How to evaluate a Model UN Resolution

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As a delegate to the Model United Nations, you’ll be looking at many resolutions submitted by other nations. How will your country vote? Here are some things you might think about when evaluating a resolution and deciding how to vote.

Remember, in Model UN, we’re trying to work together to find answers. It’s okay to criticize someone’s ideas, but it’s equally important to come up with suggestions for making a resolution better.  The spirit of Gateway Model UN is to be constructive and supportive of other peoples’ ideas and work. If you think a resolution—or part of a resolution—is good, say something POSITIVE about it.

Preamble: This section should state the problem that needs to be addressed. It also should state the reasons behind the resolution—the principles that it violates. This is where the sponsors try to convince you that the problem needs to be solved.

Questions to ask about the preamble:

1. Does it state the problem clearly? Can you understand exactly what the resolution is about? Is it specific enough, or is it too general? What changes would you suggest to make this part of the resolution better?
    

2. Think about the sponsoring nation[s]. Are they asking for help just for their own country, or are they trying to help other parts of the world? Why are they interested in solving this problem? Are their reasons selfish or for the good of others, too? Could they get more support if they made the resolution apply to other countries, too?
    

3. How relevant are the principles the sponsors use to justify their resolution? Have the authors used parts of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to convince you of the importance of solving this problem? Have they used the most relevant parts of the UDHR? Are there other parts of the UDHR that would be more convincing? What are they?
    

4. Facts and statistics: Do the sponsors back up their ideas with facts? Do you believe their facts and statistics, or did your research turn up statistics that disagree with theirs?
    

5. What other reasons do the sponsors give? Do you agree with those reasons? What other reasons could be included?
    

6.  Have they done a good job of convincing you of the importance of this issue?

Operative clauses: This section is the “how-to” part of the resolution. This is where the sponsors suggest solutions to the problem. This section is the part that usually sparks the most discussion.

 Look at each “operative clause” carefully before you decide how to vote. Make notes on things that trouble you, or that aren’t clear.

Things to look for and think about in the operative clauses of a resolution:

1. Does the resolution address a problem that your country faces, too?  If so, you’d probably be supportive of the idea behind this resolution—and you should say so! But you still might think there are better ways to solve the problem…
    

2. Even if the resolution doesn’t address a problem that your country faces, you can play a role in evaluating it. As a “neutral” country, you might have creative ideas for solving the problem. Or, you might be able to help the sponsors find other countries who would support the resolution. 
    

3. How would this solution affect your country? Would it be good for your country and its citizens, or would it have a negative effect? Would your country be willing to accept this solution?
    

4. Does the solution interfere with the sovereign rights of another country? Does the United Nations have the right to go into another country to solve its problem?
    

5. Have the sponsors thought about how to pay for this solution? Do you think their idea will work? Does it provide enough money? Is it something your country could afford? If not, what amendment would you propose for a funding plan?
    

6. Have the sponsors included ways of making sure that the solution is carried out? Do they have a way of enforcing their program? Is the United Nations accountable for the program’s success or failure? What amendment would you suggest to make this part of the resolution stronger?
    

7. How long will the program last? Should it go on forever? Or, have the sponsoring countries included a way to evaluate it and either extend it or end it? What ideas do you have for this part of the resolution?
    

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