In short
- A resolution is the committee’s formal decision on a topic, written as one long sentence.
- Preambulatory clauses give the reasons; operative clauses say what the committee will do.
- Strong operative clauses are specific: who acts, what they do, and how it is paid for.
- Most resolutions begin as working papers written by blocs during unmoderated caucuses.
From working paper to resolution
- Write a working paper. During unmoderated caucuses, a bloc turns its shared ideas into clauses.
- Gather sponsors and signatories. Sponsors are the main authors. Signatories want the paper debated, without necessarily supporting it. The conference sets how many of each are needed.
- Submit it to the dais. The chairs check the format and approve it as a draft resolution.
- Introduce it. Sponsors present the draft, usually by reading the operative clauses, and answer questions.
- Amend it. Delegates propose changes, as friendly or unfriendly amendments.
- Vote. Once debate closes, the committee votes on each draft resolution.
The format
A resolution opens with a heading, then the name of the committee, followed by two kinds of clauses.
- Preambulatory clauses explain the problem and past action. Each begins with an italicized word or phrase and ends with a comma. They are not numbered.
- Operative clauses say what the committee will do. Each is numbered, begins with an underlined or italicized verb in the present tense, and ends with a semicolon. The last one ends with a period.
- Sub-clauses add detail under an operative clause, lettered a, b, c.
Formatting details such as italics, underlining, and margins vary between conferences, so check your handbook.
Useful phrases
Preambulatory
Operative
Only the Security Council can take decisions that bind member states. In other committees, use verbs that recommend, encourage, request, or call upon, and keep “decides” for matters the committee controls.
A short example
An illustrative draft on marine plastic pollution. Real drafts are longer, but the shape is the same.
Committee: United Nations Environment Programme
Topic: Marine plastic pollution
Sponsors: Republic of Kenya, Republic of Chile, Kingdom of Norway
The United Nations Environment Programme,
Recalling resolution 5/14 of the United Nations Environment Assembly, which began negotiations on an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution,
Deeply concerned that plastic waste harms marine life, fisheries, and coastal economies,
Recognizing that developing coastal states need financial and technical support to manage waste,
- Calls upon member states to set national targets for reducing single-use plastics;
- Encourages developed states to share funding and technology with developing coastal states, through:
- Grants for waste collection systems in coastal cities,
- Training for local recycling businesses;
- Requests the Executive Director of UNEP to report on progress at the next session of the United Nations Environment Assembly.
Tips for strong clauses
- Be specific. Name who acts, what they do, and by when.
- Pay for it. Say where the money comes from: existing funds, voluntary contributions, or partners.
- Stay within the committee’s powers. A clause your committee cannot carry out will be questioned.
- Respect sovereignty. Encourage and invite member states rather than ordering them.
- Keep it readable. Short, clear clauses win more votes than long, complicated ones.
- Merge early. Combining similar working papers builds a larger bloc and a stronger resolution.
Amendments
An amendment adds, removes, or changes an operative clause. A friendly amendment is accepted by every sponsor and goes straight into the draft. An unfriendly amendment is not accepted by all sponsors, so the committee debates and votes on it. Most conferences do not allow amendments to preambulatory clauses.