Model United Nations Glossary

The suspension or ending of a meeting or debate until a later time or date.

A formal proposal to change, add, or delete parts of a draft resolution or working paper.

A resource document providing comprehensive information on topics, countries, and issues for delegates.

A concise document providing essential context and facts about a committee’s topic for delegates’ reference.

An award given to the most outstanding participant in a committee based on diplomacy, knowledge, and procedure.

An accolade recognizing the most skilled and effective delegate in a committee. It reflects excellence in diplomacy, research, and public speaking.

An award recognizing the delegate who submits the most thorough and well-written position paper.

A group of delegates or countries with similar interests or policies collaborating to advance common goals.

The process by which countries within a bloc coordinate their positions and voting strategies to present a united front.

The process of forming alliances among countries with shared interests to strengthen negotiation leverage.

A delegate who organizes and represents a group of countries sharing similar interests or positions within a committee.

A coordinated plan among a group of countries with similar interests to influence debate and voting outcomes.

A temporary break in formal debate allowing delegates to discuss issues informally, either moderated or unmoderated.

A delegate appointed or elected to moderate and manage discussions during a caucus, ensuring orderly and productive debate.

An ordered list of delegates who have requested the floor to speak during a moderated caucus or debate.

The authority granted to the committee chair to make procedural decisions or rulings during debate without requiring a vote.

The symbolic tool used by the chair to maintain order and indicate the start or end of sessions.

General agreement among delegates that allows a resolution or decision to pass without formal voting.

A method of decision-making where all delegates agree on a proposal without a formal vote, emphasizing unity.

A consensus decision reached when all but one delegate agree, allowing the committee to move forward despite a single objection.

The evolving storyline and sequence of events that develop during a crisis committee simulation.

An official instruction issued by crisis staff to influence committee developments during a crisis simulation.

A dynamic committee format where delegates respond to evolving scenarios and urgent issues introduced by crisis staff.

A group of organizers who manage and introduce new developments during crisis committees to simulate dynamic scenarios.

Information or developments communicated to delegates during a crisis committee to influence decision-making and actions.

Diplomatic discussions between delegates from different blocs aiming to find common ground on contentious issues.

An official instruction issued by the crisis staff to delegates to introduce new elements or actions in crisis committees.

Special instructions issued by crisis staff to delegates to influence committee developments.

A sub-group of crisis staff responsible for drafting and issuing directives during crisis simulations.

The group of crisis staff members responsible for managing the overall direction and narrative of a crisis committee.

Also called DISEC, a main UNGA committee focused on disarmament, global security, and arms control.

The Disarmament and International Security Committee addressing global security, disarmament, and peacekeeping.

An alliance of two blocs working closely together to influence committee decisions or draft resolutions.

A resolution draft formatted to span two pages, typically used to organize complex operative clauses for clarity.

A formal written proposal containing preambulatory and operative clauses submitted for debate and voting.

A unique identifier assigned to each draft resolution for tracking and reference during committee sessions.

A principal UN organ responsible for coordinating economic, social, and related work among UN agencies.

A principal organ of the UN responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development.

The Economic and Social Council of the UN responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development.

A specific type of crisis directive issued quickly to address urgent developments within a crisis committee.

A special session convened rapidly to address urgent or unforeseen issues within a committee or crisis simulation.

Also known as UNEP, a UN agency coordinating environmental activities and assisting developing countries in environmental policy.

Formal discussion in committee where delegates present speeches and negotiate on draft resolutions and amendments.

A country's strategy in managing its relationships and interactions with other states and international organizations.

A structured discussion format governed by strict rules where delegates speak in turn according to the speaker's list.

A change to a draft resolution supported by its original sponsors that does not require a formal vote to be incorporated.

A delegate who supports a draft resolution or working paper without being a sponsor, signaling endorsement.

A small mallet used by the chair to call the committee to order or signal procedural decisions.

The chair's action of striking the gavel to call the committee to order or signal the start or end of debate.

The use of military force or economic sanctions to influence the behavior of other countries.

Also known as SOCHUM, a UNGA committee focusing on human rights issues and humanitarian concerns worldwide.

A committee of the UN General Assembly focused on social, humanitarian, and human rights issues.

A UN committee focused on issues related to human rights and humanitarian affairs.

An event where delegates campaign and present their case for leadership or awards within a conference setting.

