughout their lives, such as research, writing, public speaking, problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and compromise and cooperation. Watch a documentary about the power of MUN: http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/about-global-classrooms-model-un/decorum Q: Where can my organization get the funds to attend a Model United Nations conference? A: Funds can be obtained through a variety of means. Since many Model U.N. conferences are held at colleges and hotels, fees can range from $15 to $165 per delegate. This fee usually does not include transportation, meals, or lodging. In some cases, however, meals and lodging are covered. Some conferences offer early registration discounts, while others have late fees. Many model U.N. groups can try to request funds through their school's administration to cover transportation and conference costs. Other groups can apply for scholarships, but these are usually limited to groups traveling abroad. Model U.N. clubs can attempt to request funds through their local UNA-USA chapters . Additionally, groups can try local organizations such as Rotary and Lions Clubs for support. Other ways to raise funds include monthly group activities, dance-a-thons, bake sales, car washes, and sporting events. Finally, check AMUN's guide to fundraising for other ideas. Q: How should I dress at conferences? A: Professional attire should be worn. For more information: http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/dressing-for-success |