Abstention: Abstaining from a vote means to withdraw from voting on a resolution instead of giving a yes or no answer.
Amendments: Written changes made to resolutions. Friendly amendments require the support of the sponsors in order for changes to be made. Unfriendly amendments can be initiated by anyone in the committee but require supporters and a majority vote. All amendments in CCWAMUN proceedings are considered unfriendly.
Arab League: A body independent of the UN, comprised of Arab states in Africa and the Middle East. There are some procedural differences between the Arab League and the UN (i.e. resolutions are non-binding to those who vote against them).
BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement): An alternative arrangement to promote compromise and cooperation. Each delegation should have a BATNA on the agenda topics in their committee.
Bloc: A group of countries arranged according to geographical, economic, or cultural considerations (i.e. G8, African bloc, Arab League).
Caucus: A forum in which the rules of debate are suspended and delegates are able to freely discuss a topic and begin writing resolutions. For some it serves as a bathroom or socializing break. Some of a committee's most productive work is typically accomplished during caucuses.
Comments: Substantive responses to another delegate’s speech. If a delegate does not yield his/her time during a speech in formal debate, the Chair may recognize up to two delegates to make comments specifically on the previous speech.
Dividing the Question: Once in voting procedure, delegates may choose to divide a resolution into parts on which to vote separately (i.e. delegates may choose to vote on Clause 1 individually and the rest of the operative clauses specifically). This is useful if you agree with one part of a resolution but not the whole thing.
EU (European Union): An economic and political union created under the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. It comprises most of Western Europe and is poised for future expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. Most customs regulations in Europe have now been abolished and a single currency, the Euro, is now in place. As a political unit it has formidable power vìs-a-vìs the United States.
Foreign Aid: Money given by one country to another for humanitarian or developmental purposes. It plays a key role in shaping states’ foreign policy.
Foreign Policy: The attitudes and interests of a state towards external issues. Foreign policy can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as military strength, economic partners, history, and the domestic government.
Formal Debate: A form of debate in which the committee follows a speakers’ list and each speaker is given a strict time limit within which to make his or her point. Delegates are required to yield unused time. Rules regarding motions, voting and right of reply are enforceable only in formal consideration.
G8 (Group of Eight): A body comprised of eight of the world's most economically powerful nations: Canada, the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Russia. There is some debate over whether rising economic powers should be invited to join.
Informal Debate: A form of debate in which rules regarding motions, time limits, and voting are suspended. Delegates may enter informal debate by making and passing a motion by simple majority vote. The chair recognizes delegates wishing to speak. Informal debate offers the chance to proceed more quickly through various issues that may arise during debate.
ICJ (International Court of Justice): The ICJ is a body designed to resolve legal and territorial disputes between states.
Lobbying: Refers to informal caucusing between delegates, usually engaged outside the committee room while debate is still in progress. One may wish to lobby another delegate for support on a resolution or policy option, but use with caution. It is easier for a two-person delegation to engage in lobbying than it is for a single-member delegation.
Motion: A request for the body to take a specific action, i.e. move into caucus or set the agenda. Different motions have different criteria for passage and may only be appropriate at certain times. The accurate way to make a motion is to state “[country name] moves to [motion].”
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): Security organization created in 1949 by Western powers to provide collective defense in the face of an external threat (understood to be the Soviet Union). In the post-Cold War era it has taken on new responsibilities in peacekeeping and enforcement of international law, such as operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
NGOs (Non-governmental Corporations): Organizations or associations not associated with a specific country or international political organization. Their missions and goals can be broad (World Vision International, Amnesty International, Greenpeace) or area-specific (Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres). The United Nations has a history of working closely with NGOs on issues, especially those relating to humanitarian projects. Many times, NGOs that work closely on a particular topic are excellent sources of current information.
Non-Members: Delegates who sit in a committee and are allowed to speak but don't have voting privileges.
OAS (Organization of American States): An international political organization comprised of North and South American states.
Operative Clauses: Numbered clauses in a resolution, following the preamble, which set out actual solutions and initiatives for the committee to undertake.
Amendments: Written changes made to resolutions. Friendly amendments require the support of the sponsors in order for changes to be made. Unfriendly amendments can be initiated by anyone in the committee but require supporters and a majority vote. All amendments in CCWAMUN proceedings are considered unfriendly.
Arab League: A body independent of the UN, comprised of Arab states in Africa and the Middle East. There are some procedural differences between the Arab League and the UN (i.e. resolutions are non-binding to those who vote against them).
BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement): An alternative arrangement to promote compromise and cooperation. Each delegation should have a BATNA on the agenda topics in their committee.
Bloc: A group of countries arranged according to geographical, economic, or cultural considerations (i.e. G8, African bloc, Arab League).
Caucus: A forum in which the rules of debate are suspended and delegates are able to freely discuss a topic and begin writing resolutions. For some it serves as a bathroom or socializing break. Some of a committee's most productive work is typically accomplished during caucuses.
