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 do one thing: reference a prior resolution, acknowledge the scale of the problem, note existing efforts, or affirm a guiding principle. Do not argue in your preambulatory clauses — describe.
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. Every operative clause should be specific: who is being asked to do what, by when, and how.
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 |
| 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 |
| Convinced, | States strong conviction that a particular approach is correct |
| Deeply concerned, | Expresses serious concern about a harmful ongoing situation |
| Deeply disturbed, | Stronger than "Deeply concerned" — implies moral alarm |
| Deploring, | Expresses strong disapproval of an action or situation |
| Emphasizing, | Draws attention to a key principle or fact deserving weight |
| Expressing its appreciation, | Acknowledges and thanks prior efforts or contributions |
| Fully aware, | Stronger acknowledgement — used when awareness is crucial to the argument |
| Guided by, | References a foundational principle or document guiding the resolution |
| Having adopted, | References a prior resolution or framework adopted by the same body |
| Mindful of, | Keeps a particular fact or obligation in conscious consideration |
| Noting, | Neutral observation of a fact, condition, or previous action |
| Noting with approval, | Observes a prior action or decision positively |
| Reaffirming, | Restates commitment to a previously stated principle or resolution |
| Recognizing, | Formally acknowledges a fact, development, or contribution |
| Recalling, | References a prior resolution, treaty, or declaration of the same body |
| 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.
| Affirms | Formally states a position or commitment on behalf of the committee |
| Calls upon | Requests action — most common, appropriate for non-binding committees |
| Condemns | Strong disapproval of an action or behaviour; stronger than "Deplores" |
| Decides★ BINDING | Creates a binding decision — USE ONLY in binding committees (e.g., Security Council) |
| Demands★ BINDING | Urgent, forceful request — binding committees only; rarely used elsewhere |
| Deplores | Formally expresses disappointment or disapproval — softer than "Condemns" |
| Draws attention to | Highlights an issue or fact without demanding specific action |
| Encourages | Gently promotes a course of action without compelling it |
| 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 requests | Adds to a previous "Requests" clause in the same resolution |
| Invites | Formally requests participation or cooperation from a party |
| Notes | Formally acknowledges a fact or development within the operative section |
| Reaffirms | Re-states a commitment or principle the body has previously endorsed |
| Recommends | Suggests a course of action; appropriate for advisory committees |
| Reminds | Points back to existing obligations, agreements, or previously stated positions |
| Requests | Formally asks a specific body or party to take a defined action |
| Strongly urges | More emphatic than "Urges" — for high-priority actions |
| Urges | Strongly requests action; between "Encourages" and "Demands" in intensity |
A correctly formatted mini-resolution on climate adaptation finance — one preambulatory clause and three operative clauses. 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
Deeply concerned by the persistent and widening gap between the $100 billion annual climate finance commitment pledged by developed nations at COP15 and the $83.3 billion actually delivered in 2020, which disproportionately impacts least developed countries with the lowest adaptive capacity,
Calls upon all developed member states that have not yet met their climate finance commitments to present concrete delivery timelines to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat no later than 31 December 2026, with particular priority given to adaptation finance over mitigation finance in disbursements to LDCs;
Recommends the establishment of a transparent, standardised reporting mechanism under the UNFCCC that tracks climate finance flows by recipient country, finance type (grant vs loan), and intended use, to be reviewed annually by the Conference of the Parties;
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.
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