Round Robin

A Round Robin is a structured speaking format used at the start of a Model UN committee session in which the chair calls on each delegation in turn to deliver a short opening statement on the agenda topic. Unlike a standard speakers list, participation is mandatory and the order is typically alphabetical by country name or follows the seating arrangement. Speech length is fixed in advance, most commonly 30, 45, or 60 seconds, and yields to questions or other delegates are generally not permitted.

The format serves several practical purposes. It guarantees that every delegation, including smaller or less assertive ones, gets equal floor time before debate dynamics consolidate around dominant voices. It also gives the dais and the room a rapid map of bloc positions, policy red lines, and likely allies before the first unmoderated caucus. For new delegates, it functions as a low-stakes first speech that lowers the barrier to subsequent interventions.

Round Robins are most common in crisis committees, small specialized agencies, and historical committees where individual positions matter more than in large General Assembly simulations. In committees of 100+ delegates, chairs often skip the Round Robin in favor of an open speakers list for time reasons. Some conferences instead use a moderated Round Robin, where the chair poses a specific question and each delegate answers it briefly.

Procedurally, a Round Robin is not codified in the standard Rules of Procedure used by conferences such as NMUN or THIMUN; it is a chair's prerogative, announced at the opening of committee. Delegates cannot motion for one in the way they would motion for a moderated caucus, though some conferences permit a motion to suspend the Round Robin if time is short.

Strong Round Robin speeches typically include: the country's stance in one sentence, one or two substantive policy points, and an invitation to potential allies. Reading a position paper aloud is generally discouraged.