MUN culture

1.

MUN 101
By Alex McShane
[email protected]
IG: Alejandromcshane

2.

Part 1. MUN culture

3.

Turn off your mic
Before we start
Have questions? Write them IN CHAT. I will respond to all of them
after this presentation

4.

MUN/UN
simulation is
-
Speaking up
-
Cooperation
-
Language skills
-
Networking
-
Rules
-
Preparation
-
Fun!
-
Knowledge
-
Inclusion

5.

What you
won’t get
-
Real UN
-
Many public officials
-
One strict standard
-
Plagiarism tolerance
-
Things just happening to you
-
Bending the rules mid-way

6.

Why do MUN?
-
New place
-
New people
-
Public speaking training
-
Language practice
-
New expertise
-
Formal writing skills
-
Teamwork and soft skills

7.

Session: we discuss the agenda and write resolution
Ceremonies: gala night, diplomatic dinner, cultural shows
Dress code: formal business attire
Dress code: evening attire (suits/dresses), national costumes are
encouraged
MUN events
City tour: we walk around Istanbul
Dress code: casual or whatever you’re comfortable in

8.

Formal debate / moderated caucus
Three MUN regimes.
Formal debate.
Moderated caucus
Delegates stay in their seats
Communicate by raising placards
Speak English only

9.

Only speak when Chairperson allows
Only stand up/leave when Chairperson allows
Need to talk to someone? Send them a note
Three MUN regimes.
Formal debate.
Moderated caucus
Want to ask a question out loud? Raise your placard and wait for
permission.
Only ask questions in public when the whole committee needs to
know the answer. Send notes otherwise.
We have a roll call. If you are late – you are invisible.
Sent the note to become visible again.

10.

Three MUN regimes.
Formal debate.
Moderated caucus
China is speaking and is
open for questions.
“Hey China, why do you
think turtles are better
than birds?”
Raise a placard and ask out
loud
China isn’t open for
questions / isn’t speaking
you have the same
question as above
Send a note
“Honorable Chair, which e- Ask in public
mail should we send the
draft resolution to?”
“Honorable Chair, can I
leave the room for a
while?”
Send a note

11.

You are still IN SESSION but not so formal
You can move around the room and talk freely
You CANNOT leave the room without notifying the Chairs. Except now you
don’t have to write a note – just ask
Three MUN regimes.
Unmoderated caucus
We’re still in session, so address others the same way you do in formal
debate
You still have to speak English

12.

Socials, airport assistance, meals
Now you’re just a person and so is everyone else around you
You can call people by their names now
You can speak any language, but try to be inclusive
Three MUN regimes.
Outside sessions
None of the rules apply – just observe general decency and common sense

13.

Who does MUN
-
Delegates
-
Organizers team
-
Chairs
-
Committee
-
Advisors/Chaperones/Ambassadors/Journalists

14.

That’s you!
You represent a country that the organizers assigned to you. Not the
country you come from. Not the country you live in. Not your own views.
Delegates
Example: we’re discussing what animal is the best ever. I, Alex, am from
Russia, but I represent the USA. The national animal of Russia is a bear.
The national animal of the USA is an eagle. My favorite animal is a cat.
When I am speaking at the MUN I must say that the best animal is an
eagle.

15.

In the real UN, a country is not represented by just one person. It’s
a HUGE delegation. When you’re at a MUN, you are speaking on
behalf of the entire delegation and the entire country. Do not use
singular pronouns during the session.
Delegates
I believe -> WE believe
I agree -> The Delegation of [country] agrees
I vote in favor -> [Country] votes in favor

16.

How to
address others
Person
YES
NO
Delegates
Honorable Delegation of
[country], [Country], The
Delegate of [Country]
[Name], [Last name], bro,
etc.
Chairpersons
Honorable Chair,
Madame/Mr Chairperson,
the Board, Dais
Alex/Andrew, Ms/Mr/Dr
[Last name], gurl, dude,
etc.
Organizers
Mr/Ms [Name], Mr/MS
[Position], Honorable
[Position],
Delegate of [Name],
Honorable [Name]

17.

That’s Eric and David!
They help with everything organization (duh!)
Organizers
team
Address them if you want to know more about socials, certificates, Full
experience package, etc.
You will meet other team members during MUNs
They’re there to help with everything that happens outside the session

18.

Alex:
Masters in International Relations
20+ MUNs over 7 years
Secretary-General of the biggest
MUN in Eastern Europe
Chairpersons
We’re responsible for everything going on in the session
Ask us about:
Rules of Procedure
Agenda
The flow of the session

19.

Different names in different UN Simulation traditions
They are present at sessions to help run them:
Committee/
Secretaries
Count the votes
Open the windows/Turn up lights
Give out certificates
Pass notes

20.

How to
prepare
-
Study the UN. Especially the structure and your committee’s powers
-
Read the Rules of Procedure and the Delegate Guide
-
Download the conference schedule
-
Pack your laptop and the clothes you need
-
Make sure your documents are in order
-
Get a good night’s sleep
-
Start socializing
-
Advisable: change your WhatsApp nickname to your real name and the
flag of country you’re representing

21.

Everyone is there to help
Everyone wants you to be the solution, not the problem
People are minding their business
They are probably as worried as you are
Confidence
tips
Don’t stare into your paper during the presentation
Stay involved
Reach out to others – even if you disagree
Nobody is bad at everything
Nobody is good at everything
You have to fail now to succeed later

22.

Questions left unanswered?
Contact me:
[email protected]
IG: Alejandromcshane