A Delegate's Guide to Model UN !: 2008

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Conferences and Events

	UNA-USA Model UN Conference Calendar This calendar provides information on Model UN Conferences in the US. Use the calendar to explore new opportunities and to plan your group's activities for the upcoming year.
	UNA-USA High School Model UN Conference (UNAUSAMUN) 2007 Model UN Conference Information The UNA-USA Model UN Conference is held every May in New York City. It hosts over 2,000 high school students from all over the world at the UN Headquarters, where opening and closing ceremonies take place in the UN General Assembly. At this two-and-a-half-day conference, students discuss pressing issues on the UN agenda.
	UNA-USA Middle School Model UN Conference The UNA-USA Middle School Model UN Conference is specially designed for middle school students in grades 5-8. It hosts over 700 middle school students from both national and international schools. One of the only Model UN conferences in existence that is devoted entirely to middle school students, it is an excellent opportunity for students to become involved in global affairs and negotiation at such an early age.
	UNA-USA Summit & Leadership Conference This conference brings together student leaders, faculty advisers and NGO representatives who share a desire to deepen their understanding of Model UN and enhance their leadership skills. The conference includes workshops, brown bag lunches, UN briefings and a final Model UN simulation for all participants.
	Conference Planner's Guide Is your group planning a Model UN Conference? Use our Conference Planner's Guide to help organize your time and plan a successful conference.
	Staffing Opportunities for University Students UNA-USA will be accepting Secretariat and Senior Secretariat applications in the fall for 2007/2008 conferences.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Beyond MUN's... Take Action!

	Adopt-a-Minefield Adopt-A-Minefield^® is a program that engages individuals, community groups, and businesses in the United Nations effort to resolve the global landmine crisis. The Campaign helps save lives by raising funds for mine clearance and survivor assistance and by raising awareness about the landmine problem.
	HERO: A UNA-USA Campaign Did you know that 12.1 million children in sub-Saharan Africa have lost one or both of their parents to HIV/AIDS? HERO (Help Educate at-Risk Orphans and vulnerable children) helps to strengthen schools so that they can help support kids affected by HIV/AIDS. Learn more about what you can do to be a HERO!
	Internships UNA-USA awards a variety of part-time and full-time internships to highly motivated high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Interns must possess a strong interest in international affairs, good writing and research skills, and knowledge of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
	National High School Essay Contest Each year, high school students from around the country respond to an essay question published by UNA-USA. Essay questions touch on the some most important issues faced by the international community and offer students an opportunity to develop and voice their own opinions.
	UNA-USA Student Alliance Student Alliance seeks to engage young adults by creating a nationwide network of politically active and motivated individuals and groups. Student Alliance members make their opinions heard amongst their peers, in their communities and across the nation.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Some of the upcoming Model UN's

January 25, 2008
01:00 PM
Hong Kong Model United Nations Conference 2008
more...

January 25, 2008
05:00 PM
Univeristy of Sussex Model United Nations 2008
more...

January 31, 2008
12:00 PM
The Ivy League Model United Nations Conference
more...

February 01, 2008
02:00 PM
Mid-South Model United Nations Conference (Rhodes College)
more...

February 01, 2008
06:00 PM
PREPMUN CONFERENCE I (NYC)
more...

February 07, 2008
09:00 AM
UNMmun
more...

February 07, 2008
04:00 PM
American South Model United Nations
more...

February 08, 2008
12:00 PM
London International Model United Nations (LIMUN) Conference
more...

February 14, 2008
05:00 PM
Conference of the North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN)
more...

February 14, 2008
07:00 PM
Bradley University Model United Nations Conference
more...

February 17, 2008
09:00 AM
Belarusian MUN 2008 (BELAMUN 2008)
more...

February 21, 2008
04:00 PM
Model United Nations of Alaska
more...

February 21, 2008
06:30 PM
Duke University Model United Nations Conference
more...

February 22, 2008
03:00 PM
Carolina's High School Conference 2008
more...

February 22, 2008
05:30 PM
Vanderbilt Model UN Conference
more...

