After all the preparations, and hard work now comes the exciting moments you have been waiting for. All Model United Nations beginn with the opening ceremony which is often one of the high lights of the whole event. Besides the Model United Nation secretary General, some senior dignatories are always invited to address the MUN General Assembly and boost the delegates moral. Immediately after the opening ceremony, delegates are led into their various committees where business actually begins.

Simulations

When once committee sessions are opened by the committee chairperson, delegates are called upon to present their prepared opening speeches, giving an overview of their country's position on the issue. Literally meaning you have to prepare an opening speech before hand. During simulation participants must employ a variety of communication and critical thinking skills in order to represent the policies of their country, guided by the committee's rules of procedure.

Most Model United Nations are simulations of a body in the United Nations system or one of it's special agencies, such as:

• The Security Council
• Economic and Social Council and its specialized councils and agencies (e.g CCPCJ)
• United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
• International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)
• etc, etc

MUN simulations are conducted in any of the Six UN official languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic), with English being the most widely used. Many conferences also run crisis simulations in which hypothetical real world factors are included in the simulation, including representatives from various groups such as member states that are not members of the simulated committee. These can take the place of rapidly-changing Security Council simulations, historical simulations, hypothetical simulations set in the future, and war games (typically conducted by War Cabinets, either standing alone or with two Cabinets running in parallel). Some conferences substitute research topics for a crisis which can span all the committees of the conference.

Caucusing

The informal debates that are being carried out within each committe seesion are termed caucusing. It is an important part of the MUN simulation because it provides an opportunity for delegates to collaborate, negotiate and formulate draft resolutions. During such debates, the caucusing could either be moderated or and unmoderated caucuses.

Moderated caucuses

In a formal session, the committee chairperson keeps a speakers list which is followed very strictly, meaning delegates can only address the committee when it is their turn. The chair calls on delegates one a time in the order in which they were entered in the speakers list and each delegate is required to address the session just for specific time period specified by the chirperson. But in a moderated caucuses, delegates can speak earlier than it is their turn.

Many delegates prefer to speak during a moderated caucus rather than being placed on the speaker’s list. In a moderated caucus, speakers are usually able to convey one or two key points to the entire committee or share new ideas that have developed through the course of debate. Wise delegate whose names are at the bottom of a long speakers list do sometimes choose to make a motion for a moderated caucus, so they can be able to address the committee much earlier.

Unmoderated Caucuses

During an unmoderated caucus, the committee breaks for a temporary recess from formal proceedings so that delegates can work together in small groups. Much work work is always being done during this period, since delgates can move up to other delegates and solicit their support on issues they may be having differences.

To hold a caucus, a delegate must make a motion and the committee must pass the motion. At some Model United Nations, all motions made need to be supported by another delegate before it is even being put to vote.