Preliminary Statements

What is a Preliminary Statement?

A preliminary statement is a 30-second introductory speech that each delegation gives at the beginning of the Model UN conference in March. It is used to define the delegation’s general goal relative to the conference scenario, acting as an agenda setting tool for your time at the conference. Each statement should be maximum of ¾ of a page long, and take no more than 30 seconds to read. To write an effective statement, use “we” and “us” rather than “I” and “me” and properly use diplomatic language. Remember, you are representing your delegation, not yourself.

Writing Your Preliminary Statement – 20 Minute Process

The preliminary statement is not a new or original idea. Rather, use the ideas in your position paper, relying heavily on your first and third body paragraphs.

Step #1: What is a Preliminary Statement?

  • A preliminary statement defines your delegation’s general goal relative to the conference scenario. It is, in essence, an agenda setting tool. 

  • You or our partner will read your preliminary statement out loud at the beginning of the conference. Your statement should take no more than 30 seconds to read.

Step #2: What is the format?

  • ¾ of page in length, double-spaced. 

  • Avoid using “I” and “me.” Instead, use “we” and “us.”

  • Use diplomatic language

Step #3: Blank Format 

The first sentence is a greeting to other delegates. The second sentence states how the conference scenario impacts the global community from your country’s perspective. The third sentence states how the conference scenario impacts countries with similar issues and problems as yours (i.e. geographic, economic, or cultural) and briefly introduces your country’s resolution to the problem. The fourth and fifth sentences state your country’s goal at the conference and the general idea on how the conference may address the problem. It should be a brief overview of the third body paragraph from your position paper. You are trying to educate the other delegations on your position and garner support and allies for your proposal.

EMAIL IT TO YOUR TEACHER WHEN YOU ARE DONE!

Preliminary Statement Samples

Sample #1: Dobroe Utro. We are thankful to be here and speak our concerns on children in armed conflict. The rights to life, liberty, and property are being deprived from the children in Ukraine and around the world. The children of the world are depending on us to protect them from these perilous situations. Our goal here today is to abolish the forces that are taking part in the recruitment and killing of children. To do this, we ask the international community to join forces and push the fight for protecting the future of our youth by creating public awareness and implementing military protection of affected areas. We hope to receive this aid financially from member states and the public through charities and organizations.

Sample #2: Hallå, bra morgon. Hello, good morning. The growing issue of children in armed conflict is one that impacts every country in the world and must be dealt with using strong, effective methods that the UN member state agree on. Sweden, along with our neighboring states, has organized corporations, such as the Nordic Defense Corporation, that are focusing in on this issue as well as and other similar ones. We have also recently implemented new laws and penal codes and updated our military policies to better protect our children. At this conference, Sweden hopes to represent how effective our policies have been over the past years. We also hope to cooperate with all of the UN member states to come up with an effective solution to resolve this international issue.