RBS MUN 2021

JAN 22. 23. 24

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Conference Handbook

Table of contents:

1. Contacts

2. Rules of Procedure

3. Points and Motions

4. Resolution Writing

5. Sample Resolution

6. Voting & Crisis Procedure

7. Position Paper Guidelines

8. Sample Position Paper

9. Restricted Actions

10. Important Guidelines

11. Discord servers

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Conference Handbook

CONFERENCE HANDBOOK

RBSMUN 2021

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Conference Handbook

Contacts

Secretariat emails: Secretary General, Devansh Deepak Dutta: secretarygeneral@rbsmun.org Deputy Secretary General, Rachel Parajuli: rachel_dsg@rbsmun.org Deputy Secretary General, Saharsha Dhan Tuladhar: saharsha_dsg@rbsmun.org Organizing committee emails: IT: it@rbsmun.org Logistics: headoflogistics@rbsmun.org

Committee emails: HNATO: hnato@rbsmun.org HGA: hga@rbsmun.org HSC: hsc@rbsmun.org Sumitsu-in: sumitsuin@rbsmun.org Apatkalin Sankat Baithak: asb_nepali@rbsmun.org Emergency session of the Arabic states: altahaluf.alearabiu@rbsmun.org Indian Decolonization Assembly: ida@rbsmun.org International Press Council: press@rbsmun.org

Press Corps: press@rbsmun.org

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Rules of Procedure

a) Roll Call: Once quorum is established, that is, the presence of at least one third of the committee, the chair-person will proceed to a roll call. The represented countries will be called out in alphabetical order and the delegates must respond with ‘present’ or ‘present and voting,’ the implications of each apply while voting for a resolution and are as follows:

• Present: Delegates can vote either yes or no, or abstain from voting • Present and voting: Delegates can vote either yes or no.

The Executive Board will announce the simple majority (1/2 the number of delegates present in committee) and the 2/3 majority for the formal session.

b) Setting the Agenda:

The committees this year consist of one agenda. As soon as the Executive Board opens the floor to motions, a delegate may raise a motion to set the agenda. A simple majority is required to pass this motion.

c) General Speakers List: Once the agenda is set, the floor will, once again, be open to motions. Delegates are expected to raise a motion to open the speaker’s list; this motion will require a simple majority to pass. The del-egate who raised the motion will automatically be the first speaker, and others will be added as per the Executive Board’s discretion.

Each speaker will have 90 seconds to deliver their speech, which would ideally cover their nation’s stances and justifications, an evaluation of the overall situation, and possible solutions (if any). At the end of their speech (regardless of the elapsed time) the speaker must state whether they are open to points of information or not. If open to them, the committee can direct points of information towards the speaker after being recognized by the Executive Board. The number of points of infor-mation will be as many deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

The speaker’s list will stand throughout the sessions and will be resorted to if no other motions are passed. Delegates may request the addition or removal of their name when the Executive Board opens the list for additions, or at any point during the sessions through chits.

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d) Formal and informal debate: Formal and informal debate takes place as a part of caucusing procedures.Caucusing:

• Moderated Caucus: Moderated caucuses are a form of formal debate during which a detailed discussion on a proposed sub-topic of the main agenda is expected. All points (except points of information) as well as the right to reply are facilitated during the caucus.

A delegate can raise a motion to open a moderated caucus, the total time of the caucus (a maximum of 15 mins), individual speaker time (a maximum of 1 min) and the topic of the caucus must be stated. A simple majority is required to pass the motion.

If the motion is passed, the delegate who raised the motion gets the option to speak first or last in the caucus. To be recognized, delegates will have to raise their physical placards (visible through the camera) or use the ‘raise hand’ option on Zoom, based on the instructions of the Executive Board. Once the allocated time has elapsed, the time for the caucus can be extended by upto half of the original time. • Unmoderated Caucus:

Unmoderated caucuses are free-form debates, with no turns, points or speaking time. Delegates are allowed to move around different voice channels (typically divided on the basis of blocs) on the Discord server.

A delegate can raise a motion to open an unmoderated caucus, the total time of the caucus (a maximum of 20 mins) and its purpose must be stated. A simple majority is required to pass the motion.