Comments: Substantive responses to another delegate’s speech. If a delegate does not yield his/her time during a speech in formal debate, the Chair may recognize up to two delegates to make comments specifically on the previous speech.
Dividing the Question: Once in voting procedure, delegates may choose to divide a resolution into parts on which to vote separately (i.e. delegates may choose to vote on Clause 1 individually and the rest of the operative clauses specifically). This is useful if you agree with one part of a resolution but not the whole thing.
EU (European Union): An economic and political union created under the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. It comprises most of Western Europe and is poised for future expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. Most customs regulations in Europe have now been abolished and a single currency, the Euro, is now in place. As a political unit it has formidable power vìs-a-vìs the United States.
Foreign Aid: Money given by one country to another for humanitarian or developmental purposes. It plays a key role in shaping states’ foreign policy.
Foreign Policy: The attitudes and interests of a state towards external issues. Foreign policy can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as military strength, economic partners, history, and the domestic government.
Formal Debate: A form of debate in which the committee follows a speakers’ list and each speaker is given a strict time limit within which to make his or her point. Delegates are required to yield unused time. Rules regarding motions, voting and right of reply are enforceable only in formal consideration.
G8 (Group of Eight): A body comprised of eight of the world's most economically powerful nations: Canada, the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Russia. There is some debate over whether rising economic powers should be invited to join.
Informal Debate: A form of debate in which rules regarding motions, time limits, and voting are suspended. Delegates may enter informal debate by making and passing a motion by simple majority vote. The chair recognizes delegates wishing to speak. Informal debate offers the chance to proceed more quickly through various issues that may arise during debate.
ICJ (International Court of Justice): The ICJ is a body designed to resolve legal and territorial disputes between states.
Lobbying: Refers to informal caucusing between delegates, usually engaged outside the committee room while debate is still in progress. One may wish to lobby another delegate for support on a resolution or policy option, but use with caution. It is easier for a two-person delegation to engage in lobbying than it is for a single-member delegation.
Motion: A request for the body to take a specific action, i.e. move into caucus or set the agenda. Different motions have different criteria for passage and may only be appropriate at certain times. The accurate way to make a motion is to state “[country name] moves to [motion].”
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): Security organization created in 1949 by Western powers to provide collective defense in the face of an external threat (understood to be the Soviet Union). In the post-Cold War era it has taken on new responsibilities in peacekeeping and enforcement of international law, such as operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
NGOs (Non-governmental Corporations): Organizations or associations not associated with a specific country or international political organization. Their missions and goals can be broad (World Vision International, Amnesty International, Greenpeace) or area-specific (Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres). The United Nations has a history of working closely with NGOs on issues, especially those relating to humanitarian projects. Many times, NGOs that work closely on a particular topic are excellent sources of current information.
Non-Members: Delegates who sit in a committee and are allowed to speak but don't have voting privileges.
OAS (Organization of American States): An international political organization comprised of North and South American states.
Operative Clauses: Numbered clauses in a resolution, following the preamble, which set out actual solutions and initiatives for the committee to undertake.
Placard: A piece of stiff paper identifying each delegation in a committee. Placards are used for non-roll call votes, as well as for recognition in speaking or making motions. It is a delegate’s key prop, and should not be replaced with one’s own creation, or waved about hysterically while someone else is speaking.
Point of Information: Delegates may raise this point to ask a general question of the Chair. It is not appropriate to interrupt a speaker with this point.
Point of Order: This point may be raised during formal debate to indicate a violation of the rules of procedure. Delegates may interrupt a speaker to make a Point of Order, but only if the content of their speech is in direct violation.
Point of Order: This point may be raised during formal debate to indicate a violation of the rules of procedure. Delegates may interrupt a speaker to make a Point of Order, but only if the content of their speech is in direct violation.
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: This point may be raised at any time when the floor is open to ask the Chair to clarify a parliamentary procedure. Delegates are not permitted to interrupt another delegate to raise this point.
Point of Personal Privilege: Delegates may raise this point in the event of a circumstance that directly impairs their ability to participate in proceedings, such as extreme temperatures or an inability to hear the speaker. It is permissible to interrupt a speaker to raise this point; however, one should have the utmost courtesy when doing so.
Position Paper: A written statement by a delegate on a particular agenda topic, outlining his/her state's foreign policy, proposed solutions and alternatives.
Perambulatory Clauses: Introductory clauses in a resolution, intended to establish the foundation for the resolution itself (i.e. concerns, previous UN actions). These clauses are not numbered, and their first words are italicized.
Rhetoric: Persuasive language that is often extravagant and labored rather than substantive. In MUN debating chairs often penalize delegates who rely excessively on rhetoric instead of making substantive speeches.
