Traditional Committees
The majority of PyleaMUN delegates will participate in Traditional Committees, encompassing the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and segments of Regional Bodies and Specialized Agencies.
These committees foster a collaborative environment where delegates work together to develop comprehensive documents addressing their assigned committee topics. The provided training aims to equip delegates with the necessary skills for success in these settings.
Background Guides
Background guides and update papers are available on each committee's dedicated page.
Delegates are strongly advised to review these documents prior to the conference to gain a thorough understanding of their committee's topics.
Position Papers
A position paper articulates the problem from the perspective of your assigned country or delegation and proposes solutions aligned with your country's stance. Each delegation is required to submit one paper per topic. For double-delegate committees, a single co-authored paper must be submitted.
For PyleaMUN, position papers are mandatory for all committees and are due by Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST, the day preceding the conference. Failure to submit position papers will result in disqualification from awards contention. While not mandatory, submission of position papers for Non-Traditional Committees is recommended for preparation.
Submission Information:
- Format: Google Doc or .docx file, in English.
- Content: One paper per topic, featuring original or appropriately cited work.
- Length: One page single-spaced, or two pages double-spaced.
- Formatting: No strict requirements, but legibility is essential.
- Double-Delegates: Only one co-authored paper per topic is required.
Paper Structure for Country Positions:
- A paragraph outlining your country's framing of the problem.
- A paragraph detailing actions your country has already undertaken.
- One to two paragraphs proposing possible solutions.
Paper Structure for Non-Traditional/Special Positions:
- A paragraph expanding on your character's biography, based on the committee background guide.
- One to two paragraphs outlining your character's stance on relevant front-room issues.
- One to two paragraphs summarizing your back-room crisis arc.
Please Note: Policy stances or crisis arcs presented in position papers are not binding. Delegates retain the flexibility to adapt their positions during committee sessions within the realm of possibility.
Rules of Procedure
The Rules of Procedure establish the protocols governing each committee, structuring debate, and ensuring productive and orderly discussion.
Delegates are encouraged to download a copy of PyleaMUN's Rules of Procedure for reference.
Training Resources
Intro To MUN
What is MUN?
- Simulate: Sessions of various United Nations committees.
- Advocate: For the interests of an assigned country.
- Cooperate: With other delegates to devise solutions for global issues.
In MUN, you’ll be assigned to:
- A Committee (e.g., UNHRC)
- A Character (e.g., A country, like Canada, or a person, like a Minister of Trade)
- A Topic (e.g., The right to food)
Why Participate in MUN?
Model UN offers significant benefits, as expressed by college students involved in MUNUC:
“At its best, Model UN inspires hope in the future, as it allows us as young people to work together to workshop ideas to the challenging problems that our current world leaders struggle to solve.”
“Model UN has been one the best ways to reflect and think critically about important decisions being made in the world.”
“Through MUN, I've gotten to discuss the issues I care about and craft solutions with people who share my passion. I know my voice matters here, and so does everyone else's.”
“The research, negotiation, and advocacy skills I've grown through MUN have helped me in my classes and career, shaping me into a stronger leader.”
Types of Committees at PyleaMUN:
PyleaMUN may feature three distinct committee types:
- Traditional: Larger committees where delegates represent countries, aiming to pass one resolution to address a specific global issue.
- Specialized/Hybrid: Smaller committees with a special mechanic, such as an election or a mock trial and with a mixture of traditional and crisis elements.
- Crisis: Small committees where delegates represent individuals and issue multiple directives.
What are Traditional Committees?
These committees simulate bodies resolving a single issue through the creation of a resolution. They often focus on contemporary issues, addressed via well-researched and negotiated solutions. Typically larger, they involve delegates representing countries, who must consider issues from their assigned country's perspective.
What are Specialized Committees?
These committees focus on narrow, specialized topic areas (e.g., International Olympic Committee). Each possesses unique mechanics, such as adding an election or conducting a mock trial.
What are Hybrid Committees?
Hybrid committees combine elements from traditional and crisis committees. Unlike traditional committees, they often address multiple issues within a given timeframe. They may incorporate crisis elements like crisis notes and directives, allowing delegates to pursue personal agendas or committee goals. Their size varies significantly.
