Delegate Guide

Welcome to YMUN 50! This page contains all of the information you’ll need for your time at Yale.

From the Secretary-General

Dear delegates, faculty advisors, parents, and future diplomats,

It is my pleasure and honor to invite you to the 50th iteration of Yale Model United Nations, taking place from January 18th to January 21st, 2024, on Yale's historic campus in New Haven, Connecticut. I am delighted to serve as Secretary-General for a conference that, for 50 years, has been dedicated to values of education, excellence, and teamwork. For ten months, I am excited to work alongside an incredibly talented Secretariat of 35 Yale students to plan a conference that showcases the best that Yale has to offer.

Unlike many Model United Nations conferences, Yale is at the heart of the YMUN experience. With our "Yale Day" dedicated to experiencing life as a Yale student and our committees held in Yale classrooms, YMUN 50 promises to be an unforgettable experience for delegates and advisors both in and out of committee. At YMUN, nearly 2000 high school students will discuss pressing global issues in the same classrooms that have inspired presidents, prime ministers, and policymakers from around the world.

Over the course of four days, YMUN 50 aims to challenge delegates to engage and think critically. Through our many committees, most of which have no more than 30 delegates, students will research historical disputes and conflicts, investigate humanitarian crises and responses, and work towards consensus on current international events. Delegates will pass dozens of resolutions that address a wide range of issues, developing leadership and teamwork skills that are crucial in shaping our next generation of world leaders.We look forward to welcoming you to our conference in January 2024. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to secgen@ymun.org.On behalf of our team, once again, welcome to YMUN 50!

Sincerely,
Megan Niu
Secretary-General
Yale Model United Nations 50
secgen@ymun.org

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 About this Guide

This guide is intended to help you make the most of your time at YMUN. Please be sure to read it thoroughly and that you understand all of the information provided.

The conference schedule, contact information, and more are all available at ymun.org/welcome. Please save or bookmark that page so you can refer to it easily, and don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.


Nonprofit Partner

YMUN 50 is incredibly proud to once again partner with Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS). IRIS is an international nonprofit which works for immigrants and displaced families around the world. The organization provides shelter, emotional well-being, and empowerment, and facilitates programs that foster cross-cultural socialization.

We encourage you to engage with IRIS and learn about their important work. IRIS representatives will be present at the Opening Ceremony and during Yale Day. Additionally, we will be fundraising for IRIS throughout the conference.



Keynote Speaker

Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General

Ban Ki-moon is a South Korean diplomat who was the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations (UNSG) from January 2007 to December 2016. Before becoming UNSG, Mr. Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. As the eighth UNSG, Ban Ki-moon’s priorities were to mobilize world leaders around a set of new global challenges, from climate change and economic upheaval to pandemics and increasing pressures involving food, energy, and water. He led the efforts for the landmark Paris Climate Agreement and, under his leadership, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda were created.

Ban Ki-moon currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens which seeks to empower youth and women to become active global citizens in creating a sustainable future for all. In addition, he currently holds over 20 positions, including the Presidency and the Chairmanship of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Chairmanships of the Global Commission on Adaptation, the Ethics Commission of the International Olympic Committee, and the BOAO Forum in Asia.



Yale Day

Yale Day, one of YMUN’s most beloved and important traditions, offers delegates the opportunity to learn from some of Yale's most distinguished faculty, get to know the school, and meet current Yale students. Yale Day takes place during the morning and early afternoon on Friday. To see the schedule, rooms, and descriptions of events, visit ymun.org/yale-day.



 
 

 Local Restaurants

New Haven offers a wide variety of amazing culinary options. Here are some of our favorites, which are offering discounts for YMUN participants.

To access the discounts, show your YMUN badge.

  • Donut Crazy is a family-owned and operated business that is committed to serving delicious speciality donuts all over southern Connecticut. They are offering a 10% discount to all attendees. 

  • Sushi Mizu is a local New Haven Japanese restaurant that proudly serves sushi, ramen and vegetarian friendly dishes. They are generously offering a 30% discount to all attendees! 

