Conference Manual

HOW TO MUN



SECTION I


The Role of AXMUN Participants Role and Authority of a President
Each Forum has a President and a Vice-President who run the proceedings
according to established parliamentary procedures based on the Robert’s Rules of Order.
Their primary task is to maintain the order and the flow of the debate. They will declare
opening and closing of each meeting, conduct discussions, assign the right to speak and
put all questions, motions and resolutions to vote.

The President decides on various objections, considerations, penalties for
delegates of misconduct, motions on the floor, and setting the general tone of the debate.
They are expected to be keen observers of the dynamics of the meetings, and enforce the
rules and procedures with impartiality. Delegates are permitted to appeal against a
President’s decision, only on either a general consensus, or with a two-thirds majority
vote in the committee. The President/Vice President has the authority to change any rules
and/or procedures after consultation with the Secretary or Deputy Secretary General.

Role of Delegates Each and every delegate is expected to come completely prepared for the
conference, in proper, formal attire, and follow the conference code of conduct. The
delegates have to thoroughly research each issue and the country assigned to them. They
should be well prepared on the policies of their country. The delegates are expected to be
updated with the current events and develop an understanding of issues beyond their
assigned field. The delegates should have a broad knowledge and specific expertise in the
committee assigned. The delegates are to work in a friendly and open manner to reach a
consensus on contentious issues. It is the delegate’s responsibility to act professional and
diplomatic.

SECTION II
DELEGATE OPENING SPEECH

What is an Opening speech? An Opening Speech is a speech made by a delegate stating on their country’s
policy. It is based on the FPS.

Why write an Opening speech? 
An Opening Speech allows other delegates to comprehend your country and its
stance better. This speech cannot be more than a minute long. (Security Council varies)
All committees are assigned four different issues to be debated during the three day
conference. The Opening Speech may concentrate on one issue that is of the most
importance to the country or touch upon all the issues
 
While making a speech, it is important that the delegates: 

1. Refer and acknowledge the President, Vice-president, Secretary and Deputy
Secretary-General and fellow delegates
Examples: Esteemed Presidents and Honorable Delegates
 Respected Presidents and Fellow Delegates
2. Speak clearly and loudly
3. Enunciate
4. Maintain constant eye contact with the delegates
5. Stay on topic
6. Refrain from using personal pronouns;
Examples: “The delegate would like to approach the president” instead of
“I would like to approach you”
7. Never call another country by its direct name
Examples: Instead of saying “France did not sign it”, one should say,
“The delegation of France has not signed it.”
8. Please do not use a high tone with any member of the forum.

It is important for all delegates to understand and follow these, as this is the basic
diplomatic behavior expected off all members in the conference.

SECTION III
RESOLUTIONS 


What is a Resolution? 
 
A Resolution is the principle element of a MUN Conference, as it forms the basis of the
debate. Resolutions are solutions written by delegates themselves on various issues.

Delegates are encouraged to bring in pre-made draft resolutions. Resolutions should
not be plagiarized from past conferences or actual UN resolutions. Please follow proper
resolution format, including proper punctuation. You are expected to come up with
creative solutions for the issues on the agenda during the conference caucusing session.

A resolution is only ONE long sentence that has two main sections: the
Preambulatory Clauses and the Operative Clauses. Before the clauses, please note the
appropriate heading at the top of every resolution. 1) On the top left hand corner, at the very top, the question of or the issue at hand
should be provided;
2) The delegation of the Main Submitter(s) nation;
3) The delegation of the Co-Submitters nations;
4) The Committee of the delegate.

-The Preambulatory Clauses:
These are the clauses that provide the reasoning and justification for the proposed action
that will follow later in the resolution. Each clause constitutes a sentence fragment
followed by a comma.

Each preambulatory clause begins by using a present or past participle (suggestions and
examples for clause openings are provided with the sample resolutions on page 11). Refer
to the list on the following page for a few examples. Each introductory word in each
point is capitalized and underlined.

- The Operative Clauses:
The operative clauses are the statements of plan of action, recommendations, or
statements of concern or condemnation. Each clause is numbered and indented. Each
introductory word is capitalized and underlined. Each clause ends with a semicolon.
Introductory words are usually verbs (suggestions and examples for clause openings are
provided with the sample resolutions on page 11).

Points to remember:
• Resolutions should be word processed (at least when being debated);
(delegates will have access to computers for printing)
• Accurate in reflecting the views and policies of the country they represent;
• Clear and concise, using language that is direct and easily comprehended
by all delegates.
• Correct punctuation.
 
