Research

Research Guide

Research is the very key to a successful participation at the ZAGIMUN. ZAGIMUN recommends the use of library books, scholarly journals, newspaper articles, and official documents or other literature provided by the United Nations or associated bodies. Little information found on the Internet is credible, unless it comes from an official source such as the official websites of international bodies, known newspapers and scholarly journals, or from the ZAGIMUN website.

Structure and History of the United Nations

Thorough preparation for the ZAGIMUN begins with an understanding of the United Nations Organization. Our website provides basic information on the different bodies that are simulated at the ZAGIMUN. In addition, make sure to review the following elements:

  • The UN structure; learn about the mandate of various organs of the United Nations system and find out how they work together.
  • The Charter of the United Nations in its entirety
  • History of the United Nations; significant UN resolutions and decisions and their impact.

Your Assigned State, NGO or International Organization

You should begin researching your assigned country, NGO or International Organization immediately after receiving it.

If you have been assigned a state, you may wish to begin by researching its economic context, culture and customs, culture, history, political structure and military power. These factors influence a state's foreign policy, so knowing about them will help you to form a consistent foreign policy. In your research, don't overlook negative aspects and criticisms of your state's foreign policy.

Researching an NGO or an International Organization is similar to researching a state. You can start by researching its history, context of constitution, mission, structure, funding, values, purposes, and goals. Since all these factors determine the way an NGO or an International Organization functions and interacts with states. Being aware of these aspects allows you to consistently defend your position during the conference.

We recommend you to establish contact with the embassy or the permanent mission to the UN of your assigned country or with the head office of your assigned NGO or International Organization. Obtaining information directly form these sources can be very useful in forming a consistent and cohesive policy and learn about diplomacy. Experience has shown that these offices are often very eager to assist you, however, bear in mind that some representations run on limited budgets and their staff is often very busy. Before getting in touch, you must prepare list of specific questions on your topic as well as documents you need.

Your Committee

Each delegate should have a thorough understanding of their committee. The information provided on the ZAGIMUN website forms only the basis for the rest of your research. Make sure you understand how your committee functions before the ZAGIMUN starts. This includes the body's history, mandate and purpose, jurisdiction, function and position within the UN system, composition, decision-making modalities and possibility of interaction with other UN bodies. Focus on important decisions and resolutions as they often indicate the body's competences, the type of actions it takes and the means by which it acts. Exploring your committee’s official website is a good starting point.

Your Agenda Topics

You will probably spend the majority of your preparation time for the ZAGIMUN on researching your committee topics.

First, simply look at your committee’s project description as well as the corresponding links and documents on the ZAGIMUN website. However, this won’t be enough. You must also look for further statements and documents allowing you to understand your delegation’s position in a more differentiated manner. This includes looking at official speeches and policy statements published by your country, NGO or International Organization. You should also find out if your state opposed, supported or even sponsored important UN resolutions and is party to international treaties relevant for the topic.

It may be useful, while researching a topic, to think of answers to certain essential questions:

  • In what way is the issue important to your delegation? What are your interests?
  • How should the problem be solved to your delegation’s satisfaction?
  • What actions have already been taken by the International Community? Have they been effective?
  • What are the most essential international documents, which allow to understand the issue?

Based on this you will develop your delegation’s position regarding the topic and write your position paper. You will decide on your priorities and on proposals you intend to put forward. It is important to think in strategic terms:

  • What other delegations will share your point of view? Who will oppose your position?
  • Can you already identify blocks of states that will ally with you when voting?
  • Is your state affiliated with regional organizations whose members could be potential voting allies?

Organize Yourself

Once you have performed your research you should organize yourself so you easily find important documents when you need them during the conference. Folders are useful, only laptops are even more convenient. The general position you intend to defend during the debate must obviously be sorted in your head in order for you to be able to talk freely and convince your fellow delegates.

Courtesy of GIMUN