MUN Training

Research

The key to a successful MUN delegation is thorough preparation

The first part in preparing for the Model U.N. experience is to conduct extensive research.  It is important to remember that a delegates’ goal is to faithfully represent their country, be knowledgeable of the topic at hand, and know about the U.N. system.  Most delegates use the Internet for 80% of their research. (UNA-USA has compiled a list of web resources for the Model U.N.er)

Using the "Google" advanced search capabilities - Go to http://www.google.com/ and then click on "Advanced Search."  In the top dialog box enter a broad topic such as disarmament, human rights, sustainable development, etc.  Then in the fourth box down ("Without the words") type in (Kazakhstan)said or (Turkmenistan)said.  Next go to the domain line and click on "Only" and enter the domain un.org.  Then click on search in the upper right.  If you want broader examples of the countries position, you can leave the domain blank.  Play with it and you will probably find additional uses.  This should be a real help.

Research is usually broken down into three parts: country information, the topics at hand, and general U.N. information.  Of course the general goal is to weave this information together and realistically portray the country that has been assigned to a specific delegate.

When gathering information delegates should research the following:

1. Delegates need to learn enough about their country so they may respond to the issues raised at the conference just as a real delegate from that country would respond at the United Nations. Delegates must learn general information about the country they are representing: its political structure, history, culture(s), geography, people, infrastructure, economics, transnational issues and the country's allies and enemies in the world and to what formal organizations it belongs, such as "OAS," "OAU," "EU," "ASEAN," "OECD," "OPEC," etc. Some sources to find out country information include:
   1. News and media sources particularly focusing on the specific country that is being represented and U.N. activities throughout the world.
   2. The country's permanent mission at the U.N. MUN delegates can find information on the Internet at www.embassy.org. Delegates can also call the missions directly ask them to send them its position statements on the issues or even ask specific questions to find out how a particular country reacts to an issue.
   3. Delegates can look on the U.S. State department country reports or call the U.S. State department desk officer for the country and pick the secretary's brain about the country's relationships with the U.S. as well as pretty much anything else related to that country and the issues being discussed at the conference. Another great source of information is the CIA fact book. Here delegates can find a lot of general information such as statistics etc.
   4. The United Nations Web site has an abundance of information including actual speeches and country voting records.
   5. Use the "Global Issues on the UN Agenda" page of the UN website at http://www.un.org/partners/civil_society/agenda.htm. There is a wealth of information available by clicking on the broad topics including resolutions and voting records.
   6. Additional Internet searches: FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS, Political Science Links & Political Science Resources. 

    

2. Next delegates should research the topic at hand. Many conferences send out background materials called background guides, or issue summaries, which are intended to jumpstart a delegate's research. In many cases these materials come with bibliographies and questions to consider attached. These provide great starting points for research on the issues. Delegates should further research the general information on the topic, the country's position about the topic, actions taken to combat the problem, stances of other countries, blocs, etc. Great areas to look for information include:
   1. News and Media sources. Delegates should consult their local libraries, or a university library to see if they can access Lexus Universe. Lexus is a system that searches thousands of periodicals. Another service is Questia. This service costs about $15.00 per month, but allows people to access thousands of documents via their personal computer. Of course, delegates should use the internet to locate news and media sources. UNA-USA has compiled links to some of the most popular periodicals.
   2. The United Nations web site. The U.N. Economic and Social section has a great index to some of the most popular topics. In addition, through the United Nations Documentation Center you can find resolutions and voting records from the current and previous years.
   3. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) have a lot of background information, and in many cases great internet links to further sources of research.
   4. Policy centers of universities. Many topics, especially human rights, have professors and students who are constantly conducting research.

    

3. Delegates should not forget learning about the U.N. In many cases this is the area of research is overlooked. It is important for delegates to learn how the organ/agency that they are in operates, know the U.N. Charter, recent U.N. actions on the issue, conferences that have been held, statements by U.N. officials etc.. The U.N. website www.un.org is the best resource to find this information. The U.N. also publishes many books about the specific topics, and general U.N. information, which can be purchased via their web site. If a delegate is in NYC it is possible to even set up a briefing with a U.N. secretariat member, this can be done by calling the Department of Public Inquiries at (212)963-7710.