During an unmoderated caucus, anyone may speak at any time, in no particular order, and cooperation is encouraged for the purpose of reaching an agreement and writing a draft resolution. All points are suspended during the duration of this caucus. Once the time has elapsed, the caucus can be extended by upto half of the original time.

*Lobbying through any means of communication outside the Discord server during an unmoderated caucus, while allowed, cannot be supervised, and therefore cannot be marked by Executive members.

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e) Resolution: The delegates will be expected to draft at least one resolution for each committee (although more are expected due to the existence of varying blocs). Discussion and voting will proceed as per proce-dure; a special majority (⅔ of the committee size) is required to pass a resolution.

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Points and Motions i) Points: The points applicable in committee, in order of disruption, are outlined below:

Points:

Point of Personal Privilege

Purpose:

• To express physical discomfort or need, to the Executive Board• To request speaker to be more audible or clearer

Features:

• Can interrupt a speaker, but mustn’t unless necessary. Should be sent in chit form, as far as pos-sible, to ensure the least disruption to committee.• Must be sent via Zoom chat to any of the moderators.

Point of Order • To point out procedural discrep-ancies to the Executive Board. • To express offense taken, due to disturbance of decorum through inappropriate language, gestures

• Cannot interrupt a speaker, may be raised right after a speech.• May demand an apology from the offending delegate or the Executive Board.• Delegates may unmute them-selves once a speech is over or send a message via Zoom chat to any one of the Chairs.

Point of ParliamentaryInquiry

• To request clarifications regarding committee procedures from the Executive Board.

• Cannot interrupt speaker , may be raised right after a speech.• Delegates may unmute them-selves once a speech is over or send a message via Zoom chat to one of the chairs. chat to any one of the Chairs.

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Point of Information • To question a speaker after their GSL speech.

• Only applicable after a GSL speech, if allowed by the speaker. This question can be followed up with a maximum of 2 rights to fol-low up.• Delegates may unmute them-selves and verbally ask a question if recognized by the Executive Board at the end of the speech. However, if not recognized, delegates may pose their questions through a chit on the Discord Server.

ii) The rights and the specific instances of their applicability are given below:

Right:

Right to Reply

Purpose:

• When a delegate wants to re-spond to a question or accusation either asked as POI after GSL, or explicitly directed towards them during moderated caucus, the right to reply is requested

Restriction:

• Must be granted by the Executive Board member.• Number of such ac Number of such accepted is upon the discre-tion of the Executive Board.• Delegates will have to raise their physical placards-visible through the camera or use the ‘raise hand’ option on Zoom based on the in-struction of the Executive Board to be recognized.

Right to Follow Up •After the initial POI has been answered, if the delegate seeks clarification or further cross question, they may request a right to follow up.

•Delegates will have to raise their physical placards-visible through the camera or use the ‘raise hand’ option on Zoom (based on the in-struction of the Executive Board) to be recognized.

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iii) Motions: • Motions to start caucuses: The Dais will accept upto 5 motions to start caucuses. Voting will occur, informally, in order of most disruptive to least disruptive (i.e. in descending order of total time) and the caucus that secures a simple majority first, will be brought to action. • Motions to extend caucuses: This motion is proposed when the initial time of a caucus has elapsed but delegates feel an extension is required. This motion can pass by the discretion of the Executive Board, without the need for voting. • Motion to adjourn committee: The motion to adjourn committee must be proposed and passed by simple majority before the committee is dismissed for breaks or at the end of the day. • Motion to present resolution: When multiple draft resolutions have been submitted to the Executive Board, individual motions must be raised to present each resolution. The motion that is raised first will be voted on first, and if passed, will be discussed. During the presentation, the authors must read out the clauses of the resolution without further explanation. At the end, they will be asked if they are open to questions.

• Motion for amendment session: Once the resolution has been approved by the Chair, any delegate can raise a motion for an amendment session for that specific resolution. If passed by simple majority, the Executive Board will allow 2-5 minutes to send amendments in written form and will address them in the order received. As each amendment is read out, the authors decide whether the amendment is friendly or unfriendly. If deemed friendly, changes are made immediately. However, if it’s deemed unfriendly, the committee moves into informal voting. Imposition of amendments would require a 2/3 majority. If more than 2/3 of the number of operative clauses in a draft resolution are amended, then the resolution (now considered an entirely modified document) is tabled.Amendments must be sent in the form of chits via the Discord server.

