Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation where students step into the shoes of diplomats representing countries, non-governmental organizations, or even historical figures in UN-style committees. With over 400 conferences held annually worldwide—from HMUN in Boston to NMUN in New York and THIMUN in The Hague—MUN has become a global platform for debate, diplomacy, and leadership. This guide takes you from your first speech as a delegate to leading a delegation as a Head Delegate, offering concrete strategies, real-world examples, and actionable advice.
Understanding the MUN Ecosystem
MUN conferences are organized by universities, high schools, and independent bodies. The largest include the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) with over 3,000 delegates, the National Model United Nations (NMUN) in New York and Washington D.C., and the Thai Model United Nations (THIMUN) in Singapore. Conferences typically last 3–4 days and feature committees such as the General Assembly (GA), Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Security Council, and specialized bodies like the Historical Security Council or the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Delegate fees vary widely. For example, HMUN charges approximately $100 per delegate for the conference fee, plus lodging at the Sheraton Boston Hotel (around $250 per night). NMUN’s registration fee is about $350 per person, excluding accommodation. Many conferences offer financial aid or scholarship opportunities.
Step 1: Preparing as a Delegate
Research Your Country and Topic
Before the conference, you must understand your assigned country’s foreign policy and the committee’s agenda. Start by reading the Background Guide provided by the conference—it outlines the topics, key terms, and relevant UN resolutions. Then, consult official sources: UN websites, CIA World Factbook, and think tanks like the Council on Foreign Relations. For example, if you represent Japan on the topic of “Ocean Plastic Pollution,” you should know Japan’s national legislation on plastic waste, its involvement in the G20 Osaka Blue Ocean Vision, and its voting record on UN Environment Assembly resolutions.
Draft Your Position Paper
Most conferences require a position paper (1–2 pages) summarizing your country’s stance, past actions, and proposed solutions. A strong position paper follows this structure:
- Header: Committee, topic, country, delegate name.
- Introduction: Brief overview of the issue from your country’s perspective.
- Country’s Policy: Specific actions taken—e.g., “Japan has reduced single-use plastics by 25% since 2018 under the Plastic Resource Circulation Act.”
- Proposed Solutions: Concrete, actionable ideas that align with your country’s interests.
- References: Cite 3–5 credible sources in MLA or APA format.
For example, a position paper on “Cybersecurity” for Estonia would highlight the country’s e-governance infrastructure, its role in NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, and its support for the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on cyber norms.
Master the Rules of Procedure
Most MUNs use Robert’s Rules of Order adapted for UN simulations. Key motions include:
- Motion to set the speaker’s time: Typically 1–2 minutes per speech.
- Motion to introduce a draft resolution: Requires a second.
- Motion to move into voting procedure: Ends debate on a resolution.
- Motion to suspend the meeting (caucus): Moderated caucus (topic-specific) or unmoderated caucus (free discussion).
Practice parliamentary language: “Motion to set the speaker’s time to 90 seconds” or “Point of inquiry to the chair.”
Step 2: During the Conference
First Committee Session
Arrive early, find your country placard, and network with neighboring delegates. The chair will call the roll—respond with “Present” or “Present and voting.” The first session typically includes opening speeches (1–2 minutes each). Deliver a concise speech that states your country’s stance and proposes a solution. For example: “The delegation of Costa Rica believes that linking climate action to debt relief can incentivize developing nations to meet NDC targets.”
Caucusing and Bloc Building
During unmoderated caucus, move around the room to find allies. Identify blocs—groups of countries with similar interests (e.g., the African Group, the EU, the G77). Approach delegates with a clear pitch: “We’re working on a resolution on renewable energy subsidies. Would your delegation be interested in co-submitting?” Exchange contact information (WhatsApp or email) to coordinate outside sessions.
Drafting Resolutions
A draft resolution is the main output of a committee. It consists of:
- Preambulatory clauses (starting with “Affirming,” “Recognizing,” “Noting”) that cite UN resolutions, facts, and principles.
- Operative clauses (starting with “Calls upon,” “Decides,” “Recommends”) that outline specific actions.
