First-timer guide

Drafted by: Marta Klicińska

 Table of Contents
Foreword.................................................................................................................. 3
Preparations............................................................................................................. 4
Research............................................................................................................... 4
➔ Study Guide................................................................................................4
➔ Research strategy........................................................................................5
➔ Sources....................................................................................................... 6
Position Paper....................................................................................................... 6
➔ Writing strategy.......................................................................................... 6
➔ Formatting your Position Paper..................................................................9
Conference.............................................................................................................. 11
Key facts to remember...................................................................................11
➔ Personal pronouns.................................................................................... 11
➔ Pronounce “delegate” correctly................................................................12
Opening Ceremony........................................................................................12
The first General Assembly...........................................................................12
Committee sessions....................................................................................... 13
The second General Assembly...................................................................... 14
Closing Ceremony.........................................................................................14
Foreword
Esteemed delegates,

We are truly delighted that you have chosen to attend our conference. We know
that for many of you this is something completely new. Trust us, we've all started
out our journey with MUNs at some point in our lives, and believe us - each of us
was stressed out before our first debate. In hindsight, however, we know that the
easiest way to reduce stress levels is to prepare well beforehand. That is why we
come to your aid and have prepared this guide for you.

In this document you will find tips on how to prepare for the MUN in the days
leading up to it, what to expect from the general assembly, what the debates are
like and how to perform best, as well as how to understand all the rules that apply
to conference participants. In other words, in this guide you will find an
explanation and explanation in a more informal way of the Rules of Procedure (of
course, due to the length and complexity of the RoP, we will only focus on what is
most important and necessary for you, the beginners). Therefore, if you read the
RoP and the first thing that came to your mind was ‘I don't think I understand’ -
you are in the right place.

Disclaimer: this guide is not a replacement for the RoP - the RoP is an overarching
document, the “First-timer Guide” should only serve as an aid to preparation.

We hope that the guide will prove helpful,

ILSMUN 2024 Secretariat
Preparations
Hello and welcome in the first part of the guide - preparation. In fact, preparation is
fundamental when it comes to having good memories of the MUN, reducing stress
and most importantly having fun. Plus, it's also the one that takes the most time -
especially if you're just starting out. So where do I start?

Research

➔ Study Guide
If you have not yet been sent a Study Guide, you will get one soon. It is from
where we recommend that your conference preparation adventure begins. In it you
will find an introduction to the committee, its functions and how it functions but
also to the topic you will be debating over the three days of the conference. What is
there to remember? Firstly, the study guide contains introductory information about
a couple of countries, in the context of the topic of the debates ahead of you.
Remember that there are a dozen countries in your committee and time is limited -
your chairs will not be able to prepare an introduction for each one of you.
Secondly, each delegate has access to the same information. Therefore, it is not
possible to create an entire position paper using only the Study Guide. Not all
country representatives are sympathetic to you, be prepared that during Points of
Information (POIs), they will draw out information unfavourable to your country.
In conclusion, use the study guide like an introduction to research. It is important
and can help, but it is only the basis.
 ➔ Research strategy
While there is no single recipe for good research, there are a few things that must
not be forgotten. History, National Interests, Political structure, and current
political affairs. Let us start with history. No one expects you to turn up to a
meeting knowing the entire history of your country right from its inception. Most
often, you should be most interested in recent history, because it is the most
influential in shaping international relations. For this reason, the most constructive
research will be as follows: first check the latest news from the state, the issues it
faces (and which are particularly relevant to your state, or relevant to the topic of
debate), then study backwards to understand the context.

Next, national interests. Find out what your state expects from the outcome of your
committee's debates. Start by drawing the red lines - what you cannot agree to and
what you have to achieve. Then identify where you can agree to compromise and
what kind of compromise.

Third, political structure. This is important because, as a representative of that

government, you are limited by whatever restrictions your state employers have.
As a representative of the state, you are limited by what they can and cannot do.
What kind of political structure do you have? Is it the Senate? A democratic
people's republic? A Republic?

And lastly, current political affairs. Closely linked to history. For example, when a
far-right party takes power, the structure does not change, but the agenda and ideas
of the new government change. So find out what party is in power, what the
opposition is, how the authorities look at an issue and what their motivations are,
which also changes your red lines.

