Introduction
By taking the opportunity of attending the Vienna International Model United Nations 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 VIMUN. 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 VIMUN homepage for updates and to download important preparation materials.
What is a Delegate?
In order to effectively simulate multilateral diplomacy participants at VIMUN are required to represent countries other than their country of origin. By doing so participants at VIMUN will officially be called delegates of VIMUN. These delegates will role play the positions of national representatives such as Ambassadors, Ministers, other diplomats or representatives of IGOs and NGOs.
What is a Delegation?
A delegation is a group of VIMUN participants consisting of at least five 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.
The two main advantages for participating at VIMUN as delegation are:
- joint preparation
- financial reduction for all delegates
Please indicate the name of the Head of Delegation for your group on the registration form.
What are Chapersons?
Chapersons are persons who accompany a delegation to the conference (eg. Faculty Advisors).
What is a Committee?
The Vienna International Model United Nations - like other Model UNs - is simulating different agencies and bodies of the United Nations. Each of those is considered a committee. Delegates of VIMUN will play representatives in one of the simulated committees covering a different area of concentration of the United Nations. Hence, each delegate needs to prepare not only for effectively playing the role of a diplomat by obeying to certain Rules of Procedure but also needs to prepare for the topic discussed.
What is a Chair/Co-Chair?
Each committee simulated at VIMUN 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 VIMUN 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 VIMUN
The world of diplomatic negotiations applies well adapted rules which have developed over the years. For making VIMUN come even closer to reality participants/delegates are obliged to stick to additional requirements at VIMUN.
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 at the City marks the highlight of the social program for VIMUN men are asked to wear evening suits and women evening dresses. Casual wear is suitable for all other events.
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 diplomats obey to certain rules of procedure for ensuring smooth negotiation proceedings. This is not different at VIMUN. At VIMUN 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. Rules of Procedure can be found on the homepage of VIMUN for preparation prior to the conference.
All preparation materials and the Rules of Procedure are available on the homepage (button "ISSUES"). Each participant has to prepare individually for the country he/she is representing (libraries, internet, embassies, media) and hand in a one page Position Paper to the Chairperson prior to the conference, since the Preparation-Paper is only a general outline!