GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATE MANUAL

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
DELEGATE MANUAL
A NOTE FROM THE SISHMUN ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:
Welcome to SISHMUN 2014.
As always, SISHMUN promises to be a fun but extremely rigorous MUN, where learning is
guaranteed! SISHMUN is one of the only MUNs in the country and the only MUN in the city
that simulate a session of the General Assembly. Every year delegates of the three UN
committees (DISEC, SOCHUM, and ECOFIN) gather to form the General Assembly.
We believe that the General Assembly will enhance teamwork, build co-operation and make
debate three times as intense! This is a change from the monotonous routine seen at
typically all MUNs.
We hope to see all of you participate and take part in committee. The General Assembly at
SISHMUN 2014 is going to be huge one, and this is something that will make it that much
more fun.
This is your delegate manual, there isn’t a big change in procedure but I strongly
recommend that you all read it.
The only think I would like to highlight, are the awards. WE WILL NOT BE JUDGING YOU
INDIVIDUALLY. YOU WILL BE JUDGED AS A DELEGATION/COUNTRY.
Thank you,
President of the General Assembly,
Advait Garg.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 2
OPERATING PROCEDURE:
This flow chart represents the order of the events that will take place in the Assembly.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 3
ROLL CALL
The roll call involves the chair calling out the names of each country, with the delegations
being expected to reply “Present and voting” or “Present”. Failing to do so may take away
the delegate’s right to vote.
OPENING OF THE SPEAKER’S LIST
The speaker’s list is the list of delegations that will speak on a topic. The chairperson will ask
all delegations who wish to enter their names onto the speaker’s list to raise their placards.
Not all delegations will get a chance to speak on both topics.
SPEECHES BY THE DELEGATES ON THE SPEAKER’S LIST (VERY IMPORTANT)
One delegate representing the delegation will present a 90-second long speech detailing the
country’s stance on the topic. Delegations are welcome to open the floor to questions or
comments or both at the end of the speech. If the floor is opened to questions, other
delegates can ask the delegation about certain points the delegation mentioned in the
speech, or general clarifications regarding the nation’s policy. All three delegates from a
delegation can answer points of information after one delegate presents the stance of the
country; provided the delegation opens the floor to questions, comments or both.
Questions do not have to be directly related to the delegation’s speech; however they must
be directly related to the topic. After posing a question, the delegation that asked the
question can request for a follow up question in case the answer was not satisfactory, or if
further clarification is required. Comments are generally two to three sentences about the
delegation’s speech. Delegations are not ordinarily allowed to reply to comments. However,
the executive board may entertain a right to reply (refer to right to reply)in case the point is
particularly thought provoking.
MODERATED CAUCUS
The moderated caucus is a form of formal debate. It involves delegations speaking on the
topic of the moderated caucus for a certain time (as stipulated by the President). In case a
certain thought provoking topic comes up during the speaker’s list, the executive board may
temporarily suspend the speaker’s list in order to discuss the topic. Delegations are
permitted to raise a motion for a moderated caucus in case they feel it is necessary. This will
be entertained at the discretion of the board. The moderated caucus takes the form of
speeches by the delegations on the topic. One delegate may yield the floor to another
delegate in their delegation during their moderated caucus speech. Questions and
comments will not be entertained after a speech during the moderated caucus.
The board may also call for moderated caucuses when there is no other work for the
committee.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 4
UN-MODERATED CAUCUS
The un-moderated caucus is where delegations will frame their resolutions (refer to
resolutions). During un-moderated caucuses, the formal rules will not apply; delegates are
free to walk around the room and speak to one another informally. However, delegates
should note that this doesn’t mean the board will not be in the room; the chairs will be
observing the delegates to see which delegates are able to display exemplary leadership
skills in gathering support for resolutions, and framing credible ones. The time limit for unmoderated caucuses will be specified by the President beforehand, and delegates are
expected to hand in their resolutions on time. Resolutions which fail to reach the President
on time may not be debated upon in the committee.
DEBATE ON THE RESOLUTIONS
The resolutions will be debated in the order in which they are received. The resolution will
first be presented by the main submitters. The main submitters will read out the clauses,
and explain a few important points, along with the intent behind the resolution. The main
submitters must open the floor to questions and comments at the end of this brief speech.
If the main submitters are not able to answer the question satisfactorily, he/she may yield
authority to the co- submitter nation to answer the questions. After the questions and
comments on the main submitter’s speech, the debate on the resolutions will involve
speeches for the resolution and against the resolution. Delegates who wish to speak may
indicate their desire by raising their placards when asked to do so by the President. After
making a speech on the resolution, the delegation may open the floor to comments or
questions or both.
AMENDMENTS
Amendments will be entertained after a set number of speeches on the resolution under
consideration. Amendments are changes to a resolution. They can add a clause, delete a
clause, or change a clause of the resolution. Under normal circumstances, perambulatory
clauses will not be subject to amendments. Amendments must be submitted in the form of
notes to the board when the President opens the floor to amendments. They will be
discussed at the board’s discretion. If the board decides the amendment is fit for discussion,
the submitters of the amendment will be asked to obtain the floor and explain the
amendment. A delegate who is explaining the amendment must open the floor to questions
and comments at the end of his/her speech. He may yield the floor to his/her counterparts
in his/her delegation. There will then be a vote on the amendment by show of placards.
Friendly amendments that are proposed by the main submitters of the resolution will be
passed without a vote, provided it does not violate the foreign policy of any of the
submitting nations.
Once all the amendments have been disposed of, the remaining resolutions will be debated
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 5
upon in the same manner. After all the resolutions have been debated upon, the main
submitters of each resolution will be permitted to make a short speech on their resolution
as a final effort to convince fellow delegates to vote for her/his resolution. Voting on the
resolutions will then commence. The resolutions will be voted upon by roll call in the order
in which they were submitted. Delegations can vote for the resolution, against the
resolution, or can abstain from voting
RESOLUTION PROCEDURE
FOREIGN POLICY STATEMENT
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 6
PURPOSE
The Foreign Policy Statement (FPS) is a document prepared by the delegation (ALL THREE
DELEGATES) that underlines the country’s stance and actions regarding the agenda to be
discussed.
PLEASE NOTE, IT IS ONE FOREIGN POLICY FROM THE COUNTRY. Delegates do NOT need to
send individual foreign policies.
The FPS is vital for the board in judging the delegation’s awareness and deciding whether
the delegation understands their country’s position or not. The board will judge the
correctness of statement, and whether the delegation deviates from the stated stance while
the committee is in session.
When deciding the best country awards, the board will consider the FPS as a prime factoras
it concisely displays the delegation’s skills of research, knowledge, writing and organization.
GUIDELINES
All too often, delegations submit massive collations of information and deem them
collectively as their FPS. This is unnecessary, and will not impress the board. An ideal
statement of foreign policy must be a concise document which displays that you have done
your research, and must contain just enough information to give accurate answers to these
three questions on every issue that a committee debates:



