Diplomatic etiquette is the customary code of behavior that regulates how representatives of states (or, in a Model UN context, delegates representing them) interact in formal proceedings. It covers forms of address, speech register, dress, seating, precedence, and the procedural courtesies that keep multilateral debate civil even when substantive disagreement is sharp.
In Model UN, the core expectations are:
- Third-person address. Delegates refer to themselves as "the delegate of [country]" or "this delegation," not "I" or "me." Other delegates are addressed through the chair, e.g., "Would the delegate of France yield to a question?"
- Recognition before speaking. A delegate speaks only after being recognized by the chair (often the Dais, President, or Chairperson). Interrupting another speaker outside of a permitted point is considered out of order.
- Country, not person. Critique policy positions, never the individual delegate. Personal attacks (ad hominem) are typically grounds for a Right of Reply or a ruling from the chair.
- Formal register. Slang, sarcasm aimed at delegations, and casual asides are avoided. Even strong disagreement is phrased diplomatically ("this delegation regrets" rather than "you are wrong").
- Dress code. Western business attire is the default in most circuits; some conferences permit national dress.
- Procedural courtesies. Thanking the chair before speaking, yielding remaining time properly, and not entering or leaving during voting procedure.
Real-world diplomatic etiquette is partly codified — the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations governs immunities, precedence, and the treatment of missions — and partly customary, drawing on centuries of practice systematized at the 1815 Congress of Vienna, which standardized diplomatic ranks. The UN General Assembly and Security Council follow their own Rules of Procedure, and protocol offices in foreign ministries (and the UN Chief of Protocol) advise on seating, order of speakers, and ceremonial matters.
For delegates, mastering etiquette signals seriousness and makes substantive arguments land more credibly with chairs and peers.
Example
During the 2023 Harvard WorldMUN General Assembly, a delegate was asked to rephrase remarks after addressing another representative directly as "you" instead of referring to "the delegate of Brazil" through the chair.
Frequently asked questions
To reinforce that they represent a state, not themselves personally, and to keep debate focused on policy rather than individuals.
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