In Model UN procedure, the General Speakers List (GSL) is the default debate format on a topic. Once every delegate on the list has spoken, or once a motion to close the speakers list has passed, no further names can be added. If the committee later wishes to return to formal substantive debate—for instance, after exhausting moderated and unmoderated caucuses, or after a working paper has been introduced and delegates want to address it on the record—a delegate may move to reopen the speakers list.
The motion is typically procedural and, depending on the rules of procedure in use (THIMUN, Harvard, UN4MUN, or a conference-specific hybrid), requires either a simple majority or a two-thirds vote. It is usually non-debatable, though some rulebooks allow two speakers for and two against. Once passed, delegates raise placards to be added to the list, and debate continues at the previously set speaking time unless a separate motion changes it.
Reopening serves several strategic functions:
- It signals that the committee is not yet ready to move to a vote on draft resolutions.
- It allows delegations who arrived late, or who shifted positions during caucusing, to place their stance on the record.
- It can be used as a stalling tactic by blocs seeking more time to negotiate amendments.
Chairs generally retain discretion to rule the motion dilatory if it is raised repeatedly without substantive purpose. The motion is distinct from setting a new speakers list for a different topic, which occurs when the agenda changes. It is also distinct from a motion to extend the speakers list, a term some rulebooks use interchangeably with reopening. Delegates should check their conference's specific rules of procedure, as terminology and voting thresholds vary.
Example
At Harvard WorldMUN 2023, after the speakers list on cybersecurity governance had been closed, a delegate motioned to reopen it so newly-arrived delegations from the Asia-Pacific bloc could formally state their positions before voting bloc.