• Motion to vote on a resolution:Any delegate can raise a motion to vote on a resolution. If passed by simple majority, the committee then moves into formal voting.

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Resolution WritingWhat is a resolution? Draft resolutions are the foundation of the decision-making process of a Model UN. They propose a list of comprehensive solutions that include the viewpoints of nations represented by the delegates within the committee.

Format of resolution: The rules for formatting a resolution are as follows: Resolution Name

Committee:

Agenda:

Authors: [delegations who wrote and will present the draft resolution listed by formal country name, max 2 or 3 according to committee size]

Signatories: [delegation who support the presentation and discussion of the resolution listed by formal country name, as many as the entire committee] The [Committee Name], [Preambulatory Phrase] [Clause], {at least 5 preambulatory clauses are recommended}

[Operative Phrase] [Clause]; {at least 10 operative clauses in given format} [Final clause]

Delegates will be informed prior to committee sessions regarding the submission of resolutions by the Executive members.

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Preambulatory Phrases:

Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Bearing in mind Believing Confident Contemplating Concerned Conscious Convinced Declaring Deploring Disturbed Desiring Emphasizing Expecting Expressing its appreciation

Expressing its satisfaction Fulfilling Fully alarmed Fully aware Fully believing Guided by Having adopted Having considered Having considered further Having devoted attention Having examined Having heard Having received Having studied Keeping in mind Noting with regret Not-ing with deep concern

Noting with satisfaction Noting further Noting with approval Observing Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Regretting Seeking Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming

Operative clauses:

Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Believing Bearing in mind Cognizant of Confident Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Desiring Emphasizing

Confirms Congratulates Considers Decides* Declares Accordingly* Demands* Deplores Designates Draws the Attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its Appreciation Expresses its Hope Hopes Invites Notes

Proclaims* Reaffirms Recommends Regrets Reminds Requests Resolves Sanctions Solemnly Affirms Supports Suggests Takes Note of Transmits Trusts Urges Wishes

Please note: All clauses that are marked with an asterisk (*) can only be used by the Security Council

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Sample ResolutionSeventy-fourth session Agenda item 123 Strengthening of the United Nations system

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 11 September 2020 [without reference to a Main Committee (A/74/L.57 and A/74/L.57/Add.1)]

74/307. United response against global health threats: combating COVID-19

The General Assembly, Expressing grave concern and deep sadness at the global crisis triggered by the novel dis-ease COVID-19 pandemic and its unprecedented negative health, economic and social impacts on the international community, Acknowledging that the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic is a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and vulnerabilities, as the virus respects no borders, and that combating this pandemic calls for an open, transparent, robust, coordinated, large-scale, science-based and inclu-sive global response in the spirit of solidarity, Noting the importance of utilizing all available policy tools to safeguard the global economy, financial markets, trade and global supply chains in order to minimize the economic damage from the pandemic, restore global growth and maintain market stability, Recognizing the essential role of the United Nations as the body that can effectively bring together a global response to control and contain the spread of COVID-19 and address the critical interlinkages between health, trade, finance and economic and social development, and acknowl-edging that the disease will negatively impact endeavours aimed at achieving the Sustainable Devel-opment Goals by 2030, Recognizing also the great effort undertaken by people around the world to follow the mea-sures recommended by the World Health Organization and national authorities in order to control and fight the spread of the pandemic, Expressing deep concern about the serious risks posed to all countries, in particular develop-ing and least developed countries, and notably African countries and small island developing States, where health systems and economies may be less stable, Commending the United Nations for its recommitment to the timely implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development1 and its determination to lead a recovery that is inclusive and sustainable, Emphasizing the urgent need for initiatives, on a voluntary basis, that focus on preventing threats from emerging pandemics and on building an effective global defence against outbreaks of deadly infectious diseases should such threats emerge,