February 28, 2008
09:00 AM
GeMUN
more...

Resources for Delegates

Country Profile
Please download the Country Profile by clicking here*.

Position Papers
Please download the Position Papers by clicking here*.

Model United Nations Procedure
Please download the MUN Procedure by clicking here*.

Rules of Procedure
Please download the Rules of Procedure Short Form by clicking here*.
Please download the Rules of Procedure Long Form by clicking here*.

Speech Making
Please download information regarding Speech Making by clicking here*.

The Resolution Process
Please download information regarding the Resolution Process by clicking here*.

Flow of Debate
Please download information on Flow of Debate by clicking here

Useful Links

Other Model U.N. Resources
UNA Canada Research Library
http://www.unac.org/en/library/research/index.asp
Wuzzardo’s Model United Nations Help Page
http://www.arches.uga.edu/~wuzzardo/mun
Stanford U MUN Research guide:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/Jonsson/mun.htm
United Nations Online - An online activity sponsored by Global Elementary Mode
http://www.uno.org/
United Nations Cyberschoolbus Model U.N. Headquarters:
http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/modelun/index.htm

(Source: http://www.unausa.org.)

Click here to download a file containing information about valuable Resources*.

* To view documents in PDF you wilrequire Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat Reader software on Microsoft Windows. PDF files may be opened in Preview (pre-installed software) on Macintosh computers running OS version X (10) or above and in Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat Reader software on Macintosh computers running OS version 9 or below.

Important Links

Check out these pages/websites...These will help you gain an extensive knowledge necessary for a successful MUN campaign:

Country Reports.org
Profiles of world countries that include history, maps, ecnomic information, and more. Subscription service.
www.countryreports.org
InfoNation
Statistics and information for students about each of the Member States of the United Nations. Find out about nations' economies, population, health and medical status, environment, and technology.
www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/infonation/e_infonation.htm
CountryWatch.com
Provides political, economic, and environmental news and reports on countries worldwide.
www.countrywatch.com
Infoplease: Countries of the World
Features a brief profile, map, and the flag for each country.
www.infoplease.com/countries.html
BBC News: Country Profiles
Profiles provide an instant guide to flags, history, politics, and economic background of countries with audio and video clips from the BBC archives.
www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/default.stm
Global Statistics
Find statistical data on selected countries around the world, including *****istrative divisions (provinces), population and demographics, and major cities of each country.
www.geohive.com
Atlapedia: Countries A to Z
Overview for each country covering geography, demographics, history, major industries, and more.
www.atlapedia.com/online/country_index.htm
Independent States in the World
State Department listing of current country names as recognized by the U.S. Government.
www.state.gov/www/regions/independent_states.html
Economist.com: Country Briefings
Offers background information, forecasts, statistics, news, and articles from the Economist's archives.
www.economist.com/countries
What is the Capital City of?
Lists capital cities for all countries in the world and the 50 U.S. states. Also includes thousands of quiz questions.
www.what-is-the-capital-of.com
U.S. Library of Congress Country Studies
Presents a description and analysis of the historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions of countries throughout the world.
www.lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs
Wikipedia: List of Countries
Hyperlinked article featuring an alphabetical list of countries of the world, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, and areas of special sovereignty.
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries
About.com: Capitals of Every Country
Lists the capitals of the 192 countries of the world.
www.geography.about.com/library/misc/blnationalcapitals.htm
Encyclopedia of the Nations
Detailed information about 193 countries. Encyclopedia of the Nations covers population, history, culture, language, and government.
www.nationsencyclopedia.com
World Factbook, The
Find maps, country profiles, flags, facts, and figures about nations around the world. From the CIA.
www./www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook
The UN'S MUN page: http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/modelun/index.asp
Wikipedia's page on MUN's: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_United_Nations

Points & Motions

1. Point of Order - During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a point of order with regard to the conduct of business. A point of order may interrupt a speaker. There is no debate on a point of order, so the Chair should immediately issue a ruling pertaining to the point of order according to the rules.

