Motion to Introduce

In Model UN, a motion to introduce is the procedural step that brings a draft resolution, amendment, or (in some conferences) a working paper from the dais's queue onto the committee floor for substantive debate. Before a sponsor can move to introduce, the document must usually have been submitted to the chair, checked for formatting, and approved — meaning it meets signatory thresholds and complies with the rules of procedure.

The mechanics vary by conference, but the typical pattern is:

• A delegate raises a motion to introduce draft resolution 1.1 (or the relevant working paper).
• The chair confirms the document has cleared approval and that the required number of sponsors and signatories is present.
• The motion often passes by a simple majority, though many conferences treat introduction as procedural and pass it by acclamation or with a low procedural threshold.
• Once introduced, the document is read aloud, projected, or distributed, and is then eligible for debate, amendment, and eventually voting.

Introduction is not an endorsement. Signatories sign only to see the paper debated, not to support its content, and sponsors retain editorial control. Until a paper is formally introduced, delegates technically cannot reference it on record, though informal lobbying about its contents is standard during unmoderated caucuses.

Conferences using Harvard rules, NMUN rules, and THIMUN procedure each handle introduction slightly differently. THIMUN, for example, emphasizes consensus-building and may require higher signatory counts before a resolution can be introduced. Crisis committees often compress or waive the motion entirely, allowing directives to move faster.

Strategically, timing the motion matters: introducing too early can expose a bloc's draft to hostile amendments; introducing late risks running out of debate time. Experienced delegates coordinate introduction with allies to control the narrative as the committee transitions from caucusing to formal voting procedure.