Does your country support or condemn the issue?
What is your country doing to support or condemn this issue?
What does your country further plan to do to support or condemn this issue?
WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE?
As a delegation, you are expected to include all details that can make your country’s
stance on the issue as clear as possible. Include details about whether your country
supported certain UN resolutions, whether it has any bi-lateral or multi-lateral
agreements with other nations on the issue, treaties or conventions that it has
ratified, and other steps taken at a domestic level.
Ideally, your foreign policy should be TWO pages long for the agenda and comprise
the DISARMAMENT, ECONOMIC AND HUMANITARIAN POINT OF VIEW.
Foreign Policies should be sent to: [email protected]
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 7
The foreign policy deadline for The General Assembly is the same as that of other
committees.
SAMPLE STATEMENT OF FOREIGN POLICY
Name of delegates: _______
Name of delegation: Czech Republic
General Assembly
School: ________
Agenda: The Questions of Risks attached to the right of production of nuclear energy
A) Does Czech Republic support/condemn question 1?
Answer: Yes, Czech Republic supports the usage of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes
such as production of electricity.
B) What is Czech Republic doing to support/condemn question 1? Answer:
Czech Republic has signed many international treaties on nuclear energy, such as:

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which they signed on
th
9 April 1993, as a non-nuclear weapons state.
st

The Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 January, 1993

Partial Test Ban Treaty, signed on 9 April, 1993

Sea Bed Treaty, signed on 9 April, 1993


Outer-Space Treaty, signed on 29 September, 1993
Comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, signed on
th
th
th
th
11 September, 1997
There are six nuclear reactors within the Czech Republic, which are used to produce
electricity. Over one third of Czech republic’s energy needs are met by nuclear energy.
There are many laws that have been made by the Czech Government on the usage of
nuclear energy, including:

