Resolutions
Master the art of drafting, negotiating, and passing resolutions in committee.
Fundamentals
The Formal UN Resolution Format
As defined by the United Nations, every resolution follows a specific structure that has been standardized across all UN bodies:
Resolution as One Long Sentence
A resolution is grammatically one continuous sentence that begins with the organ name (e.g., 'The General Assembly'), followed by preambular clauses ending in commas, then operative clauses ending in semicolons, with a period only at the very end
Preambular Clauses
Begin with present participle verbs (e.g., 'Recalling', 'Recognizing') and provide context, background, and justification. They are not numbered and each ends with a comma
Operative Clauses
Begin with present tense verbs (e.g., 'Decides', 'Urges') and outline-solid specific actions. They are numbered sequentially and each ends with a semicolon (except the last, which ends with a period)
Header Information
Include committee name, agenda topic, sponsors (main authors), and signatories (supporters) at the top of the document
Document Formatting
Single-spaced, justified text with clear indentation for sub-clauses. Preambular clauses are italicized in some formats
Proper Clause Order
Reference the UN Charter first, then past resolutions, followed by general observations. Operative clauses should flow logically from most important to supporting actions
Resolution Components in Detail
Each component serves a specific purpose in building a comprehensive policy document:
Heading
Committee: [Name] | Topic: [Agenda Item] | Sponsors: [Countries] | Signatories: [Countries]
Preambular Section Purpose
Establishes legal and moral foundation, references previous UN actions, acknowledges current situation, and builds case for action
Operative Section Purpose
Proposes specific actions, assigns responsibilities, establishes timelines, allocates resources, and creates accountability mechanisms
Sub-clauses and Amendments
Use letters (a), (b), (c) for sub-points within operative clauses. Further subdivisions use roman numerals (i), (ii), (iii)
Language Precision
Use clear, unambiguous language. Avoid vague terms. Be specific about who does what, when, and how
Consensus Building Elements
Include compromise language, acknowledge different perspectives, and provide flexibility in implementation where appropriate
Preambular Clause Starters
The UN guide provides these commonly used verbs for beginning preambular paragraphs. Choose words that match your intended tone and purpose:
Acknowledging Context
- •Acknowledging
- •Affirming
- •Aware of
- •Bearing in mind
- •Believing
- •Cognizant of
- •Conscious of
- •Considering
- •Contemplating
- •Convinced
Expressing Concern
- •Alarmed by
- •Concerned
- •Deeply concerned
- •Deeply disturbed
- •Deeply regretting
- •Deploring
- •Desiring
- •Disturbed by
- •Expressing concern
- •Gravely concerned
Building on Past Actions
- •Guided by
- •Having adopted
- •Having considered
- •Having examined
- •Having heard
- •Having received
- •Having studied
- •Keeping in mind
- •Noting further
- •Noting with approval
Establishing Foundation
- •Observing
- •Reaffirming
- •Realizing
- •Recalling
- •Recognizing
- •Referring
- •Seeking
- •Taking into account
- •Taking note
- •Welcoming
Operative Clause Starters
Operative paragraphs use present tense verbs that indicate the level of action. The UN guide categorizes these by strength of language:
Strong Action
- •Condemns
- •Decides
- •Demands
- •Deplores
- •Determines
- •Insists
- •Proclaims
- •Rejects
- •Solemnly affirms
- •Strongly condemns
Recommendations
- •Calls upon
- •Encourages
- •Invites
- •Recommends
- •Requests
- •Suggests
- •Urges
- •Appeals
- •Implores
- •Proposes
Declarations
- •Accepts
- •Affirms
- •Approves
- •Authorizes
- •Confirms
- •Declares
- •Endorses
- •Expresses
- •Notes
- •Supports
Organizational Actions
- •Designates
- •Directs
- •Emphasizes
- •Establishes
- •Further invites
- •Further reminds
- •Instructs
- •Repeats
- •Transmits
- •Trusts
Using 'Further' and 'Also'
According to UN drafting conventions, when repeating verbs in consecutive clauses, use these modifiers:
Further
Use when the same verb appears in consecutive operative clauses (e.g., '3. Urges...', '4. Further urges...')
