Model United Nations are educational role-playing games in which participants take on the roles of delegates representing countries, states, or political parties. The main objective is to simulate the workings of real-life United Nations conferences, allowing participants to engage in structured debates and collaborate on solving global challenges. These issues can range from threats to international peace and security, to climate change, public health crises, economic development, and more. Each delegate must thoroughly research their assigned country’s background and its stance on the issue that is to be discussed.
Beyond academic engagement, MUNs also help students develop key skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, negotiation, and teamwork. Conferences often follow parliamentary procedure, teaching delegates how to navigate formal rules of debate and resolution writing. MUNs are popular in schools and universities around the world and are valued as a tool for fostering global awareness, empathy, and leadership in young people.
YOUR ROLE AS A DELEGATE
During committee sessions, you will participate in formal debates, deliver speeches, draft resolutions, and work with other delegates to negotiate solutions. You are expected to remain active throughout the proceedings – asking questions and proposing amendments, while staying within the boundaries of diplomatic conduct.
Successful delegates:
Speak confidently and persuasively, using evidence and logic.
Collaborate strategically with allies to advance their country’s goals.
Stay informed and adaptable as new ideas and proposals emerge.
Respect parliamentary procedure and contribute to a productive committee environment.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN MUN?
Model United Nations usually last 2-4 days, and our AWS MUN is going to take place over two days. First, the Chair of the committee will be taking a roll-call, wherein delegates will have to take ‘Present’ and ‘Present and voting’. By opting for ‘Present’, the delegate can take part in the conference, but has the choice of abstaining from voting during voting-sessions. However, if they choose to be ‘Present and voting’, they will be mandated to cast a vote during voting-sessions.
After the roll-call, delegates will start giving their opening speeches, in which they briefly state their country’s stance on the issue at hand. Then starts the ‘Moderated Caucus’, or structured debate, in which delegates hold debates on the topic. In between Moderated Caucuses, delegates can also motion for an ‘Unmoderated Caucus’, in which delegates are free to move around the room and freely talk to their fellow delegates, and even form alliances with other nations.
On the final day, the committee will have to design and decide upon a draft resolution, which is a detailed outline of the proposed solution to the issue. Once a resolution has been adopted, it means that all delegates agree with the points detailed in it.
RULES TO FOLLOW
As a delegate in a Model United Nations conference, you are the official representative of your assigned country, state, or political entity. Your primary responsibility is to faithfully represent your assigned nation’s interests and policies on the topic at hand, regardless of your personal views. This means engaging in thorough research before the conference to understand your country's foreign policy, alliances, history, and stance on the issue being discussed.
To ensure a productive, respectful, and realistic simulation of the United Nations, all delegates are expected to follow a set of rules throughout the Model United Nations conference:
Follow the Rules of Procedure: Each MUN conference follows a structured format that includes formal and informal debate, motions, and voting procedures. Learn and follow the specific rules of your committee – including how to make a motion, yield time, or introduce a resolution.
Stay in Character: As a delegate, you must represent your assigned country’s official stance at all times, not your personal opinions. Avoid using first-person language (“I think”), and instead speak as your country (“The delegation of Brazil believes…”).
Maintain Professionalism and Respect: Always treat fellow delegates, chairs, and staff with courtesy. Disagreements are part of the process, but they must be expressed diplomatically. Offensive language, inappropriate behavior, or disrespect will not be tolerated.
Use Diplomatic Language: Debate should remain formal and respectful. Avoid slang or casual speech. Practice speaking clearly, persuasively, and politely — even when challenging another delegate’s position.
Participate Actively: Engage consistently throughout the conference by speaking in debate, writing resolutions, asking questions, and working in caucuses. Active participation is key to learning and to achieving your country’s goals.
Follow Dress Code: Most conferences require business attire to reflect the formal nature of international diplomacy. Delegates should dress professionally, as they would in a real UN setting.
HOW TO PREPARE
Getting ready for a Model UN conference might seem like a huge task, but once you break it down, it's manageable and, honestly, pretty fun.