➔ Sources
There is such a thing as Motion to Cite The Source. So remember to write down
all the sources you use and put them in position paper (which we will discuss in the
next chapter).

Position Paper

As the name suggests, it is a document in which you present your country's

position on a topic discussed during the proceedings. Tip: don't be afraid to
manipulate the data. Of course, you cannot make up your own sources - there are
measures, such as the already mentioned Motion to Cite the Sources, which are
used to prevent lying. The use of propaganda, or the manipulation of figures and
also exaggeration will all benefit your presentation. Be mindful of the fact that
your position paper is meant to convince readers of your position. Remember that
all of the delegates have been preparing for the same debate as you have - there is
no need to introduce the overall issue that will be discussed in your paper. Focus on
your country’s stance on the issue.

➔ Writing strategy
Our Secretary General has agreed to make one of her position papers available to
us. Using her example, we will explain to you how to write a good position paper.
First of all, we suggest dividing your position paper into three parts. In the first
part, focus on how the problem under discussion manifests itself in your country.
Does it affect citizens? What are its causes? What are the effects? This is the
introductory part that will allow readers to understand your entire paper. You can
see, how she had done it in here:

The delegate of the Republic of France is deeply grateful for the privilege of
participating in this conference and is honoured to engage in the collective pursuit
of sustainable tourism, and protecting biodiversity, in alignment with the
Sustainable Development Goals 8, 14 and 15.
France, as a nation that consistently ranks as the world's top international
tourist destination1, with approximately 117,109,000 arrivals in 2020 despite the
challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizes the paramount
importance of sustainable tourism.
Our commitment to sustainable tourism is driven by the imperative to
provide both international and domestic visitors with infrastructures that are not
only welcoming but also environmentally responsible. This commitment has taken
on added significance as France is set to host the Summer Olympic Games in Paris
in 2024, which will bring a surge of tourists to our capital and other event-hosting
regions.
France's responsibility extends beyond its mainland, as we are caretakers of
various overseas territories, which are home to a rich flora and fauna. These
territories are vital reservoirs of biodiversity, with nine out of ten species unique to
France found within them. While some of these regions fall under European Union
regulations, others do not, posing unique challenges in the application of
international conservation laws.
Then, present the measures already taken by the state to deal with the problem and
show why they are the right solution. Of course, you can also indicate your state's
plans in this area - how it plans to deal with the problem. This is an example:

Nevertheless, France has taken proactive steps to safeguard its biodiversity,

including enacting Law no. 2019-7733 on biodiversity restoration in metropolitan
France and overseas territories. We have forged partnerships with international
organisations and the United Nations, and have appointed a Minister of Ecological
Transition to champion biodiversity preservation within our borders.
In our commitment to protecting marine biodiversity, France has established
546 marine protected areas across metropolitan France and its overseas territories
since 2007. Among these, nine are designated as marine natural parks.
Furthermore, we boast 54 regional nature parks and 11 national parks within our
territory, including three overseas.
The Republic of France recognizes that the primary challenge in
safeguarding biodiversity against the pressures of mass tourism lies in the
economic constraints faced by many tourist-dependent regions and nations. We
acknowledge that overseas territories, in particular, often grapple with limited
resources. To address this challenge, we propose several pragmatic solutions that
do not necessitate excessive infrastructure development or financial expenditure.

In the third section, however, focus on what you, and therefore the state you
represent, expect from the committee and the outcome of the debates. Outline the
actions that can be taken internationally to address the problem. Keep in mind how
your committee works and what capacities it has - you will find this information in
your Study Guide. You can find an example of this section here:
 One of our suggested solutions is the expansion of national parks and
reserves, which can significantly improve the environment without incurring
substantial costs. Additionally, we advocate for the certification of local guides
who operate within these areas, ensuring that only certified guides lead tours and
reducing fraudulent activities while creating sustainable income opportunities for
local communities.
Another strategy involves the implementation of a global tourist tax, an
approach already adopted by numerous cities and countries. Extending this practice
worldwide would serve to promote sustainable tourism and environmental
protection. Tourist taxes have proven their efficacy by generating funds that can be
channelled into projects aligned with sustainability objectives and support workers
indirectly associated with the tourism industry.

