The complete guide to writing Model UN resolutions — from working paper to final vote. Preambulatory and operative clause reference lists, step-by-step walkthrough, amendment process, and a sample mini-resolution you can use as a template. See full UNA-USA procedure or the complete MUN RoP hub.
Before writing a single clause, be able to answer: what specific aspect of the agenda is your resolution addressing? A resolution that tries to solve everything solves nothing. Identify one primary problem — e.g., lack of technology transfer to developing nations on climate adaptation — and make that your resolution's central purpose.
Know which other delegations share your country's broad position before you start drafting. Resolutions need sponsors and signatories — you need a coalition from the start. Identify 5–8 delegations you can approach during unmoderated caucus and prepare your pitch for what the working paper will contain.
Write 4–6 preambulatory clauses that establish the context and justify your operative actions. Each clause should draw on one source: a prior resolution or treaty, a regional or national prior effort, the UN Charter or international legal framework, a Secretary-General statement or UN body position, or factual background on the topic. Do not argue in preambulatory clauses — describe. Aim for fewer preambulatory clauses than operative clauses; a resolution weighted toward solutions is stronger than one weighted toward context.
Write 4–6 operative clauses, each addressing one specific action. Start with less contentious clauses (urging data-sharing, encouraging cooperation) and build toward the most substantive asks. Stress-test each clause with six questions: who is being asked, what specifically, when by, where it applies, why it matters, and how it will be implemented. If you cannot answer all six, the clause needs more specificity.
Read every operative clause and flag any binding language. If you are in a GA committee, replace "Demands" with "Urges," "Decides" with "Recommends," and "Requires" with "Calls Upon." If you are in the Security Council, use binding language deliberately and intentionally.
Approach your aligned bloc during unmoderated caucus with your draft. Walk each delegation through the operative clauses and address concerns. Ask for sponsors first — those whose ideas are genuinely in the text. Then collect signatories from delegations who want the paper debated, even if they have reservations.
Format your working paper with the official header (committee name, topic, sponsors, signatories) and submit to the Dais. The Dais will review for procedural correctness — language violations, formatting errors — and return it with feedback before it can be formally introduced.
Once the Dais approves your working paper as a draft resolution and assigns it a number, one sponsor formally moves to introduce it in committee. Sponsors then have time to explain the key operative clauses, followed by a Q&A where other delegates can question the draft's positions.
Other delegations may propose amendments. Friendly amendments (all sponsors agree) are added automatically. For unfriendly amendments (at least one sponsor disagrees), engage constructively — sometimes incorporating an amendment builds broader support; sometimes you need to mobilise to defeat it.
When you are confident your resolution has majority support, work with allies to move to voting procedure. Before the vote, the committee hears two speakers for and two against. If your resolution passes, it becomes the official position of the committee on that topic.
These phrases open preambulatory clauses. Each ends with a comma (,) and the phrase is traditionally written in italics. Choose based on the function you need — context, concern, acknowledgement, or reference.
| Affirming, | Positive statement of an existing principle or right |
| Alarmed by, | Expresses deep concern about a serious or urgent development |
| Approving, | Formally endorses an action, report, or initiative of another body |
| Aware of, | Acknowledges awareness of a circumstance without moral judgement |
| Bearing in mind, | Notes a consideration that should inform the committee's actions |
| Believing, | States a conviction that provides rationale for the operative clauses |
| Cognizant of, | Acknowledges understanding of a complex situation or context |
| Confident, | Expresses assurance that a proposed course of action will succeed |
| Contemplating, | Signals that a future course of action or scenario is being considered |