  • Since 1999, Lalibela has been serving Ethiopian cuisine in New Haven, offering a 10% discount for attendees that dine-in or take-out during the conference.

  • Crêpes Choupette offers a taste of French authenticity, serving crêpes and galettes, as well as a free drink (coffee, orange juice, et cetera) with any crêpe ordered. 

  • Since 1973, Est Est Est Pizza takes pride in being among the top ten pizzas in New Haven. Est Est Est is proudly offering a 10% discount to all attendees. 

  • Garden Catering serves nuggets and fried food, as well as a 10% discount to the delegates.

  • Chacra celebrates Peruvian cuisine in a fine dining environment and is giving a 15% off discount on food only.

  • In the spirit of the European tradition, Atelier Florian allows customers to experience fresh sea-to table dishes and sustainable meats and produce. They are also allowing a 10% discount off all meals throughout YMUN. 

  • Yale Bookstore is the go-to location for all things Yale, with a selection of Yale merchandise and gifts for the whole family. They are offering 10% off all merchandise except textbooks and special orders.

  • At NOA, Chef Win takes traditional dishes from Lao & Thailand and puts his own unique touches on them. They are offering a 10% discount to all attendees with a badge! 

  • Strange Ways proudly sources directly from small brands and supports independent designers and artists. They take joy in introducing customers to new people and products they haven't seen before. They are generously offering 20% off storewide to all attendees! 

  • Wow!! Tikka is a local New Haven restaurant proudly serving vegetarian and vegan friendly Indian dishes. They are offering a 10% discount to all attendees. 

  • Katalina’s Bakery is a relaxed bakery offering cupcakes, brownies & a variety of other goodies, plus coffee & classes. They are offering a buy one get one free deal on cupcakes and cookies. 

  • Junzi proudly serves street food that could redefine how we think about Chinese cuisine. They are offering a 10% discount to their unique variety of Chinese dishes to all delegates. 

  • Havenly is a home, training space, and community center for refugee and immigrant women stuck in cycles of poverty. They are offering a free treat and soda for every student purchase! 

  • Vivaz Cantina proudly serves our community Mexican dining like no other. By the time you leave, you will not only have your appetite satisfied beyond measure, but also consider yourself a part of the family! They are offering a 10% discount to all attendees!

  • Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant is a longtime local Middle Eastern chain serving falafel, shawarma, kebabs & more in a traditional space. They proudly serve Halal food and are offering a 10% discount to all attendees. 

  • Aladdin’s Crown Pizza is an easygoing venue dispensing pizza & an ample Mediterranean-Italian menu in laid-back surroundings. They are offering a 10% discount to all delegates! .

  • House of Naan is a modern Indian kitchen located in the heart of New Haven featuring fresh takes on traditional Indian fare. They are offering a 10% discount to all delegates! 

  • Hot Murga offers a new hot take on fried chicken inspired by Nashville with a dash of vibrant Indian spice, featuring 100% Certified Halal Chicken. They are offering a 10% discount to all delegates!


 
 

Committee Information

YMUN XLIX features a diverse array of committees across five organs: General Assemblies, Economic and Social Councils, Regional Bodies, Specialized Agencies, and Crisis Committees. To see a full list of committees, click here.

Points and motions

Click here to download an overview of UNA-USA Procedure.



Delegate Code of Conduct

The following expectations are designed so that delegates can make the most out of YMUN XLIX. By attending YMUN, delegates, advisors, and delegations agree to abide by the standards of conduct outlined in the Terms and Conditions, Expectations, and Code of Conduct listed below. YMUN reserves the right to determine what constitutes unacceptable behavior, and to take appropriate measures to discipline or dismiss the offending delegate, advisor, delegation, or other participants without refund. 

Consequences of Violations

Violations of any of these conduct expectations will be reported to advisors and will result in immediate consequences as determined by the YMUN Secretary-General. Consequences include, and are not limited to: suspension or prohibition from committee and other YMUN activities, disadvantages on Awards considerations, expulsion from the conference, ban on delegate and/or delegation from attending future YMUN or YIRA conferences. 