And of course, a short conclusion (although not necessary) is a nice touch:

In conclusion, the Republic of France stands committed to the cause of

sustainable tourism and the preservation of biodiversity in the face of new tourism.
We believe that by the use of responsible policies, partnerships, and other
solutions, we can ensure that our natural heritage thrives, as our nation welcomes
visitors from around the world. France is ready to collaborate with fellow nations
to forge a brighter, more sustainable future for our planet.

➔ Formatting your Position Paper

When it comes to formatting, you want the paper to be neat and tidy. Your position
paper should be around 400-600. Do not make it too long, as other delegates
simply won’t have time to read it all. You can see how this can be done with the
example of our PGA’s position paper:
UNICEF_ISRAEL_POSITION_PAPER_FOR_THE_GUIDE
Conference
Key facts to remember

➔ Personal pronouns
Remember that the MUN is not just a typical debate. It is a simulation. Because of
the representative role that delegates play, do not use personal pronouns. This
means that instead of ‘I’, you say ‘The delegate of x’, ‘The representation of x’ (if
you’re not representing a country) or just say the
country's/organisation’s/company’s name or “we”. You can see it on this example:

Incorrect way:
I believe that sanctions should be introduced.

Correct way:
The delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that sanctions should be
introduced.

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that sanctions should be introduced.

The representation of Amnesty International believes that sanctions should be

introduced.

We believe that sanctions should be introduced.

If you still do not understand how to address the General Assembly or your
committee, we recommend watching real debate in a UN committee:
 UN Human Rights Council holds debate on racism and police violence in US…

➔ Pronounce “delegate” correctly

It is “deleg@”, not “deleg8”. Both words mean different things. “Deleg@” means
a person who represents the state, while “deleg8” is a verb. Here is Cambridge’s
guide to the correct pronunciation of the word “delegate”:
https://youtu.be/SZBG8_pAiSo?feature=shared

Opening Ceremony

It is during this ceremony that you will have the opportunity to get to know us, the
ILSMUN secretariat. We will present organisational information and officially
open the conference. In addition, you will have the opportunity to listen to
speeches by inspirational speakers, invited to our conference especially for you.
This is still the pre-simulation part. Do take the opportunity to make new friends.

The first General Assembly

This will be the moment when you can take part in the debate for the first time.
During the General Assembly, the ambassador of each country from the Security
Council will present his or her country and its stance on the topic raised during the
committee's work. This speech is called the Opening Speech. If you are not part of
the Security Council, you do not have to bother with it. However, if this is your
first MUN and you have been assigned to the Security Council, please contact your
Chairs. After each opening speech, all delegates present have the opportunity to
ask questions. These can be not only to the topic the Security Council will be
debating, but also to any other topic relevant to the country that just spoke. These
are called Points of Information. How they should be asked, as well as how to
answer them, will be found in the next section of the guide, entitled ‘Points of
Information’.

Committee sessions

During Committee sessions you will have the Chairboard at your disposal at all
times. Don't be afraid to ask questions - but before you do, check for answers in the
RoP.

The first element of committee sessions is establishing a quorum - checking

attendance. You can choose whether you are ‘present’ or ‘present and voting’.
(NOTE: The second option obliges you to vote throughout the session).

Then it will be time to present your Policy Statements, a condensed version of

your Position Paper. You will present them in an alphabetical order. After your
speech, remember to add ‘The deleg@ yields the floor back to the Chairboard’, and
state whether you are open to Points of Information.

Points of Informations (POIs) are questions to your position paper or, more
generally, your country's policy. There is no limit to what you can ask. Be careful!
Usually these are trick questions, aiming to present your country in a bad light.

After a certain amount of debate time, it will be time to write a draft resolution.
This is a summary of your debate and a proposal for solving the issue your
committee was debating. Do not be afraid - your chair will be there to help you.
Furthermore, there is a detailed description in the RoP of how such a draft
resolution should look like.

The second General Assembly

During the second GA, there will be a vote by all UN members on draft
resolutions, including the one (or ones) you have prepared in your committee.
Voting will take place in an alphabetical order just like at the beginning of your
committee sessions.

Closing Ceremony

After a short coffee break we will return for the closing ceremony. It will be shorter
than the opening ceremony. We will thank you for your participation and there will
be 4 special awards for 4 people from each of the committees. You can find details
on how to get a prize in the last section of the RoP.