Example of rhetoric: “It is our solemn duty as esteemed members of this Council to set an example to those entities who feel they can violate international law without recompense.” (Flowery speech with no real suggestions)
Example of substantive speech: “In order to discourage further disregard for the Maritime Convention, we should establish a multilateral task force to patrol the major oceanic trade routes and detain any vessels whose purpose cannot be determined.” (Specific indication of a problem and a concrete solution)
Right of Reply: A written statement made by a delegate to address comments by another delegate that are considered to be insulting to one’s personal dignity or to the reputation of another country. Statements must be approved by the Chair and can only address the content of the offending remark. They are not intended for retaliation, though for that reason this motion is one of the most widely misused in parliamentary procedure.
Roll Call: The process by which the Chair determines which countries are present in committee sessions. When the Chair calls a country’s name, that country’s delegate must respond “Present” to be counted as in attendance. Delegates who arrive after roll call must submit a note to the Chair indicating their presence.
Roll Call: The process by which the Chair determines which countries are present in committee sessions. When the Chair calls a country’s name, that country’s delegate must respond “Present” to be counted as in attendance. Delegates who arrive after roll call must submit a note to the Chair indicating their presence.
Roll Call Vote: A voting procedure in which delegates cast a voice vote on a substantive issue, in alphabetical order according to a randomly determined starting country. Delegates may vote “Yes/For”, “No/Against”, “Abstain”, or “Pass”. Two “Pass” votes are equal to an abstention.
Security Council: The governing body of the UN, comprised of ten members on a rotating basis and five permanent members (see Veto Powers). It is responsible for the UN's peace and security policy and responding to conflict through peacekeeping, sanctions and other measures.
Speakers’ List: A list used in formal debate to recognize speakers. The list is specific to a topic or motion, and delegates may add themselves to the list as many times as they wish, providing they are not already on it (i.e. Denmark may re-add itself to a speakers’ list immediately after it yields its current speaking time). Debate on a topic is closed when the Speakers’ List runs out.
Sponsor/Co-sponsor: The sponsor of a working paper or resolution is the main author. Co-sponsors are delegates who sign a working paper or resolution to indicate that they wish to debate it. Co-sponsors are not required to vote in favor of a resolution or to support it in any other way.
UN (United Nations): An international organization created in 1945 following World War II. Its aim is to provide an international collective security arrangement to promote multilateral peace, co-operation, and human rights worldwide. Its legitimacy comes from the UN Charter, and its major bodies include the Security Council, the General Assembly, and various subsidiary committees.
Veto Powers: The five permanent members of the Security Council: China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, and United States (recognized as the primary victors in World War II). These states may exercise a veto in the Security Council, in which a “no” vote by any one of them will cause a resolution to fail.
Working Paper: A preliminary document establishing a committee’s response to a particular topic. Their primary purpose is to facilitate debate on the topic. Delegates may amend working papers without going through formal procedure, though most working papers are eventually adopted as resolutions.
Yield: In formal debate the delegate must yield his/her time at the end of his/her speech. There are three types of yields:
Security Council: The governing body of the UN, comprised of ten members on a rotating basis and five permanent members (see Veto Powers). It is responsible for the UN's peace and security policy and responding to conflict through peacekeeping, sanctions and other measures.
Speakers’ List: A list used in formal debate to recognize speakers. The list is specific to a topic or motion, and delegates may add themselves to the list as many times as they wish, providing they are not already on it (i.e. Denmark may re-add itself to a speakers’ list immediately after it yields its current speaking time). Debate on a topic is closed when the Speakers’ List runs out.
Sponsor/Co-sponsor: The sponsor of a working paper or resolution is the main author. Co-sponsors are delegates who sign a working paper or resolution to indicate that they wish to debate it. Co-sponsors are not required to vote in favor of a resolution or to support it in any other way.
UN (United Nations): An international organization created in 1945 following World War II. Its aim is to provide an international collective security arrangement to promote multilateral peace, co-operation, and human rights worldwide. Its legitimacy comes from the UN Charter, and its major bodies include the Security Council, the General Assembly, and various subsidiary committees.
Veto Powers: The five permanent members of the Security Council: China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, and United States (recognized as the primary victors in World War II). These states may exercise a veto in the Security Council, in which a “no” vote by any one of them will cause a resolution to fail.
Working Paper: A preliminary document establishing a committee’s response to a particular topic. Their primary purpose is to facilitate debate on the topic. Delegates may amend working papers without going through formal procedure, though most working papers are eventually adopted as resolutions.
Yield: In formal debate the delegate must yield his/her time at the end of his/her speech. There are three types of yields:
To the Chair – Speaking time simply expires and the Chair moves back to the Speakers’ List.
To Questions – The Chair will call on other delegates who have questions about the previous speech. Time taken to answer questions will be deducted from the total remaining time.
To Another Delegate – Delegates may yield to another state with an important point to make (i.e. France yields to Canada). Time yielded in this way can not be yielded again; once the second delegate is finished speaking that time simply expires.
To Questions – The Chair will call on other delegates who have questions about the previous speech. Time taken to answer questions will be deducted from the total remaining time.
To Another Delegate – Delegates may yield to another state with an important point to make (i.e. France yields to Canada). Time yielded in this way can not be yielded again; once the second delegate is finished speaking that time simply expires.