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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DESK

Letter from the Chair

Hello delegates

Welcome to DPSSMUN’23! My name is Diya Shah and I’m proud to be chairing UNGA.
I’m currently in 12th Std Studying commerce with applied mathematics. My vice chair in this
committee is Pratha Garg. My MUN journey began in middle school and this will be my fifth
MUN,first one as a chair in a MUN conference. I have been enjoying MUN a lot because it’s a
wonderful opportunity to learn more about global affairs and practise my critical thinking and
public speaking skills in a professional manner. It’s also fun to meet people who share the same
interests and I’m excited to meet all of you this September Ninth!
I think MUN is an interesting platform that connects international relations and science
because it exposes me to real problems out there and challenges me to think about scientific
solutions. You will soon discover that the skills you learn from MUN would be helpful in non
MUN situations too.
And I feel honoured to be serving as an executive member of DPSSMUN’23 conference.
As your chair I will be moderating the committee sessions and I look forward to seeing what
all of you come up with. Since, DPSSMUN’23 ‘s UNGA is a novice committee.
I hope it will be a great learning experience for all and I’m more than happy to answer all your
questions before,during and after the conference. If you have any questions please do not
hesitate to contact me. And I’d be happy to help you out. Looking forward to having an
awesome DPSSMUN’23 with all of you!
Best,
Diya Shah
Chair

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 Letter from the Vice-Chair

Dear Delegates

I hope this letter finds you well and excited for the upcoming DPSSMUN’23!
As your Vice Chair, I am thrilled to welcome you to what promises to be a dynamic and
intellectually stimulating conference.
Our journey towards understanding and addressing complex global issues is about to begin,
and I am confident that your participation will contribute to insightful debates and innovative
solutions. The study guide we've prepared will serve as an essential resource to help you
navigate through the intricacies of the topics at hand.
Throughout the conference, I encourage you to approach your roles with curiosity,
open-mindedness, and a commitment to finding common ground. Remember that you are
representing not only your assigned countries but also the principles of diplomacy and
cooperation that the United Nations stands for.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) stands as a beacon of international
cooperation and diplomacy, a platform where the world's nations gather to discuss, debate, and
collaborate on the most pressing global issues.
The executive board is here to guide you throughout, before and during the debate, so please do
not be hesitant in asking the silliest queries.
I hope with all our efforts and yours, we will make this DPSSMUN ‘23 the most memorable
one!

For any queries feel free to reach out to me on m-0768-10@dpssurat.net

Best
Pratha Garg
Vice Chair

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 HOW TO RESEARCH EFFECTIVELY

1. Know your portfolio (country)

2. Understand your country relations and foreign policies
3. Your country’s stance on the topic
4. Read the study guide and do your own research on the topic
5. Note which side of the topic your country is on
6. Use reliable sources for your research
7. Identify faults and scope of improvement on the given topic.
8. Site facts and statistics

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 MANDATE
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main deliberative, policymaking, and
representative organ of the United Nations. Its mandate covers a wide range of responsibilities
and functions within the realm of international cooperation, diplomacy, and addressing global
issues. Here are the key aspects of the UNGA's mandate:
Deliberation and Decision-Making:
● The UNGA provides a forum for member states to discuss and deliberate on various
international issues, including peace and security, development, human rights, and more.
● Resolutions are adopted by member states, expressing the collective will of the
international community on specific matters.
Peace and Security:
● While the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security rests
with the United Nations Security Council, the UNGA also addresses these issues through
discussions and recommendations.
International Law and Cooperation:
● The UNGA promotes the development and codification of international law, including
treaties, conventions, and agreements, to regulate various aspects of international
relations.
Human Rights:
● The UNGA plays a vital role in advancing human rights globally by adopting resolutions,
declarations, and conventions that establish and promote fundamental human rights
standards.
Sustainable Development:
● The UNGA addresses global development challenges by discussing and implementing
strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on
eradicating poverty, ensuring environmental sustainability, and promoting social and
economic development.
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International Economic and Financial Cooperation:
● The UNGA discusses and coordinates efforts to address international economic and
financial issues, including trade, development financing, and poverty reduction.
Disarmament and Non-Proliferation:
● The UNGA addresses disarmament and non-proliferation issues by facilitating discussions
and negotiations on arms control, nuclear disarmament, and the prevention of the spread
of weapons of mass destruction.
Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance:
● The UNGA coordinates international responses to humanitarian crises, natural disasters,
and other emergencies, aiming to provide assistance and support to affected populations.
Promotion of International Cooperation:
● The UNGA fosters cooperation among member states to address global challenges that
require joint efforts, such as climate change, pandemics, and refugee crises.
Budget and Administrative Matters:
● The UNGA approves the regular budget of the United Nations and oversees administrative
matters related to the organisation's functioning.

