Unmoderated Caucus

The Unmoderated Caucus

An unmoderated caucus (unmod) suspends formal debate and allows delegates to move freely, form groups, and negotiate face-to-face. This is where alliances are built, working papers are drafted, and deals are made.

How to Propose One

'The delegation of [country] motions for an unmoderated caucus of [X minutes] for the purpose of [stated purpose].'

Common durations: 10-20 minutes. State a purpose (even though it's not enforced) — it shows intentionality and can frame the committee's priorities.

What to Do During an Unmod

First 2 minutes: Find your core allies — countries you identified during research and whose positions align with yours. Form a cluster. Don't wander aimlessly.

Minutes 3-10: Discuss key operative clauses for a working paper. Assign drafting roles: one person writes, others contribute language. Use a laptop or paper — don't just talk.

Minutes 10-15: Recruit signatories from outside your core bloc. You need a minimum number (usually 1/4 of the committee) to introduce a working paper. Target swing states — countries that haven't committed to a bloc.

Last 2-3 minutes: Review what you have, assign homework for the next unmod, and identify your bloc's next mod caucus topic.

Common Mistakes

• Talking to the same 3 delegates all conference (echo chamber)
• Having no plan when the unmod starts (wasted time)
• Ignoring delegates who approach your group (missed alliances)
• Not producing any written output (working paper) during the unmod