| Convinced, | States strong conviction that a particular approach is correct |
| Declaring, | Makes a formal statement of principle or fact on behalf of the committee |
| Deeply concerned, | Expresses serious concern about a harmful ongoing situation |
| Deeply conscious, | Acknowledges a particularly serious or morally weighty circumstance |
| Deeply convinced, | Stronger than "Convinced" — expresses unshakeable certainty about a position |
| Deeply disturbed, | Stronger than "Deeply concerned" — implies moral alarm |
| Deeply regretting, | Expresses regret over a past failure, harmful action, or missed opportunity |
| Deploring, | Expresses strong disapproval of an action or situation |
| Desiring, | Articulates an aspiration or wish that motivates the resolution |
| Emphasizing, | Draws attention to a key principle or fact deserving weight |
| Expecting, | States an anticipation of a particular outcome or action from a party |
| Expressing its appreciation, | Acknowledges and thanks prior efforts or contributions |
| Expressing its satisfaction, | Acknowledges and approves positive progress made on an issue |
| Fulfilling, | References compliance with a prior commitment or mandate |
| Fully alarmed, | Stronger than "Alarmed by" — reserved for extreme urgency or crisis |
| Fully aware, | Stronger acknowledgement — used when awareness is crucial to the argument |
| Fully believing, | Stronger than "Believing" — used when certainty is central to the argument |
| Further deploring, | Extends a preceding "Deploring" clause with additional disapproval |
| Further recalling, | Extends a preceding "Recalling" clause; references another prior document |
| Guided by, | References a foundational principle or document guiding the resolution |
| Having adopted, | References a prior resolution or framework adopted by the same body |
| Having considered, | Indicates the committee has reviewed a report, proposal, or document |
| Having considered further, | Notes additional deliberation beyond initial consideration |
| Having devoted attention, | Acknowledges that the committee has given focused study to an issue |
| Having examined, | References formal review of a document, report, or situation |
| Having heard, | References oral statements made in committee or by a special rapporteur |
| Having received, | Acknowledges receipt of a report, communication, or document |
| Having studied, | Notes that the committee has reviewed a report or body of evidence |
| Keeping in mind, | Holds a principle or fact in active consideration throughout the resolution |
| Mindful of, | Keeps a particular fact or obligation in conscious consideration |
| Noting, | Neutral observation of a fact, condition, or previous action |
| Noting further, | Adds a second neutral observation to a preceding "Noting" clause |
| Noting with approval, | Observes a prior action or decision positively |
| Noting with deep concern, | Stronger than "Noting" — for serious or alarming observations |
| Noting with regret, | Observes a negative development or shortfall with disappointment |
| Noting with satisfaction, | Observes a positive development or initiative with approval |
| Observing, | Notes a factual circumstance or condition without moral judgement |
| Reaffirming, | Restates commitment to a previously stated principle or resolution |
| Realizing, | Acknowledges a truth or consequence that has become apparent |
| Recalling, | References a prior resolution, treaty, or declaration of the same body |
| Recognizing, | Formally acknowledges a fact, development, or contribution |
| Referring, | Points to a specific document, article, or provision as relevant context |
| Seeking, | States that the committee is actively working toward a goal or outcome |
| Taking into account, | Incorporates a specific consideration into the committee's reasoning |
| Taking into consideration, | Broader form of "Taking into account" — for wider contextual factors |
| Taking note, | Formally acknowledges information without strong endorsement or approval |
| Viewing with appreciation, | Looks favorably upon an effort, initiative, or contribution by another party |
| Welcoming, | Expresses positive reception of a recent development or initiative |
These phrases open operative clauses. Each clause ends with a semicolon (;) — except the final clause which ends with a period (.). The operative phrase is traditionally underlined. Phrases marked ★ BINDING are appropriate only in the Security Council.
