Organising a one day MUN

Below is a possible timetable for a Model UN lasting one day:

9:30am - Welcome and administrative arrangements from the Chair or organiser. The organiser should explain what will happen during the day, and what is expected of the participants.

The seating should preferably be with tables arranged in a horseshoe shape. The countries should be seated in alphabetical order.

9:45am - Introductions and short address by the guest speaker.

10:00am - First session Each delegation (three participants in each delegation) should use this time to research the topic that has been presented to them. It is recommended to allocate assignments for each individual participant within a delegation:

• One delegate is responsible for general research on their country (government, population, developing country etc.)
• Another delegate is responsible for research on the political policies of their country (recent conflicts, history, current policy etc.)
• Third delegate is responsible for outlining the position the country would take in the topic that is being discussed

11:30am - Second session The first two delegates from each country should present their speeches. Delegates from other countries should take notes during this time. Each country should aim to identify possible allies to work with when producing a draft resolution.

12:30pm - Lunch break Ideally, the delegates should remain in character so that they can lobby and negotiate with each other over lunch. They should aim to identify allies and to agree on the general tone to be adopted during the resolution-writing phase.

1:30pm - Third session The third participant from each delegation should present their research – outlining their country’s view of the issue and also identifying any allies that they have worked with over the lunch break. The Chair should ensure that the delegates respect the time limit that has been allocated to them.

2:15pm - Resolution writing session The Chair should divide the various delegations into two broadly opposing groups. Each group should agree on three or four bullet points expressing their understanding of the issue. They should then agree on two or three bullet points explaining what solutions they would like to adopt. The Chair should help the groups to reach a consensus, so that two completed resolutions can be put to the vote.

3:00pm - Voting The two groups should return to the main seating area and the Chair should put the two resolutions to the vote. Each delegation has one vote. A simple majority of votes is sufficient for a resolution to pass.

3:15pm - Closing ceremony Formal end of the Model UN; appropriate thanks given to all concerned. The Chair should talk briefly about the work done during the day and may want to mention delegates who were especially outstanding.

3:30 pm - Clean-up!