Part 4 | Motions to Set the Agenda | UNA/USA MUN Procedural Training Series

Summary

Part 4 of the UNA-USA MUN procedural video guides delegates on the crucial process of setting the agenda during a Model United Nations conference. It explains how, after beginning proceedings, delegates can propose which agenda to discuss first when multiple agendas exist. The video covers both debatable and non-debatable scenarios, detailing the creation of provisional speakers lists for those supporting or opposing the motion. It demonstrates the process with two agendas—human rights violations in Myanmar and Sri Lanka—showing debate, voting, and the final decision. This segment provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help delegates confidently navigate agenda-setting procedures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Before setting the agenda, the committee must first begin formal proceedings and establish quorum.
• 😀 A motion to set the agenda determines the order in which multiple agendas will be discussed in the committee.
• 😀 If a committee has only one agenda, a motion to set the agenda is unnecessary and null.
• 😀 Any delegate can raise a placard to propose which agenda should be discussed first once the chair calls for the motion.
• 😀 The motion to set the agenda is debatable; delegates can speak for or against it before voting.
• 😀 Two provisional speaker lists are created during debate: one for those supporting the motion and one for those opposing it.
• 😀 If no delegates wish to debate, the motion moves directly to voting after being seconded.
• 😀 Voting on the motion requires a simple majority; delegates raise placards for or against the motion.
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• 😀 If the motion fails, the committee can introduce a motion to set the next agenda if multiple agendas exist.
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• 😀 Once the motion passes, the chosen agenda is officially set, and the general speakers list opens for discussion.
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• 😀 The process ensures organized, fair, and systematic discussion of committee topics in Model UN conferences.
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• 😀 Practical examples from the transcript include debates over agendas concerning human rights violations in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, demonstrating both for and against arguments.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a motion to set the agenda in MUN?

The motion to set the agenda determines the order in which multiple agendas will be discussed in a committee.

When is a motion to set the agenda considered unnecessary or null?

It is unnecessary if the committee has only one agenda for discussion, as there is no need to prioritize.

What must happen before a motion to set the agenda can be introduced?

The motion to begin proceedings must be passed, and quorum must be established to formally start the session.

Who can introduce a motion to set the agenda?

Any delegate can raise their placard, wait to be recognized by the chair, and then propose the motion specifying the agenda they want to set first.

Is the motion to set the agenda debatable, and how does the debate process work?

Yes, it is debatable. If at least one delegate wishes to debate, two provisional speakers' lists are created: one for delegates speaking in favor and one for those speaking against. Delegates then speak alternately until the debate concludes.

What happens if no delegate wishes to debate a motion to set the agenda?

The motion goes directly to voting, where a second is requested and then delegates vote for or against the motion by simple majority.

How does the voting process work for a motion to set the agenda?

After the motion is introduced and debated (if applicable), the chair asks for a second. Once seconded, delegates vote for or against the motion, and a simple majority determines whether it passes or fails.

What is a general speakers' list, and when is it activated?

The general speakers' list is a queue of delegates who wish to speak on the agenda under discussion. It is opened once the motion to set the agenda passes and the agenda is officially introduced.

Can you give an example of how delegates argue for or against a particular agenda?

In the demonstration, France and Australia argued for discussing human rights violations in Myanmar, citing regional importance and urgency. Russia and the USA argued against it, preferring to address human rights violations in Sri Lanka due to its long-standing global impact.

What happens if a motion to set an agenda fails and there are multiple agendas?

If the motion fails, the next agenda on the list is considered, and a new motion to set that agenda must be introduced and voted upon.

What is the purpose of a motion to close debate in the context of setting the agenda?

A motion to close debate is used to stop the discussion for and against a motion. It is rarely used in basic MUN procedures and is more relevant in complex scenarios with prolonged debate.