VSMUN Draft Resolution Guide

A Draft Resolution is the main document used in Model United Nations committees to propose solutions to the agenda. It represents the collective ideas of one or more delegates and becomes the basis for debate, amendment, and voting.

The purpose of a Draft Resolution is to address the committee topic, propose realistic and implementable solutions, and reflect international cooperation and diplomacy.

Heading: Includes committee name, topic or agenda, sponsors, and signatories.

Preambulatory Clauses: Explain the background of the issue, refer to past actions, and justify why action is needed. They do not propose solutions and end with commas.

Operative Clauses: Present solutions, suggest actions, and explain how problems will be addressed. They are numbered, end with semicolons, and the final clause ends with a period.

Preambulatory clause starters — foundation: Acknowledging, Affirming, Aware of, Bearing in mind, Believing, Cognizant of, Conscious of, Considering, Contemplating, Convinced.

Preambulatory clause starters — concern: Alarmed by, Concerned, Deeply concerned, Deeply disturbed, Deeply regretting, Deploring, Disturbed by, Expressing concern, Gravely concerned.

Preambulatory clause starters — past action: Guided by, Having adopted, Having considered, Having examined, Having heard, Having received, Having studied, Keeping in mind, Noting further, Noting with approval.

Preambulatory clause starters — recognition: Observing, Reaffirming, Realizing, Recalling, Recognizing, Referring, Seeking, Taking into account, Taking note, Welcoming.

Operative clause starters — strong action: Condemns, Decides, Demands, Deplores, Determines, Insists, Proclaims, Rejects, Solemnly affirms, Strongly condemns.

Operative clause starters — recommendations: Appeals, Calls upon, Encourages, Implores, Invites, Proposes, Recommends, Requests, Suggests, Urges.

Operative clause starters — declarations: Accepts, Affirms, Approves, Authorizes, Confirms, Declares, Endorses, Expresses, Notes, Supports.

Operative clause starters — organizational actions: Designates, Directs, Emphasizes, Establishes, Further invites, Further reminds, Instructs, Repeats, Transmits, Trusts.

Sponsors are the main writers of the Draft Resolution. They support the document fully, defend it during debate, and present it when the motion to introduce the draft resolution passes.

Signatories support discussing the resolution, but they do not necessarily agree with every idea inside it.

Strong operative clauses include three parts: action, target, and method.

Example: Encourages developing countries to adopt renewable energy solutions through international funding programs;

Common solution types include economic measures, social programs, environmental action, legal frameworks, and international cooperation.

Step 1: Research the topic, country position, and existing international efforts before the conference.

Step 2: Lobby during committee to form blocs and share solutions.

Step 3: Write the resolution during unmoderated caucus with sponsors.

Step 4: Submit it to the Chair after gathering enough signatories.

Step 5: Present it through a motion to introduce the Draft Resolution.

Step 6: Answer POIs from other blocs.

Step 7: Handle friendly or unfriendly amendments.

Step 8: Vote to accept or reject the resolution.

Beginner delegates often write unrealistic solutions, use informal language, make clauses too long, forget implementation details, or focus on too many ideas in one clause.