The General Speakers List (GSL), sometimes called the General Speakers' List or simply the speakers list, is the standing queue of delegates who wish to address the committee on the topic as a whole. It is opened immediately after a topic is set and remains open by default whenever no other form of debate (moderated caucus, unmoderated caucus, voting procedure) is in progress. When other motions expire or fail, debate automatically returns to the GSL.
Delegates are added by raising their placard when the chair asks who wishes to be added, or by sending a note to the dais. Each speaker is given the same speaking time, set by an earlier procedural motion (commonly 60, 90, or 120 seconds). Unused time can typically be yielded to another delegate, to questions, to comments, or back to the chair, depending on the conference's rules of procedure (Harvard, NMUN, and THIMUN rule sets differ on this point).
The GSL serves several functions:
- It guarantees every delegation a chance to state its national position.
- It provides a fallback structure so debate never stalls procedurally.
- It signals substantive engagement, since blocs often coordinate GSL speeches to introduce or defend draft resolutions.
Closing the GSL is significant: a successful motion to close the speakers list means no new names may be added, and once the remaining speakers finish, the committee moves directly into voting procedure on the topic. For this reason, experienced delegates track who remains on the list before supporting closure.
The GSL is distinct from the moderated caucus speakers list, which is opened only for the duration of a specific moderated caucus and dissolves when that caucus ends.
Example
At NMUN New York 2023, the DISEC chair opened the General Speakers List immediately after delegates voted to set the agenda on lethal autonomous weapons, with speaking time set at 90 seconds.