Also
Use when the same verb appears but not in consecutive clauses (e.g., '3. Requests...', '5. Also requests...')
Combination Usage
Can combine both when appropriate (e.g., 'Further also requests' if both conditions apply)
Drafting & Negotiation
Pre-Drafting Research
Before writing, conduct thorough research to ensure your resolution is grounded in reality:
Review Past Resolutions
Study successful resolutions on similar topics from your committee and others. Note effective language and structure
Understand Committee Powers
Know what your committee can and cannot do. Security Council can authorize force; GA can only recommend
Research Current Situation
Gather recent data, understand all stakeholders, identify root causes and obstacles to previous solutions
Identify Key Players
Know which countries have influence, resources, or special interest in your topic area
Consider Implementation
Think through how proposals would actually work: funding sources, oversight mechanisms, and realistic timelines
Anticipate Opposition
Understand concerns of countries likely to oppose and prepare compromise language
Writing Your First Draft
Follow this systematic approach to create a strong initial draft:
DRAFT RESOLUTION 1.1 Committee: [Your Committee Name] Topic: [Agenda Topic] Sponsors: [Your Country, Allied Countries] The [Committee Name], Recalling [relevant past resolutions with document numbers], Reaffirming [fundamental principles from UN Charter], Recognizing [current situation and challenges], Deeply concerned by [specific problems requiring action], Noting with appreciation [positive developments or efforts], Convinced that [why action is necessary now], 1. Calls upon all member states to [primary action]; 2. Encourages [specific actor] to [specific action] by [timeline]; 3. Requests the Secretary-General to [administrative action]; 4. Establishes [new mechanism/body/fund] with the mandate to: (a) [First responsibility], (b) [Second responsibility], (c) [Third responsibility]; 5. Invites [relevant organizations] to [collaborative action]; 6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Clarity and Brevity Guidelines
The UN emphasizes that operative paragraphs should be concise and use precise language for maximum political impact:
One Action Per Clause
Each operative clause should contain a single clear action. Break complex proposals into multiple numbered clauses
Avoid Redundancy
Don't repeat information between preambular and operative sections. Each clause should add new information
Specific Over General
Replace 'appropriate measures' with specific actions. Define 'regularly' with actual timeframes
Active Voice
Use active construction: 'Requests the Secretary-General to report' not 'Reports should be submitted by'
Plain Language
While maintaining formal tone, use clear language that translates well across all UN languages
Logical Flow
Order clauses from most important to supporting actions. Group related actions together
The Negotiation Process
According to UN drafting guidance, negotiations can occur before or after tabling a draft. Consensus is often reached through informal consultations:
Pre-Draft Consultations
Meet with key delegations before writing to understand positions, identify common ground, and build initial support
Working Paper Stage
Share initial ideas as working papers to gather feedback without formal commitment. Be open to major revisions
Draft Resolution Stage
Once submitted, negotiations focus on specific language. Track all proposed amendments carefully
Informal Negotiations
Most consensus building happens in unmoderated caucuses, corridors, and working meals. Be prepared for these moments
Formal Amendments
Understand your committee's amendment procedures. Friendly amendments require sponsor approval; unfriendly need voting
Compromise Strategies
Offer alternative language, phased implementation, review clauses, or voluntary rather than mandatory language
Building Winning Coalitions
Success requires strategic alliance building throughout the conference:
Identify Natural Allies
Start with countries sharing similar positions, regional partners, or those with aligned interests
Engage the Middle Ground
Focus efforts on undecided delegations who could swing either way. Address their specific concerns
Neutralize Opposition
Understand why countries oppose and offer compromises that address core concerns without weakening your resolution
Use Regional Blocs
Work through regional groups (African Union, EU, etc.) to build broader support efficiently
Leverage Expertise
Partner with countries having technical expertise or special knowledge to strengthen credibility
Maintain Flexibility
Be willing to accept amendments that don't compromise core objectives. Perfect is the enemy of good
