How to prepare for AMUNC
Once you have chosen your committee and country it is time to prepare!
Preparation can be as extensive as you wish, the more you prepare the more that you will get out of AMUNC. On a basic level it is important that you are at least familiar with the following items:
- The rule of procedure
- Your country and its policies
- The 2 topics you will be debating
The rules of procedure govern the flow of debate - please see the Rules of Procedure page located under the 'How committees work' page for further details. Knowing general background information on your country and its policies is essential since this is the position you will be arguing. Often the views of the country you are representing are quiet different from your own! Knowing the topics is also essential so that you can form your arguments.
Research
Websites like Wikipedia and the CIA World Factbook are good starting points to look at to get a general understanding of your country and the topics, once you know the basics read the background papers that have been prepared by your committee directors. These contain more in depth information as well as suggested readings to further your knowledge. Academic research papers, university staff, books, embassies & foreign diplomats are your next port of call for more information, if you have reached this point well done!
If you university is sending a delegation, get in contact with them and organise to meet up and undertake group research; many hands do make light work.
Further research options
Homepages of the Permanent Missions to the UN
Most missions to the UN have their own web sites containing policy statements and the text of speeches to UN bodies made by diplomats (go here for lists). They normally provide excellent summaries of that State’s policy towards most items on the UN’s agenda. Similar speeches and statements can also be found on the web sites of many national foreign affairs ministries.
United Nations Bibliographic Information System (UNBIS)
The text of speeches made to the UN can also be accessed through the database on the UNBIS web site located here. Other important tools on the UNBIS site are searchable databases of Member States’ voting records and resolution sponsorship.
UN Document Centre
Provides access to all UN resolutions since 1946 (click here).
What to bring to committee sessions
Pens, paper and basic stationary is essential, many delegates also chose to bring laptops as they make drafting resolutions easier since you can do it in the committee room. Delegates will be provided with a delegate pack that will contain the rules of procedure along with other documentation that will assist in the committee sessions.