Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Model United Nations, generally referred to as Model Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ) is one of the most popular ways to learn about the United Nations (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ). Educational institutions hold MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ conferences so students can hold Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ-style debates and conversations. However, not all students may be entirely familiar with the roles played by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ diplomats and staff. Therefore, MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ conferences often do not accurately reflect the true Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ decision-making process.
MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ was established only a few years after the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ was created. Yet MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ was not initially monitored by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. The first time that a MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ conference was co-sponsored by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ was in August 2000 at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Headquarters in New York. The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ later organized three GMÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ (Global MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ) conferences in 2009 - 2011. These three conferences led to new Rules of Procedure and a new approach for conducting MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ conferences. This Guide builds on the three conferences' pioneering approach.
Based on these conferences, the Outreach Division of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Department of Global Communications (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDGC) decided to launch a series of workshops to give students and MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ advisors a basic understanding of:
- The General Assembly's (GA's) Rules of Procedure,
- The discussion and action phases of GA Committee meetings,
- How to draft and review resolutions,
- The duties and responsibilities of the GA and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretariat officials, and how to capture the relationship between these two main organs within MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ conferences, and
- The role of consensus in making decisions, and how consensus is achieved.
The main motivation for organizing these workshops is to train MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ advisors in a new approach that more accurately represents the way the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ functions, as well as deepen students' knowledge of diplomacy and the critical role it plays at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.
As a companion to the workshops, this print and digital Official Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Guide to MÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ details the structure, procedures, negotiation processes, and skills needed to conduct a conference that accurately captures the essence of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ decision-making process.
Educational Value of Model Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Conferences
Model Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ conferences help students develop public speaking, writing, and research skills. In addition, they often provide students with their first entry point into international affairs and concepts. These affairs and concepts include peace and security, human rights, development, and rule of law issues.
Yet Model Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ conferences can also teach students about the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ as an institution, its role in world affairs, and the diplomacy involved in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ decisions.
Most Model Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ conferences use Rules of Procedure that prevent students from gaining a true picture and appreciation of how the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ functions. This book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to assist Model Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ programmes in organizing conferences that are more accurate. It also aims to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the role that diplomacy plays in the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ decision-making process.
It is our hope that you will find this Guide a useful resource.