AMENDMENTS 
 
Once a resolution is being debated on the floor, any and all delegates are permitted to
make amendments to the resolution at hand. These amendments can include
a) the inclusion of a new clause or sub-clause
b) the omission of an already existing clause or sub-clause
c) the addition of a new word, phrase or sentence to a clause or sub-clause
d) the deletion of a word, phrase or sentence from a clause or sub-clause
e) proposing an amendment to the amendment

All delegates will be supplied with a AXMUN notepad, which has a special provision
for amendments to be submitted.


SAMPLE PREAMBULATORY PHRASES: 
 Acknowledging 
Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Believing
Bearing in mind
Concerned
Condemns
Confident
Congratulating
Considering
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
 
 SAMPLE OPERATVE CLAUSES 
 Accepts
Adopts
Affirms
Approves
Appeals
Authorizes
Calls
Calls upon
Condemns
Congratulates
Concurs
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Designates
Guided by
Having…
Keeping in mind
Noting
Nothing with…
Observing
Reaffirming
Realizing
Recalling
Recognizing
Referring
Regretting
Seeking
Stressing
Taking note
Viewing with…
Welcoming
Emphasizing
Expecting
Expressing…
Fulfilling
Directs
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Further
Invites
Reaffirms
Recommends
Regrests
Reminds
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns



SAMPLE RESOLUTION
The name of the committee shouldn't confuse you, resolutions are always formatted the same way. The ECOSOC committee that we had in the Oman MUN is probably most similar to the QMUN Social committee. While there are no issues relating to drugs this year, this should give you an idea on what to research and what you need to do for your resolution.


Submitted By:
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Committee:
ECOSOC (Economic – Social Committee)


Concerning the need for the control of drugs;

The General Assembly,

Emphasizing the need for the control of illicit drugs;

Welcoming the controlling of the production and distribution of cannabis as a preventative measure to the spread of harmful drugs such as heroin or cocaine;

Noting with deep concern the need to control drugs effectively in order to lower the risk they carry to all citizens of the world and to communities;

Recognizing the need for helping people addicted to illicit drugs and other substances in all ways possible;

Emphasizing the need for the distinction between “hard” drugs such as ecstasy and “soft” drugs such as cannabis;

Alarmed by the failure in controlling drugs effectively in many parts of the world and the continued production of illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin in large parts of the world;

Considering that cannabis is less harmful than both tobacco and alcohol and that it is not considered an addictive drug;



1. Urges all nations to undertake actions which control drug use by allowing the sale of cannabis in small amounts at different outlets as authorized by the government in order to ensure that clients seeking to buy cannabis are not led to buy more damaging drugs by illegal drug dealers;

2. Emphasizes that drug use is a problem which is impossible to eradicate, and thus policies to minimize it should be put in place instead;

3. Calls upon all nations to eradicate the production of substances which are considered to be harmful or dangerous such as ecstasy, heroin, and cocaine;

4. Demands the opening of government sponsored detoxification centers in order to make sure that addicts of all kinds can find the support they need in order to get rid of their addictions and thus lead a better life;

5. Emphasizes the need for the persecution and punishment of all illegal drug suppliers by persecuting persons who carry more than the legal amount of drugs for personal use;

6. Urges all nations to consider the success of these policies in several nations and to implement laws to control illegal drug use;

7. Endorses the creation of units within law enforcement which track down drug dealers, drug production facilities, and other illegal parties in order to effectively fight drugs;

8. Urges all nations to sentence drug using offenders to detoxification centers rather than prisons in order to help them recover from their addiction to illegal substances.

SECTION IVFORMAL AND INFORMAL DEBATE
Speeches 
During the course of the conference, delegates will have to encounter various
types of speeches. There are three principal types of speeches

TYPES OF SPEECHES 
 
1) Opening Speeches: Opening speech is a speech that is given by each delegate
stating his/her country’s policy on any of the issues. These speeches could address
one of the four issues or all of them. All delegates have strictly one minute to
make this speech. After the speech, the delegates will yield the floor back to the
president;
 
2) Procedural or Formal Speeches: Procedural speeches deal with amendments,
and resolutions. This speech is given by anyone, who, during formal debate,
wishes to make a speech for or against a resolution or amendment. After a
delegate gives this speech, he or she is subject to points of information. After the
speech, the delegates will yield the floor back to the president;

 
3) Substantive or Informal Speeches: Substantive speeches are speeches given
after the time for formal debate has elapsed. This speech is given in order to speak
for or against a resolution only, without being subject to any points of
information. After the speech, the delegates will yield the floor back to the
president. Informal debate may not always take place and can be called at the
president/vice president’s discretion.