Overall, the UNGA serves as a platform for multilateral diplomacy, where member states come
together to discuss, debate, and collaborate on issues of global significance, aiming to promote
peace, cooperation, development, and the protection of human rights worldwide.

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 INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE

UNGA stands for United Nations General Assembly. It is one of the six main organs of the
United Nations and composes all 193 member states. The UNGA meets annually in regular
sessions, usually in September, to discuss global issues such as peace and security,
development, human rights, and international law and make decisions on them. Each member
state has one vote; verdicts, such as adoption of resolutions, require a two-thirds majority. The
UNGA also serves as a platform for member states to address the international community and
raise concerns or propose initiatives.

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 OVERVIEW OF THE AGENDA

Every time a veto is cast in the United Nations Security Council, the General Assembly will
meet within 10 days and hold a debate on the situation as to which the veto was cast.

What is Veto Power?

Veto power is the authority to reject or block a decision, proposal, or action, usually within a
group or organisation. In international relations, it refers to the power held by certain countries
to prevent a resolution from being passed by an international body. This authority allows these
countries to prevent any substantive action from being taken, even if the majority of other
members support it. It's a significant tool in negotiations and has a substantial impact on the
direction of decision-making.

What are P5 countries?

"P5 countries" refers to the five permanent members of the United States. These members hold
special privileges that allow them to block the adoption of substantive resolutions. Veto power
is one such privilege. The P5 countries are:

United States

Russia

China

France

United Kingdom

Why was veto power introduced?

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UNGA was established after World War II as part of the United Nations structure to maintain
international peace and security. It consisted of five permanent members, often referred to as
the P5. These countries were considered major powers at the time of the UN's funding.
This arrangement aimed to ensure that the major powers who were instrumental in defeating
the Axis powers during World War II would have a significant say in maintaining international
peace and security. The veto power was introduced to prevent any single nation from taking
unilateral actions that could lead to conflict.

Initiative to Restrain Veto Power

Permanent member France has advocated a voluntary restraint on the veto on the part of the
permanent members since the mid-2000s. In September 2014, on the margins of the 69th
session of the General Assembly, France, joined by Mexico, organised a ministerial-level event
on this issue. Then High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein made a
statement in support of the French initiative.
In a summary of the event, the co-chairs called on the P5 to “voluntarily and collectively
pledge not to use the veto in case of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes on a
large scale.” However, among the permanent members, only the UK has supported the
initiative.

Responsiveness And Effectiveness

● The veto power, when exercised, can lead to delays and even paralysis in responding to
urgent crises, such as humanitarian emergencies and conflicts.
● Removing veto power would enable the committee’s to make decisions more swiftly,
allowing for more effective and timely interventions.
● The use of veto power has hindered the committee’s ability to respond to urgent global
issues, such as humanitarian crises or conflicts.
● Without veto power, decisions could be made more efficiently and prompt

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 ● Five permanent members have exercised the right of veto at one time or another. If a
permanent member does not fully agree with a proposed resolution but does not wish to
cast a veto, it may choose to abstain. A single veto from any of these countries can block
the adoption of a resolution, regardless of the support it has from other member states.
● The principle of sovereign equality is a fundamental aspect of the United Nations' Charter.
Granting veto power to a select few contradicts this principle by privileging the P5
countries over others.

All member states should have an equal say in decisions that impact international peace and
security, rather than a select group exercising disproportionate control.

