For general information about resolutions, go to the Resolutions page.
Sometimes a background paper or background information on the resolution topic will be provided. This will give you a general idea of the main issues in the resolution, but it is better to do your own research to gain a deeper understanding of the issues. Some things you should do to deepen your understanding of the resolution are:
- Read through the resolution to get the gist of what it is saying.
- Make sure you understand what each and every word means – look it up in a dictionary if you don’t understand something.
Note: A resolution is split into Preambulatory and Operative clauses (the Operative clauses have numbers). The Preambulatory clauses offer a background to the topic – read through these but don’t spend too much time researching them – debate will be centred on the operative (action) clauses.
- Work out what your country’s opinion on the matter is; are they blatantly opposed to it? Do they like some parts of it but not others?
- If your country doesn’t agree entirely with the resolution, how could it be changed to make it better? Can you think of any other things that your country would want to have included in the resolution? Write these down, starting with one of the operative clause openers (see the Resolutions page) and bring it with you to the Model UN.
Note: Amendments that drastically change the tone of the resolution will not be accepted.