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How to Write a Resolution


    Who writes a resolution? : Any delegate in the committee can write a resolution, with the author being referred to as a sponsor. It is common for resolutions to have multiple sponsors to foster collaboration and consensus-building among countries. While most conferences allow delegates to sponsor multiple resolutions, some restrict sponsorship to one per topic.

    What is a resolution? : A resolution is a document that outlines the issues the committee aims to address and proposes solutions to these problems. Technically, it is called a draft resolution before being voted upon, after which it becomes a resolution upon successful passage during the voting bloc.

    When/Where are resolutions written? : Resolutions are typically written during the conference, often during unmoderated caucuses where delegates collaborate freely. Resolution-writing becomes more focused in later committee sessions when different country policies are clarified and various ideas are discussed. Some conferences may require pre-written resolutions for a docket-style debate.

    Why are resolutions important?: The primary goal of a committee session is to pass a resolution that contains proposed solutions to the discussed issue. The passage of resolutions signifies consensus-building and successful teamwork among delegates. While most conferences allow multiple resolutions to pass, some conferences permit only one resolution for a specific topic.

How can I write a resolution and what is its format like?

    The process of resolution writing in Model United Nations involves several key steps from drafting a Working Paper to reaching a final Resolution that reflects the views of the majority of the committee.Here is a clear paraphrase of the process:

    1. Working Paper: Delegations collaborate to draft a Working Paper, listing co-sponsors who agree with its content. This paper undergoes editing and review by the Chair before moving to the next stage.

    2. Draft Resolution: Once the Working Paper is approved, it becomes a Draft Resolution with a designated number. To be discussed in a formal session, it requires a set number of co-sponsors and signatories.

    3. Amendment: Amendments can be made to the Draft Resolution either as Friendly Amendments, agreed upon by all co-sponsors, or as Unfriendly Amendments, which may require more support and go through a voting process.

    4. Final Resolution: The Draft Resolution is presented to the committee, where co-sponsors may answer questions and seek support for its passage. Ultimately, the Resolution must receive a simple majority vote to pass.


Throughout this process, the goal is to engage in negotiation and consensus-building to create global policy that represents the diverse views and interests of multiple states.

Writing a Resolution

    Writing a resolution is quite straightforward. It consists of three main parts: the heading, the pre-ambulatory clauses, and the operative clauses. Let's break down the example above into these three components.

    1. Heading:
  • Includes the committee name, topic of discussion, Draft Resolution number, and Sponsors and Signatories.
  • Provides essential information for identifying the Resolution.
  • Example: Committee: General Assembly, Topic: Climate Change, Draft Resolution: GA/1.1, Sponsors: USA, UK, Signatories: France, Germany.

    2. Preamble:
  • Non-binding section that justifies the Resolution's actions.
  • Recalls the history of the topic, its significance, and the principles guiding the Operative Clauses.
  • Uses italicized or underlined verbs like "Considering," "Recalling," or "Noting" to introduce each Preambulatory Clause.
  • Includes references to the UN Charter, past resolutions, statements by UN bodies, efforts of organizations dealing with the issue, and general statements on the topic.
  • Example Preambulatory Clause: "Recalling the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as a landmark treaty in combating global warming."

    3. Operative Clauses:
  • - Substantive and actionable statements that drive policy decisions.
  • Each Operative Clause should align with a Preambulatory Clause for coherence.
  • Begins with italicized action verbs such as "Requests," "Reaffirms," "Calls for," or "Endorses."
  • Operative Clauses in Security Council Resolutions are more assertive, starting with words like "Decides" or "Demands."
  • Can include sub-operative clauses to provide further details and clarifications.
  • Example Operative Clause: "Calls for increased funding for renewable energy projects in developing countries."


By following these steps and structuring the Resolution with a clear Heading, a comprehensive Preamble, and effective Operative Clauses, delegates can effectively convey their positions and proposals within the Model United Nations framework.

Sponsors

    Sponsors and Signatories play crucial roles in the process of developing and finalizing a Resolution within a committee setting. Here is a paraphrased explanation of their roles:

    1. Sponsors:
  • Sponsors are the main authors of the Resolution and fully support its content.
  • It is common to have between three to ten sponsors, although this number can vary.
  • It is advisable for sponsors to aim for a balanced representation, including states from different regions, political affiliations, and voting blocs to demonstrate broad support.
  • The order of sponsors is significant, with it being advantageous to have one's name listed towards the beginning.
  • Powerful member states can influence other delegates to support the Resolution.
  • All sponsors must agree for any Friendly Amendment or withdrawal of the Resolution.
  • Sponsors have the option to remove themselves from the list if they disagree with the direction the Resolution is taking.

    2. Signatories:
  • Signatories are not authors of the Resolution but express interest in its discussion on the floor.
  • They may support the Resolution, wish for amendments, or even oppose it entirely but believe that debating it would benefit the committee and global policy discussions.
  • In some cases, accredited NGOs or observers may be permitted as Signatories but not as Sponsors.

    3. Rules of Procedure:
  • Each conference's Rules of Procedure specify the required number of Sponsors and Signatories for a Working Paper or an Unfriendly Amendment to be considered, typically around one fifth of the committee.

Tips for Effective Resolution Writing

  • Follow Conference Format: Ensure adherence to the specific format provided by conference organizers, which may vary slightly between conferences.
  • Detail-Oriented Approach: Develop a comprehensive resolution with detailed considerations such as funding mechanisms and responsible management bodies for proposed programs.
  • Utilize Facts: Support your points with factual evidence whenever possible to strengthen the credibility of your resolution.
  • Realistic Objectives: Set achievable objectives in your resolution and ensure that the suggested actions fall within the jurisdiction of the relevant body. For example, only the Security Council can sanction a country, not the General Assembly.
  • Diplomatic Language: Use formal language and diplomatic terms while avoiding abbreviations or slang to maintain professionalism in your resolution.
  • Prevent Pre-Written Resolutions: Prohibit pre-written resolutions and report any suspicions to the Head Delegates to maintain fair play and avoid disqualification due to plagiarism.
  • Effective Collaboration: Engage in resolution writing primarily during unmoderated caucuses, with moderated caucuses used for resolving contentious points or discussing numerous amendments.
  • Document Management: Bring a memory stick/flash drive to save different versions of your resolution, preventing potential tampering or accidental deletion of clauses.
  • Strategic Sponsorship: Each delegate can work on multiple resolutions, ideally sponsoring two to three to maintain active participation without diluting contributions.
  • Formal Presentation: Deliver formal speeches to explain resolution ideas, ensuring references are made only to approved draft resolutions recognized by the committee.
  • Chair's Discretion: Chairs may allow sponsors to discuss their draft resolutions and field questions in a moderated caucus format upon request.
  • Resolution Approval: Multiple resolutions can pass as long as they do not conflict, with the chair encouraging collaboration to avoid duplicative or overlapping resolutions.
  • Etiquette Reminder: Avoid clapping during committee sessions except after a resolution passes, as clapping at other times is considered inappropriate.

MUN Resolution Format

By incorporating these tips into your resolution writing process, you can enhance the quality, legitimacy, and effectiveness of your proposed resolutions within the Model United Nations framework.

    A resolution always contains:
            1. A concise and evocative title (or number)
            2. A list of Signatories
            3. The name of the committee or the General Assembly
            4. A set of PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES punctuated by semicolons (;)
            5. An address to the Member states or voting parties
            6. A set of OPERATIVE CLAUSES punctuated by commas (,)
            7. A concluding clause punctuated by a period (.)