Motion to Amend the Agenda

In Model UN, a motion to amend the agenda is used when delegates want to reorder the topics a committee will address after the original agenda order has already been adopted. Most committees open with two or three topic areas listed in the background guide; the first procedural vote of the conference is usually a motion to set the agenda (e.g., "Topic A before Topic B"). A motion to amend the agenda comes later — typically after the first topic has been debated and a resolution passed or tabled — to formally move the body to the next topic, or in some rulebooks to swap the remaining order.

The motion's treatment varies by rules of procedure:

• Under THIMUN-style procedure, agendas are often single-topic, so the motion rarely arises.
• Under Harvard/NMUN-style Robert's Rules adaptations, moving to the next topic is sometimes phrased as a motion to change or amend the agenda, requiring a simple majority and often debated with speakers for and against.
• Some conferences instead use a distinct "motion to move to the next topic on the agenda," reserving "amend the agenda" for reordering before voting bloc.

Procedurally, the motion is not in order while a draft resolution or amendment is on the floor; the current topic must be closed first (via a motion to close debate or to table). A chair may rule the motion dilatory if it is used to escape an unfavorable vote count on the current topic.

Delegates use this motion strategically: a bloc that has secured passage of its resolution on Topic A may push to amend the agenda quickly to consolidate political capital on Topic B, while opponents may resist to keep debate open. Always check the specific conference's rules of procedure — the threshold (simple majority vs. two-thirds), debate format, and timing all differ.