From 0 to best delegate

Hello, hello, loves. Bea here, and today I will briefly explain how to MUN, or as I like to call it, how to slay diplomatically. It might surprise some of you, but my MUN career only started 2 years ago when I didn't know what MUN was. I joined an association that organized one and attended my first conference without previous training. It was scary, but I made it to Best Delegate. For the record, I have only been a delegate three times, and in two, I have been awarded the title of best delegate!?

For sure, you are as lost as I was the day before my first MUN, or you are preparing yourself for it, so let me give you some tips that you should follow!

Study Guide reading

Reading 30 pages of study guides is exhausting, but I promise you, it is worth it. If you want to read it quickly and easily, go directly to the topic explanation section. Historical content, some insider information, and past resolutions are there. Try taking some overview notes while reading to make the process more efficient. I usually create a list of concepts I found around the explanation besides summarizing the terms.?

Moreover, some chairs like to explain the positions of different country blocks. Try to see what they say about your delegations. If you are wondering about your country's position on the committee in general, go further up to the committee's explanation or search it on your Google or Chat GPT.?

The nightmare of the position paper

Now is the time to put your knowledge into practice. For me, the guidelines Jonas gave in his blog article Crafting the Ultimate Position Paper are perfect for an overview of how to write one. Furthermore, look at the external relations of your delegation and have an overview of the allies, partnerships, and memberships in other International Organizations you may have. For future proposals, search for internal policies of your delegation related to the topic so that you can put them as an example with results and guidelines. It might seem like a whole afternoon of research and writing, but first impressions are essential. Try to write it asap so you can send it on time. Of course, peer reviewing always?

work with your fellow MUN friends.?

Before the conference

Two days before the conference, I reviewed my notes on the study guide, listed possible motions, and brainstormed ideas for speeches. I attempted to make my opening speech similar to my position paper. Your objective will be to give an overview of your position as straightforward as possible, defining the internal situation of your country. To brainstorm motions, I recommend you return to the study guide and find out what the chairs ask you to resolve. For example, it can be the analysis of possible solutions, the establishment of agreements, or ideas for improvement of established policies.?

Also! Remember to review the Rules of Procedure (RoPs), which might vary depending on the conference. And try to have all your MUN outfits ready to be the sensation.

Speeches and motions: committee

• You should note everybody's speeches because several delegations will propose good ideas to tackle the problems described in the study guide.?
• During your speaking time, try to look at the delegates, not at the paper, and demonstrate your emotions and commitment to the topic.?
• Talking about your notepad, write some bullet points or data you need to remember.??
• Sticeak to the time. The chairs appreciate that you are organized and an expert in keeping the time.
• Propose as many motions as possible but also support others. With this, you will generate a good debate, and new proposals might come up for your future resolution.?
• During the General Speakers list, thank all delegations or specific ones for their contributions, highlight some shortcomings that you think are essential, and express your points for future discussions.?

Working paper, draft resolution, and resolution

Remember the questions at the end of your study guide? It is time to answer them! In your working paper, write them down and develop ideas under it. This is a working document where you will explain how you want to tackle each of the issues related to the topic and what you consider essential to consider.?

For your draft resolution, you should develop the perambulatory clauses. Highlight what your allies and you feel is essential: pass resolutions, articles of the treaty for the International Organisation, and specific situations... Use verbs such as remaining, reaffirming, having examined, and deeply...

Try to be as specific and organized as possible for the working clauses. The easy way to divide is by topic: education, economy, health... It all depends on the subject. Moreover, remember this schema:?

[ 1 1a 1ai 1aii 1b ], specify what it will be, the objective, and how it will be done. Use verbs such as draws, affirms, remarks on, encourages... Remember, don't put dots here; use commas! The last clause you will write will be something like: Decides to remain actively seized upon the matter. In my previous MUN, I wrote with my allies 14 working clauses and their explanations.?

Final bullet points

• Try to follow the rules. With this, I am not saying to be on time, also be diplomatic, use your placard, and try to be as polite as possible.?
• Ask as many points of information as you wish if you have any questions about the current debate status or conference-wise.?
• Stick to your country's position and do not do the contrary. Being on the same committee as your friends is fun, but at the end of the day, the skills you learn are the ones you achieve because you step out of your comfort zone and follow a mandate.
• Remember to have fun during the coffee and lunch breaks, meet people, participate in the activities, and go to the after-events. Having a group of friends to get organized to go to this type of event is always fun.?

Lastly, always trust yourself; you have been working for hours and will surely make a fantastic performance. You will slay!

About the Author

Beatriz Santos Mayo is our little Tik Tok star. She is a Spaniard of 20 years old that just came back from her semester abroad in the beautiful city of Istanbul. She is currently an undergraduate in the dutch city of Maastricht, where she studies European Studies. She is passionate about EU′s external relations and its relations with Türkiye. She wants to be a success diplomat in the future, but for the moment she participates in MUNs. Sometimes as chair, others as a delegate, but she always has fun! Her experience has led her to create amazing content in our social media. From tips to funny memes that you can feel represented with, she success to engage the new generation of MUNers around the world.?