SECTION VRULES AND PROCEDURES
Delegates must review the rules before the conference and obey those rules. Rules 
not only help carry out effective debates but also provide each country with respect.
Failure to follow the rules will result in consequences, including suspension and
eventually dismissal from the conference.

Delegate Identification Throughout the duration of the conference, delegates are expected to display their
delegate badges provided by AXMUN. By this, it will help other delegates to identify
each other by the committee and countries, and can enter and move around the school
campus without any difficulty.
 
PARLIAMENARY POINTS 
 
A point may be asked through the following procedure. When a delegate raises his
or her placard the president will ask, “Delegate of -----, to what point do you rise?”
The delegate will answer with either point of information, order, etc. Then the
president will decide whether to entertain the point or not.
 
Point of Personal Privilege 
 
 Point of personal privilege refers to personal comfort. All delegates have the right
to request this point if they cannot, either hear another delegate or the chair, cannot 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, he or she may raise their
placard at any time of the conference; however, he/she may not speak until recognized by
the president. Any points such as bathroom break or water break requests must be
requested through a note to the president.
 
 Point of Order 
 
 A delegate may only utilize this if he or she feels that another delegate has
violated a rule of the AXMUN conference. The delegate may raise their placard;
however, he/she may not speak until recognized by the chair.
 
 Point of Parliamentary Procedure 

 A delegate may use this point if he or she has a doubt regarding the procedure or
the rules of the conference. The delegates are not allowed to interrupt a speaker if they have a concern regarding this point. A delegate may rise to this point only after the floor

has been yielded to the president.
 
 Point of Information 
 
 All delegates are allowed to question another delegate regarding a statement made
earlier on by them, or by another primary member of the delegation; however, relating to
the topic at hand or the resolution and amendment at hand. For example, after a delegate
has made a speech for or against a resolution or amendment, and is open to one or
multiple points of information, delegates may ask points of information by raising their
placards; however, no delegate is permitted to speak until and unless recognized by the
presidents. All points of information have to be asked in the form of a question. For
example,
• “Does or does not the delegate agree that child prostitution is a violation of the
human rights?”
• “What does the delegate have to say about clause 6, sub-clause a?”
• “Could the delegate please elaborate on this clause?”
 
Objections 
 Delegates can object themselves before any motion during the conference when
they feel unnecessary and do not agree with procedure. Objections will usually be used
for ‘directly going to voting procedure’ and ‘extending debate time’. Any other
circumstances when the president feels appropriate, objections will be granted. A
delegate may not object motions such as ‘motions made in the interest of time’, ‘motions
regarding voting procedures,’ and ‘speeches by delegates’.
 
Basic Responsibilities of Delegates during debate 
All delegates are expected to demonstrate respect towards other delegates,
president and co-chairs. All delegates are also expected to dress up in formal attire.
Clothing such as jeans, sneakers, t-shirts or caps will NOT be allowed.
 When a delegate wishes to speak, they must raise their placards to be recognized
by the chairs. Delegates are to make speeches and ask questions only when granted
permission by the president. Failure to speak before being recognized after warning will
result in dismissal from the forum. The delegates are expected to use formal language
throughout the conference. Delegates are also expected to refer to themselves with the
third person any time they make speeches or ask questions, since delegates are not
individuals but representatives of the country
Example: “I support this resolution because it effectively covers
the issue and offers the immediate solution as well as long term
solution.” – This is unacceptable

 As a gesture and sign of respect, all delegates must stand while speaking.


Under any circumstances, there will not be any direct conversation between two
delegates. The delegates must speak through the chair. Delegates are not to speak against
their country’s policies. The President is allowed to intervene and correct the situation if
they notice a delegate acting against his country’s foreign policies. All delegates are
expected to research efficiently and should be able to defend their country.

When delegates wish to share opinions on the issue, delegates are permitted to
pass notes to other delegates through the note passers present in the conference.

Note Passing  Note passers, who are part of the organization team, will be present in the
conference hall in order to pass notes to and from other delegates. Be sure that these
notes contain appropriate information, queries, opinions or something related to the
conference. Please note that all of these notes are read before being passed on and any
inappropriate or irrelevant notes will be passed on to the chair and the respective
delegates will be warned. Note passing will be halted during all voting procedures.