Resolutions and How to Write Them

 

One page* resolutions will be prepared by delegates while in committee. These resolutions will become the foundation of the interactions between delegates as they seek the requisite number of signatures (three) to present the resolution for approval. Keep in mind that resolutions are subject to change and modifications through amendments in order to gain support for passage from other delegates.   (* May exceed one page once amendments are added.)

Usually, delegates develop their resolution in the committee caucusing, by meeting with delegates that would most likely sponsor and support the intended resolution, thereby developing a resolution statement that will garner support and be likely to pass in committee. This activity involves compromise, cooperation, and the ability to listen to and understand other countries' positions and reach an amenable agreement.

Remember that all proposed resolutions must be submitted to your committee chair before presentation to the committee. Since all delegates in your committee will require copies of your proposed resolution, duplicating facilities will be provided.
 

How to Write a Resolution

Since most of the business of Model United Nations is conducted through resolutions, the ability to write a resolution is important for active participation. Resolutions along with amendments are the basis for substantive debate and negotiation. A resolution is prepared by an individual nation or by a group of nations. Once a resolution is passed it is the official policy of the body that passed it. In writing a resolution, keep in mind the specific capabilities of the body being simulated.

While most resolutions state policy, some may include an entire treaty, declaration, or convention. Resolutions can be either general statements or directives to specific organizations, U.N. bodies, or states. They can condemn actions of states, call for collective actions, or, as in the case of the Security Council, require economic or military sanctions.

Each resolution is a single sentence, with the different sections separated by semi-colons and commas. The subject of the sentence is the organ making the statement such as the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and the Security Council.

The remainder of the resolution is divided into two parts: preambulatory and operative clauses. The preambulatory clauses are justifications for actions. They usually begin with a participle and denote Charter authorizations for actions, past resolutions precedent, and statements about particular purposes for the action.

Operative clauses are the policy portion of the resolution. Each of these starts with the verb, and taken as a whole, deals with one idea arranged in logical progression. Each clause should not be a collection of unrelated statements on a broad topic, but should deal with only one aspect of the problem.
 

 

 

Phrases for introducing resolutions

Preambulatory phrases

Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Aware of
Believing
Bearing in mind
Confident
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Desiring
Emphasizing
Expecting
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its satisfaction
Fulfilling
Fully aware
Fully alarmed
Fully believing
Further deploring
Further recalling
Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered further
Having devoted attention
Having examined
Having studies
Having heard
Having received
Keeping in mind
Noting with regret
Noting with satisfaction
Noting with deep concern
Noting further
Noting with approval
Observing
Realizing
Reaffirming
Recalling
Recognizing
Referring
Seeking
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Taking note
Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming

Operative phrases

Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls upon
Condemns
Congratulates
Confirms
Considers
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Draws the attention
Designates
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its appreciation
Expresses its hope
Further invites
Further proclaims
Further reminds
Further recommends
Further resolves
Further requests
Have resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends
Reminds
Regrets
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Trusts
Takes note of
Transmits
Urges