Common Negotiation Challenges
Anticipate and prepare for these frequent obstacles:
Competing Resolutions
When multiple drafts exist, seek merger opportunities or differentiate your approach clearly
Sovereignty Concerns
Address fears about interference by emphasizing voluntary compliance and respect for domestic jurisdiction
Funding Disputes
Propose diverse funding sources, voluntary contributions, or phased implementation to reduce cost concerns
Implementation Mechanisms
Balance effectiveness with acceptability. Sometimes reporting requirements are easier to pass than enforcement
Regional Tensions
Be sensitive to historical conflicts and current disputes that may affect coalition building
Last-Minute Changes
Maintain composure when facing surprise amendments. Quick caucuses can often resolve issues
Samples & Advanced
Security Council Resolution Template
This template follows the format for Security Council resolutions addressing international peace and security:
DRAFT RESOLUTION SC/1.1 Committee: Security Council Topic: The Situation in [Country/Region] Sponsors: [Country 1, Country 2, Country 3] The Security Council, Recalling its resolutions [numbers] and the statements of its President concerning [topic], Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of [country], Expressing grave concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation, including [specific issues], Determining that the situation in [country/region] continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security, Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, 1. Demands that all parties immediately cease hostilities and engage in dialogue without preconditions; 2. Decides to establish a peacekeeping operation, to be known as [UNMISSION], for an initial period of twelve months, with a mandate to: (a) Monitor the ceasefire and report violations, (b) Facilitate humanitarian assistance delivery, (c) Support political dialogue between parties; 3. Authorizes [UNMISSION] to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate; 4. Calls upon all Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources; 5. Requests the Secretary-General to report every 90 days on implementation; 6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
General Assembly Resolution Template
This template demonstrates the GA's recommendatory powers on development issues:
DRAFT RESOLUTION GA/1.1 Committee: General Assembly Third Committee Topic: Promoting Sustainable Development Through Education Sponsors: [Countries] The General Assembly, Recalling its resolution 70/1 of 25 September 2015, entitled "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", Reaffirming the right to education as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Recognizing that 244 million children and youth are out of school globally, Deeply concerned by the impact of COVID-19 on educational systems worldwide, Acknowledging the critical role of education in achieving all Sustainable Development Goals, 1. Urges all Member States to increase investment in education to at least 6% of GDP; 2. Encourages the development of digital learning platforms accessible to marginalized communities; 3. Invites UNESCO to expand technical assistance programs for curriculum development; 4. Recommends the establishment of a voluntary fund to support education in crisis situations; 5. Requests the Secretary-General to convene a high-level meeting on education financing; 6. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its seventy-ninth session the item entitled "Education for Sustainable Development".
ECOSOC Resolution Template
This template shows ECOSOC's coordination role in economic and social matters:
DRAFT RESOLUTION ECOSOC/1.1 Committee: Economic and Social Council Topic: Addressing Global Food Security and Nutrition Sponsors: [Countries] The Economic and Social Council, Recalling General Assembly resolution 76/264 on the global food security crisis, Noting with concern that up to 828 million people faced acute hunger in 2022, Recognizing the multiple causes including conflict, climate change, and economic shocks, Emphasizing the need for coordinated action across the UN system, 1. Establishes a Task Force on Food Security comprising FAO, WFP, IFAD, and WHO to: (a) Coordinate emergency response efforts, (b) Develop early warning systems, (c) Provide technical assistance to affected states; 2. Recommends that the General Assembly consider establishing a special fund; 3. Invites the Bretton Woods institutions to expand concessional financing; 4. Encourages regional commissions to facilitate South-South cooperation; 5. Requests subsidiary bodies to mainstream food security considerations; 6. Decides to convene a special session on this matter in six months.
