Each delegation is required to submit one resolution. They are written suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions that are to be debated will be chosen by the Chairs of the Committee and will be included in the delegate packages to be distributed before the opening ceremonies.
All resolutions must be emailed to csunaxviii@gmail.com by November 5th, 2012. Include your country name and the attached Microsoft Word documents ending in .doc in the subject of the email e.g. Albania GA, ECOSOC Resolution.
The final results of the discussion, writing, and negotiation are resolutions-written suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are drafted by delegates and voted on by the committee, normally require a simple majority to pass (except in the Security Council). Only Security Council resolutions can compel nations to take action. All other UN bodies use resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions for future action. Remember that when sponsoring or seconding resolutions, delegates must act within their foreign policy!
Preambulatory Clauses
Preambulatory clauses begin with a passive verb. These clauses cannot be amended, therefore all statements made must be accurate. Preambulatory clauses should achieve three things:
I) outline the history of the problems,
II) establish that the problem falls under the mandate and authority of the committee, and
III) demonstrate the need for a resolution.
The preamble may cite the Charter of the United Nations, previous United Nations resolutions or precedents in international law. Not only should the preamble refer to actual events, but it may also include altruistic appeals to common sense or humanitarian instincts of its members with reference to the Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or other such documents. The preamble is important because it provides a frame through which the problem is viewed.
Common First Words of Preamble Clauses
| Affirming | Declaring | Fulfilling | Having examined | Observing |
| Alarmed | Deeply concerned | Fully alarmed | Having received | Reaffirming |
| Appalled by | Deeply conscious | Fully believing | Having studied | Realizing |
| Approving | Deeply disturbed | Further deploring | Keeping in mind | Recalling |
| Aware of | Deeply regretting | Further appalled by | Noting further | Recognizing |
| Believing | Desiring | Guided by | Noting with regret | Referring |
| Bearing in mind | Emphasizing | Having adopted | Noting with satisfaction | Seeking |
| Calling attention | Expecting | Having considered | Noting with deep concern | Taking into account |
| Cognizant of Confident | Expressing its appreciation | Having considered further | Noting further | Taking note |
| Contemplating | Expressing its satisfaction | Having devoted attention | Noting with approval | Viewing with appreciation |
| Convinced | Welcoming |
Operative clauses
Operative clauses begin with an active verb. These clauses can be amended. Operative clauses are the proposed solutions to the problem outlined in the preamble. The clauses may recommend, urge, condemn, encourage or request certain action regarding the existing situation. Each operative clause may only call for one specific action. The action may be as vague as a denunciation of the situation or as concrete as a call for negotiations, cease-fire, or monetary commitment. Use creativity and knowledge to analyze the problem and then propose certain solutions and actions that can alleviate the situation.
Common First Words of Operative Clauses
| Accepts | Considers | Expresses its appreciation | Further resolves | Requests |
| Affirms | Considers strongly | Expresses its hope | Has resolved | Solemnly affirms |
| Approves | Declares accordingly | Further invites | Notes | Strongly condemns |
| Authorizes | Deplores | Further proclaims | Proclaims | Strongly deplores |
| Calls for | Draws attention to | Further recommends | Reaffirms | Suggests |
| Calls upon | Designates | Further reminds | Recommends | Supports |
| Condemns | Emphasizes | Further requests | Reminds | Takes note of |
| Congratulates | Encourages | Regrets | Trusts | |
| Confirms | Endorses | Resolves | Urges |
Remember that when sponsoring or seconding resolutions, delegates must act within their foreign policy.
Amendments
An amendment is a change or clarification of a draft resolution that incorporates additional interests or concerns. Amendments can only be made regarding the operative clauses. There are three types of amendments: (I) non-substantiative, (II) friendly and (III) unfriendly.
Non-Substantiative Ammendments
Non substantiative amendments are corrects of grammar or spelling errors. These amendments are accepted immediately upon submission, without debate, provided that they do not change the intent of the draft resolution.
Friendly
Friendly amendments are changes to the resolution accepted by the resolution’s submitter. These amendments are accepted by the committee without debate.
Unfriendly
Unfriendly amendments are changes to the resolution not accepted by the resolution’s submitter. These amendments must be submitted to the Chair in writing and will be voted on separately.
An acceptable amendment may include:
- Addition/deletion of a word or phrase
- Addition/deletion of an operative clause
An unacceptable amendment may include:
- Amendment of a preambulatory clause
- Amendments which change the intent of the resolution
CSUNA XVIII 