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Welcoming the initiative taken by the Secretary-General, noting the initiatives by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, and acknowledging the role of the World Health Organization, Recalling the high-level meeting on universal health coverage, held in New York on 23 September 2019, and reaffirming its political declaration, entitled “Universal health coverage: moving together to build a healthier world”2 as a means of strengthening health systems, and recalling also its resolution 74/270 of 2 April 2020, entitled “Global solidarity to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)”, Expressing profound gratitude to all front-line health-care workers as the fight against the pandemic continues, and emphasizing the importance of providing them with the necessary protection and support, Welcoming the outcomes of the virtual Extraordinary Summit of the Group of 20, chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President of the Group for 2020, on 26 March 2020, and the call therein for effective and coordinated action to fight this global health crisis,

1. Calls for intensified international cooperation and multilateral efforts in handling disease outbreaks, including by sharing timely, accurate and transparent information, exchanging epidemiological and clinical data, sharing materials necessary for research and development, and implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005)3 and relevant guidance;

2. Emphasizes the need for the United Nations system, as well as relevant regional and international organizations and financial institutions, to collaborate in order to ensure that the adverse social, economic, humanitarian and financial impacts of COVID-19 are addressed in a timely and non-discriminatory manner; 3. Also emphasizes the need for full respect for human rights, and stresses further that there is no place for any form of discrimination, racism and xenophobia in the response to the pandemic; 4. Stresses the necessity of urgent short-term actions to step up the global efforts to fight global health crises and pandemics and maintain economic stability, including by taking the following steps:

(a) Swift delivery of medical supplies, especially diagnostic tools, treatments, medicines and vaccines; (b) Increasing research and development funding for vaccines and medicines, leveraging digital technologies and strengthening scientific international cooperation; (c) Expanding manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing needs for medical supplies and ensuring that these are made widely available, at an affordable price, on an equitable basis, where they are most needed and as quickly as possible; (d) Engaging with the front-line international organizations, notably the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group and multilateral and regional development banks, to deploy robust, coherent, coordinated and rapid financial packages to strengthen global financial safety nets;

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5. Reaffirms the necessity to support economies, protect workers, businesses, especially micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the sectors most affected, and shield the vulnerable through adequate social protection, and in this context welcomes the statement by the leaders of the Group of 20 on injecting 5 trillion United States dollars into the global economy, as part of targeted fiscal policy, economic measures and guarantee schemes to counteract the social, economic and financial impacts of the pandemic;

6. Calls upon the international community, regional and international organizations and relevant stakeholders to give high priority to people, particularly the elderly, women and girls, displaced persons and refugees and persons with disabilities, and areas that are most vulnerable, particularly developing and least developed countries, in order to mitigate any drawback towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and highlights the need to address risks of debt vulnerabilities in developing countries, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing States and African countries, as well as middle-income countries, due to the pandemic;

7. Calls upon Member States to enhance coordination on public health and financial measures as well as cooperation at the national, regional and international levels to confront and combat this pandemic; 8. Stresses the need to give appropriate consideration to the issue of halting and reversing the global threats posed by epidemics through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;1

9. Urges Member States, in conjunction with the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group and other regional and international organizations, working within their existing mandates, to embark on sustainable pandemic preparedness, response and recovery planning, taking into account strengthening the capacity of health sector institutions in developing countries;

10. Requests the Secretary-General to mobilize the United Nations system in support of global action towards sustainable recovery, including through the work of the United Nations resident coordinators and United Nations country teams, especially in the most vulnerable countries;

11. Decides to remain seized of the matter, and requests the Secretary-General to coordinate and follow up on the various relevant initiatives and to report to the General Assembly on the implementation of the present resolution in a timely manner.

64th plenary meeting 11 September 2020

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Voting Procedure Formal voting:The Executive Board will alphabetically call out every nation’s name; delegates must respond with yes, no or abstain depending upon their response during the roll call. The Executive Board will tally the responses and reveal the result at the end.

During this voting session, all Executive members must be in the virtual committee room and all visitors including observer states must leave the committee. This voting session is in order while voting for a resolution.

Informal voting:The Executive Board will call for delegates in favour and those wishing to vote for the motion will raise their physical placards, visible through the camera, or answer a Zoom poll based on the instructions of the Executive Board. The Executive Board will then count the number of delegates in favour, and announce the results.

Crisis procedureDuring crises, the procedure varies slightly from normal ROP.

