Position paper a summary of a countrys position on a

Position paper: A summary of a country’s position
on a topic, written by a delegate before a Model UN
conference.

47
Preambulatory Clause: The part of a resolution that
describes previous actions taken on the topic and
reasons why the resolution is necessary. It begins
with a participle or adjective (noting, concerned,
regretting, aware of, recalling)
Procedural: Having to do with the way a committee
is run, as opposed to the topic being discussed.
All delegates present must vote on procedural
matters and may not abstain.
Quorum: The minimum number of delegates
needed to be present for a committee to meet.
In the General Assembly, a quorum consists of
one third of the members to begin debate, and a
majority of members to pass a resolution. In the
Security Council, no quorum exists for the body to
debate, but nine members must be present to pass
a resolution.
Rapporteur: A member of the dais whose duties
include keeping the speakers’ list and taking the
roll call, as well as assisting in and keeping track of
administrative duties in the committee room.
Resolution: A document that has been passed by
an organ of the UN that aims to address a particular
problem or issue.
Right of Reply: A right to speak in reply to a previous
speaker’s comment, invoked when a delegate feels
personally insulted by another’s speech. Generally
requires a written note to the Chair to be invoked.
Roll Call: The first order of business in a Model UN
committee, during which the Rapporteur reads
aloud the names of each member state in the
committee and respective delegate may respond
“present” or “present and voting”.
Rules of Procedure: The rules by which a Model UN
committee is run.
Secretariat: The staff of a Model UN conference.
Secretary-General: The leader of a Model UN
conference. The current Secretary-General of the
UN is
António Guterres.
Signatory: A country that wishes a draft resolution
to be put on the floor and signs the draft resolution
to accomplish this. A signatory need not support a
resolution; it only wants it to be discussed. Usually,
Model UN conferences require some minimum
number of sponsors and signatories for a draft
resolution to be approved.
Simple majority: 50% plus one vote of the number
of delegates in a committee. The amount needed
to pass most votes.
Speakers’ List: A list that determines the order in
which delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic
is opened for discussion, the Chair will create a
speakers’ list by asking all delegates wishing to
speak to raise their placards and calling on them
one at a time. During debate, a delegate may
indicate that he or she wishes to be added to the
speakers’ list by sending a note to the dais.
Sponsor: One of the writers of a draft resolution.
A friendly amendment can only be created if all
sponsors agree.