Transcript 6th Hwa Chong Model ASEAN Summit

24th February 2010
Pre-Summit Training Session
(Writing a Declaration)
Timothy Yap
Deputy Secretary-General
Agenda
What is a declaration?
Drafting a declaration
Stages of writing a declaration
WHAT IS A DECLARATION?
One (very) long sentence
E.g. UDHR
In MAS: To state a country’s stance and course
of action on a certain issue
Line space between each clause
Acronyms and abbreviations have to be written
out in full the first time they are used
School names DO NOT appear on resolution
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
Submitters’ List
Preamble (Preambulatory clauses)
Operative clauses
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
E.g.
Main Submitter (drafter of declaration) :
Russian Federation
Question (issue at hand) : The question of the
adoption of an international framework for
sustainable development in view of climate
change.
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
E.g.
Co-Submitters (delegations approving for the
declaration to be debated): Ukraine, India,
Sudan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,
Greece
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
Known as “Preamble”
Gives an overview of the background of the
problem
Establishes a reasoning behind the calls for
action in the operative clauses
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES: As stated above, the
preambulatory clauses are a series of sentence
fragments which denote the reasons for taking
action. These should not propose any action. They
should begin with a preambulatory phrase (which
should be underlined), a list of which is provided
below, have a line spacing between each clause,
and end with a comma.
Expressing its appreciation of the work of UNICEF
in promoting the rights of children in povertystricken countries and especially in Sub-Saharan
Africa,
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
E.g. (Given a topic on Climate Change/Sustainable development)
Alarmed by the emerging climate change crisis and the
possible adverse effects and trends of global warming such as
rises in sea levels and severe damages to the climate system,
Aware of the pertinence of sustainable development in the
face of climate change,
Deeply disturbed by the Earth’s rapidly depleting natural
resource base,
Recognizing the need for more international cooperation over
and above the individual efforts displayed by countries,
Recalling the Kyoto Protocol, which was introduced on 11
December 1997 to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of
greenhouse gases and engage in emissions trading if countries
maintain or increase emissions of these gases,
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
Operative Clauses
Solution to issue at hand
 Must be specific (explain details and feasibility of
solution)
 Calls for concrete action
 Addressing NGOs or countries involved and stating
their participation in the resolution
 Showing benefits to be gained and encouraging
countries and NGOs to support it
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
OPERATIVE CLAUSES: Again, as earlier stated, the
operative clauses are a series of sentence fragments
which propose action on the issue of discussion. These
should be numbered and should begin with an
operative phrase (which should, once again, be
underlined, and a list of which is provided later), have a
line spacing between each clause. Each clause should
end with a semi-colon, except for the last clause which
should end with a full stop. Sub-clauses should be
numbered a), b), c) and so on, and sub-sub clauses
should be numbered i), ii), iii) etc. E.g.:
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
Operative clauses and sub clauses are indented
1. Sub clauses are lettered ie: a,b
 a. Sub clause 1
 b. Sub clause 2;
2. Sub-sub clauses to be numbered ie: i, ii
 b. Sub clause 2
 i. Sub-sub clause 1.
DRAFTING A DECLARATION
E.g.:
1. Calls for the creation of an International Fund to
Rehabilitate Child Soldiers (IFRCS), under the auspices of
UNICEF, in order to:
a. Provide basic necessities for ex-child soldiers who
have been rescued by volunteers/UNICEF, including
but not limited to:
i.
Food, water, lodging and healthcare
b. Provide psychological counselling for ex-child
soldiers;
STAGES OF WRITING
Pre-conference
Developing a policy statement and formulating
delegation’s stand on the issue
Drafting of declaration
STAGES OF WRITING
During the Conference
Lobbying
Diplomatic, informal interaction with other
delegates to win support for the drafted declaration
Discussing and merging ideas with other delegates
Convincing other delegates of your declaration
Looking for co-submitters
Receiving approval from chair
Debating (and passing) of declaration
PASSING A DECLARATION
Registration for vetting by Approval Panel
Consists of SG, DSG and SD for HCMAS
Requires a consensus to pass in the forum
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
General Tips
Write operative clauses first, preambles serve only to
contextualize the operative clauses
Use introductory phrases appropriately
Mark out clearly the benefits for the countries and
NGOs involved
Show a clear and feasible course of action
Things to consider
Read through every clause
Be open to new suggestions and ideas
Take note of the concerns of other countries
Be aware of religious or social sensitivities