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Resolutions are proposals submitted by delegates that attempt to address the issues before the United Nations.  They can take a general approach to an entire issue or can propose specific actions that address parts of a problem.  A resolution should present a particular solution to a problem and the reasons why a delegate thinks that solution is the correct one for the United Nations to adopt as its policy. 

In order to write a resolution, delegates must decide what their particular country’s position on a topic item is, and what actions the United Nations should take to correct the problem in accordance with that position.  This is the most difficult step.  It will require delegates to draw upon their knowledge of the issue and of their country; in short, good research is crucial to formulating a policy that is both realistic and creative, and a good resolution must be that as well.  As previously discussed, attempting to re-do what has already been done results in deadlock, but “solutions” without a base in reality will make a mockery of the simulation.

Once the “solution” has been formulated, the rest is relatively easy.  Use the guidelines listed below and the sample resolution following this article to put a resolution in the proper format.

1.  There are three parts to a resolution:  a subject, preamblatory clauses, and operative clauses.  The subject establishes which UN body is taking the action.  The preamble lays out the history of the issue and the reasons why certain actions should be taken.  Use facts and cite pertinent documents to make sure that the actions later suggested will be plausible.  Finally, the operative clauses describe what actions should be taken.  Remember that the actions proposed must be constructive and in keeping with the role of the United Nations.  Operative clauses should be substantive and attempt to correct the problem, not merely to acknowledge the problem’s existence.

2.  A properly formatted resolution consists of only one sentence.  The subject and preamble are separated by a comma, the preamblatory clauses are separated by “,and”, and the operative clauses are separated by semicolons.  A period follows the last operative clause.

 3.  Preamblatory clauses cannot define any action to be taken by the subject.  All calls for action must take place in the operative paragraphs, which are numbered for easy reference.

 4.  When typing your resolution, please follow the format as defined by the sample resolution contained in this handbook.  Notice how the first word(s) of each preamblatory paragraph is capitalized and how all operative paragraphs are indented and numbered. 

 Prior to the opening of MAMUN in March, delegates will submit draft resolutions to MAMUN’s staff.  During committee meetings Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning, the five GA Committees will debate all resolutions submitted by the appropriate deadline.  These resolutions will serve as a basis for debate.  As in the real UN, no resolutions will be admitted - or written - after the deadline.  (In other words, no resolutions will be written in committee.  Submitted resolutions may be modified by amendments, however.)  Resolutions to the Security Council and Emergency Sessions will be accepted throughout MAMUN as these bodies have open agendas.

Directions for submitting resolutions to MAMUN can be found in the next section of the handbook.  We ask that resolutions be sent to us via electronic media, either by phone line or diskette.