The International Atomic Energy Agency that promotes safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

The International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the UN that settles legal disputes between states.

A private meeting among delegates to negotiate and draft resolutions away from formal committee sessions.

A session where delegates discuss topics without strict procedural rules, allowing free conversation and negotiation.

Casual discussions and negotiations outside of formal sessions aimed at gaining support for resolutions or amendments.

The IAEA promotes safe, peaceful, and secure use of nuclear technology worldwide.

A UN-affiliated organization promoting safe, peaceful, and secure use of nuclear technology worldwide.

The principal judicial organ of the UN that settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions.

The principal judicial organ of the UN that settles legal disputes between states.

The Joint Crisis Committee, a format where multiple committees interact during a crisis simulation.

A crisis committee format where two or more related committees interact dynamically during simulations.

Individuals who facilitate the Joint Crisis Committee by managing the crisis narrative and delegate interactions.

A crisis format combining multiple committees or factions to simulate complex, interconnected scenarios.

A crisis simulation involving two or more committees interacting within a shared crisis environment.

The group of moderators responsible for managing the scenario, rules, and narrative flow in a Joint Crisis Committee.

A crisis directive issued collaboratively by two or more crisis committees to influence the simulation's storyline.

The act of persuading or negotiating with other delegates to gain support for resolutions or positions.

A designated time during a conference when delegates actively engage in negotiation and alliance-building outside formal debate.

The official authority or responsibility given to a UN organ or delegate to act on specific issues.

A structured debate format where the chair calls on delegates to speak on a specific topic for a limited time.

The process of setting specific time limits and speaking order during a moderated caucus to focus debate on a particular topic.

A formal proposal to end the current meeting or session immediately, requiring a vote for approval.

A procedural request to challenge the chair's ruling on a point of order or parliamentary inquiry, requiring a vote by the committee.

A procedural motion to end debate on the current topic and proceed to voting on draft resolutions or amendments.

A procedural motion to split a draft resolution or clause into separate parts for individual voting.

A motion to restrict the time allocated for debating a particular topic or draft resolution.

A parliamentary procedure allowing the committee to temporarily pause formal debate and resume later without adjourning the session entirely.

A procedural motion allowing delegates to reopen debate on a previously decided topic or resolution during a committee session.

A procedural motion proposing the order in which topics will be debated during the committee session.

A procedural motion to temporarily pause the committee proceedings for a specified period or until the chair calls the meeting back to order.

A procedural motion to temporarily suspend debate on a particular topic or draft resolution, effectively postponing discussion until later in the session.

A diplomatic approach where multiple countries collaborate on common issues through international institutions or agreements.

An independent group that participates in UN activities without government affiliation or voting rights.

An independent organization that participates in UN activities and advocacy but is not a member state.

An amendment that clarifies or corrects language without changing the meaning or intent of a clause.

A delegate's initial presentation outlining their country's position and priorities at the start of committee sessions.

A clause in a resolution that outlines specific actions or recommendations to be implemented by member states or the UN.

A clause in a resolution that outlines specific actions or recommendations for the committee to adopt.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

A UN mission deploying military and civilian personnel to help maintain peace and security in conflict areas.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

A sign displayed by delegates to identify their country during formal debate and voting procedures.

The process by which a delegate gains the floor to speak by raising their placard and being acknowledged by the chair.

A question posed by a delegate to the speaker during or after a speech for clarification or challenge.

An interjection by a delegate to draw attention to a breach in parliamentary procedure requiring immediate correction.

A question raised by a delegate to the chair seeking clarification on rules or procedures during a committee session.

A procedural point raised when a delegate experiences personal discomfort affecting their participation.

A procedural tool used by delegates to question or correct the application of rules during debate.

A point raised by a delegate when their ability to participate is impaired, such as hearing difficulties or discomfort.

A concise document outlining a country's official stance and policies on agenda topics to guide debate and negotiation.

A document summarizing a country's official stance and proposed solutions on committee topics.

Guidelines on how to structure and present a position paper, including sections like country stance, policy proposals, and citations.

A standardized scoring guide used by judges to evaluate the quality, clarity, and content of delegates’ position papers.

A section in a resolution that provides background, context, and justification for the actions proposed in the operative clauses.

An official statement issued during crisis committees to inform delegates about developments or changes in the scenario.

