What is Model United Nations?

Model of United Nations is a simulation of what truly happens within the diplomatic world. From impactful plaidoyers and tensed debates to dramatic crisis, BathMUN delegates embody a chosen country or cause while finding solutions to the world's most pressing issues.

How does it work?

We've written a simple guide to help you get started in your Model UN journey. The prupose of Model UN is to hone your public speaker, negotation and diplomacy skills while discussing real world topics. Below we've gone through some of the key stages of how Model UN works to help you get started.

Debates

A Model UN debate is structured so that delegates, representing one of the 193 UN member states, take turns in giving usually 90 second speeches on the set topics withing a committee. The set topic can be anything imaginable but is usually tied to the type of committee your are debating within (more on that below). The purpose of the debate is to pass a resolution that should provide a solution to the topic. During the debate delegates can introduce motions and points in order to drive debate forwards. This can includes a motion for a moderated caucus where the topic of the debate is specified to a specific part of the wider topic, an consultation of the whole where delegates freely pass around the right to speak, or an unmoderatec caucus where speaking rules are dropped and delegates may rise from there seats and freely talk. For exmaple, in an UNEP debate on deforestation, a delegate may choose to motion for a moderated caucus on illegeal logging in order to bring attention to that specific part of the topic. As debate progresses delegates will work together to produce working papers, presenting rough solutions that believe will work, presenting them to other delegates and debating the pros and cons of each. At the end of the debate, draft resolutions will be submitted based on the working papers, all those that are submitted will go to a vote and the first draft resolution to pass the threshold will be adopted by the committee.

Working Papers and Resolutions

Working papers and resolutions are where delegates present their solutions to the topic at hand. While a draft resolution is a rough list of ideas on what may provide a solution, a draft resolution is a highly structured document following many rules to its presentation. Delegates can begin working on a working paper at any point in debate, messaging or talking to delegates during unmoderated caucuses to garned support but they can only discuss the working papers in formal debate after a motion to introduce the working paper has been passed. Towards the end of the debate, all the ideas proposed within the working papers will be collected into draft resolutions, debated further, and then voted on.

Voting

There are two main types of voting within MUN, substantive and non-substanive voting. Non-substantive voting is often used for voting on simple motions and procedure, using by the raising of your delegation placard. Substantive voting is done delegate-by-delegate to vote on the final draft resolutions. During non-substantive voting everyone must vote either for or against, during substantive voting, delegates can either vote in favour, abstain or against. A roll call vote also occurs during the start of the debate, asking delegates if they are "present" or "present and voting", delegates who declares themselves to be present and voting cannot abstain in substanstive votes. Certain committees will also have delegates with veto power, meaning if they vote against a substantive motion it automatically fails.

Conferences

The MUN circuit is comprised of weekend based conferences where delegates gather at universities for around 15 hours of debating over three days. Solutions take longer to be found, working papers are reweritten multiple times, nations form alliances and great socials are had. Awards are given out based on aptitude during debate at the end of the conference. Attending a conference at another university is often expensive but well worth it. BathMUN also hosts its own conference in November for those not wishing to travel.

Chairing

Each debate is overseen by a dais of three chairs, in charge of moderating debate and guiding it to its end. Chairs are often senior delegates with many conferences of delegating behind them, giving them the experience to guide the atmosphere and course of debate.

Motions and Points

Below is a list of common motions and points used within MUN. A motion is a suggestion from a delegate to introduce a topic or change the current method of debate within a committee, requiring a non-substantive vote. A point is raised to the chairs in charge of the debate, usually regarding a matter of procedure or to correct at point that has been raised.

1. Common motions
   1. To introduce a Moderate Caucus.
   2. To introduce an Unmoderated Caucus.
   3. To introduce a Consultation of the Whole.
   4. To introduce a Working Paper.
   5. To introduce a Draft Resoltuion.
   6. To open debate.
   7. To suspend debate.
   8. To close debate.
   9. To have a roll call vote.
   10. To move to voting procedures.
2. Common points
   1. Point of Order - To correct the rules of debate when they are violated.
   2. Point of Information to the Chair - To inform or question the chair over speech content or procedure.
   3. Point of Personal Privilidge - To ask to leave debate, take a break or any other personal issue.
   4. Right to Reply - When a nations sovereignty is violated in a speech, a delegate can ask for a right of reply to rebute the statement made by another delegate.

Jargon

1. MUN - Model UN
2. Unmod - Unmoderated Caucus
3. Bloc - Alliance of likeminded nations.
4. RoP - Rules of Procedure guiding debate.
5. Placard - Cardboard country signifier used for voting.

Exmaple Committees

1. UNEP - United Nations Environmental Programme
2. UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
3. UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
4. ECOSOC - United Nations Economic and Social Council
5. UNHRC - United Nations Human Rights Council
6. UNSC - United Nations Security Counci

Why join BathMUN?

Model United Nations expects people to perform the roles of foreign diplomats. Therefore, it allows the development of excellent communication skills, advanced negotiation skills, good team-work skills, as well as confidence in public speaking. Also, because of the topics of the discussion, it creates a very good knowledge and awareness of ongoing international issues. 

The skills developed by MUN are seeked by employers during interviews, particularly as they want to hire people who are able to communicate and negotiate well, and who are able to be constructive team members. 

Aside from professional development, MUN is a great way to meet new people and make friends! The conferences BathMUN members attend throughout the year* are a good (cost-effective) way to travel and see various places in England, as well as abroad!

Who can join?

Any student at the University of Bath is welcome! Join us online by buying our membership on the sidebar, come meet us in person at our table during the Fresher's Fair or 'pop' into one of our taster sessions once Semester 1 begins to get a real taste of what BathMUN is about!

* BathMUN will subsidize the fees as much as possible, depending on the number of students attending the conference but, inevitably, the majority of the costs will have to be funded by the participating students themselves.