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 POINTS TO BE DISCUSSED
One year after the General Assembly adopted its “veto initiative”, Member States met to
discuss how it could contribute to a more efficient and impact-oriented UN. The landmark
resolution, adopted by consensus, calls for the General Assembly to automatically meet within
10 days if any of the five permanent members of the Security Council – China, France, Russia,
the United Kingdom, and the United States – uses their right of veto.
The aim is to hold these countries accountable for exercising this special voting power, which
allows them to block any Council resolution or decision. This right is enshrined in the UN
Charter. All five have exercised the right of veto at one time or another, with 44 vetoes since
the year 2000.
General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi said, “The issue of the use of the veto affects the
whole UN. And the decisions taken in these halls – or the lack of decisions – reverberate
worldwide.”
Vetoes should always remain the very last resort,” he added.
He said this first-ever formal debate on the veto initiative was being held “to figure out the best
ways to exploit this new instrument in our big UN toolbox.” He urged ambassadors to “ask
tough questions” and “seek game-changing solutions”, stressing that “there is no wrong
answer, only new ideas.” Like an oxygen mask.
Mr. Kőrösi also expressed hope that Security Council members can unite and work for viable
solutions, going beyond their immediate interests to act responsibly for the sake of peace
across the world. “That way we'll never have to fall back on the veto resolution,” he said.
“Because, in my view, it is like an oxygen mask in an aeroplane: good to have, but best never
to be used.”
The General Assembly President said he intends to send the verbatim records of the debate,
and all future debates, to the Council President. “This is an opportunity to chart new avenues
for multilateralism and cooperation. An opportunity to rebuild trust both within our institution
and in it. An opportunity to do better for the eight billion who count on us.”

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IMPORTANCE
● Veto power allows a country to protect its national interests by preventing the adoption of
resolutions or decisions that it believes are against its interests or could harm its security.

● Veto power helps maintain stability in international relations by preventing hasty or

ill-considered decisions that could lead to conflicts or destabilisation. It allows major
powers to have a say in global affairs and ensures that their concerns are taken into
account.

● The existence of veto power helps maintain a balance of power among major countries. It
prevents any one country or group of countries from dominating decision-making
processes and ensures that decisions are made through consensus and negotiation. Veto
power protects the sovereignty of countries by allowing them to reject decisions that they
believe interfere with their internal affairs or violate their sovereignty. It gives them the
ability to resist external pressures and influence.
● Veto power can be used to prevent actions that could escalate tensions or threaten peace
and security.

● The possibility of veto power encourages countries to engage in negotiations and seek
compromise. It gives them an incentive to find common ground and reach agreements that
are acceptable to all parties, rather than resorting to unilateral actions.

● Veto power serves as a check on the power of international organisations or other

countries. It prevents decisions from being imposed on countries against their will and
ensures that major powers cannot use their influence to push through decisions that are
against the interests of other countries.

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How the P5 countries have used their veto power?
The members of the P5 have exercised the veto power to varying degrees. Counting the years
when the

● The Soviet Union held its seat, Russia has been the most frequent user of the veto,
blocking 152 resolutions since the Security Council’s founding, as of February 2023.
● The United States has used the veto eighty-seven times; it last vetoed a resolution in 2020
that called for the prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration of those engaged in
terrorism-related activities. The country objected to the resolution’s not calling for the
repatriation of fighters from the self-proclaimed Islamic State and their family members.
● China has used the veto more frequently in recent years, though it has historically been
more sparing than the United States or Russia;
● Beijing has now blocked nineteen resolutions, including sixteen since 1997.
● In contrast, France and the United Kingdom have not exercised their veto power since
1989 and have advocated for other P5 members to use it less.

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 CLAUSES TO BE USED IN THE RESOLUTION PAPER

I. Preambulatory Clauses

The pre-ambulatory clauses state all the issues that the committee wants to resolve on this
issue. It may state reasons why the committee is working on this issue and highlight previous
international actions on the issue. Pre-ambulatory clauses can include:

■ Past UN resolutions, treaties, or conventions related to the topic

■ Past regional, non-governmental, or national efforts in resolving this topic
■ References to the UN Charter or other international frameworks and laws
■ Statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency
■ General background info formation or facts about the topic, its significance, and its
impact.

