Until OxIMUN 2012

Preparation

Quick Links: Guides and Rules

Successful participation at a Model United Nations conference depends to a large extent on the level of preparation and research delegates conduct prior to the conference itself. The flow of debate is contingent on the input of expert knowledge and an exchange of views on complicated topics. Each delegate represents the views of one member state and as such reflects a fraction of an international system that is built on the interaction of proactive member states. In order to make this exchange of ideas a meaningful experience for all participants and guarantee a high level of substantial debate each delegate must be familiar with his or her country, the committee and the all topics on the agenda.

Delegates should thus organize their research into three broad aspects - the country, the topics and the committee. Special emphasis should be given to the first two aspects.

The Three Steps of Preparation:

1. The Country

Delegates should gather geographical, economic, political, demographic, social and historic information on their assigned country. OxIMUN strongly recommends creating a brief fact sheet of your assigned country that may serve as a reference resource during the debate. For your convenience OxIMUN provides a fact sheet which will assist you in organizing the fruits of your research.

2. The Topics

The second part of your research should be aimed at developing an in-depth understanding of all topic areas under discussion in your committee. Each committee has prepared a topic guide, which is available on the respective committee site. Working through the committee guide is an absolute necessity in order to participate at OxIMUN. Above and beyond the topic guide delegates must consult other source in order to augment their knowlegde of the agenda topics. Similar to the country research OxIMUN provides a short fact sheet which you might find useful in organizing your research results.

3. The Committee

Delegates should familiarize themselves with the function of their committee. Special emphasis should be given to the role the particular committee serves within the wider United Nations System and its relation to other UN-bodies.

Preparation Guides and Downloads

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OxIMUN provides documents to assist you in conducting and structuring your preparation. Delegates are expected to consult the General Research Guide. You might find the country and topic fact sheets useful. Please bear in mind that these Guides are simply provided as an aid to your research and are not an obligatory framework. Nevertheless, Delegates who are new to MUN are encouraged to prepare thoroughly due to the high calibre of debaters at OxIMUN.

OxIMUN 2011 Downloads Rules of Procedure The Rules of Procedure provide you with a concise list of Rules governing debate at OxIMUN 2011. All delegates (regardless of experience) should consult this document prior to attending the conference. Although many conferences use similar rules, these do vary from place to place and the rules have been changed since last year; so all participtants at OxIMUN are advised to read them. The OxIMUN Secretariat and Directors are well-versed in these Rules, and are happy to provide clarification where needed. General Research Guide The General Research Guide provides you with a guideline of how to effectively conduct your preparation. Aside from a multitude of useful links the guide pinpoints to knowledge areas in each of the three research sections. All delegates should consult this guide when conducting their research. Position Paper Guide The Guide to Position Paper Composition will give you an introduction into writing the perfect position paper.