GFMUN 2014
Gimnasio Fontana Model United Nations
POINTS
•Point of order:
–If a mistake is made during a debate, by the Chair or by a delegate it is in order for a delegate to use this point.
•Point of information to the Chair:
–This is a question from a delegate directed to the Chair, when something is unclear during debate, the delegate may use this point.
•Point of information:
–A point of information is basically a question. It is directed to the speaker who at that moment has the floor. Points of information are always questions concerning the contents of the debate.
•Point of personal privilege:
–This point is the only point that may interrupt a delegate or the Chair while they are speaking. You would make use it if there is an audibility problem, ie. if you cannot hear the speaker.
•Point of parliamentary inquiry:
–If some kind of confusion occurs and the delegate is not sure what to do next during the debate he may use this point. The delegate could, for example, ask whether it is in order to abstain on an amendment.
•Calls for the orders of the day:
–During a debate delegates sometimes tend to speak about things that are irrelevant to the actual topic. The delegate can then use this point to ask the Chair to return to the actual agenda.
MOTIONS
•Motion to move (directly) into voting procedures:
–Sometimes delegates feel that there is nothing to say about a resolution anymore, however debating time has not elapsed yet. Now the delegate may use this motion. If there are no objections the house will directly move into voting.
•Motion to extend debating time:
–This motion is used when a delegate feels that there is not been enough time to discuss a resolution. When debating time has elapsed delegates may use this motion. The Chair will then decide if this is in order or not.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE DEBATING
•Always refer to your country in the third person
–Don’t say “I believe that ___.” Instead, say “The nation of China believes that ___,”
•Express the views of your country, not your own views
•Be formal and polite
CHRONOLOGY OF A TYPICAL FORMAL DEBATE
1. The Agenda and first topic to discuss set by Chair.
2. Speaker’s List created. (delegates who wish to speak raise their placards and their names are recorded by the chair.)
3. Formal debate will begin. First delegate on the list will be recognized by the chair (ie. They will take the floor, upon hearing “Germany, you have the floor” or “Germany, you have been recognized”)
4. Speech will be made by delegate, and maybe one or two points of information answered. Then delegates returns to seat (“I yield my time back to the chair” or “I yield the floor back to the chair.”)
5. Process repeated until Speaker’s List exhausted.
6. Un-moderated caucus or moderated caucus follow.