Motion to Amend the Agenda

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

A procedural motion to change the order in which topics on a committee's agenda are debated, typically after the agenda has already been set.
What majority is needed to amend the agenda?
Can I move to amend the agenda while a draft resolution is on the floor?
Is this the same as moving to the next topic?

Updated June 22, 2026

A procedural motion to change the order in which topics on a committee's agenda are debated, typically after the agenda has already been set.

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Example

At HMUN 2023, after passing a resolution on cybersecurity in the DISEC committee, the delegate of Brazil moved to amend the agenda to take up the committee's second topic on autonomous weapons, and the motion passed by simple majority.

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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.

Frequently asked questions

What majority is needed to amend the agenda?

It depends on the conference's rules of procedure — most use a simple majority, though some require two-thirds. Always confirm with your dais.

Can I move to amend the agenda while a draft resolution is on the floor?

No. The current topic must be resolved or debate closed first; otherwise the chair will rule the motion out of order.

Is this the same as moving to the next topic?

At many conferences, yes — the terms are used interchangeably. At others, 'amend the agenda' specifically means reordering, while 'next topic' is a separate motion.