Strategic Language Choices
Master the nuances of diplomatic language to build consensus:
Gradations of Obligation
From strongest to weakest: 'Decides' (binding in SC), 'Urges', 'Calls upon', 'Encourages', 'Invites', 'Suggests'
Constructive Ambiguity
Sometimes precise vagueness helps build consensus: 'appropriate measures', 'in due course', 'as necessary'
Face-Saving Language
Allow countries to change position gracefully: 'Noting evolution of circumstances' rather than highlighting past errors
Conditional Phrasing
Use 'upon request', 'with consent of', 'voluntary basis' to address sovereignty concerns
Progressive Implementation
Phase obligations over time: 'initially', 'as a first step', 'with a view to eventually'
Review Mechanisms
Include sunset clauses or review dates to secure support from hesitant delegations
Complex Resolution Structures
Advanced resolutions may require sophisticated organizational structures:
Multi-Part Operative Sections
Group related clauses under thematic headings using Roman numerals: I. Immediate Measures, II. Long-term Solutions
Annexes and Appendices
Attach detailed implementation plans, terms of reference, or technical specifications as annexes
Cross-References
Link related clauses: 'Pursuant to paragraph 3 above' or 'Without prejudice to paragraph 7'
Institutional Mechanisms
Create working groups, special representatives, or monitoring bodies with clear mandates and reporting lines
Financial Provisions
Detail funding sources, burden-sharing formulas, and financial oversight mechanisms
Legal Safeguards
Include savings clauses: 'Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as...' to prevent misinterpretation
Parliamentary Tactics
Understand procedural strategies for resolution success:
Order of Voting
Influence which resolution is voted on first through strategic use of motions and chair relationships
Division of the Question
Separate controversial clauses for individual voting to save the rest of your resolution
Killer Amendments
Recognize and defend against amendments designed to make your resolution unacceptable to supporters
Roll Call Strategy
Request roll call votes to pressure delegations through public position-taking
Timing Tactics
Submit resolutions at strategic moments when opposition is unprepared or momentum favors passage
Bloc Politics
Understand when to compromise within your bloc versus when to build cross-bloc coalitions
FAQ
How many sponsors do I need for a resolution?
This varies by conference, but typically 3-5 sponsors (main authors) and 10-20% of committee as signatories (supporters). Check your conference rules for specific requirements. Focus on quality of support over quantity.
What's the difference between sponsors and signatories?
Sponsors are the main authors who draft and champion the resolution. They control friendly amendments. Signatories simply support bringing the resolution to debate but may vote against it. Think of sponsors as co-authors and signatories as those saying 'this deserves discussion.'
Can I submit multiple resolutions on the same topic?
Yes, but it's often strategic to merge similar resolutions. If your resolutions address different aspects, ensure they're compatible. Competing resolutions split support, so collaboration usually yields better results than competition.
How do I handle hostile amendments?
First, try negotiating compromise language during unmoderated caucus. If the amendment would gut your resolution, mobilize your coalition to vote it down. Consider accepting minor changes to maintain broader support. Sometimes splitting contentious clauses for separate voting helps.
What if my resolution fails?
Don't give up! Analyze why it failed, address those concerns, and try again. Many successful resolutions pass on second or third attempts after revisions. You can also salvage good ideas by proposing them as amendments to other resolutions.
How detailed should operative clauses be?
Detailed enough to be actionable but flexible enough for implementation. Include specific actors, general timeframes, and clear objectives. Avoid micromanaging implementation details unless crucial. Think 'what, who, when' but leave some 'how' to implementing bodies.
Should I use sub-clauses?
Use sub-clauses when you need to list multiple related actions under one main directive. They're helpful for detailing mandates of new bodies or listing specific measures. Don't overuse them – if sub-clauses become too complex, consider separate operative clauses instead.
How do I reference real UN documents?
Use official document numbers when citing real resolutions (e.g., 'A/RES/70/1'). For Model UN, you can reference actual UN documents to strengthen arguments, but follow your committee's rules about simulated versus real UN continuity.
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