A practical reference guide to the most important Model United Nations terms, divided into two levels for easy learning.
Starting in Model United Nations can feel overwhelming with all the new vocabulary. This glossary is designed to help you learn at your own pace. Begin with the Core Glossary to get comfortable in committee, then explore the Extended Glossary as you gain more experience.
Core Glossary
These are the most essential terms every new delegate should know. Master these first.
| Term | Definition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Position Paper | A short essay explaining your country's stance, background, and proposed solutions on the topic. | Required before most conferences. |
| Moderated Caucus | Structured debate on a specific sub-topic where delegates speak one at a time. | The most common form of debate in committee. |
| Unmoderated Caucus | Informal negotiation time where delegates can move freely to build coalitions and write resolutions. | Where most real negotiation and collaboration happens. |
| Point of Order | Used when a delegate believes the rules of procedure are being broken. | Allows you to correct procedural mistakes. |
| Point of Personal Privilege | Used when a delegate is experiencing personal discomfort (e.g., can't hear, or the room is too cold). | Important to know your rights during sessions. |
| Point of Parliamentary Inquiry | A question directed to the Chair about the rules or how to do something procedurally. | Very useful for new delegates. |
| Yield | Giving your remaining speaking time to another delegate, to questions, or back to the Chair. | A strategic tool to manage your speaking time. |
| Motion | A formal proposal made by a delegate to change the flow of committee. | How delegates actively shape what happens in committee. |
| Chair / Dais | The moderator(s) who run the committee, recognize speakers, and enforce the rules. | The authority figure you address when speaking. |
| Placard | The sign with your country's name that you raise to be recognized. | Essential for getting recognized to speak. |
Extended Glossary
For delegates who want to go deeper. These terms are commonly used in committee and will help you participate more effectively.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Working Paper | An early draft of ideas that may later become a resolution. |
| Draft Resolution | A formal document proposing solutions to the issues being discussed. |
| Amendment | A proposed change or addition to a draft resolution. |
| Sponsor | A country that helped write and supports a resolution. |
| Signatory | A country that supports debating a resolution but did not help write it. |
| Bloc | A group of countries with similar interests working together. |
| Speakers' List | The formal list of delegates waiting to speak during formal debate. |
| Right of Reply | A short response allowed when a delegate feels their country was insulted. |
| Roll Call | When the Chair calls each country's name to confirm attendance. |
| Quorum | The minimum number of delegates required for official committee business. |
| Simple Majority | More than 50% of votes in favor (required to pass most resolutions). |
| Two-Thirds Majority | At least two-thirds of votes in favor (required for certain procedural motions). |
| Veto | The power of the five permanent UN Security Council members to block resolutions. |
| Abstention | Choosing not to vote for or against a resolution. |
| Formal Debate | The structured part of committee following the Speakers' List. |
| Crisis | An unexpected event introduced during committee to change the situation. |
| Directive | A short, actionable instruction (commonly used in crisis committees). |
| Press Release | A public statement issued by a country or bloc during committee. |
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