How to Write a Resolution Paper
The ultimate goal at any Model United Nations conference is to pass a resolution paper within a committee session. A resolution is a document that defines all issues that need to be solved and gives the proposed solutions to these issues. All debating, speeches, and negotiation on a topic is carried out in order to propose possible ways to resolve an issue at hand. A resolution is written by a group of sponsors (delegates representing different countries) within a committee during un-moderated caucuses (informal periods of interaction within a committee). There are three main steps or parts involved in the creation of a resolution paper. These include:
1. The Heading
The heading includes four critical pieces of information. They are the committee name, the sponsors, the signatories, and the topic of the resolution. The sponsors are the delegates who worked together to produce the resolution. The signatories are other delegates in the committee that aren't necessarily supporters of the resolution but would like to see it debated on the floor of the committee. Below is an image of a typical resolution heading.
1. The Heading
The heading includes four critical pieces of information. They are the committee name, the sponsors, the signatories, and the topic of the resolution. The sponsors are the delegates who worked together to produce the resolution. The signatories are other delegates in the committee that aren't necessarily supporters of the resolution but would like to see it debated on the floor of the committee. Below is an image of a typical resolution heading.
2. Pre-ambulatory Clauses
The pre-ambulatory clause states all the issues that the committee wants to resolve. It may state reasons why the committee is working on an issue and highlight previous international actions on the issue. Below is an image of an example set of pre-ambulatory clauses.
The pre-ambulatory clause states all the issues that the committee wants to resolve. It may state reasons why the committee is working on an issue and highlight previous international actions on the issue. Below is an image of an example set of pre-ambulatory clauses.
To write a pre-ambulatory clause, one must start with a statement that he or she would like to include and add one introduction phrase which will be underlined as in the example above. Below is a list of sample pre-ambulatory phrases to use within a resolution paper.
A pre-ambulatory clause can vary in the number of statements included depending on the topic of the resolution and how detailed it must be.
3. Operative Clauses
The operative clauses are designated to state solutions agreed upon by the sponsors for the issues posed in the pre-ambulatory clauses. Operative clauses are numbered which distinguishes them from pre-ambulatory clauses and allows the issues to be resolved in a logical and orderly manner. Below is an example of the operative clause section of a resolution.
The operative clauses are designated to state solutions agreed upon by the sponsors for the issues posed in the pre-ambulatory clauses. Operative clauses are numbered which distinguishes them from pre-ambulatory clauses and allows the issues to be resolved in a logical and orderly manner. Below is an example of the operative clause section of a resolution.
Operative clauses must too begin with an introductory phrase which should be underlined. Below is a list of sample operative phrases to use within a resolution paper.
Here is a print out of directions on how to write a resolution paper. This may be a valuable resource to bring to conferences where the use of technology is prohibited. Click below to access the PDF document.
resolution_instructions.pdf | |
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