Resolution Writing Clause by
Clause
Preambulatory
Clauses:
● Basic principles that need to be protected (e.g. Universal Declaration of Human
Rights)
● Recent developments regarding the topic; problems/acts which violate the principles; statistics
to show the urgent need for solutions
● Urgent statements about what could happen if the UN doesn’t agree on
solutions
● Past/recent actions that have helped to address the
topic:
● Actions of the UN: resolutions, declarations, conferences,
protocols, etc
● Actions of regional or non-governmental organizations (preferably under UN
guidance)
● List things that "we" (UN member states) should be aware of as we consider/implement the
solutions:
● Principles from the UN Charter like national sovereignty (the UN tries not to infringe on the
right of individual countries to run their own government)
● Goals or due dates set by the UN, for example the Millennium Development
Goals
Operative Clauses – Solutions The following clauses are listed in the recommended order; however,
you will not necessarily use them all and some may be merged. Usually each clause is a different
solution or a different aspect to solving the problem; try to address the problem in different ways. Sub
clauses describe specific details elaborating on each solution.
● Inclusive clause – start with a clause, to which everyone can agree (e.g. Calls upon all
member states to reconsider their position on...)
● Main objective/solution clause – state your main objective/solution for the resolution (e.g.
Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at
the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts, OR Seeks that all member states
announce an immediate moratorium on...)
● Defining clause – if needed, define the key term in your resolution (e.g. refugee, child
soldier – what characteristics define a refugee/child soldier?)
● Ratifying clause – identify a resolution (or UN treaty, protocol, agreement, etc) that already exists
and call on all countries to either ratify (sign on to it) or fully implement the resolution (e.g. Urges
member states to comply with...)
● Specific steps/actions clauses – describe what specific actions must be taken to achieve
your main objective/solution (stated above) and solve the problem. (One place to start is to
consider an old UN resolution: think about what problems still exist, try to figure out what isn't
working, and identify what changes have occurred in the world since the old resolution was
written).
● Rehabilitation clause – explain how rescued people/places (rescued from whatever drastic
situation) can be rehabilitated and helped to return to ordinary living; consider what support they will
they need.
● Who-will-take-responsibility clause – determine if a UN or international agency already exists
that can be responsible for implementing these steps, or if you need to create a new sub-
committee/commission/agency/treaty, etc. (Be careful not to create a new institution if one already
exists!) Give it a name; describe the composition of the group (number of people, specialists
involved such as doctors, scientists, engineers, administrators; which countries will be invited to take
part in the group); where, when and how many times to meet; goals of the group; specific ways this
group will work to try to achieve these goals.
● UN and private sector partnership clause – identify ways that private business organizations
(small and medium-sized through to transnational businesses) can support UN work towards
humanitarian and development objectives with their technologies, processes, products, funds, and skills.
● Third-party monitoring clause – decide if any of the actions called for in the resolution need a
neutral, independent, third-party group to oversee that the measures will be implemented fairly
and equitably.
(Consider: who will this group report to and how often? What other accountability or
anti-corruption measures can be taken?))
● Incentives clause – what incentives/rewards can be offered to stop the “bad behavior” or
encourage more "good behavior" associated with the issue?
● Punishment clause – what punishments can be used to stop the “bad behavior” associated
with the issue?
● Accountability clause – what will happen if the parties/member nations involved do not follow
through with their responsibilities to implement solutions – e.g. sanctions?
● Time frame clause – always include a time frame for implementation (e.g. Expresses its hope
that the sanctions will be fully lifted within eight years)
● Education clause – educate those people directly involved about how best to deal with the issue
(e.g. law enforcement officials, indigenous people)
● Awareness-raising clause – describe how to increase knowledge of the issue in local
communities / the general public around the globe, e.g. through education: seminars, conferences,
symposiums, and panels; through the media: radio, pamphlets, internet (blogs, social networks),
television, artworks, and celebrity advocacy; through the government: public service
announcements (PSAs), government-sponsored documentaries, and advertising such as on
billboards and public transport, etc
● Funding clause – explain where the resources for your clauses will come from (e.g. NGO & IGOs,
NATO, private sector partnerships, etc) *Even though you are not supposed to focus on funding in
Model UN, it is still possible that delegates will ask POIs about it, so you can be preemptive by
adding this clause
● Information-sharing clause – describe measures that will increase communication between
relevant parties (e.g. annual international conferences on the topic, regular reports to a UN
body, etc)
● Further research and development clause – determine areas that need further
study/consultation/expert involvement to enable the development of valuable new products,
processes, and services, and to improve existing operations.
● Reiteration of main principle/objective/solution clause – the last clause should re-emphasize
your main principle/objective/solution and the positive outcome that will result (e.g. Encourages the
acceleration of international cooperation and coordination of emergency assistance, as well as
rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, thereby reducing the impact of future disasters and
emergencies.)
Remember, a resolution:
● MUST be a plan of action which fits the policies of YOUR COUNTRY as well as the stance of
any country that co-submits/co-sponsors.
● Should use clause-starter words to set the "tone" for the statement which will follow. Tone has to
do with the strength of your conviction about the topic. Therefore, the stronger your country's
conviction about an issue, the stronger the first word.
● Should be clear, succinct and diplomatic in
language.
● Should avoid naming particular countries (with either a positive or negative reference) so as to
appear fair, inclusive, and unbiased.
● Should suggest realistic solutions to a problem;
remember,
● UN peacekeepers are limited in their availability and the amount of force they can
reasonably use
● nations are limited by their economy/geography/resources (etc) as to the kind of action they
can/will be willing to take
● Should indicate how to enforce clauses within the resolution, with appropriate punishments
and/or rewards for nations completing certain clauses in the resolution.
● Should provide suggestions for new solutions rather than re-stating actions or methods that have
already been tried.
● You can build on old protocols and resolutions, but avoid simply restating
them
● Welcome collaboration (amendments, fixes) in your
speeches