The minimum number of delegates required to be present for a committee to conduct official business and make decisions.

A procedure to confirm that the minimum number of delegates is present to conduct official committee business.

The minimum number of delegates required to be present for a committee to conduct official business and make decisions.

A temporary suspension of a meeting or debate, after which the committee reconvenes to continue business.

The unique identifier assigned to a draft resolution once it is formally submitted for debate and voting.

A procedural opportunity for a delegate to respond to statements that personally or nationally offend them during debate.

A formal procedure where delegates respond present or absent during the opening of a committee or for votes.

A voting procedure where each delegate's vote is recorded individually by name or country.

The administrative body of the UN responsible for executing day-to-day operations and supporting other organs.

One of the six principal organs of the UN responsible for maintaining international peace and security with fifteen member states, including five permanent members with veto power.

The UN organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security with authority to impose sanctions.

A binding decision adopted by the United Nations Security Council addressing issues of international peace and security.

The power of any of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to unilaterally block the adoption of a substantive resolution.

A delegate who supports a draft resolution or working paper but does not take full responsibility as a sponsor.

The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee of the UN General Assembly focusing on human rights and social issues.

Also known as SOCHUM, a main UNGA committee focusing on human rights, humanitarian affairs, and social issues.

A main UN General Assembly committee addressing human rights, humanitarian affairs, and social issues.

The ability of a country to influence others through cultural appeal, diplomacy, and values rather than coercion.

The use of cultural influence, diplomacy, and persuasion rather than military force to achieve international objectives.

The principle that states have full authority over their territory and domestic affairs without external interference.

A list maintained by the chair that tracks the order of delegates wishing to speak during formal debate sessions.

A main UNGA committee focused on political issues, decolonization, peacekeeping, and related matters.

A main committee of the UN General Assembly focusing on decolonization, peacekeeping, and political issues.

A main UN General Assembly committee addressing issues like decolonization, peacekeeping, and political questions.

An autonomous organization affiliated with the UN that focuses on specific areas like health, labor, or agriculture.

A delegate or country that authors and supports a draft resolution or working paper, taking responsibility for its content.

The list of delegates who formally support and take responsibility for a draft resolution or amendment.

The act of formally supporting a draft resolution or working paper by being listed as a sponsor, indicating active involvement in its creation.

A committee or working group established under a main UN organ to focus on specific issues.

An amendment that significantly alters the content or intent of a draft resolution, often requiring debate and voting.

The part of committee discussion focused on the content and merits of a topic, as opposed to procedural or administrative matters.

A vote on the main content of a draft resolution or amendment, as opposed to procedural matters.

A motion to temporarily halt committee sessions, allowing delegates to caucus or consult informally.

The United Nations Environment Programme coordinating global environmental activities and assisting developing countries.

An amendment proposed to a draft resolution without the original sponsors' consent, requiring a formal vote for adoption.

A delegate who signs a draft resolution but does not fully support it and may propose amendments against it.

The United Nations agency responsible for protecting and supporting refugees and displaced persons worldwide.

The United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.

A principal UN organ responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development.

A UN agency responsible for coordinating environmental activities and assisting developing countries in environmental policy.

A UN agency mandated to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide.

A UN agency mandated to protect and support refugees worldwide.

A flexible debate period where delegates freely discuss and negotiate without formal speaking order or moderation.

The process by which the chair determines the length of an unmoderated caucus based on delegate proposals and committee needs. It balances discussion freedom and time management.

A theoretical procedure in which the General Assembly or other body attempts to bypass a Security Council veto.

The ability of any of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to reject a substantive draft resolution, preventing its adoption.

An informal document used to share ideas and draft proposals before formal submission as a draft resolution.

The act of a speaker giving their remaining speaking time to another delegate or the chair during formal debate.

The act of a delegate giving their remaining speaking time to another delegate or the chair during debate.

A delegate's option to transfer remaining speaking time to a fellow delegate instead of to the chair or yielding time.

When a delegate finishes their speech and yields their remaining time back to the chair for further instructions.

A delegate’s choice to allow other delegates to ask questions after delivering a speech within their allotted time.

The act of a delegate giving their remaining speech time to another delegate or the chair. It allows flexible use of allocated speaking periods during debate.

An initial, informal version of a draft resolution circulated to gather feedback before formal submission.