Atomic Act on the Peaceful Utilization of Nuclear Energy and Ionizing Radiation
regarding especially the state supervisionover the nuclear safety of nuclear
installations and licensing activities.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 8
The Czech government is also a part of numerous internationalorganizations related to
nuclear energy such as: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Western
European Nuclear Regulators' Association (WENRA).
C) What does Czech Republic further plan to do to support/ condemn question 1?
Answer:


The Czech Republic has plans to expand the Temelin-1 and the Temelin-2 nuclear
power plants by 2010.
The Czech government also plans to construct two 600 MW nuclear power plants by
2030.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 9
RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions are documents written by participating delegations during caucusing.
Resolutions provide information on the problems facing a specific agenda, and what the
delegations feel should be done about them. Please note that the resolutions in the General
Assembly will be the SAME as those of the other committees. The main submitters/cosubmitters/signatories will be delegations NOT individual delegates. These documents have
several key concepts attached to them, which must be thoroughly understood:







Format: A resolution follows a fixed format or pattern. It starts with the
name of the submitting committee and country, and proceeds to the list of
co-submitters. The resolution then moves into the perambulatory clauses,
which are followed by the operatives.
Main Submitting nation: This is the nation that assumes leadership of the
group that produced the resolution. This representative delegate of this
nation makes the opening speech on the resolution, and can only vote for the
resolution.
Co-Submitting nations: Member nations, other than the main-submitting
nation, which participate in the formation of the resolution, form the list of
co-submitting nations. Delegates can only co-submit one resolution on a
particular issue. These members may not vote against the resolution that
they have co-submitted, but may decide to abstain from voting if they change
their minds, or if the resolution undergoes changes during debating with
which they disagree
Pre-ambulatory clauses: These form the first half of the resolution, and are a
series of key points that provide background information to a problem,
express gratitude towards the UN for the steps already taken in this sphere,
and which underline the seriousness of the situation. They are separated by
commas.
Operative clauses: These form the second half of a resolution, and are a
series of points describing the actions that are to be taken to solve the
problem. These clauses are reached at through negotiation and deliberation
among the co-submitting delegates. They generally take the form of
suggestions and recommendations. They are separated by semicolons; the
last operative clause ends in a full stop.
Amendments: An amendment to a resolution is a change in one or more
clauses in the resolution. This is proposed by a delegate such that his/her
nation can fulfill the clauses of the resolution to a greater extent.
Amendments must be voted upon before the suggested changes are made to
a resolution. Amendments may add new clauses, remove existing ones
entirely, or change clauses.
Voting: (Refer to Operating Procedures) Here are some tips for writing
resolutions:
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 10
Pre-ambulatory clauses



Describe the recent history of the situation and the issue as it currently stands.
Reference past United Nations actions, when available.
Reference pervious UN resolutions passed on the topic when available.
Operative clauses



