Resolution Formatting

Resolution formatting refers to the conventions Model UN delegates follow when drafting a resolution so that it visually and structurally mirrors documents produced by United Nations organs such as the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and the Security Council.

A properly formatted MUN resolution typically opens with a heading block identifying the committee, the topic, the sponsors, and the signatories. The body is then divided into two clause types:

• Preambulatory clauses (preambles): justify the resolution by referencing prior UN action, treaties, principles, and the nature of the problem. They begin with italicized participles or adjectives such as Recalling, Reaffirming, Noting with concern, Bearing in mind, Deeply disturbed, and Guided by. Each clause ends with a comma.
• Operative clauses: state the actions the body is taking or recommending. They begin with bolded or underlined active verbs such as Calls upon, Urges, Requests, Decides, Encourages, and Condemns. Operative clauses are numbered sequentially and end with a semicolon, except the final clause, which ends with a period.

Additional conventions include: the entire resolution is technically a single sentence; sub-clauses use lowercase letters (a, b, c) and sub-sub-clauses use roman numerals (i, ii, iii); the document is usually single-spaced with double spacing between clauses; and the verb strength varies by committee — the Security Council can use binding language like Decides under Chapter VII, while the General Assembly is limited to recommendatory verbs.

Formatting expectations vary by conference. Harvard-style conferences (HNMUN, WorldMUN) and THIMUN-style conferences differ on signatory thresholds, sponsor counts, and whether amendments are friendly or unfriendly. Delegates should always consult the rules of procedure provided by their conference secretariat, as dais staff frequently reject working papers that omit required headers or use incorrect clause punctuation.