Expectations in Committee

Committee Behavior 

Proper decorum is expected of all delegates at all times during committee. When committee is in session, delegates must show courtesy and respect to their fellow delegates and staff. The Committee Chairs and Secretariat members are responsible for determining disruptive behavior. Disruptions will lead to immediate consequences and penalty, as noted under “Consequences of Violations.” 

Disruptions of Committee 

The following behavior, among others determined accordingly by the Chairs or Secretariat, is considered disruptive:  

• Speaking without being recognized 

• Use of cellphones (inappropriate use will lead to confiscation) 

• Note-passing unrelated to committee 

• Use of technology when not allowed 

• Leaving the committee rooms without Chair permission

• Verbal, physical or sexual harassment of other delegates 

Attire 

The dress code at YMUN is formal, and it is expected that all delegates wear Western business attire at all committee sessions. Typically, delegates wear suits or skirts/dresses with blazers, and with shirts tucked in. Ties and heels are optional. Delegates should dress warmly, as New Haven can be quite cold in January! Faith-based deviations from this code are generally acceptable. We ask that you dress professionally and tactfully.

Technology 

Computers are not required for this conference. Delegates found using cell phones or devices during debate will first be given a warning; following that, the device will be confiscated for the remainder of the committee session. Delegates are expected to bring paper to write clauses or notes during debate. No technology will be allowed until clause/resolution writing, at which point delegates can collaborate using laptop computers. Additionally, working on resolutions both before the conference and in between committee sessions is strictly prohibited. These policies will be monitored by Chairs, and we hope that they will ensure a fair and respectful committee experience.

Attendance 

All delegates are expected to attend every committee session. Attendance will be taken at each session. Delegates are expected to remain in the committee session for the entire length of the session unless excused by the Committee Chair and approved by the Advisor. Delegates not in attendance will be referred to Advisors and, if unexcused, are subject to sanction at the discretion of the Chair and/or the Secretariat. Full attendance at committee sessions, unless the delegate has been excused by their Advisor and Chair, is  required for delegates to be considered for committee awards.

Awards Criteria

YMUN chairs will evaluate a broad range of criteria including substantive knowledge, debate technique, quality of position paper, and usage of collaborative skills in-committee. Delegation awards will be calculated based on the performance of individual delegates in their committees. 

YMUN XLIX will present four delegation awards: Best Large Delegation, Outstanding Large Delegation, Best Small Delegation, Outstanding Small Delegation. As a reminder, any delegation with 15 or more students is a large delegation. Any delegation with 15 or fewer students is a small delegation. We will evaluate awards by taking into consideration individual delegate performance and delegation size. The YMUN XLIX Director-General of Committees and Secretary General reserve discretion over all final decisions made to awards, both individual and delegation.

General Expectations

Security 

Delegates must follow all YMUN security procedures as outlined by the Security Director. Delegates must follow the dismissal procedures following each committee session and may not depart for hotels without the supervision of YMUN staff unless accompanied by an advisor. Delegates must also abide by the hotel curfew of 11:30PM. Failure to follow rules or procedures may result in immediate consequences and penalties, as noted in “Consequences of Violations.” In the event that a delegate breaks security protocol or conference policy, advisors and organizations supporting the delegation are responsible for all costs incurred by any subsequent damage. 

Safety

Delegates must not travel alone and should always travel in groups when not inside the committee and hotel facilities. During evening dismissal, delegates will not be dismissed unless led by YMUN staff or accompanied by an advisor. Delegates are asked to be aware of their surroundings when not in their hotels or committee session. To prevent theft, delegates are asked to exercise discretion in the use of cell phones or other mobile devices while on the street. 

Hotel Behavior

All delegates are expected to follow the rules of the hotel they are staying in. A curfew of 11:30PM will be in place at all hotels. Delegates must be in their rooms by this time. Failure to do so will result in immediate consequences and penalties, as noted in “Consequences of Violations.” 