Include actions which will solve the problem rather than simply restating
theproblem.
Don’t be blatantly political in the content of the resolution; this may damage
effortsto reach a consensus on the issue.
Take into account the points of view of other nations whenever possible.
Please note that pre-made resolutions are not allowed. Delegates are not allowed to
make pre-made resolutions before coming for session and delegates who use points from
past UN resolutions will be penalized.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 11
SAMPLE RESOLUTION:
Committee:
Topic: “Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies”
Main Submitter: United States
Co-Submitters: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands, Gabon, Italy
Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, this recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all
global citizens,
Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work
with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian
assistance,
Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and
nongovernmental organizations,
Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need
of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm,
1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with
countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts;
2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian
Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;
3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the
coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies;
4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary
donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of
rapid deployment forces;
5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political,
economic and social situations and events of all countries;
6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for
humanitarian assistance; and
7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance
through reconstruction and development.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 12
Sample Vocabulary for Clause Openings
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 13
PARLIAMENTARY POINTS
Parliamentary points can be raised by a delegation by simply raising the placard. They are
used in situations such as when the delegate is unable to hear the speaker, when another
delegate has blatantly disregarded the rules, and when the delegate wishes to ask a
question. One delegate from a delegation may raise a point, but another delegate from the
same delegation may NOT do so at the same time.
POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Point of personal privilege refers to personal comfort. All delegates have the right to
request this point if they cannot hear another delegate or the President, read the
amendments on the display board, or did not receive one or multiple materials such as the
resolution at hand. This point may not deliberately be used to interrupt another delegate’s
speech. If a delegate feels the need for this point, she or he may raise their placard at any
time of the conference; however, she/he may not speak until recognized by the board. The
delegate may also use this point if the delegate wishes to approach the head table.
Any points such as a request to visit the restroom or permission for a water break requests
must be requested through a note to the board.
POINT OF ORDER
If at any time, a delegate feels that an important rule has been disregarded (by another
delegate or by the board), she/he may raise a point of order. The President is likely to take a
dim view of excessive use of this point, so delegates must exercise restraint.
POINT OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE/ POINT OF INQUIRY
If a delegate is unsure of a rule or procedure, she/he may request an explanation from the
President, but this does consume debate time, so it is strongly recommended that such
enquiries be made via a note to the President, or through other means.
POINT OF INFORMATION
After a speaker has finished a speech about a resolution, a clause, or an amendment, she/he
may open the floor to questions or comments. Questions are asked in the form of Points of
Information. The speaker may specify the number of points of information she/he will
entertain. The delegate must raise her/his placard and get recognized by the board before
speaking.
RIGHT TO REPLY
Under normal circumstances, delegates are not permitted to reply to comments. However,
the President may permit a delegate to exercise a Right to Reply in certain cases. The
delegation may then respond to the comment. The Right to Reply can also be used in
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 14
response to another delegate’s Right to Reply.
MOTIONS
Motions are similar to parliamentary points in that they are raised by delegates by raising
their placards. The motions are meant for specific purposes, and are strictly related to
procedural matters. One delegate may act as a representative of the delegation when
raising a motion.
MOTION TO START A MODERATED CAUCUS
This motion can be used by a delegation to start a moderated caucus. The delegation raising
the motion must specify the topic, the total time that will be spent on the moderated
caucus, and the time that each speaker will be given. When raising a moderated caucus
during a speaker’s list, the delegation must declare a topic that is relevant to the item being
discussed. However, when the house has no other work, the delegation may raise a topic
that is not related to the agenda items, but it must be relevant to the committee.
MOTION TO START AN UN-MODERATED CAUCUS
A delegate who wants to start an un-moderated caucus to form a resolution can raise this
motion. However, it is usually the chairperson who calls for an un-moderated caucus, and as
such, this motion is rarely used.
MOTION TO MOVE DIRECTLY TO VOTING
If a delegation feels that an item (such as an amendment) need not be debated upon, the
delegation may raise this motion to skip the debate on the item and move directly to voting
on it.
MOTION TO SUSPEND MEETING
This motion can be used when the delegations want a small break from proceedings.
Delegations must exercise caution when raising this motion, as the board will not be pleased
with delegations that are over-eager to take a rest.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 15
RESEARCH
Research is a key element of any MUN delegate’s repertoire. It inevitably forms the major
portion of a delegate’s preparation. Apart from just specific knowledge relating to a
delegate’s committee, a delegate is expected to have a general knowledge about his/her
country, and a good general understanding of world affairs.
Knowledge about the delegate’s country should include knowledge of the country’s:








