UNFPA Background Guide - National Model United Nations

Rule 22 - Suspension of the meeting
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the suspension of the meeting, specifying a time for
reconvening. Such motions shall not be debated but shall be put to a vote immediately, requiring the support of a
majority of the members present and voting to pass. Delegates should not state a purpose for the suspension.
This motion should be used to suspend the meeting for lunch or at the end of the scheduled board session
time. Delegates should properly phrase this motion as “suspension of the meeting,” and provide a length of
time when making the motion.
Rule 23 - Adjournment of the meeting
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move to the adjournment of the meeting. Such motions
shall not be debated but shall be put to the vote immediately, requiring the support of a majority of the members
present and voting to pass. After adjournment, the Board shall reconvene at its next regularly scheduled meeting
time.
As this motion, if successful, would end the meeting until the Board’s next regularly scheduled session the
following year, and in accordance with the philosophy and principles of the NMUN and in furtherance of
its educational mission, the President will not entertain such a motion until the end of the last meeting of
the Board.
Rule 24 - Adjournment of debate
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the adjournment of the debate on the item under
discussion. Two representatives may speak in favor of, and two against, the motion, after which the motion shall be
immediately put to the vote. The President may limit the time to be allowed to speakers under this rule.
Rule 25 - Closure of debate
A representative may at any time move the closure of debate on the item under discussion, whether or not any other
representative has signified her/his wish to speak. Permission to speak on the motion shall be accorded only to two
representatives opposing the closure, after which the motion shall be put to the vote immediately. Closure of debate
shall require a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. If the Board favors the closure of debate, the
Board shall immediately move to vote on all proposals introduced under that agenda item.
Rule 26 - Order of motions
Subject to Rule 18, the motions indicated below shall have precedence in the following order over all proposals or
other motions before the meeting:
1. To suspend the meeting;
2. To adjourn the meeting;
3. To adjourn the debate on the item under discussion;
4. To close the debate on the item under discussion.
Rule 27 - Proposals and amendments
Proposals and amendments shall normally be submitted in writing to the Secretariat. Any proposal or amendment
that relates to the substance of any matter under discussion shall require the signature of twenty percent of the
members of the Board [sponsors].
The Secretariat may, at its discretion, approve the proposal or amendment for circulation among the delegations. As
a general rule, no proposal shall be put to the vote at any meeting of the Board unless copies of it have been
52