Sample Lesson: How to Write a Model UN Resolution

Summary

In this informative video, Ryan Villanueva, co-founder of the Model United Nations Institute, guides viewers through the essential process of writing a UN resolution for Model UN conferences. He explains the three key components: the header, which includes details about the committee and sponsors; the preamble, which outlines the issues addressed; and the operatives, which propose solutions. Villanueva provides step-by-step instructions for crafting preambular and operative clauses, emphasizing clarity and proper formatting. This video serves as a valuable resource for students preparing to engage effectively in Model UN discussions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding Model United Nations (MUN) is essential for delegates attending a conference.
• 📝 A resolution is a formal document that outlines actions the UN wants to take regarding global issues.
• 🔑 Resolutions consist of three main parts: the header, the preamble, and the operatives.
• 📋 The header of a resolution includes the committee name, topic, sponsors, signatories, and resolution number.
• ⚖️ The preamble identifies the problems the resolution addresses and what has been done to tackle them previously.
• 📖 To write preambulatory clauses, start by stating the problem in plain English and add a preambulatory phrase.
• 🛠️ The operatives outline the proposed solutions to the identified problems.
• 📌 Each operative clause should begin with an operative phrase and be numbered correctly.
• 🔍 The entire resolution should read as one long, grammatically correct sentence for coherence.
• 🌍 Mastering resolution writing is a key skill for success in Model UN activities.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a resolution in Model UN?

A resolution is a formal document that outlines what the UN wants to do about a specific global issue.

Who is Ryan Villanueva, and what is his role in Model UN?

Ryan Villanueva is the co-founder of Best Delegate and the Model United Nations Institute, with 20 years of experience in Model UN, training students and teachers globally.

What are the three main components of a resolution?

The three main components of a resolution are the header, the preamble, and the operatives.

What information is included in the header of a resolution?

The header includes the name of the committee, the name of the topic, the names of the sponsors, the signatories, the resolution number, and the title of the resolution.

What is the purpose of the preamble in a resolution?

The preamble identifies specific problems the resolution addresses and outlines actions previously taken by the UN and the international community.

How should preambular clauses be formatted?

Preambular clauses should start with a preambular phrase, describe the problem, be underlined, and end with a comma.

What do operative clauses represent in a resolution?

Operative clauses represent the solutions proposed to address the issues outlined in the preamble.

What is a common phrase used at the beginning of an operative clause?

A common phrase used is 'Recommends,' followed by the proposed solution.

What is the proper punctuation for operative clauses?

Each operative clause should end with a semicolon, except for the last one, which should end with a period.

Why is it important for the resolution to read as a cohesive narrative?

It is important for clarity and coherence, allowing the resolution to present a clear, grammatically correct argument from the header to the operatives.