| Accepts | Formally receives a report, proposal, or offer from another body |
| Affirms | Formally states a position or commitment on behalf of the committee |
| Approves | Formally endorses a plan, programme, or report |
| Authorizes★ BINDING | Grants mandate to a body or individual to take a specific action — binding committees only |
| Calls | Shorter form of "Calls upon" — requests action from a party |
| Calls upon | Requests action — most common, appropriate for non-binding committees |
| Condemns | Strong disapproval of an action or behaviour; stronger than "Deplores" |
| Confirms | Formally reaffirms or validates a decision, position, or finding |
| Congratulates | Commends a party for a notable achievement or contribution |
| Considers | Takes a matter under formal deliberation without concluding |
| Decides★ BINDING | Creates a binding decision — USE ONLY in binding committees (e.g., Security Council) |
| Declares accordingly★ BINDING | Makes a formal consequential declaration flowing from prior clauses — Security Council preferred |
| Demands★ BINDING | Urgent, forceful request — binding committees only; rarely used elsewhere |
| Deplores | Formally expresses disappointment or disapproval — softer than "Condemns" |
| Designates | Formally assigns a role, function, or status to a body, person, or location |
| Draws attention to | Highlights an issue or fact without demanding specific action |
| Emphasizes | Highlights the particular importance of a principle or required action |
| Encourages | Gently promotes a course of action without compelling it |
| Endorses | Formally supports and approves an initiative, report, or proposal |
| Expresses its appreciation | Thanks or acknowledges a contribution or effort |
| Expresses its hope | Articulates a desired outcome in aspirational (non-binding) language |
| Further invites | Used for a second invitation clause; pairs with a preceding "Invites" |
| Further proclaims | Extends a preceding "Proclaims" clause with an additional declaration |
| Further recommends | Extends a preceding "Recommends" clause; a second recommendation |
| Further reminds | Extends a preceding "Reminds" clause with an additional obligation |
| Further requests | Adds to a previous "Requests" clause in the same resolution |
| Further resolves★ BINDING | Extends a preceding "Resolves" clause — Security Council preferred |
| Has resolved | References a prior decision made by the same body in a previous session |
| Invites | Formally requests participation or cooperation from a party |
| Notes | Formally acknowledges a fact or development within the operative section |
| Proclaims | Makes a formal solemn declaration — stronger than "Affirms" |
| Reaffirms | Re-states a commitment or principle the body has previously endorsed |
| Recommends | Suggests a course of action; appropriate for advisory committees |
| Regrets | Formally expresses disappointment over a failure, shortfall, or harmful action |
| Reminds | Points back to existing obligations, agreements, or previously stated positions |
| Requests | Formally asks a specific body or party to take a defined action |
| Solemnly affirms | Ceremonial, strong affirmation — reserved for fundamental principles |
| Strongly condemns | More emphatic than "Condemns" — for the most serious violations |
| Stresses | Emphasises the critical importance of an issue or obligation requiring immediate attention |
| Strongly urges | More emphatic than "Urges" — for high-priority actions |
| Supports | Formally backs an initiative, position, or action of another party |
| Takes note of | Formally acknowledges information without implying endorsement |
| Transmits | Forwards a document, report, or communication to another body |
| Trusts | Expresses confidence that a party will fulfil its obligations |
| Urges | Strongly requests action; between "Encourages" and "Demands" in intensity |
A correctly formatted sample resolution on climate adaptation finance — three preambulatory clauses and four operative clauses. Notice: preamb clauses end in commas; operative clauses end in semicolons; the second-to-last operative clause ends with "; and"; only the final clause ends with a period. Use this as a structural template for your own drafts.
Sample Draft Resolution · United Nations General Assembly — Second Committee (ECOFIN)
Topic: Enhancing Climate Adaptation Finance for Least Developed Countries
The General Assembly,
Preambulatory Clauses
Recalling General Assembly resolution 75/215 and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, both of which commit developed nations to jointly mobilising $100 billion annually in climate finance for developing countries by 2020,
Deeply concerned by the persistent gap between that $100 billion commitment and the $83.3 billion actually delivered in 2020, and by the fact that adaptation finance — critical for the most climate-vulnerable nations — represents less than 10% of total climate finance flows globally,
Noting with regret that least developed countries, despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, bear a disproportionate share of climate impacts including rising sea levels, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events that undermine food security and economic development,
Operative Clauses
1. Calls upon all developed member states that have not yet fulfilled their climate finance commitments to submit concrete, time-bound delivery plans to the UNFCCC Secretariat no later than 31 December 2026, with disbursements to least developed countries prioritising adaptation finance over mitigation at a minimum ratio of 60:40;
2. Recommends the establishment, under the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, of a standardised annual reporting mechanism that tracks all climate finance flows by recipient country, finance instrument (grant, concessional loan, or equity), and intended use — adaptation or mitigation — to be publicly accessible no later than six months after each COP session;
3. Urges multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and African Development Bank, to increase the share of concessional grant-based financing in their climate adaptation portfolios to a minimum of 50% for least developed country recipients by 2028, prioritising community-led and nationally determined adaptation projects; and
4. Encourages all member states with advanced national adaptation planning experience to share technical expertise and best practices with least developed countries through the UNFCCC National Adaptation Plan framework, including by seconding climate finance specialists to requesting LDC governments for periods of no less than twelve months.
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