Examples:
Affirming the founding principles of the United Nations as enshrined in its Charter, which
include the promotion of peace, security, and the advancement of international cooperation
Recalling the historical significance of the establishment of the P5 countries – China, France,
Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – as permanent members of the United
Nations Security Council with veto power
Noting with concern that the veto power held by P5 countries has, in certain instances,
hindered the Security Council's ability to take timely and effective actions to address urgent
international crises
Recognizing the fundamental importance of ensuring the equitable representation of all
member states within the United Nations, as well as fostering a more democratic
decision-making process

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Bearing in mind the increasing interdependence of nations and the need for collaborative
efforts to tackle global challenges such as conflict resolution, climate change, and sustainable
development
Emphasising the principle of inclusivity in international decision-making processes and the
need to enhance the participation of all member states, particularly those affected by decisions
taken within the Security Council
Expressing concern over instances where the use of the veto power has led to prolonged
conflicts, impeded humanitarian assistance, and hindered the establishment of peaceful
solutions
Noting with appreciation previous attempts to address the issue of veto power within the
United Nations system, and recognizing the importance of ongoing discussions on this matter

These preambulatory clauses provide the background and context for the resolution,
highlighting the principles, concerns, and considerations related to the proposed removal of
veto power from the P5 countries in the UNGA. They help build a foundation for the
subsequent operative clauses, which would outline the specific actions or recommendations the
resolution proposes.

II. Operative Clauses

Operative clauses state the solutions that the sponsors of the resolution proposes to resolve the
issues. The operative clauses should address the issues specifically mentioned in the
pre-ambulatory clauses above it.

It’s very simple to write an operative clause. First, take a solution that you want to include in
the draft resolution. You then take that solution, combine it with an underlined operative
phrase, and end it with a semicolon (the last operative clause ends with a period). Operative
clauses are also numbered. This differentiates them from pre-ambulatory clauses, helps show
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logical progression in the resolution, and makes the operative clauses easy to refer to in
speeches and comments.

Examples for solutions;

Calls for the establishment of a committee of experts, comprised of representatives from all
member states, to conduct a comprehensive review of the current functioning and implications
of the veto power held by the P5 countries in the United Nations Security Council
Urges the committee to assess the historical context, precedents, and consequences of veto
usage by P5 countries in matters related to international peace and security, human rights, and
humanitarian interventions,
Requests the committee to engage in extensive consultations with member states, civil society
organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives on the potential
removal or reform of the veto power,
Encourages the committee to explore alternative mechanisms for decision-making within the
United Nations Security Council, taking into account proposals that prioritise the collective
interest of all member states and minimise the risk of impasse,
Calls upon the committee to present a comprehensive report with its findings and
recommendations to the United Nations General Assembly within [specific timeframe],
including potential pathways for the gradual transition from the current veto system,
Urges member states to engage in open and constructive discussions on the committee's report
during a special session of the General Assembly, facilitating a transparent exchange of views
on the proposed removal of veto power from the P5 countries,
Recommends that the United Nations Security Council explore interim measures to enhance
transparency and accountability in the exercise of veto power, including the requirement to
provide clear justifications for the use of the veto,
Invites member states to consider the long-term benefits of a more inclusive and representative
decision-making process within the Security Council, allowing for more effective responses to
complex and evolving global challenges,

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Calls for the establishment of a follow-up mechanism to monitor and assess the
implementation of any reforms or changes related to the veto power, in consultation with the
committee of experts and member states,
Requests the United Nations Secretary-General to provide regular updates on progress made in
addressing the issue of veto power removal or reform, and to facilitate an ongoing dialogue
among member states on this matter.

These operative clauses outline the specific actions and recommendations that the resolution
proposes in order to address the issue of veto power held by the P5 countries in the UNGA.
They build upon the preambulatory clauses and contribute to the overall structure and content
of the resolution.

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 SAMPLE RESOLUTION PAPER

General Assembly Third Committee Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy

Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon Topic:
"Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies"

The General Assembly,

Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all
global citizens, [use commas to separate preambulatory clauses]

Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work
with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian
assistance,

Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental
organisations, Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles
and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm,

1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with
countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to
separate operative clauses]

2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian
Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;

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3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination
of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies;

4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary
donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid
deployment forces;

5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political,
economic and social situations and events of all countries;

6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for
humanitarian assistance; and

7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance

through reconstruction and development.

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 REFERENCE LINKS

1. https://research.un.org/en/unmembers/scmembers
2. https://www.un.org/en/ga/
3. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/un-general-assembly-unga-role
4. https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-security-council-working-methods/the-veto.
php
5. For Draft Resolution
https://bestdelegate.com/model-un-made-easy-how-to-write-a-resolution/

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