In Model UN, the introduction threshold is the minimum number of delegate signatures (or sponsors, depending on the rules) a draft resolution, amendment, or working paper must collect before the dais will accept it for formal introduction to the committee. Once introduced, the document is copied, distributed, projected, and becomes debatable and amendable; before introduction, it has no formal status and cannot be referenced in speeches.
The exact number is set by each conference's Rules of Procedure, not by any UN instrument. Common conventions include:
- 20% of the committee (a frequent default at large North American conferences such as NMUN and HNMUN).
- A flat number such as 10 or 15 signatures in smaller committees or crisis cabinets.
- One-fifth or one-quarter in Harvard-style and THIMUN-style circuits respectively, with THIMUN often requiring a higher share because resolutions are pre-written and merged.
- Sponsors only (rather than signatories) in some crisis or specialized agencies, where 2–5 sponsors may suffice.
A signatory typically signals only that the delegate wishes to see the document debated, not that they support its content; a sponsor is an author who endorses the text. The introduction threshold therefore measures interest, not consensus, and is deliberately set low enough to allow multiple competing drafts.
Procedurally, the chair verifies signatures, assigns the paper a designation (e.g., Draft Resolution 1.1), and entertains a motion to introduce, which is usually treated as procedural and may pass by simple majority or even by acclamation. Failing to meet the threshold is one of the most common reasons working papers stall late in a committee session, which is why experienced delegates begin signature-gathering during the first unmoderated caucus rather than waiting until drafting is complete.
Thresholds for amendments are usually lower (often a single-digit number of signatories), and friendly amendments, where permitted, may require no signatures beyond the sponsors' unanimous consent.
Example
At NMUN New York 2023, draft resolutions in the General Assembly Plenary required signatures from roughly 20% of present delegations before the dais would accept them for introduction.
Frequently asked questions
Sponsors are authors who endorse the text and are usually counted toward the threshold; signatories merely want to see the document debated and do not have to vote for it. Most conferences allow either to count, though some require a minimum number of sponsors specifically.
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