Caucusing and Negotiation

Formal speeches are the public face of MUN. But the real work happens in caucus — structured and unstructured time for delegates to negotiate directly.

Moderated Caucus

A delegate proposes: "Motion for a moderated caucus on climate financing mechanisms, 10 minutes total, 1 minute per speaker."

If it passes (simple majority), the chair calls on delegates who raise their placards. Everyone speaks on the same focused sub-topic. This is where you show depth on specific issues.

Strategy: Propose moderated caucuses on topics where your country has a strong position. This puts you in a leadership role.

Unmoderated Caucus

A delegate proposes: "Motion for an unmoderated caucus of 15 minutes."

If it passes, formal rules are suspended. Delegates leave their seats, walk around the room, and negotiate face-to-face. This is where:

• Blocs form — groups of countries with similar positions find each other
• Working papers start — you draft resolution ideas on paper
• Deals happen — "We'll support your climate financing clause if you support our technology transfer amendment"

Negotiation in MUN

The key skill in caucus is finding where interests overlap.

Every country has:

• Must-haves — positions they won't compromise on (red lines)
• Nice-to-haves — positions they prefer but can trade
• Tradeable — positions they'll give up to get something else

Good negotiation means knowing your own red lines AND figuring out what other countries' red lines are. When two countries' must-haves don't conflict, there's a deal to be made — even if they disagree on everything else.