The writing of a brief but
comprehensive policy statement is a fundamental step of MUN
preparation. Each delegate must write one policy statement on an issue. The policy statement serves three important purposes. First, it
allows the delegate an opportunity to think his/her policy out more thoroughly;
secondly, it server the greater need of his/her delegation to have a document
which contains the country’s policy on all the issues at the conference so that
there will be consistency in policy among the various members of the
delegation. Ideally, each delegate should have some familiarity with all the
issues so that he/she is comfortable in representing his country’s view. The third important function of the policy
statement is to act as an outline for the draft resolution.
In order to be able to
formulate a policy, both in writing (policy statement
and resolution) and in
speaking (lobbying, opening speech and debating), students need to know all
about their country, have specific knowledge of the issues on the
agenda and listen to the opinion of experts. Students should not become
frustrated if their country apparently lacks a well-defined policy on some
issues. Even where policy statements on the specific issues are available from the
country concerned, simply becoming familiar with them is not sufficient for
active participation in the MUN. In most cases the significance of any
particular issue for a country will change as circumstances and events develop
and, consequently, so will its policy. Preparation for participation can only
be really done well if students are thinking as representatives of their
assigned country, and formulating policy as such representatives.
There is an element of
creativity in MUN preparation and participation, which is not
realistically available to professional diplomats. Although students
should be as realistic and as professional as possible, they should allow themselves some imaginative thinking on issues, while
remaining within the realm of their country’s position.
Breakthroughs in diplomacy do not occur by strict adherence to the
status quo, but delegates should not jeopardize or
sacrifice their country’s legitimate interests while seeking a breakthrough.
1.
An explanation and definition of the issue and its
key terms as they appear on the agenda.
2.
A background summary of recent international events
related to the action in question.
3.
Some reference to key documents relating to the
issue (underlined).
4.
A general statement of the country’s position on the
issue.
5.
Specific suggestions for a solution to the question
(to serve as the first draft for the operative clauses of a
resolution).
Political Structures Natural
Resources
Origin of
Political Structures Basic
Commodities
Constitution and
Government Trade
Agreements
Stability and
Policy of Present Degree
of Self-sufficiency
Cultural Factors Defense
Ethnic Groups Military
Structure
Religions Dependency
on Other Nations
Cultural History Membership
of Alliances
Bordering
Countries Role
and Influence in the World
Topography Membership
of Blocks and
Geo-political
Considerations Geo-political
groupings
Monetary System General
Dependency and
Debt Last
50 years
Membership of
Economic and Recent
History
Trade
Organizations
1.
Keep abreast of the developments in the
international news.
2.
Read about the historical and geo-political
background to the issues.
3.
Study UN resolutions, reports and documents relating
to the issues.
1.
Visit or write to the nearest embassy, consulate or
trade delegation for the country being represented.
2.
Visit or write to the foreign ministry of your
country of residence.
3.
Write to the country’s delegation to the United
Nations.
4.
Write or visit local organizations and experts in
the specific fields (e.g. the United Nations Association,
Amnesty International, Greenpeace, political parties and
government spokesmen, teachers, environmentalists, scientists, economists).
FORUM: SECURITY
COUNCIL
QUESTION:
TERRORISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The
It is