All UN Member States are represented in the General Assembly. Each Member State has one vote. Decisions on such key issues as international peace and security, admitting new members and the UN budget are decided by a two-thirds majority. Other matters are decided by simple majority. Many decisions are reached by consensus without a formal vote.
Under the UN Charter, the functions and powers of the General Assembly (GA) include:
- To discuss any question relating to international peace and security (except when a dispute or situation is being discussed by the Security Council);
- To make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation which might harm the friendly relations among nations;
- To discuss and make recommendations on the powers and functions of any organ of the United Nations;
- To request studies and make recommendations to promote international cooperation, the development of international law, the protection of human rights, and international collaboration on economic, social, cultural, educational and health issues;
- To receive and discuss reports from the Security Council and other UN organs;
- To discuss and approve the UN budget;
- To elect non-permanent members of the Security Council, the members of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and additional members of the Trusteeship Council (when necessary); to elect the judges of the International Court of Justice (jointly with the Security Council); and on the recommendation of the Security Council, to appoint the Secretary-General.
Although the General Assembly’s recommendations on global issues are an important expression of world opinion, the Assembly cannot force a Member State to follow its recommendations on a particular issue.
General Assemblies can be large and intimidating in size, ranging anywhere from 150 to 300+ delegates all fighting for a chance to voice their ideas throughout the session. These large and extensive committees, however, can be engaging and rewarding if the correct strategies are applied. The difference between a good delegate and the Best Delegate is the approach to applying research, creative ideas, and other useful content in committee. Every delegate has their own style, but here are some tips for General Assemblies to help you improve your approach and enhance your performance at conferences.
Plan out your speeches. Before delivering an elaborate speech, plan out the content of your speeches. Not only do chairs appreciate research, debate and creative solution content, but the committee will also become more engaged in your speech.
Be vocal. Speak loudly and clearly, in order to get your ideas across to the committee. The audience most likely finds speeches to be tedious halfway through the conference, and by voicing a valid point with strong delivery will captivate the attention of the committee.
Charisma and confidence are key. Charisma draws all kinds of delegates to a leader in committee, and confidence works in favor of maintaining a productive bloc and leading it to accomplish the committee’s goals. This is achieved by sharing and refining your own personal ideas with the opinions of others during collaboration, whether it be through notes, interaction before/after committee, or during unmoderated caucuses.
Distinguish yourself. Use an idea or style to distinguish yourself from the others in committee, whether it be a creative solution idea, analogies, or a specific way of speaking that will attract the audience. In a committee with a large number of delegates, separating yourself from the others in a positive way can enhance your success.
Diplomacy is key. No one likes an aggressive, oppressive know-it-all in committee, so why not transform that figure into a welcoming, knowledgeable leader that can guide the bloc in the right direction, while still allowing for equal representation and debate amongst every delegate.
Muller MUN 