Geography: Size, location, natural resources, states/provinces, neighbors
History: Major historical events, conflicts and wars
International Relations: Allies and enemies, status of treaties, membership
of international organizations.
 Statistics: Demographic, economic, social
 Military: Status, position of troops, strength, statistics
 Politics: Major leaders, type of Government
 Foreign Policy: Status on various issues Information can be gathered from
various sources. Useful sources include:
 Books: UN Information centers have excellent books which can make for very
good general reading.
 Foreign Newspapers: This is an excellent source of information, although
they are usually biased towards the side of the nation which they come from.
 Embassies: Visiting embassies as a delegation is recommended. E-mailing
them will often not yield solid results, but visiting ambassadors and
diplomats will help.
 News Channels: By watching news channels, your general knowledge about
world and international affairs will increase.
 Websites: They form the primary source of information for many delegates.
Some useful websites include:
UN Home Page: http://www.un.org
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
UN Cyberschool bus: http://www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/munda/index.html
Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs Websites
News agencies such as- BBC, Aljazeera, Reuters
Note: If a conflict occurs with reports from these news agencies, the Reuters reports will be
considered final.
Wikipedia makes a useful source of information. However, at SISHMUN, we do not accept
information from Wikipedia as credible, as it is user editable. However, if there are
appropriate and relevant sources for the information from Wikipedia, the chairpersons may
accept it. Under normal circumstances, it is recommended that delegates look elsewhere for
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 16
detailed information.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 17
AGENDAS FOR THE MAIN CONFERENCE (OCTOBER)
“Agenda 1 :- Imperialistic attitude of countries and forming an agreement to prevent
countries from interfering in the affairs of other countries.
Agenda 2:- Growth of terrorism and piracy with close reference to the situation in
Nigeria.”
RULES
The rules at SISHMUN are very strict. Delegates who do not follow these rules will be
penalized.
GENERAL RULES:
DRESS CODE
The dress code for SISHMUN is any formal attire. Casual clothes such as jeans, t-shirts and
sneakers are NOT allowed.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones are strictly not allowed during session. Delegates may be suspended if caught
using their cell phones during session, or if the cell phone rings/buzzes.
LAPTOPS
Laptops are only meant for reference purposes. There will be constant vigilance at all times
by admin staff. Pre-made resolutions (soft or hard copies) are strictly prohibited. If found on
a delegate, will result in his/her immediate expulsion from the conference.
PROCEDURAL RULES:
NO EYE CONTACT
Delegates are not permitted to make direct eye contact with each other while posing
questions, comments, or making speeches. Delegates are expected to address the President
at all times.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE SECRETARY GENERAL AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE
BOARD
When delegates speak, they are required to acknowledge the head table. When posing
questions or comments, or making speeches, delegates must first say “With the prior
permission of the board” It is to be noted that if the Secretary General is present then the
delegates must acknowledge his/her presence as well.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 18
USE OF PERSONAL PRONOUNS
The use of personal pronouns is not permitted. Delegates are expected to refer to all the
delegates in the room (including themselves) in third person.
“I would like to know if you would support this resolution” – Incorrect
“The delegate of China would like to know if the delegate of Burkina Faso will support
thisresolution” –Correct
RISING OUT OF TURN
When a delegate puts her/his placard in the air, the delegate is expected to state to what
point the delegate rises (ex. “Point of Information”, “Point of parliamentary procedure etc.”)
only after he/she has been recognized by the board.
NOTE-PASSING
Communication between the delegates of different countries will take place in the form of
chits, which are sent through admin staff present in the committee room. The chits sent are
monitored by the board. Casual comments and inappropriate language are not permitted
even in notes. Use of inappropriate language in the notes can result in suspension.
AWARDS LIST
Note: The award structure for the GA remains the same. There will be no change in awards.
The delegations will be judged on the performance of the three delegates AS A TEAM.
Therefore both the positive and the negative will reflect upon all three delegates. A
delegate’s performance at his/her respective committee will not carry on into the GA. The
judging for GA, will be completely different and separate. We will be judging as a
country/delegation on the whole. NOT INDIVIDUALLY.
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 19
CONFERENCE DATES
6th September- Practice session
th
20 September – Deadline to send in Foreign Policies
5th, 6th and 7thOctober – SISHMUN 2014 Conference
CONTACT DETAILS
SECRETARY GENERAL
VivekJajoo
+919176688689
PRESIDENT OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Advait Garg (Chairperson – Economic and Financial Committee) +919840444047
EXECUTIVE BOARD:
Prannay Gupta (Chairperson-Social Cultural Humanitarian Committee)
SwayamSaraogi(Chairperson - Disarmament and International Security)
TEACHER-IN-CHARGE AND MUN DIRECTOR
Ms. SailajaThampi
+919840140259
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 20
Committee Specific email IDs:
General Assembly: [email protected]
st
1 Committee: Disarmament and International Security: [email protected]
nd
2 Committee: Economic and Financial: [email protected]
rd
3 Committee: Social, Cultural and Humanitarian: [email protected] SISHMUN 2014 email ID: [email protected]
Website: www.sishmun.org
GA DELEGATE MANUAL
SISHMUN 2014
Page | 21