2. Point of Information - A delegate may raise a point of information to make inquiries to or request clarification from the Chair concerning parliamentary procedure or any other relevant questions pertaining to the business of the committee. A point of information cannot interrupt a speaker.

3. Point of Personal Privilege - A delegate may raise a point of personal privilege concerning a personal matter or the conduct of another delegate. The Chair should respond appropriately to the matter. A point of personal privilege cannot interrupt a speaker.

4. Point of Inquiry - During debate on a resolution or amendment, a delegate may raise a point of inquiry. The point of inquiry must be directed through the Chair and may be made only after the speaker has finished speaking, but before the speaker has yielded the floor. A point of inquiry cannot interrupt a speaker.

6. Motion to Adjourn - A delegate may offer a motion to adjourn the meeting at the end of the regular meeting of the committee or council. A motion to adjourn requires a second, and cannot interrupt a speaker. A motion to adjourn is not debatable, so the Chair should immediately call for a vote on the motion. The motion is approved if a majority of the delegates vote in favor of the motion (abstentions are considered "no" votes).

7. Motion to Suspend for a Caucus - During general debate on an agenda item, a delegate may offer a motion to suspend the meeting for the purpose of going into caucus to informally discuss the agenda item and prepare resolutions pertaining to the agenda item. A motion to suspend for a caucus requires a second, and cannot interrupt a speaker. A motion to suspend for a caucus is not debatable, so the Chair should immediately call for a vote on the motion. The motion is approved if a majority of the delegates vote in favor of the motion (abstentions are considered "no" votes).

Frequently Asked Questions aboth the UN

Q: What is the term of the Secretary-General?

A: The Secretary-General's term is five years. Although there is technically no limit to the number of five-year terms the top official and chief administrative officer of the United Nations may serve, no Secretary-General so far has held office for more than two terms. The current Secretary-General, Kofi Annan of Ghana will complete his second term in office in December 2006.

Q: How many countries are permanent members of the Security Council? Which ones are they?

A: The Security Council is made up of 15 members. The 5 permanent members - China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States can block any proposal brought before the Council by casting a negative vote. The ten non-permanent members are periodically elected by all Member States for a two-year term.

Q: I would like to send an E-mail to the Secretary-General to propose an idea for how to achieve global unity. What is his E-mail address?

A: E-mails addressed to the Secretary-General should be sent to inquiries@un.org . Proposals can only be taken up by the United Nations when presented by an official representative of a Member State and after being duly inscribed on the agenda of the Organization and voted by its Membership.

Q: How many countries are there in the world?

A: We are not an authority on this topic. We suggest you visit a public library in your area, consult an encyclopedia or a world almanac. The United Nations, however, has 191 Member Countries

Q: How does a new State or Government obtain recognition by the United Nations? How does a country join the UN as a Member State?

A: http://www.un.org/geninfo/faq/factsheets/FS2.HTM

Q: What is the meaning of the UN emblem and flag? Are there any restrictions on their use?

A: http://www.un.org/geninfo/faq/factsheets/FS4.HTM

Q: What is the UN doing to combat terrorism?

A: http://www.un.org/geninfo/faq/factsheets/FS8.HTM

Q: Does the UN have a hymn or national anthem?

A: http://www.un.org/geninfo/faq/factsheets/FS9.HTM

Q: I am an artist and would like to display my art works at the United Nations. What should I do?

A: http://www.un.org/geninfo/faq/factsheets/FS15.HTM

Q: What are the Least Developed Countries (LDCs)?

A: As of 2000, Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Dem. Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Dem. Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Island, Somalia, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Rep. of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia.

Q: What is the Story of the United Nations Headquarters?

A: http://www.un.org/geninfo/faq/factsheets/FS23.HTM

Model UN

MUN is a simulation education activity focusing on communications, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. In MUN, students take on roles as foreign diplomats and participate in a simulated session of an intergovernmental organization. Participants research a country, investigate international issues, consult, and develop solutions to world problems. During a simulation, they employ a variety of communications and critical thinking skills to defend and advance the policies of their country.