OP1

In Model UN drafting shorthand, OP1 refers to the first operative paragraph of a draft resolution. Operative paragraphs are the numbered clauses that follow the preambular section and contain the actual proposals, demands, or actions the body wishes to take. They are conventionally numbered (1, 2, 3...), begin with an underlined action verb, and end with a semicolon — except the final operative clause, which ends with a period.

OP1 carries particular weight because it typically sets out the resolution's headline action or framing commitment. Delegates often reserve it for the strongest, most consensus-ready provision, since amendments and debate frequently concentrate there. A weak or controversial OP1 can signal that the rest of the draft will struggle to attract sponsors.

The verb used in OP1 is governed by the committee's authority. In the UN Security Council, OP1 may use enforcement language such as Decides, Demands, or Authorizes, reflecting binding power under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. In the General Assembly and ECOSOC, which can only recommend, OP1 typically uses softer verbs such as Calls upon, Urges, Recommends, Encourages, or Requests. Most MUN rules of procedure mirror this distinction.

In committee, delegates routinely reference clauses by their shorthand — "I move to amend OP1," "strike OP1," or "merge OP1 of Draft Resolution 1.1 with OP2 of Draft Resolution 1.2." Amendments to OP1 are handled like any other amendment: friendly amendments may be incorporated by the sponsors directly, while unfriendly amendments are voted on by the committee before the resolution as a whole.

Stylistically, a clean OP1 is short, names the responsible actor, specifies the action, and avoids stacking multiple ideas into one clause — those belong in subsequent operative paragraphs or sub-clauses (1(a), 1(b), and so on).