1. Immediately after the crisis is announced, the GSL is suspended. The Executive Board will accept questions about the crisis.

2. The floor will be opened to motions. The delegates can:

a. Start a special speaker’s list: A special speaker’s list is similar to a GSL in the procedure that it progresses, however it proceeds through a separate list (which too is formed by delegates adding their names voluntarily, and the delegate who raised the motion being its first or last speaker). The speaker’s time of the SSL is set by the motion and can be up to 90 seconds.

b. Start a Moderated Caucus to discuss the crisis or an update of the crisis: same procedures apply.

c. Start an Unmoderated Caucus to write a directive, or have informal discussions to resolve a crisis.

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3. Through the course of the crisis, updates will be presented in the committee. The ongoing caucus or list will be suspended, and the floor opened to motions as soon as the update arrives. Delegates must respond accordingly. 4. As the committee is met with a crisis and its updates, delegates must aim to take action aptly and promptly in the following ways:

Directives: Directives: Similar to a standard-style resolution, a directive consists of concrete actions taken/ to be taken by the committee. They only contain operative clauses and must have up to 2 authors. Procedure for presentation is the same as that for a draft resolution, except voting may be done informally. *Delegates will be pre-informed by the Executive Board regarding the process of sending directives.

Format:

Directive Name:

Committee:

Agenda:

Author: (Max 2)

Operative 1, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -;

Operative 2, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -;

Operative 3, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -;

Operative 4, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -;

Operative 5, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -;

Operative 6, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -.

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Communiques:Communiques are used as a medium of formal communication and to put forth several agreements in order to tackle current situations. A communique can be presented by a member of a bloc or by an entire bloc itself. It comprises vital statements, proposals, commands, threats or pitches for negotiations that are put forward by a member. Communiques generally consist of matters that need urgent notice and have an immense impact on the entire committee. Moreover, these communiques will be shared by press members in fellow cabinets and will possibly be used to mold future crises. The delegates must be aware of the fact that the communiques presented by one will be monitored by the dais members and may be discarded if it is found to lack context and importance in regards to the current situation. *Please refer to the online section at the end of this document to understand the process of sending communiques.

Format:

From: Delegate of XType: Closed/ Open Content:

Press Releases: Statements or messages addressed to the press or the public as a whole. Often intended to sway public opinion or provoke a reaction. This is generally applicable only in political committees. All procedures for presentation and voting are the same , except that it is the Executive Board who reads out the press release and opens a session for questions only if necessary. The Executive Board may also choose to take the vote informally.

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Position paper guidelineA position paper is an essay specifying your country’s stance on the agendas set by the committee. It is a document describing a topic, your country’s position, and possible solutions.

In their position papers, delegates must include a coat of arms of their country at the top. They must clearly mention the committee name, the name of the country they are representing, their own name and the topic under discussion. A sample position paper can be found on the next page.

We strongly recommend you to follow the order outlined below:

1. Delegates must begin with a thesis statement that indicates their country’s stance on the agenda/ topic. Delegates need not state the obvious such as the definition of key terms. For example, if the issue under discussion is the “Legality and Effectiveness of Combat Drones,” it is not necessary to define drones (since it is a term that all other delegates and dais members will be familiar with). Rather, delegates must directly begin to discuss their nation’s take on the issue: whether country X supports the use of combat drones or not?

2. Delegates must develop their stance with accurate facts and figures. They may cite speeches made by their country’s politicians and heads. Delegates must elaborate on what their country has done in the past and why it has chosen a certain course of action.

3. Delegates may choose to include counter-arguments in their position paper. This may be done by acknowledging a potential argument an opposing nation might make and presenting a counter argument for the same.

4. Proposed solutions are the most important part of the position paper, they may be presented in the form of a paragraph or bullets. Delegates must ensure their list of solutions is comprehensive and detailed.

5. Sources need to be cited in APA Format. You can find a thorough guide to the APA Format here.

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Caveats:1. Delegates must refrain from referring to their beliefs in the first person, such as “I believe,” “I think,”

they must rather use phrases such as “we believe,” “we think,” since they are representing nations.

2. Delegates are welcome to use information from any and all sources as long as they do not plagiarize. Plagiarized position papers will be awarded a score of zero and the delegate will be disqualified from Best, Outstanding and Special delegate awards.