Use the UN Documentation Research Guide (research.un.org) to find exact phrasing. For example, an operative clause might read: “Calls upon Member States to allocate at least 0.7% of GNI to Official Development Assistance (ODA) by 2025, as reaffirmed in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.” Each clause should be numbered and include a sponsor (the main author) and signatories (supporters).
Public Speaking and Negotiation
Speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and use the lectern. In moderated caucus, raise your placard when the chair asks for speakers. If you’re not recognized, pass notes to allies to ask them to yield time to you. Negotiate amendments: “We can accept your clause if you remove the reference to carbon taxes, which is a red line for our delegation.”
Step 3: From Delegate to Head Delegate
Becoming a Head Delegate (HD) requires leadership beyond individual performance. As HD, you manage a team of delegates, coordinate logistics, and represent your school or organization. Here’s how to transition:
Build a Strong Delegation
Most delegations consist of 4–20 delegates. As HD, you are responsible for:
- Recruitment: Hold tryouts or interviews. Look for students with strong research, writing, and speaking skills. For example, the University of Chicago MUN team selects members based on a simulated committee session and a position paper.
- Training: Organize weekly practice sessions. Simulate committees with timed speeches, resolution writing, and caucusing. Use past conference topics from Best Delegate for training materials.
- Logistics: Register the delegation, book flights and hotels, and manage fees. For a conference like NMUN New York, the delegation fee is $350 per person, plus airfare (e.g., $400 round-trip from Chicago to New York) and hotel (e.g., $200 per night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Times Square).
Mentor Your Delegates
Provide feedback after each conference session. Use a rubric with categories like “Research,” “Speaking,” “Negotiation,” and “Resolution Writing.” For example, if a delegate struggles with points of information, practice Q&A sessions: “What would you say if Canada asks how your country plans to fund its proposed health initiative?”
Lead by Example
Attend conferences as a delegate yourself—many HDs also serve as delegates in one committee. Demonstrate professionalism: dress in Western business attire (suit and tie for men, pantsuit or skirt suit for women), arrive on time, and maintain diplomatic decorum. At the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN), the Head Delegate often gives a brief speech at the opening ceremony, outlining the delegation’s goals.
Network and Build Reputation
Connect with other HDs and conference secretariats. Attend the MUN Directors’ Conference at the UN Headquarters in New York, organized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA). Join online forums like r/MUN to share resources and advice. A strong network can lead to invitations to exclusive conferences like MUN Refugee Challenge or World MUN.
Advanced Strategies for Head Delegates
Delegate Assignments
Match delegates to committees based on their interests and strengths. For example, assign a delegate with strong public speaking to the Security Council, and a detail-oriented researcher to the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC). Use a spreadsheet to track committee topics, delegate preferences, and deadlines.
Pre-Conference Preparation
Create a shared folder (Google Drive) with:
- Position paper templates
- Sample resolutions from previous conferences
- Rules of procedure cheat sheets
- Contact list of all delegates and emergency numbers
Hold a pre-conference meeting to distribute materials and discuss delegation goals. For instance, if your delegation aims to win “Best Delegation,” each delegate should target at least one award (e.g., “Best Position Paper” or “Honorable Mention”).
During the Conference
Check in with delegates between sessions via a group chat (e.g., WhatsApp). Offer last-minute advice: “The chair just announced that the topic will shift to climate finance. Update your speeches accordingly.” If a delegate faces a crisis (e.g., a personal issue or a difficult committee), step in to mediate or reassign tasks.
Post-Conference Follow-Up
Collect feedback from delegates and compile a report for your school or organization. Include highlights (awards won, resolutions passed) and areas for improvement. For example: “Our delegation won 3 awards at HMUN 2023, but we need to improve time management during caucuses.” Use this report to refine training for the next conference.
Resources and Tools
Books and Guides
- The Model UN Handbook by David Y. Choi (available on Amazon for $24.99)
- How to Win a Model UN by Eric Cox (free PDF on Best Delegate)
- UN Chronicle (online magazine from the UN)
Websites and Databases
Conferences to Consider
- Harvard MUN (HMUN) – Boston, January (registration opens in September)
- National MUN (NMUN) – New York, April (delegation fee $350/person)
- THIMUN – The Hague, January (approx. €400 per delegate)
- UNA-USA MUN – New York, November (scholarships available)
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