MUN 2006

4. Preparation

As a general rule, Representatives should become familiar with several items in their preparations for the Conference, including:

· The UN system as a whole;
· A general background of their nation's history and policies;
· A specific background of their nation's viewpoints on the issues to be discussed at the Conference;
· A specific background of the perspectives of nations with differing viewpoints on the issues;
· The current world situation as it applies to your nation;
· The rules of procedure of MPHMUN (provided in this handbook).

Researching your nation's positions is the essential element in preparing for MPHMUN. It is strongly recommended that Representatives use a communal effort when doing research. Representatives can fully take advantage of all the people representing their country by assigning various topics to each individual to research and report on to the group. Areas that individuals could research separately include:

· Historical background on the nation;
· Current general statistics on the nation;
· Specific background on each issue to be discussed;
· Specific information on your nation's stand on current world issues;
· Specific information on other countries' positions on issues being discussed;
· Voting records of your nation (as well as others) on the issues;
· Treaties and agreements relating to the issues;
· Speeches given by the leaders/Representatives of your country in the recent past. In particular, your nation's voting record on the issues being discussed at the Conference should be carefully studied. There are few better resources to learn your nation's viewpoints on UN issues than studying the details and trends of previously passed resolutions, noting your country's voting record, and possibly finding speeches made by your country in regard to these issues.

Next, your delegation should determine its strategy and goals for the Conference. Your delegation should be involved in working toward solutions to the problems placed before the United Nations. This requires a great deal of negotiation and compromise, often at the expense of certain positions which may be of concern to your individual delegation. Your delegation must decide which items are of greatest importance to your nation, and set your strategies accordingly. Strategic areas to consider include:

· What kind of role will your delegation play at the Conference? (Examples: Conciliatory, obstructive, aggressive, neutral or leading.)
· Will your delegation seek leadership positions in each Committee and in the General Assembly Plenary?
· How can your delegation achieve the goals and interests identified in your research?
· With which other nations will your delegation attempt to work?
· What delegations will be your main adversaries on each topic?

Remember, passing resolutions is not the true measure of success at the Conference. While your delegation is encouraged to propose resolutions on the various issues, you must stand ready to compromise to achieve any real solution to the problems being discussed.

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