3. Delegates must use ‘Times New Roman,’ font size 11 with normal line spacing and 1 inch margins. The word limit for the position papers is 800-1000 words.

Deadline: January 15, 2021. By 11:59 pm Nepali Standard Time (+5:45 GMT)

*Position papers must be sent to individual committee emails listed at the top of this document. *Subject for email: [Country Name] Position Paper

Format:

[Coat of Arms]

[Committee]

[Country]

[Name] [Agenda] [In paragraphs, detail the country’s stance on the agenda. Add additional information that is relevant. [Solutions may be presented in either paragraph or point form]

{Citations}

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Sample Position Paper

Committee: DISECCountry: United States of AmericaName of Delegate: Nina ShresthaTopic: Disarmament, Demobilization, Demining: Prerequisites for Peace in Africa

On September 23rd of this year, American president Barack Obama announced a new policy that expanded on the United States’ already substantial efforts on humanitarian mine efforts. The policy committed the United States to ban all use of antipersonnel mines and to pledge, and, as a leader in international demining efforts, not to assist or encourage any other nation to produce or stockpile mines (UN News Centre, 2012). Furthermore, the United States has expanded the scope of the DDR to protect innocent civilians: our policies emphasize not just landmine clearance, but also medical rehabilitation for the injured and vocational and preparation training of specialized demining personnel and displaced civilians.

Although the United States is proud to be the world’s largest financial supporter of humanitarian mine action, we recognize the dire need for contributions by other member nations in funding not only their own national programs for change, but especially in contributing to international organizations such as the UN Regional Centre in Africa, which provides substantial support to governments in training for security forces and consulting for security sector reform, and the HALO Trust, which has invested thousands of dollars in R&D and the provision of new technologies such as Rotary Mine Combs and Orbit Sifters to help extricate hidden mines and to facilitate mine clearance in civilian areas (U.S. Dept. of State, 2014). We believe that the combination of reintegration through humanitarian relief efforts, effective diplomacy in influencing member nations to adhere to the Ottawa Convention, and demining using advanced technologies through NGOs and international organizations will build the necessary foundations for the revitalization of Africa.

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Furthermore, the United States believes there is a great amount of personnel and aid available within the UN regarding the DDR process with numerous departments, such as the UNODA, UNREC, UNRDB, and the UNSSR (Friedman, 2014). However, with great gifts of aid comes the responsibility and need for reorganization. Therefore, we look forward to discussing with member states within the General Assembly First Committee solutions and methods to better organize and integrate existing departments and resources within the UN for a streamlined approach to the DDR process in Africa.

Citations:Friedman, Uri. “A 24-Step Plan to Resolve the Ukraine Crisis.” The Atlantic. Atlantic MediaCompany, 26 Aug. 2014. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.<http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/08/a-24-step-plan-to-resolve-theukraine-crisis/379121/>.UN News Centre. “General Assembly Grants Palestine Non-member Observer State Status atUN.” N.p., 29 Nov. 2012. Web. <http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43640#.VCsfUyldU7o>.U.S. Dept. of State. “U.S. Landmine Policy.” U.S. Dept. of State. U.S. Dept. of State, n.d.Web. 07 Nov. 2014.Source: GSMSTMUNC Sample Position Paper

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Restricted ActionsBehaviour restricted during the conference:

• During committee sessions, inappropriate actions, including but not limited to discriminatory behaviour, inappropriate symbolism or gestures, harassment, and bullying, will not be tolerated.

• Delegates and dais members must not approach any individual associated with the conference outside of committee sessions in an inappropriate or derogatory manner (sending of unsolicited messages, videos or pictures).

Any delegate found involved in restricted behaviour is liable to action. Suspension from the committee session, expulsion from the conference, permanent ban from RBS MUN and actions as such will be imposed, as deemed necessary by the secretariat.

Please feel free to report any breaches of the aforementioned rules to the following:Secretary General: secretarygeneral@rbsmun.orgHead of Logistics: headoflogistics@rbsmun.org

Preparatory methods restricted by the conference:Plagiarism and any actions or items that unfairly leverage or disadvantage delegates are considered grave threats to the integrity and principle of RBS MUN.

