MUN Vocab Flashcards
Abstain
During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may abstain rather than vote yes or no. This generally signals that a country does not support the resolution being voted on, but does not oppose it enough to vote no.
Adjourn
All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote to adjourn. This means that the debate is suspended until the next meeting. This can be a short time (e.g., overnight) or a long time (until next year’s conference)
Against
During a voting session, the delegate vote no
Amendment
A change to a draft resolution on the floor. Can be of two types: a “friendly amendment” is supported by the original draft resolution’s sponsors, and is passed automatically, while an “unfriendly amendment” is not supported by the original sponsors and must be voted on by the committee as a whole.
Caucus
a break in formal debate where countries can informally discuss the topics at hand
Unmoderated caucus
have fun and talk, leave their seats to mingle and speak freely about the subject at hand. This is used to sort countries into blocs and write working papers and draft resolutions.
Delegate
Students representative of a country
Moderated caucus
a type of caucus in which delegates remain seated and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a short period of time. This allows for a freer exchange of opinions than would be in formal debate.
Delegation
The entire group of people representing a member state or observer in all committees at a particular Model UN conference. They are usually all from the same school.
Draft resolution
document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, the draft resolution would become a resolution.
Chairs/ president
member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps times, rules on points and motions, and enforces the rules of procedure. Also known as the moderator.
Flow of debate
The order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference. This usually indicates the movement between formal and informal debate and the process of drafting, debating and voting on resolutions.
Gavel
small wooden hammer
Motion
A request made by a delegate that the committee as a whole do something. Some motions might be to go into a caucus, to adjourn, to introduce a draft resolution, or to move into voting procedure.
Placard
A piece of cardstock with a country’s name on it that a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes to speak.
