Welcome to the WONDERFUL world of MUN!
Why, hello there~
Welcome to GuzMUN y Gomez! What would you like to have?
This is a MUN guide for beginners, suited for the Singaporean taste bud.
- For first-timers, this guide is suitable as learning material if read in order.
- If you need to quickly refer to something, use the search bar to find a keyword.
- If you have any suggestions for the guide, let me know on Telegram @onedollopofmayo — I’m always open for a chat~
Here's a quick 5W1H about MUN!
Why?
Model United Nations (MUN) conferences are simulated debates of the United Nations, where participants pretend to represent countries as delegates and discuss important issues in councils.
MUNs are great platforms for students to learn more about global affairs, and build their capacity to engage with important and relevant topics.
A formal representative of a country. Participants of MUNs pretend to be delegates and debate as if they were a delegate of their allocated country.
For example, the delegate of Norway will stand for the freedom of speech in a debate on press freedom.
An organisation where delegates debate on specific topics. MUNs often have several councils.
For example, a debate on press freedom will fall under UNESCO, because press freedom falls under the mandate of UNESCO.
Other councils that you may have heard of include:
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Who?
Participants are known as delegates. Here are some of the other people involved in a MUN.
The organisers of the MUN.
The biggest boss is known as the Secretary-General. Going down the hierarchy, the Secretary-General's lackeys include:
- Deputy Secretary-Generals (DSGs)
- Under Secretary-Generals (USGs)
- Directors
The facilitators of a council.
MUNs usually have multiple councils, and each council is facilitated by its own Dais. Each Dais comprises of multiple chairs.
A person who facilitates the council debate, as part of the Dais.
The big boss is known as the head chair, while their lackeys are often known as deputy chairs.
How?
Before signups
In every council, the Dais will write a topic guide (also known as a study guide). The topic guide details what delegates should research and debate about.
Before the conference
Delegates research on the debate topic and their allocated country's stance. Then, delegates write a position paper — an essay to prove to the Dais that the delegate has done their research.
During the conference
The Dais will moderate the debate, and all the delegates will participate in the debate. The debate mechanisms in MUNs are complicated and very different from typical debates.
The end result of a debate in a council is known as a resolution. This document encapsulates the actions that the council will take in response to the issues presented. Different countries have different goals when it comes to the resolution — this is where the fun is. Delegates are expected to fight for their country’s stance and pass resolutions that strengthen your country’s position.
After the conference
In most MUNs, the Dais of each council will award delegates that performed exceptionally well during the debate. The award ceremony is held at the end of the conference, witnessed by every single delegate.
When?
There are MUNs in Singapore throughout the year! They usually last 3-4 days.
Where?
Most MUNs are held physically in a university or school. I really dislike online MUNs.
What?
That's what this website is for!
Next: Getting Started
heres the full doc if u want