What are Crisis Committees?
Crisis committees simulate rapid responses to urgent issues by smaller bodies (e.g., cabinets, corporate boards).
- Representation: Delegates represent individuals rather than countries (e.g., Uzbekistan’s Chief of the Air Force in a simulated Cabinet of Uzbekistan from 1991).
- Output: Delegates issue multiple directives and write crisis notes. Instead of writing a single resolution, crisis delegates pass shorter directives on many issues. Delegates advance their personal agenda by writing crisis notes. These are typically the smallest committees (e.g., Catherine the Great's Advisors, 1762).
How to Do MUN:
As a delegate, to prepare for conference, you should:
- Research Your Country's Stance: Understand your country's position on the topic to collaborate effectively while maintaining national integrity.
- Tailor Preparation to Committee Type: Review specific learning modules (videos, infographics, slide decks, worksheets) provided on the website.
When you are in committee, you should always try to:
- Strike a Balance: Express your ideas while ensuring other delegates' voices are heard.
- Consider Potential Partnerships: Research relationships with other countries to identify allies with similar stances for collaborative strategies.
Parliamentary Procedure
What is Parliamentary Procedure?
Parliamentary Procedure defines committee operations. Delegates present and vote on motions that dictate the next steps. Committee proceedings generally follow several stages:
- Setting the Agenda
- Initial Debate
- Introduction and Debate of Working Papers
- Introduction and Debate of Draft Resolutions
- Amendment of Draft Resolutions
- Final Voting Procedure
Motions are prioritized by their level of disruption.
What is a Moderated Caucus?
Moderated caucuses provide a structured forum for discussing solutions:
- Focused Topic: Narrow and focused topics enhance productivity.
- Time Limits: Specific speaking times for individuals and set time limits for the discussion.
- Extension: Possibility to motion for an extension if further discussion is needed.
What is an Unmoderated Caucus?
"Unmods" facilitate informal discussions without individual speaking time limits. Delegates can meet with others to discuss potential solutions, draft working papers, and prepare resolutions.
For example, after a moderated caucus, an unmoderated caucus allows delegates to form blocs and collaboratively develop ideas for a working paper.
FAQs about Unmods and Mods
Moderated Caucuses (Speeches):
- Structure: Speeches, typically 45-90 seconds, should be concise and well-structured with clear points. Organize thoughts into key points, with a brief recap if time allows.
- Content: Initially, explain your country's stance and introduce your plan to identify potential allies. As the conference progresses, speeches become more specific, discussing solutions and persuading delegates to support your bloc's plan.
- Multiple Speeches: While possible, it's encouraged to allow all delegates to speak, and Chairs will likely prioritize those who haven't spoken.
Unmoderated Caucuses (Working):
- Duration: Early in the conference, shorter unmods (5-10 minutes) are preferred to facilitate initial idea sharing. As working papers and draft resolutions are developed, longer unmods (approx. 20 minutes) may be more appropriate.
- Forming Blocs: During initial mods, identify delegates with aligning ideas. Send notes to express interest in their thoughts. During unmods, confirm alignment and begin fleshing out working paper ideas. Bloc building requires active listening, brainstorming, and idea exchange.
How to Give Good Speeches?
Effective public speaking is crucial in all aspects of Model UN. To deliver clear, concise, and convincing speeches:
- Smile.
- Project your voice.
- Gesture.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Pause.
- Maintain good posture.
How to Give Speeches in MUN?
Maximize your MUN speeches by:
- Outlining Points: Structure your speech with main points, reiterating key points in your conclusion if time permits.
- Knowing Your Audience: Adapt your speech to the committee's general sentiment and the flow of debate.
- Being Mindful of Timing: Speeches are brief (typically 30-90 seconds). A suggested division is 5-10 seconds for introduction, 20-40 seconds for content, and 5-10 seconds for conclusion.
- Showing Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for the topic to engage fellow delegates and garner support.
- Giving Credit: Acknowledge and credit others' ideas, as resolutions are a collaborative effort.