Zero-Tolerance Policy for Harassment

Delegates must be respectful of all those involved in YMUN and in the environment in general. This includes fellow delegates, advisors, Secretariat and staff members, and members of the Yale and New Haven communities. Any form of verbal, physical, sexual or other harassment, via offline, online, mobile devices or other means, will not be tolerated. Such conduct will result in immediate consequences and penalties, as noted in “Consequences of Violations.” 

Alcohol and Drugs

Delegates must not consume alcohol or other controlled substances during the conference. Delegates found in possession of or consuming such substances will be expelled immediately from the conference, and the delegate and/or delegation will be barred from attending future conferences.

Facilities

All delegates are expected to treat the committee and hotel facilities with respect and vandalism of any sort is unacceptable. Failure to do so will have immediate consequences, including but not limited to compensation for damage and those listed in “Consequences of Violations.”

Plagiarism

YMUN does not tolerate plagiarism of any work submitted in committees and in position papers. Any delegates found to have committed plagiarism will be immediately disqualified from awards. Acts of plagiarism will lead to the said delegate being reported to Advisors. Infractions will result in immediate consequences and penalty as noted in “Consequences of Violations.”, including suspension from committee sessions and/or prohibition from future committee sessions.

Delegate Dance

Delegates are expected to refrain from excessively sexual dancing and excessive displays of affection during the delegate dance. Advisors and Staff will be present to enforce these prohibitions. Delegates choosing not to attend the Delegate Dance must remain in a hotel. Delegates may only enter the Delegate Dance with an advisor. Delegates must be accompanied by their advisors when leaving the Delegate Dance; this also stands for delegates staying at the Omni returning to their floors. Delegates must have their delegate badge with them at all times, as they will be used for clearance when entering and exiting the Delegate Dance. 

Yale Buildings & Dorms

Delegates are not allowed to be housed in Yale dorms and may not enter Yale dorms without invitation. Delegates are not allowed in Yale buildings except rooms where committees and conference events are being held. Infractions will result in immediate consequences and penalty as noted in “Consequences of Violations,” including delegate’s dismissal from the conference.



Hotel Policies

A curfew of 11:30 p.m. will be in place at all hotels.

Please treat our YMUN partner hotels with respect. In addition to following all YMUN rules and relevant laws, be mindful of the following rules at hotels:

While staying at hotel:

  • Hotel associates and property are to be respected at all times

  • Hotel rules and schedules for use of any public areas must be respected

  • Hotel has other guests not taking part in group functions and they are to be respected at all times

Hotels are free to impose any sanctions they may deem necessary to maintain order, even to the point of expulsion of the person or persons causing disturbances on or damage to their property. The person or persons causing disturbances or damage to hotel property, whether accidental or intentional, will be responsible for all charges and expenses including but not limited to repairs or replacement of property.

All rules of conduct for groups’ activities are also to be obeyed while on hotel property.

  • Each faculty advisor must know the whereabouts of his/her group at all times.

  • Each faculty advisor/counselor is responsible for the behavior of his/her group at all times.

  • Each faculty advisor should set specific behavior guidelines for his/her group with specific consequences for misbehavior.

The city curfew is 11 p.m. Most hotels have a quiet hour starting at 10 p.m. If the advisor wishes to set an earlier curfew for their group and enforce it, that is their prerogative.

A good attitude and behavior is expected at all times, including:

  • Refraining from public displays of affection;

  • Gender mixing in rooms is not allowed, unless a signed contract from the school has been previously given for cases involving non-binary students;

  • No running, screaming, yelling, or horseplay down halls, in lobby area, emergency stairwells, or other public areas of hotel;

  • No throwing objects from stairs or balcony;

  • No hanging from railings or sliding down banisters;

  • No loud TV or loud music in rooms or in public areas such as lobby, pool area, halls, etc.;

  • Refrain from gathering in the hallways (please use the lobby instead);

The following are not permissible for students or chaperones, and can result in eviction:

  • Alcoholic drinks, any form of tobacco products, illegal drugs;

  • Firearms, knives or other kind of weapons;

  • Partying or loud gatherings in rooms;

  • Fireworks, smoke bombs, and the like;

  • Pornographic literature, immoral acts of any kind;

  • Bad language, back talking or any other type of profanity;

  • Fighting or abusive behavior;

  • Laser pointers;



Welcome to YMUN!

