In Model United Nations (MUN), "Dr." is a common abbreviation for a Draft Resolution.
A Draft Resolution is a pivotal document in Model UN conferences. It serves as the primary output of a committee's work, outlining the proposed solutions and actions to address the specific agenda item under discussion. Essentially, a draft resolution is a document written during a conference that addresses the issues a committee is discussing and contains the solutions to that issue a group of delegates developed. Delegates work collaboratively in blocs to research, debate, and formulate these documents, aiming to create comprehensive and effective proposals that reflect the consensus of their group.
The Purpose and Importance of a Draft Resolution
Draft Resolutions are at the heart of the MUN experience. They provide a structured framework for delegates to:
- Propose Solutions: Clearly articulate proposed policies, actions, and recommendations.
- Achieve Consensus: Reflect the combined efforts and compromises of multiple countries (represented by delegates).
- Facilitate Debate: Serve as the foundation for formal debate and amendment, where delegates argue for or against specific clauses.
- Simulate Diplomacy: Mimic the real-world process of international negotiation and policy-making within bodies like the United Nations.
Structure of a Draft Resolution
A typical Draft Resolution is divided into two main sections:
- Preambulatory Clauses: These clauses set the stage, outlining the committee's understanding of the problem and the historical context. They often begin with italicized, participle phrases (e.g., Acknowledging, Deeply regretting, Mindful of).
- Operative Clauses: These clauses propose concrete actions and solutions. They begin with bolded, action-oriented verbs (e.g., Decides, Establishes, Recommends).
Below is a general structure of a Draft Resolution:
| Section | Purpose | Example Opening Phrases |
|---|---|---|
| Preambulatory Clauses | States the history, context, and concerns of the issue. | Affirming, Bearing in mind, Deeply concerned by |
| Operative Clauses | Proposes specific actions, solutions, and policies. | Calls upon, Establishes, Further requests, Urges |
For a more detailed look into drafting, resources like this MUN Guide to Draft Resolutions from the United Nations can be incredibly helpful.
The Drafting Process
Delegates engage in a multi-step process to create a Draft Resolution:
- Research and Position Papers: Delegates thoroughly research their assigned country's stance on the agenda item.
- Bloc Formation: Delegates with similar policy goals form working groups, or "blocs," to collaborate.
- Clause Writing: Within these blocs, delegates collectively write the preambulatory and operative clauses, ensuring they align with their bloc's policy objectives.
- Submission: The completed draft resolution is submitted to the committee dais (chair).
- Debate and Amendments: The draft is then debated by the entire committee, and other delegates can propose amendments to modify or improve specific clauses.
- Voting: Finally, the committee votes on the draft resolution (and any accepted amendments) to determine if it passes and becomes a committee resolution.
Understanding "Dr." as a Draft Resolution is fundamental for any participant in Model United Nations, as it represents the tangible outcome of their diplomatic efforts and negotiations.