The first step is to understand your committee and agenda. Read about what issues you'll be discussing and what your country or character believes about them. A quick search can help you find recent news, background information, and real-life examples to support your points. Once you have a good grasp of the topic, write a short opening speech and maybe practice it out loud. You don't need to memorise it by heart, but being familiar with your points can give you confidence. Bring a notebook, a folder with your research, and a few printed documents.
If you’re new, it’s okay to be nervous, everyone starts somewhere, and MUN is about learning, not being perfect. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or ask your chairs for help as they are there to support you.
Lastly, get a good night’s sleep before the conference. Preparation shows, and when you’re ready, you’ll enjoy the whole experience a lot more.
MUN ETIQUETTE AND DRESS CODE
Model UN is a formal event, and your behavior and appearance should reflect that. When you walk into your committee room, you're stepping into the role of a diplomat, politician, or journalist. That means showing respect to your fellow delegates, your chairs, and the agenda being discussed.
Listen when others speak, avoid talking while someone else has the floor, and always use formal language. Phrases like “The delegate of France believes…” might feel strange at first, but they help keep the discussion professional. Respect everyone’s opinions, even if you strongly disagree. A good delegate debates ideas, not people.
Dress code is equally important. Boys should wear a shirt, tie, formal trousers, and polished shoes. Blazers are encouraged if you have one. Girls can wear formal tops, trousers or skirts, and simple accessories. Avoid casual clothing like jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, or anything flashy. Dressing professionally not only shows respect for the event but also boosts your confidence. When you look the part, you’re more likely to feel the part. The way you present yourself, through your words, actions, and appearance, makes a big difference.
COMMITTEE BASIC PROCEDURES
Committee procedures may sound complex at first, but once you get the hang of it, everything flows smoothly.
Every session begins with a roll call to confirm attendance. Delegates then decide what topic to discuss if there are multiple options. After this, speeches begin. Your first speech, called the General Speaker’s List (GSL) speech, is your chance to introduce your country’s or character’s views.
Following that, you’ll often move into moderated caucuses, which are short, focused discussions on specific issues. Unmoderated caucuses are more informal and allow you to walk around, talk to other delegates, and form alliances or draft resolutions. Throughout the committee, you’ll raise motions to change the flow of debate or points to ask questions or clarify procedures. Chairs will guide the session and make sure everything runs fairly.
If this is your first MUN, don’t worry if you don’t remember all the terms. Just watch what others do, participate as much as you can, and ask for help if needed. Most of the learning happens while you’re doing it. What matters most is that you engage with the topic and contribute your ideas.
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME DELEGATES
Being a first time delegate can be nerve wracking, but it’s also the best way to start learning and growing. Everyone in the room was a first timer once, even the most confident speakers. The most important tip? Don’t be afraid to speak. Even if it’s just a short point or a simple speech, raising your placard is the first step. Prepare well, but don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. MUN is a fast paced environment, and flexibility is key. Make sure to pay attention to the chair’s instructions and watch how experienced delegates speak and behave; it teaches you a lot. If you’re confused, ask for help. Your chairs and co-delegates are always ready to support you. Bring snacks, stay hydrated, and take breaks when needed. Don’t worry about being perfect, instead, focus on improving each day. Make friends, enjoy the socials, and appreciate how cool it is to be part of a global style debate.
Whether it’s your first MUN or your fifth, AWSMUN Edition 3 is designed to be more than just a conference. Here, you’ll get the chance to challenge yourself, speak your mind, think critically, and meet new people who share your interests. Beyond debating world issues or political crises, you’ll build confidence, sharpen your communication skills, and understand what it means to represent a nation, a leader, or a journalist. You’ll face new situations, maybe make mistakes, but you’ll also grow every step of the way. Each session, each speech, and each resolution teaches you something valuable. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Take risks, participate, and push your boundaries. These two days will fly by, so make the most of every moment; in committee sessions, delegate lounges, or during fun events. AWSMUN isn’t just about winning awards. It’s about becoming a more informed, articulate, and empathetic person.
So, get your research done, dress up, and walk in with an open mind. Because once you start, you might just fall in love with MUN the way so many others have.