Winning Best Delegate is the highest individual honor at any Model United Nations conference. It signifies that a delegate not only represented their country accurately but also demonstrated exceptional diplomacy, leadership, and negotiation skills. This guide breaks down the proven strategies used by award-winning delegates, from pre-conference preparation to final gavel.
1. Master Pre-Conference Research
Thorough research is the foundation of a Best Delegate performance. Without it, you cannot convincingly represent your country or contribute substantively to debate.
Understand Your Country’s Policy
Start by reading your country’s official statements on the committee topics. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or use resources like the Finding Reliable Sources for Country Research article. For example, if representing France on disarmament, review France’s positions at the UN General Assembly First Committee. Note key allies and adversaries.
Know the Committee and Topic
Read the background guide thoroughly. Then research beyond it: look up UN resolutions, treaties, and reports. For historical committees, study the actual events and your country’s role. Use the Country Research Template to organize your findings.
Prepare a Position Paper
Most conferences require a position paper. Even if optional, writing one forces you to clarify your stance. Follow the Position Paper Structure and Outline and check Position Paper Examples by Committee for models. Avoid common errors listed in Common Position Paper Mistakes.
2. Dominate Formal Debate
Formal debate—speaker’s list and moderated caucus—is where you make your first impression. Best Delegates speak early and often.
Write a Strong Opening Speech
Your first speech should state your country’s position, propose a specific solution, and invite collaboration. Keep it under one minute (most conferences give 60-90 seconds). Example opening: “The delegation of Ghana believes that climate financing must prioritize adaptation in developing nations. We propose a Green Climate Fund mechanism that reduces interest rates for small island states. We invite like-minded delegations to co-author a working paper.”
Use Substantive Points
Every speech should include a fact, a policy reference, or a concrete proposal. Avoid vague statements. For instance, instead of “We need to help refugees,” say “Jordan hosts over 650,000 Syrian refugees—that’s 10% of its population. We urge burden-sharing through increased UNHCR funding.”
Yield Time Strategically
Yield to questions to engage others, or yield to the chair if you have nothing to add. Never yield to another delegate unless you trust them to support your points.
3. Excel in Unmoderated Caucus
Unmoderated caucus (unmod) is where resolutions are written and blocs formed. Best Delegates are the organizers, not bystanders.
Form a Bloc Early
Identify 5-10 delegates with similar positions during the first caucus. Exchange position papers or notes. Propose a working paper. Use the Understanding Country Policy and Stances guide to find natural allies.
Lead the Writing Process
Bring a laptop or tablet with a template resolution. Draft clauses while others discuss. Delegate tasks: one person writes preambulatory clauses, another operative clauses, another edits. Keep your bloc focused on one or two substantive solutions rather than a laundry list.
Negotiate with Other Blocs
Merge clauses with opposing blocs to broaden support. Trade concessions: “We’ll include your language on capacity-building if you support our funding mechanism.” Always keep your policy red lines—don’t agree to something your country opposes.
4. Write a Winning Resolution
The final resolution is the committee’s product, but Best Delegates ensure their ideas are central.
Use Proper Formatting
Follow the UN style: preambulatory clauses ending with commas, operative clauses ending with semicolons, and a period after the last clause. Number clauses sequentially. Include the committee name, topic, and sponsors.
Include Actionable Operative Clauses
Avoid “calls upon” without specifics. Instead, use “establishes,” “mandates,” “requests the Secretary-General to.” Example: “3. Establishes a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, capitalized at USD 500 million annually, to be administered by the Green Climate Fund.”
Ensure Signatories and Sponsors
Get at least 20% of the committee as signatories (they don’t have to agree, just want debate). Sponsors must support the resolution. Best Delegates often have the most sponsors because they built the largest bloc.
5. Perform in Voting Bloc
Voting bloc is your final chance to persuade. Use speeches to explain why your resolution is best and why others should be voted down—diplomatically.
Make a Strong Final Speech
Summarize your resolution’s key points, emphasize its feasibility, and urge adoption. For example: “Our resolution is the only one that includes a binding emissions target, a monitoring mechanism, and a fund for developing countries. We have 15 sponsors representing all regions. Vote yes for action.”
Vote Strategically
If you have a second resolution, vote against competing ones. But don’t be hostile—maintain decorum. The chair and dais notice professionalism.
6. Master Crisis Committees (If Applicable)
Many conferences have crisis committees. Best Delegate in crisis requires different skills.
Understand Crisis Rules
Read Crisis Committee Rules and Procedures beforehand. Know that you can issue directives, press releases, and portfolio actions.
Write Crises Frequently
Send crisis notes to the dais every 15-20 minutes. Each note should advance your personal agenda or help your bloc. Example: “As Minister of Defense, I authorize a covert cyber operation to disrupt the enemy’s communication network.” Keep notes realistic and within your portfolio powers.
Adapt Quickly
Crisis updates change the committee reality. Best Delegates pivot their strategy within minutes. If a nuclear plant melts down, propose an evacuation plan immediately. Be the first to respond.
7. Demonstrate Leadership and Diplomacy
Beyond speeches and resolutions, Best Delegates display certain behaviors that dais members reward.
Be Respectful to All
Treat every delegate, chair, and staff with respect. Don’t interrupt, don’t roll your eyes. Use diplomatic language: “I respectfully disagree with the delegate of Russia because…” instead of “That’s wrong.”
Dress Professionally
Western business attire: suit and tie for men, professional dress or suit for women. First impressions matter. A well-dressed delegate appears more credible.
Take Notes
Keep a notepad with key points from each speech, allies’ positions, and your talking points. This helps you reference others’ ideas in your speeches, showing you listen.
Collaborate with the Dais
If you have questions about procedure, ask the dais politely. Volunteers often appreciate delegates who help maintain order. Never argue with the chair publicly.
Conclusion
Winning Best Delegate is not about being the loudest or most aggressive. It’s about being the most prepared, strategic, and diplomatic. Focus on research, build a strong bloc, write substantive resolutions, and maintain professionalism throughout. With practice, you can consistently earn top awards.