What is Resolution?
A resolution is a formal written document that represents the final decision or proposal of a committee on the topic being debated.
It is how delegates turn discussion and negotiation into a concrete outcome.
Basically, a resolution explains what the problem is, why it matters, and what the committee believes should be done to address it. Resolutions are Main submitted and Co-submitted by delegates, often with several countries working together. During debate, these drafts are discussed, defended, criticized, and amended.
At the end of the session, the committee votes on the resolution.
If it passes, it becomes the official result of that committee’s work.
Sadly, GA resolutions usually do not have legal force (yes, nations can ignore the resolutions). Instead, their purpose is to demonstrate diplomacy, compromise, and realistic problem-solving while respecting national sovereignty.
Anatomy
A resolution must contain:
The committee name (e.g., DISEC, SOCHUM...), topic (The actual name of the issue), the main submitter (Person who leads the resolution), and co-submitters (People who support and write the resolution).
Here is an example:
Clauses
A clause is a single sentence or statement within a resolution that outlines a specific idea, justification, or action.
Think of them as the individual "bricks" used to build the Great Wall of International Cooperation.
There are two types of clauses:
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Preambulatory clauses: Preambulatory clauses (or preambs) basically states the problems and information regarding the topic.
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Operative Clauses: Operative clause are the solutions to the problems
There is no real MUN requirement on how many clauses the resolution must contain to pass.
However, the conference can make its own rule regarding the minimum. Most committees require a minimum of 3 preambulatory clauses and 7 operative clauses for it to be approved for debate and pass.
It is highly recommended for the resolution to contain 5-10 preambs and 8-15 operative clauses just to be safe.
However, quality IS over quantity, meaning it's better to have 5 operative clauses that are perfectly well-crafted than to have 50 that each said... "Let's be nice to each other".
If you have any trouble memorizing the names of the clauses, just think that Operative clauses are operations, and perambulatory are before (there is a prefix "pre" for a reason).
Preambulatory Clauses
Preambulatory (or Preambs) clauses explain why the committee is addressing a topic. They provide background and context, outline the issue, reference previous UN actions or international agreements, define key terms, and highlight the problem’s significance.
Basically, the warm-up before the real solutions begin.
👇 Here are some words you can use to begin preambulatory clauses 👇
Acknowledging
Acting
Affirming
Alarmed by
Alarmed
Anxious
Appreciating
Approving
Aware of
Bearing in mind
Believing
Cognizant
Concerned
Confident
Conscious
Considering
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting
Deploring
Desiring
Determined
Emphasizing
Encouraged
Expecting
Expressing appreciation
Expressing concern also
Expressing concern
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its satisfaction
Expressing satisfaction
Firmly convinced
Fulfilling
Fully alarmed
Fully aware
Fully believing
Further deploring
Further recalling
Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered
Having considered further
Having devoted attention
Having examined
Having heard
Having received
Having reviewed
Having studied
Having approved
Having decided
Keeping in mind
Mindful
Noting
Noting further
Noting further
Noting with deep concern
Noting with regret
Noting with satisfaction
Observing
Reaffirming
Reaffirming also
Realizing
Recalling
Recalling also
Recognizing
Recognizing also
Recognizing with satisfaction
Referring
Regretting
Reiterating
Reiterating its call for
Reminding
Seeking
Seized
Stressing
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Taking note
Taking note also
Taking note further
Underlining
Welcoming
Operative Clauses
Operative clauses outline actionable solutions to the issues raised in the preambulatory clauses.
They are action-oriented, the main component of the resolution, and numbered.
Clauses can include sub-clauses, which should remain clear, specific, and action-focused.
There are even sub-sub-clauses, usually detailed examples of the sub-clauses. Sub-sub-sub clauses usually are not permitted in most conferences.
While not required, they’re highly recommended to fill in any vagueness.
Hanging Clause
Hanging Clause
Keep in mind that having only one sub-clause or one sub-sub-clause creates a hanging clause. The purpose of sub-clauses and sub-sub-clauses is to break a larger idea into smaller, organized parts. Having only one does not make logical sense.
A hanging clause will automatically terminate the clause/part of a clause its part of, regardless of whether the hanging clause itself is good or bad.
Word Use
In the General Assembly (GA) or any other committee except for the Crisis and the Security Council (SC), the resolution is a suggestion, not a legally binding object, so you should not use words that demand anything.
Instead, use words that suggest them.
Sub-Clauses and Sub-Sub-Clauses Recommendation
It’s highly recommended for a clause to have:
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Two sub-clauses
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Two sub-sub-clauses
This keeps the resolution detailed, clear, and well-structured without turning it into a 100 page novel.
👇 Here are some words you can use to begin operative clauses: 👇
Accepts
Acknowledges
Adopts
Advises
Affirms
Also calls for
Also recommends
Also strongly condemns
Also urges
Appeals
Appreciates
Approves
Authorizes
Calls
Calls for
Calls upon
Commends
Concurs
Condemns
Confirms
Considers
Decides
Declares
Declares accordingly
Deplores
Designates
Directs
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its appreciation
Expresses its hope
Expresses its regret
Further invites
Further proclaims
Further recommends
Further reminds
Further requests
Further resolves
Has resolved
Instructs
Introduces
Invites
Notes
Notes with satisfaction
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Reaffirms
Recalls
Recognizes
Recommends
Regrets
Reiterates
Reminds
Renews its appeal
Repeats
Requests
Requires
Solemnly affirms
Stresses
Strongly advises
Strongly condemns
Strongly encourages
Suggests
Supports
Takes note of
Transmits
Trusts
Underlines
Underscores
Urges
Welcomes
Examples
Preambulatory Clauses
Informal and fun version (Please don't use it for the resolution):
Formal version (Use it as an example for the resolution in real MUN conference):
Operative Clauses
Informal and fun version:
Formal version:
