MiniMUN

What is MiniMUN?

Established in the spring of 2013, MiniMUN is a unique project put forward by Model United Nations Prague. The objective is to simulate an unprecedented crisis to delegates of one of the smaller UN bodies and have them respond to this situation within less than 10 hours by submitting just one resolution.

The aim is to open the world of MUN to inexperienced delegates who wish to gain experience before presenting to a higher audience at one of the regular MUN conferences. Nevertheless, experienced delegates are also welcomed in order to streamline the discussion and to demonstrate proper practices to the less experienced delegates. It is completely free of charge and a perfect opportunity to experience the MUN world!

6 assets of MiniMUN

  • Suitable for inexperienced delegates
  • Before the start of a session, the chairs will introduce the procedures to all delegates
  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Small number of people
  • Free of charge

During MiniMUN

  1. Introduction of the rules of procedure
  2. Opening speeches
  3. Formal / informal debate
  4. Lunch break
  5. Formal / informal debate
  6. Voting procedure

How to prepare yourself?

Once you will receive your country assignment, there are typically three documents to prepare before participating in MiniMUN — namely an Opening Speech, a Position Paper and a Country Profile. The other document to read carefully is ‘The Rules of Procedures’ document which contains — apart from the procedural rules — a part concerning how to write a Resolution.

1. Position Paper

The Position Paper or the Policy Statement is a document that summarise your knowledge of the topic and the position your country plans to take during MiniMUN negotiations. Usually, it is an obligatory document when attending big MUNs, but for the purpose of our MiniMUN, it is only our recommendation that you write it since it will serve you as a good starting point for your preparation. It usually consists of three parts:

  • Background of topic: Find as much information as possible about the topic you are going to discuss during the session. Use Google, the news, Wikipedia etc.
  • Past international actions: How the international community is trying to tackle the issue? Visit UN website, your committee’s website, read through UN or NGO reports, treaties or resolutions that have been already adopted.
  • Country policy and possible solutions: Visit your country’s foreign ministry website, or domestic programs within your assigned country. Try to find some articles/analyses written by NGOs or think tanks whose recommendations might help you, too.

2. Opening Speech

The Opening Speech usually lasts about 1 minute, sometimes 1 minute and 30 seconds and it is the first speech you give to the committee. Each delegate will present position of the country he or she represents towards the issue. The Opening speech can be read from a paper, although when it is delivered by heart, it looks more professional. The Opening Speech is the best opportunity for you to explain your country policy and which sub-issues are essential for your country and which key aspects you would like the committee to focus on. The Opening Speech is a main way for delegates to determine who they want to work with. It is a regular practice that your Opening speech is based on your Position paper.

Notice: When speaking about yourself or your country, do NOT use singular “I”, but address your speech as “WE” or “The delegation of the United States of America” or “The United States of America believe..” etc.

3. Country Profile

The Country Profile is a worksheet that may help you to understand your country. Since you are not a resident of a country that you are going to represent, you should know, at least, some basic information about it. It is not an officially required document, but again – it will help you with a preparation. There are some tips on what you should know about your country:

  • country’s official name, when founded, currency
  • capital city
  • where is your country located, country’s neighbours
  • how many people live there, a quality of living
  • ethnic composition, minorities
  • official languages, other spoken languages
  • political situation, system of government, country’s leader
  • country’s allies/enemies
  • trading partners, natural resources, export/import
  • and more…

Most of the information can be found in the CIA World Factbook. It is not obligatory to prepare such a document, but it is highly recommended to do so.