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MUN Glossary
The following are general terms contained in MUN simulations. Terms pertaining to the MUN debate itself can be found under #6 and #7.
Agenda: refers to what issues are to be debated and in what order.
Chairperson: this is the person who does not contribute to the debate, but merely oversees it to ensure that everyone is given a fair chance to have their say and that the debate proceeds smoothly. Everything has to go through the chairperson.
Delegate: this is YOU! In MUN simulations, delegates are required to represent a country, i.e. that country's policies.
Floor: figuratively represents the place where the main speaker gets to talk from. If a delegate wants to get his/her country's views across, he/she has to get onto the floor. This is done by having the floor handed over to that delegate by either Chairperson or a fellow delegate.
Operative Clauses: part of the resolution, providing the objectives and potential actions which Member States have outlined in the Preamble. For example: 1. Calls for an immediate stop to pollutants entering the North Sea;
Preambular Clauses: part of the resolution, providing historical and current perspectives and endeavours regarding the issues to addressed within the operative clauses of the document. For example, the North Sea resolution could have preambular clauses saying: Realising that the pollution in the North Sea is a threat to the natural course of breeding of sea life;
Resolution: used by the UN to get things done. It is a formal document in which action to be taken in order to solve a particular problem is detailed. So, if for example your country is worried about the lack of fish in the North Sea, you could try to pass a resolution that forces countries to control their fishing as well as their pollution of the North Sea. A resolution is presented onto the floor and then debated. During the debate the resolution can be modified, thrown out all together, or passed with no amendments (though this is rare). It is important to note that resolutions adopted by committees are only recommendations for Member States and the international community and, thus, are not legally binding treaties. However, Security Council resolutions are binding.
Vote: this is where you have your final say. Different operations have different votes. For example, some procedures need a two-thirds majority to pass. Usually a vote consists of choosing FOR, AGAINST or an ABSTENTION. Remember that you are voting on behalf of the country that you represent based on the arguments brought out in the debate.
