How to debate at an MUN

Summary

The script outlines a mock UN debate on Canada's resolution for moose rights. Canada proposes a UN committee to protect moose, arguing against hunting. Iran questions Canada's stance, prompting a clarification. Denmark offers a friendly amendment, which is accepted. Russia introduces an amendment requiring moose to carry vodka, leading to a series of discussions and counter-amendments from Germany. After debates and votes, the resolution initially fails but passes upon a second attempt, highlighting the mock nature of the debate with humor.

Takeaways

• 📢 The video is a guide on how to debate in an MUN (Model United Nations) conference after preparing resolutions.
• 🇨🇦 The debate centers around Canada’s resolution on 'moose rights,' advocating for the ethical treatment of moose and ending hunting practices.
• 🎤 Canada begins by introducing the resolution and calls for constructive input from other delegates to enhance it.
• 🦌 The delegate of Iran is questioned by Canada for not providing a safe haven for moose, leading to a follow-up on why Iran was specifically mentioned.
• ✍️ Denmark proposes a friendly amendment to change 'deplore' to 'emphasize' to fit the appropriate UN language, which is accepted by Canada.
• 🍸 Russia introduces a humorous amendment, suggesting that moose should only enter their country if they possess vodka, sparking further discussion.
• 🍻 New Zealand supports Russia’s amendment, claiming it would help integrate moose into Russian society and vodka supplies.
• 🍽️ Germany later suggests changing 'vodka' to 'sauerkraut,' making it more acceptable due to the non-alcoholic nature, which prompts further amendments.
• 🗳️ Several rounds of voting take place on the amendments, with some passing and others failing, showing the negotiation and consensus-building process.
• 📝 Ultimately, the final vote on Canada’s resolution sees mixed responses, with the resolution passing narrowly after multiple rounds of voting.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the MUN debate in the transcript?

The main topic of the MUN debate is Canada's resolution on the issue of moose rights.

What is Canada's stance on moose rights as presented in the resolution?

Canada's stance is that moose have the right to be treated as living beings and that hunting them is wrong, which must be addressed.

What friendly amendment did the delegation of Denmark propose?

Denmark proposed changing the word 'deplore' to 'emphasize' in the resolution, as 'deplore' can only be used in the Security Council.

Why did the delegation of Iran want clarification regarding their mention in the resolution?

Iran wanted clarification because they were specifically mentioned as not providing a safe haven for moose and actively opposing moose rights.

What humorous suggestion did the delegation of Russia make regarding moose entering the country?

Russia humorously suggested that moose should only be allowed into the country if they are in possession of vodka.

Why did Afghanistan oppose Russia's proposed amendment?

Afghanistan opposed the amendment due to Islamic law, which forbids the consumption of alcoholic drinks, including vodka.

What second-degree amendment did Germany propose during the debate?

Germany proposed changing the reference to vodka in Russia's amendment to 'sauerkraut,' which is non-alcoholic and more acceptable.

How did the final voting on the resolution as a whole conclude?

In the final vote, after a second round without abstentions, the resolution passed with seven votes in favor and one against.

What was the outcome of the amendment proposed by Germany regarding sauerkraut?

Germany's amendment to replace vodka with sauerkraut passed with five votes in favor, two against, and one abstention.

What procedural motion was passed to move forward in the debate after the voting procedure?

A motion to vote by roll call was passed, which allowed delegates to individually cast their votes during the voting procedure.