Resolution Paper Guide

Secretariat Team

November 23, 2018

In Model UN, the resolution paper is the cumulative result of all a delegate’s research, debate, discussion, and diplomacy. Created by the different blocs which emerge through debate, the resolution paper is the written evidence of the solutions produced throughout previous committee sessions. The paper is required to be written in a formal context, showing what the various delegates have agreed to do to enact real change in the world. In this guide you can find the structure of a resolution paper as well as key terms for writing the paper. We wish you the best of luck in creating comprehensive and realistic solutions!

What is a Resolution Paper?

A resolution paper is the ultimate goal of a committee. It summarizes the delegates’ ideas, critical thinking, diplomacy, and problem-solving skills. Writing a resolution paper is very important because it shows the delegate’s ability to translate ideas presented in the committee sessions into workable solutions. Delegates should follow a few general guidelines when approaching the resolution paper process. In some cases, committees are permitted to implement measures that others would not be able to. For instance, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) may send United Nations (UN) troops, whereas the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) may only recommend UNSC to do so.

Before voting on a resolution paper, the paper undergoes rather a lengthy process. As the debate progresses, delegates may find their ideas aligning with those of others. When this occurs, delegates are free to form blocs, which are groups of countries with similar goals and perspectives on the issue. While it is not mandatory to be in a bloc, it is recommended that delegates communicate their ideas and solutions to others. There are a few naming conventions for a different parts of the resolution writing process. Typically, delegates refer to a Cluster of Ideas when referring to potential solutions compiled into a list. When the Cluster of Ideas begins to develop, it is called a Working Paper, a document that has not yet been submitted and approved by the Dais.

On the Working Paper, there should be a heading, titled “Working Paper,” accompanied by a number (e.g. 1.1). Next, the name of the committee and the topic follow – in that order. The paper should also include Sponsors. They are the main contributors of the paper who guide the paper through the resolution paper process; additionally, they participate in the Author’s Panel, a group of presenters of the paper. Typically a committee has at most 5 sponsors. Following the Sponsors, the paper requires Signatories, who may agree or disagree with the content of the paper, but wish to see its contents discussed either way. A paper requires the signatures of at least one third of the committee. It should be noted that the countries in the Sponsors and Signatories sections should be listed in alphabetical order.

The paper then consists of Preambulatory Clauses. These are clauses that state the issues the committee wants to solve and provide an overview of the problem and a summary of past actions. Usually, the United Nations Charter is referred to, as well as various resolutions, documents, treaties, references to statistics, and past statements by authorities. Verbs in Preambulatory Clauses are italicized – keep in mind that they cannot be amended. In addition, each clause ends with a comma.

The Preambulatory Clauses are followed by the full name of the committee and a comma, leading into the Operative Clauses. The Operative Clauses are the main substance of a paper, outlining the actions the committee desires to take to solve the issue. Each clause has one idea, which can be followed by sub-clauses describing the idea in detail. Every Operative Clause is numbered and every Operative Phrase – the verb that begins each clause – is underlined. Each Operative Clause ends with a semicolon, with exception to the last clause, which ends with a period and usually declares that the committee remains seized (decided) with the solution to the issue at hand.

After the Working Paper is presented to the Dais, it undergoes a process of editing and suggestions. The Dais will provide constructive feedback, suggest structural changes, and format any errors through this process until it deems the paper presentable. Once approved, the Working Paper is from then on referred to as a Draft Resolution. As the Rules of Procedure carry on, with amendments approved or disapproved and questions asked, the Draft Resolution reaches the voting stage and the doors are barred. If it passes, the goal of the committee is fulfilled and the paper is ultimately called the Resolution Paper. In the event a Draft Resolution does not pass, the committee will revert to the Secondary Speakers List.

Useful Phrases

Preambulatory Clauses	Operative Causes
Acknowledging	Accepts
Affirming	Accordingly
Alarmed by	Affirms
Approving	Approves
Aware of	Authorizes
Bearing in mind	Calls
Believing	Calls upon
Cognizant of	Condemns
Confident	Confirms
Contemplating	Congratulates
Convinced	Declares
Declaring	Deplores
Deeply convinced	Designates
Deeply disturbed	Desiring
Deeply regretting	Draws attention
Expecting	Expresses its appreciation
Fulfilling	Further invites
Fully alarmed	Further proclaims
Fully believe	Notes
Further deploring	Proclaims
Having adopted	Recommends
Having considered	Regrets
Having considered further	Reminds
Having devoted attention	Resolves
Having examined	Solemnly affirms
Having heard	Strongly condemns
Having received	Supports
Having studied	Takes notes of
Hoping	Trusts
Keeping in mind	Urges
Noting with regret