During a Model UN

It’s the morning of your first session. You’re all dressed up with your position paper, research and fact sheets in hand, and you’ve been milling around and meeting some of the people in your committee. Then your chair calls for everyone to take their seats so the debate can begin. What happens now?

The ‘flow of debate’ section gives you an overview of how a typical session will unfold, as directed by the Rules of Procedure. You should also take a look at the ‘flow of documents ’ section which will help you make sense of the flurry of papers and resolutions you will have to deal with in session.

Once debate is underway, as well as the public speaking and resolution writing skills you will have practised beforehand, you will need to use negotiation skills and effective caucusing throughout the session to advance your country’s interests. And last but not least, don’t forget to closely observe Model UN etiquette – there’s no fun in a role play if some people refuse to play their part!