Facts and Figures in Model UN - Adding Authority To Your Work

Using facts and figures effectively in Model UN (MUN) is essential for building credibility and supporting your country’s position. Here’s a guide to help delegates use statistics, facts, and data effectively during debate:

1. Understand the Purpose of Facts and Figures

• Support Your Argument: Facts provide a foundation for your position, showing that your arguments are well-researched and grounded in reality.

• Strengthen Persuasion: Using data makes your speeches more persuasive and can sway undecided delegates.

• Highlight Urgency: Statistics can illustrate the scale and severity of an issue, encouraging delegates to prioritize it.

2. Researching Reliable Data

• Use Credible Sources: Always gather information from reputable sources, such as:

  • UN Reports: UN databases and reports offer official data relevant to many global issues.

  • NGO Reports: Non-governmental organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) or World Bank have well-documented statistics.

  • Government Databases: If you’re representing a specific country, use government websites to find national statistics that support your stance.

• Update Your Data: Use the most recent statistics available. Data that’s a decade old may not reflect current realities.

3. Integrating Data into Speeches

• Start with a Powerful Statistic: Open your speech with a compelling fact or figure to grab attention. Example: “According to the UN, over 780 million people lack access to clean drinking water.”

• Explain the Context: Don’t just state a number—explain what it means. Example: “This lack of access leads to preventable diseases and high mortality rates, especially among children.”

• Relate it to Your Position: Show how the data aligns with your country’s priorities. Example: “As a country vulnerable to water scarcity, we urge the committee to focus on sustainable water management solutions.”

4. Visualizing Data

• Use Graphs and Charts: During presentations or in written resolutions, including graphs or charts can make complex data easier to understand.

• Distribute Factsheets: If allowed, hand out factsheets to fellow delegates to provide them with data that supports your position.

5. Citing Sources

• Always mention the source of your data, e.g., “According to the UN Development Programme…” This builds credibility and helps avoid misinformation.

• Be specific: Include the year or time frame of the data to clarify its relevance.

6. Using Facts Strategically

• In Negotiation: Use statistics to back up your stance during informal caucus, showing other delegates the urgency or effectiveness of your proposed solutions.

• In Resolutions: Incorporate statistics into the preambulatory clauses to set the context for your operative clauses. For example:

  • Preambulatory Clause: “Recognizing that 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy sector…”

  • Operative Clause: “…Calls for transitioning to renewable energy sources by 2030.”

7. Avoiding Overuse or Misuse

• Balance Statistics with Storytelling: While data is crucial, don’t overwhelm your audience with too many figures. Blend in stories, examples, and emotional appeals to create a more compelling argument.

• Double-Check Accuracy: Using inaccurate or exaggerated data can damage your credibility. Be sure to verify statistics before using them in debate.

8. Practice with Facts

• Practice Incorporating Facts in Speeches: Before the conference, rehearse using statistics in your speeches to find the right balance of data and delivery.

• Prepare Quick-Reference Notes: Have a list of key statistics in your research binder or notes, organized by issue, to quickly reference them during debates or questions.

9. Responding to Challenges

• If another delegate questions your data, respond confidently. Clarify the source and context of the statistic, or offer to share your research if permitted.

10. Examples of Effective Facts and Figures Use

• Climate Change: “According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have already risen by 1.2°C since the pre-industrial era, leading to more extreme weather events.”

• Healthcare: “The WHO reports that 70% of deaths in low-income countries are due to preventable diseases, indicating a critical need for better healthcare infrastructure.”

Using facts and figures thoughtfully in Model UN demonstrates preparation, enhances persuasion, and reinforces your delegate's position in debates.