By taking the opportunity to attend the Conference participants dive into the challenges of international negotiations and diplomatic procedures. Essentially, this elevates Model UNs from traditional conferences due to the fact that it requires active involvement of each participant. Consequently, participants need to prepare in advance. How well they prepare will determine their success at UPMUNC. As a matter of fact, each year the best participants are being rewarded with a prestigious certificate - “The Best Delegate’s Award” - as well as a unique gift given by the United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria.

To ensure effective preparation each participant is encouraged to regularly visit the UPMUNC homepage for updates and to download important preparation materials.

What is a Delegate?

In order to effectively simulate multilateral diplomacy participants of UPMUNC are required to represent countries other than their country of origin. By doing so participants at UPMUNC will officially be called delegates of UPMUNC. These delegates will role play the positions of commitee members.

What is a Delegation?

A delegation is a group of UPMUNC participants consisting of at least 25 people. Still, each participant is a single representative/delegate of one country in one of the committees. Though, each participant of the delegation might represent the same country in the different committees.

What is a Committee?

UPMUNC- like other Model UNs - is simulating different agencies and bodies of the United Nations. Each of those is considered as a committee. Delegates of UPMUNC will play representatives in one of the simulated committees covering a different area of concentration of the United Nations. Each delegate needs to prepare for effectively playing the role of a commitee member or media team by obeying Rules of Procedure and to prepare for the topics to be discussed.

What is a Chair/Co-Chair?

Each committee simulated at UPMUNC is headed by a Chair and a Co-Chair who is responsible for the smooth proceedings of the committee sessions. In particular, Chair and Co-Chair of a committee develop the topics discussed, draw up preparation papers, communicate with delegates of their committees and rule debates during committee sessions.

All Chairpersons for UPMUNC are chosen for their extraordinary qualifications and experiences: either they are former MUN participants or are active in high positions in youth organizations.

Additional Requirements - Making the World of Diplomacy and the United Nations a Reality at UPMUNC 2012

The world of diplomatic negotiations applies well adapted rules which have developed over the years. For making UPMUNC come even closer to reality participants/delegates are obliged to stick to additional requirements at UPMUNC.

Dress Code
A formal dress code will be strictly enforced during the conference. Business apparel is required during all sessions, the Welcome Dinner and the Diplomatic Academy meaning suits for men and business dress for women. Keeping in mind that the Reception marks the highlight of the social program for UPMUNC men are required to wear suites and women an evening dress.

Courtesy
All delegates must show courtesy and respect to the Secretary General, Chairpersons, Committee Staff, advisors and fellow delegates.

Rules of Procedure
At international conferences participants obey certain rules of procedure for ensuring smooth negotiation proceedings. This is not different at UPMUNC. At UPMUNC as well participants have to apply certain Rules of Procedure at committee sessions. It is essential to apply them for making committee sessions work out well. Therefore, it is obligatory for every participant/delegate to study the Rules of Procedure prior to the start of the conference. As a result delegates will find it easier to negotiate their country’s position within the committee.