• Delegates may not submit any plagiarized work (including position papers, and any documents required by committee).

• All existing works used in resolutions, speeches, and submitted documents must be appropriately cited. If found otherwise, those contributions in the committee will not be credited, and any delegate having witnessed or been involved will be discredited by the dais.

• Working papers and resolutions prepared before the first committee session may not be used in the committee as a reference or foundation. Any document of such composition will immediately be discarded by the dais.

• Any communication or exchange between delegate and dais that compels bias or even the proposition of such is strongly condemned at RBS MUN. Any such involvement, if proven, will incur actions against both, the dais and delegate.

Delegates found guilty of prohibited preparatory methods will face action, including suspension from the committee and disqualification from committee awards. Consequences will be imposed, as deemed appropriate by the dais members and the secretariat.

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Important GuidelinesThis section outlines some specific rules for this year’s virtual conference.

1. Delegates are required to be punctual for all committee sessions. A buffer period of 10 minutes will be provided to resolve any technical issues at the beginning of each session. If a delegate fails to arrive before the buffer period has elapsed, they will be subjected to a deduction in points (exceptions to be made at the discretion of the Executive Board).

2. Delegates’ names while logging on to Zoom and Discord must be their allocation followed by their full name within brackets. For example: Nepal (Shlok Sharma). Delegates failing to do so will not be admitted into the committee session on Zoom. The same applies for press members, with the addition of Press enclosed in brackets. For example, The Kathmandu Post (Aditya Bista) (Press).

3. It is mandatory for delegates to keep their videos switched on throughout the course of the conference. All delegates are required to display decency in their attire. Revealing clothes, as well as suggestive symbolism in accessory and clothing, are not acceptable. Delegates must wear either western formals or a traditional attire throughout the course of the conference.

4. Delegates must ensure minimal background interference (video and audio) throughout the conference. If delegates wish to make use of virtual backgrounds, they may use one of the following: a blank white screen, the flag of the country they are representing, or the RBS MUN 2021 logo.

5. If delegates face any technical issues during the sessions, they are required to contact the logistic member of their committee.

6. Delegates may gain recognition by either raising their physical placard, visible through the camera, or by using the ‘raise hand’ feature on Zoom. The Executive Board will clarify which method is to be used in their specific committee.

7. If a delegate gets disconnected from Zoom while they are delivering their speech, they are allowed to continue given that they are able to reconnect within, approximately, the next 2-3 minutes (by the discretion of the Executive Board). In any case they are unable to do so, they must promptly provide the Executive Board with the remainder of their speech in written format.

8. If a delegate is found to be inaudible or faces significant technical problems, they will be notified and muted by an Executive Board member or logistic member. The delegate may inform the Executive Board via Zoom chat whether they wish to complete their speech once the problem has been resolved.

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9. Only one person in a double delegation may deliver a speech at a time.

10. All communiques and chits must be sent via the committee Discord server, if received from elsewhere, they will be disregarded.

*Step by step tutorial at the end of this document.

11. If a Press member (committee reporter) wishes to interview a delegate, they must first communicate with the Executive Board of the committee through Zoom chat.

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Discord ServersDiscord will primarily be used for informal discussions, communiques and chits. Each committee will have their respective Discord servers with added bots for easier communication.

Unmoderated Caucuses:

During unmoderated caucuses as well as breaks, delegates are allowed to communicate with one another through voice/text channels for the purpose of lobbying and forming blocs.

Sending a communique/chit:Open the text channel named “ #communiques” in the committee server:

The delegate can either react to the bots message with the envelope or type in ‘$new’ to open up a temporary channel with the executive board:

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Conference Handbook

The bot might take a few seconds to minutes to respond depending on the traffic. Once it has you will see a new text channel pop up under #communiques as highlighted above. Head over to the temporary channel that was created. Here you may send in your communique and the executive board will reply or acknowledge the communique. Do not react with the lock icon.

Once the executive board has responded to the communique they will close the communique and the temporary channel will disappear.

The #chits channel also follows a similar proccess.

*Number of chits passed has been limited to 1 per entry (1 from the sender and 1 from the recipient) to reduce overload. Another entry is required for further exchange of chits.