 

Delegations in Attendance

ACS

ADDICTEST

African Agents

AGBU-MDS

AIEP

Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science

American International School of Costa Rica

AMLY School

ArenaMUN

Beachwood High School

Bergen County Academies

Bergen Tech Model UN

Bishop Guertin High School

Boston Trinity 

Brazilian Youth Academy

Brentwood School

Bridgewater-Raritan High School

Brimmer and May School

British International School

Buckingham Browne & Nichols School

Burr and Burton Academy

Canton High School

Champions of the Olympus

Child’s Place Developmentally Appropriate Program School

China International Education Institute

Choate Rosemary Hall

Clarkstown North Model UN

Colegio Etapa - Brasil

Colégio Farroupilha

Colégio Monteiro Lobato

Colégio Poliedro

Colégio Santo Américo

Colégio Santo Antônio  

Columbia High School Model UN

Costa Rica Model UN

Crimson Global Academy

Danbury High School

Daniel Hand High School

DDH Model United Nations

Deerfield Academy

Deleglobe

DIGIVATIONS XGENS 

District of Columbia International School

Dolphins MUN

Don Bosco School (Salesian Sisters), Inc. - Manila

Dunya IB School

Enloe Eagles

Escola Eleva Barra da Tijuca

Fairfield College Preparatory School

Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nuremberg

Friends Seminary

Gateway college

Gilman School

Golden Soul

Grier School

Grove School

Harvest Collegiate High School

Hemispheres

H Frank Carey

HMTCA

Holy Ghost Preparatory School

Hope to the Future Association

Independent Group: ""Crisis Kids MUN Team""

INSTITUTO BOUVIER

Instituto Diplomun

Internationali Negotia

International Sharing School

`Iolani School

Jaden Min

Joint MUN Delegation of Chinese Students

Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy

Kellenberg Memorial High School

Kingswood Oxford

LAMP High School

Learning Without Borders Inc., (Philippines)

Mark Twain IS

Martha's Vineyard Regional High School

Marvelwood School

Mary Help of Christians College-Salesian Sisters, Inc.

Mary Help of Christians School (Cebu, Philippines) Inc.

Mary Help of Christians School (Pampanga), Inc.

Marymount School

Miami Country Day School

Mill River Union High School

Montessori International College

Morgan High School

MoruMUN

Natick Model United Nations

North Salem High School

Notre Dame Catholic High School 

Notre Dame School

Ohana Institute

Pacific Collegiate School

Pardubice University 

Pearl River High School

Pomfret School

Preparatoria La Salle Santa Teresa 

PrepaTec Metepec

Princeton Learning Experience International School

Proctor Junior-Senior High School

Ross School

Saint Thomas Academy

School For Advanced Studies - West Campus

School of the Holy Child

See Change Education

SESI Overseas Brazil

Silicon Valley International School

South Hill School, Incorporated

St. Andrew's International School

Staples High School Model UN

St Elizabeth Catholic High School

St. Mary's College Kisubi 

Stratford High School

Sunrise Education

TEAM MJ

Team SEA

The Beacon School

The Benjamin School

The Frederick Gunn School

The Harvey School

The Hotchkiss School

The Lawrenceville School 

The Loomis Chaffee School

The New Order

The Pingry School

The Taft School

Thomas A Edison CTE High School

Two Roads Learning

United Nations International School (UNIS)

United World College South East Asia East Campus

United World International School

Waterford High School

WELAND International

Westminster School

Weston High School

Westover

West Valley High School

wilbraham and monson academy

Woodson High School

Yongbo Xiao

Yuyak – Kichwa indigenous delegation