Hello Reader,

This week, we’re giving your resolution-writing game a full makeover.

No matter what committee you're in: resolutions are the currency of Model UN. And while most delegates can write a decent one, great delegates craft resolutions that command attention, drive debate, and catch peoples attention.

So today, we’re going clause-by-clause through a little transformation—taking a resolution from “eh, okay” to “whoa, who wrote this?” along the way.

🧠 The Main Idea

Strong operative clauses do three things:

1. Name the action
2. Specify the method
3. Include who’s involved and how it’s followed up

Here’s a good formula to keep in your back pocket:

You don’t need to write a full clause like that every time, but keeping those elements in mind helps your writing stay grounded in action—not abstract ideas.

💬 Step 1: Vague → Impactful

Let’s start with this classic clunker:

This sounds... fine. But it’s vague, noncommittal, and doesn’t move the needle. It also begs the question: Work together how? Doing what?

Let’s ✨upgrade✨:

See the difference? It still leaves room for flexibility (important in diplomacy), but it actually gives delegates something to do. It shows action, specifies areas of focus, and gives direction for implementation.

If you really wanted, you could add a number of sub-clauses after to add way more detail.

🧭 Step 2: Empty Buzzwords → Strategic Clarity

Another common trap:

This could be pulled from a thousand different resolutions. It's too big, too vague, and sounds like it was written just to fill space.

Here’s the fix:

Now we’re talking. This version:

• Adds mechanisms: “De-escalation protocols,” “naval coordination” — this isn’t just about “talking.”
• Targets locations: Pinpointing specific maritime flashpoints makes it immediately relevant.
• Implies structure: “Recurring dialogues” sounds like a long-term, proactive strategy—not a one-off summit.

Bonus points if you name actual alliances (ASEAN, AU, NATO, etc.) in later clauses.

🧾 Step 3: A Title With Some Punch

Okay, technically, resolution titles aren’t mandatory in most committees. But hear us out: a great title does two things really well—

1. Grabs attention. People are more likely to read a draft called “Bridging the Gap” than “Draft Resolution 1.2 (USA-Estonia Bloc)”.
2. Sets the tone. It can signal unity, creativity, or even subtly frame your resolution as one that was made with love.

A few styles that work:

• Thematic & Inspiring:“Pathways to Peace”, “One World, Shared Future”
• Straightforward & Bold:“Combating Cross-Border Human Trafficking”
• Playful (when appropriate):“Clause Me Maybe”, “No Planet B”, “Don’t Cry for Me, Sanctions Tina”

Just don’t go overboard—fun is good, cringe is not (always) the goal 😅

💡 Try This at Your Next Conference:

• Take your top three clauses and run them through this glow-up test.
• Ask: Is this specific? Is this actionable? Could a delegate actually do something with this?
• Add implementation tools—UN bodies, regional organizations, NGOs, funding mechanisms. Don’t be afraid to name names.

​As always, if you want to learn more about Resolution Writing, check out our guide here!​

🧼 Final Polish: Style Matters Too

• Be consistent: Use parallel structure in your clauses.
• Avoid repetition: If you “Encourage” three times in a row, change it up.
• Proofread: Typos kill credibility. Give it one last read before you print or submit.

See you all next week, and good luck!