How to Write a Resolution

How to submit a resolution to the chair:

1. Write in a structured form (outlined below)
2. The Chair approves them on condition of their correct grammatical composition
3. You need two other countries, which agree with your resolution/proposals, to sign or co-sponsor the resolution - i.e. you need to know who your allies are and who has similar views.

How they are structured:

1. Resolutions are one long sentence, full of commas and semi-colons
2. They have three parts:
   1. Heading
   2. Preamble
   3. Operative Clauses
3. The heading includes:
   1. Topic of resolution
   2. The title of the committee at which you are in attendance
   3. The names of co-sponsoring states
4. The Preamble is an explanation of the problem at hand and contains justifications for the actions proposed in the resolution:
   1. You can refer to specific examples to back up your country's views
   2. You can legitimise your country's reasons by referral to the UN charter
   The preamble cannot be amended by any other states. If the preamble or wording is rejected at a meeting by the sponsoring countries themselves then the entire resolution is void and is thrown out by the chair.
5. Operative clauses:
   1. Take the form of a numerated list
   2. Are commenced by verbs, except "demands" which can only be used by the Security Council (examples of initiating phrases)
   3. List a number of proposals for action or offer an opinion on the topic
   4. Can request or recommend action
   The operative clauses are subjected to scrutiny by other countries who may attempt to amend phrases/action that they do not like.

   Example of a resolution

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This site is maintained by Frank Hammerschmidt