square Resolutions

Resolutions are the culmination of debate in all SOMA committees. They represent the delegates’ endorsement of a specific solution to the issue at hand, and seek to address the topic being debated as completely as possible.

What is a resolution?

A resolution is a document drafted by a committee proposing a solution to the topic being discussed. Resolutions are the primary documents in which the organs of the United Nations express policy. They consist of two essential parts: the preamble and the operative clauses.

The preamble serves as an introduction to the action proposed, and is intended to frame the issue in such a way as to:

  • Outline past action taken by the committee
  • Explain why the issue merits consideration
  • Provide guiding principles for the more specific points offered below

The preamble defines the direction of the resolution and thus cannot be modified once the resolution has been introduced. As the introductory section of the paper, the preamble is written in the passive voice (see common resolution language).

The operative clauses are the meat of the resolution. They enumerate the action the committee wishes to take, and should provide constructive and forward-thinking ideas. In all committees except for the European Union and the Security Council, operative clauses are written in the active voice but do not mandate action as this is beyond the scope of the committee. In the SC and EU, resolutions may include mandatory clauses (see common resolution language).

Submitters and Seconders

It is also important to be aware of the role of the seconder and submitter of a resolution. Listed at the end of the paper, the submitter is the delegate proposing the relevant text to the committee; the seconder is a fellow committee member endorsing the ideas included in the resolution. To introduce a resolution to the committee, the submitter must submit a motion to this effect; subsequently, the submitter will be asked to read the text of the resolution verbatim to the committee, and the seconder will make a short speech in favour of the resolution.

To see the suggested format of a resolution, please see our template.

For more information on how resolutions are debated in General Assemblies and all other committees, respectively, please see the following pages: