FAQs & Resources
Feel free to download the following essential resources for delegates, including the rules of procedure, resolution vocabulary, and modes of address. Delegate handbook will be downloadable just before the conference.
For frequently asked questions, please scroll down, pick one of the FAQ categories or use the Ctrl/Cmd+F search function.
FAQ Categories:
Points and awards | Committee procedures | Preparation and resolutions | Committees and Chairs | Historical Committee | Youth Forum | Dress code | Food and drinks | Media | Pricing | Registration | Prague and others
I. Points and awards
Is PRAMUN a competitive conference? No. In the spirit of the United Nations, we decided from the very beginning to keep PRAMUN as a non-competitive conference. Our primary focus is on promoting collaboration and compromise, fostering an environment of cooperation rather than rivalry.
Do delegates get points and awards for their performance? No. We do not award points and awards at PRAMUN as we maintain the non-competitive format. From our 15-year experience, this approach ensures that debates remain balanced, allowing everyone to participate and contribute to fruitful, solution-oriented discussions.
Could chairs write down points for members of my delegation anyway? Our chairing teams are dedicated to moderating discussions, managing all the technical aspects, and ensuring the classroom is in order and everyone has the same chance to speak. They thus do not assign points or provide any written evaluations. However, if you are a teacher seeking feedback for your students (e.g. for grading purposes), feel free to approach a chair during a break to ask them for a quick oral evaluation of your student's performance.
No points and awards?! What is the most significant accomplishment at PRAMUN then? The definition of accomplishment at PRAMUN varies for each delegate. For some, the biggest achievement may involve speaking at the General Assembly on Saturday, while for others, it could mean successfully pushing through a resolution they contributed to. If you represent a rogue state, your biggest accomplishment may mean voicing opposition to a meticulously written resolution at the General Assembly or sneaking in a sly amendment. Whatever it may be, we encourage the delegates to set a personal goal prior to the conference and strive to achieve them.
Will we receive a certificate of attendance? Yes. Each delegation will receive an official certificate. We also give out certificates to all our chairs.
II. Committee procedures
What are the rules of procedure at PRAMUN? Our rules of procedure closely follow the standard THIMUN rules, with a primary focus on resolutions. For more details, please refer to our resources page.
During the debate, do you accept comments in addition to questions? No. We only facilitate “points of information” at PRAMUN which are essentially questions. If, by any chance, you happen to present a comment instead of a question, the chairs will kindly remind you of the protocol.
Do you do opening statements at PRAMUN? We generally encourage all our chairs to initiate the debate with opening statements, although the ultimate decision rests with them. Should your chairs opt for a round of opening statements to kickstart the debate, you will be notified the evening prior (at the informal Youth Forum).
Opening statements should be approximately one minute in duration and should convey your country's position on the debated topic(s).
Is the debate at PRAMUN usually open or closed? And do you open the speakers' list? By default, our conference follows the closed debate format with allocated time for and against each resolution. However, if our chairs believe it would benefit the debate, they can decide to open the speakers' list and engage in an open debate as well.
I feel uncomfortable in my committee? Who should I contact? If you experience any discomfort within the committee, you may contact your chairs directly or, if you prefer, contact your teachers who will liaise with the organization team. Our goal is to create an environment at our conference where everybody feels at ease, included and heard.
IV. Committees and chairs
What is the typical committee size at PRAMUN? At PRAMUN, we strive to maintain classroom-sized committees. Regular committees usually consist of 20-30 delegates, with a maximum of 35 delegates. Special committees, such as the Security Council or Historical Committee, have 15 delegates.
How many chairs lead each committee? Each PRAMUN committee is chaired by a pair of well-trained and experienced MUNers who ensure the smooth moderation of debates in line with the rules of procedure. These chairs also make sure that every represented country has an equal opportunity to participate. As your fellow students, you are welcome to approach them with any issues or requests for advice.
Is there a list of represented countries available? Special committees have a predetermined list of represented countries that you can find on the committee page. Regular committees typically do not have a list until a few days before the conference. While a general list for all regular committees is eventually uploaded, please note that not all the listed countries may be represented in every committee.
Can I apply to be a chair at PRAMUN? Certainly, you can apply to be a chair at PRAMUN as long as you are a member of a registered delegation. There are two ways to express your interest: you can use the contact form on our homepage, or you can request your MUN teacher to inform us of your desire to chair. You will be required to write a brief letter of motivation as part of your application. Decisions on chair applications and committee assignments are typically communicated in late October or early November so the sooner you apply the better. If you are selected as a chair, you will most likely be paired with a local chair. We will also schedule a call with you to provide further guidance and answer any questions you may have.
I've been selected as a chair (yay!), when are the synopses due?
Congratulations, we're very happy to have you on board! Synopses are due in mid-December. The exact submission date will be communicated to you along with your committee assignment. Please note that you are responsible for writing one of the synopses, while your chairing partner writes the other. If you are chairing the Security Council, an additional synopsis for the third topic will need to be prepared between the two of you.
V. Historical Committee
What is the Historical Committee? The Historical Committee is a cherished tradition at PRAMUN, offering a unique opportunity for advanced delegates and history enthusiasts to step into the shoes of historical entities and countries. In this committee, participants reenact pivotal historical events and make decisions just as delegates from the past would have, eventually altering the course of history. The topics differ each year, ranging from the Crusades to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and ensuring an engaging experience.
How does the Historical Committee work? The Historical Committee operates at a brisk pace, with a constant stream of crises that demand attention and resolution. These crises may be scenarios introduced to the committee by the organizers without prior notice, or they can naturally emerge during the debate. While the committee's efforts lead to written resolutions, these are not subject to a vote at the General Assembly. Instead, committee members present how the issue was resolved (or not) and the path taken to reach that resolution.
How do I apply for the Historical Committee? To participate in the Historical Committee, inform your MUN director of your interest as soon as your delegation is registered. Your MUN director will then request a seat in the committee for you. They can also request an entity from the list of entities/countries represented (see Historical Committee's page).
VI. Youth Forum
What is the Youth Forum? The Youth Forum is an occasion that allows delegates and chairs to establish connections and build camaraderie within their committees. This unique event kicks off the conference program and takes place on Wednesday evening. Delegates gather at the school venue (with guidance provided by hosting school students if you are staying at a hotel) and engage in informal discussions on universal topics in their respective committees. Many chairs also begin the evening with icebreaking mini games.
The Youth Forum has been a cornerstone of PRAMUN since its inception, setting a cooperative and friendly tone for the entire conference and helping students feel more at ease in the committee rooms they will occupy for the next two or three days. See more at the Youth Forum page.
What is the appropriate dress code to the Youth Forum? There is no specific dress code for the Youth Forum. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and in a way that suits their personal style and preferences.
VII. Dress code
When is formal attire required at PRAMUN? Formal attire is required during committee sessions (including the one following the guided tours), the Opening Ceremony, and the General Assembly. However, it is neither required nor encouraged for the Youth Forum.
During the afternoon of debating after the guided tours, while we understand the need for comfort during the walking tour, we kindly request that participants maintain a formal or smart-casual dress code. Please note that attire such as sweatpants, Birkenstocks, and hoodies, which is not in line with the formality expected at the UN, should be avoided.
Are there penalties for not wearing formal attire? Unlike some other conferences, we do not impose penalties for not wearing formal attire. However, we ask that every delegate honors the occasion and adheres to the formal dress code when it is required.
Are there any forbidden pieces of clothing? At PRAMUN, we celebrate diversity and support delegates' self-expression. However, there are certain clothing items we discourage due to their potential to cause distress to others or their misalignment with the spirit of the UN. These items include military uniforms and any forms of totalitarian insignia, specifically Nazi and Soviet insignia, as well as symbols related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It's essential to note that the listed symbols and insignia are also prohibited by Czech law.
The limitations on certain pieces of clothing or symbols also apply to the Historical Committee.
How should I dress for the committee session on Friday which follows a half-day guided tour through Prague? Recognizing that the January weather in Prague can be challenging for wearing formal attire, the dress code on Friday is more lenient. However, we request that participants honor the conference by refraining from wearing casual loungewear, such as sweatpants, Birkenstocks, hoodies and similar attire.
VIII. Food and drinks
I have dietary restrictions. How do I proceed? If you have dietary restrictions, please notify your MUN director as soon as possible. They can inform us during the registration process. While vegetarian options are typically available, special dietary needs like vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, or other restrictions may require advance communication with the venues to ensure appropriate meal options.
What is the alcohol policy at the conference? PRAMUN maintains a strict no-alcohol policy throughout the entire duration of the event, from Wednesday evening to Sunday morning. The same policy applies to drugs and narcotics.
IX. Media
Are there student media present at the conference? No, PRAMUN does not host any student-led media teams. We do, however, have a team of photographers who take pictures of committees and the conference events.
Can I apply for a media position? Unfortunately, we do not currently have the capacity and infrastructure to support a fully operational student media team at our school. Therefore, we are unable to accept applications for media positions at this time.
X. Pricing
What is the price for the conference? The price of the conference is EUR 495. This fee applies to students as well as MUN directors and chaperones. If you prefer to stay in a single room, there is a supplement of EUR 95 in addition to the regular price.
What is included in the price? The conference price covers various aspects of your experience, including hotel accommodation, the conference fee, participation in all special events and the sightseeing program as per the provided itinerary, and public transport tickets for traveling to and from the conference venues. Additionally, it includes three meals daily, commencing with dinner on Wednesday and concluding with breakfast on Sunday. However, it does not cover Saturday dinner. See a summary at the Dates & Pricing page.
What is not included in the price? Not included in the conference price are airport transfers and other transportation for your arrival and departure. It also does not cover additional beverages, snacks, and the cost of Saturday dinner.
What is the price for local delegations? Local Prague delegations enjoy a reduced conference fee of EUR 105 per person.
XI. Registration
What is the registration deadline? The initial registration deadline is set for October 1st. However, we typically keep the registration open for an extended period, allowing you to register later. Simply use the provided registration form and watch for further information from our side.
How do we register? Registrations are processed through a Google Form, accessible from our home page. Once you complete your registration, we will receive a notification of your submission and will be in touch with you shortly.
How do we apply for country assignments? To apply for country assignments, please use this Google Form, which is distinct from the registration form. Make sure to specify whether you wish to secure a seat in the Security Council or the Historical Committee. Please note that you can request country assignments only after confirming the registration deposit of EUR 200 per person on our end.
When will we receive our country assignments? Once you've applied for country assignments, you can expect to receive your assignments promptly. We may reach out in cases where we believe your country preferences couldn't be accommodated. However, country assignments are allocated exclusively to delegations that have confirmed their attendance by paying the deposit.
Which countries are available? You have the flexibility to select any UN member country you desire. To ensure the allocation of all available spots, the largest countries (e.g., the Big Five) are assigned to the largest delegations. We do not offer non-member observer states.
We received our country assignments. How do we distribute them among students? The distribution of country assignments among your students is at the delegations' discretion. Regular country assignments apply to all 11 regular committees.
For delegations that opt for seats in the Security Council, your country assignment applies to all regular committees and the Security Council. We recommend prioritizing the Security Council seats for more experienced delegates.
If your delegation chooses to have seats in the Historical Committee, a special assignment is provided exclusively for this committee. Other regular assignments you receive are not applicable to the Historical Committee.
Can we assign more than one student per country and committee? No, assigning multiple students to a single country and committee would be considered unfair to other delegates and may create unnecessary confusion in the committee.
What if we can't fill all the spots for our assigned country/countries? In most cases, this is not a problem. Please ensure you fill the spots in the Security Council and the Historical Committee that you were assigned. Additionally, if your delegation represents one of the Big Five (China, France, Russia, UK, USA), please prioritize filling all these spots first.
Can a university apply to PRAMUN? Unfortunately, we are exclusively a high school conference and do not accept university applications.
Can a private MUN club apply to PRAMUN? Yes, private MUN clubs are welcome to apply! However, such clubs must be accompanied by an adult and should exclusively include high school students. If you'd like to register, please complete the registration form, and we will be in touch shortly.
Can I apply as a single delegate? We only accept delegation applications; individual applications are not accepted at the moment.
Can we apply if we are a local school? Absolutely! We would love to have Prague schools participate. Please complete the registration form and we will be in touch shortly. The conference fee for local delegations is EUR 105 per person.
XII. Prague and others
Where is the hosting school located within the city? Gymnázium Jana Nerudy, our hosting school, is housed in a 19th-century building situated in the heart of Prague. It's only one tram stop or 10-minute walk away from iconic landmarks like the Charles Bridge and the St. Nicholas Church in the charming Lesser Quarter.
You can easily reach the school by tram 12, 15, 20, 22, or 23, with a stop at Hellichova. Alternatively, you can take tram 9 to Ujezd and enjoy a 5-minute walk. The closest metro station is Malostranska (line A), approximately 10-15 minutes away.
The school's address is Hellichova 457/3, Prague 1.
Where is the hotel located? The Orea Hotel Pyramida is conveniently located within walking distance of Prague Castle and Strahov Monastery. Situated between the historic Pohorelec quarter and the residential Brevnov quarter, the hotel is easily accessible by public transport, including trams 22, 23, and 25. To travel to the school, you can take tram 22 (towards Nadrazi Hostivar) or tram 23 (towards Zvonarka) for seven stops. For more details, refer to our website's Prague section.
The hotel's address is Belohorska 125/24, Prague 6.
Do you offer the option to stay with host families? The opportunity to stay with host families is exclusively available to our long-term exchange partner schools.
How safe is Prague? Prague ranks among the safest major cities in Europe and worldwide. However, exercising caution, particularly against pickpockets during rush hours on public transport, is advisable. It's also important to be cautious when exchanging currency. Never exchange money on the street, as it's both illegal and likely to be a scam.
While Prague is generally very safe, even at night, and features a reliable night public transport system, we recommend setting a curfew for your students and not permitting them to wander around unaccompanied.
What is the weather like in Prague in January? January marks the coldest month in Prague. Although long-lasting snowfall is uncommon, the weather typically tends to be overcast, misty, and rainy, with temperatures ranging between 0-10°C (30-50°F). Occasionally, temperatures may drop well below freezing. Despite the chill, Prague still exudes a magical ambiance, particularly in the enchanting Lesser Quarter where the school is located. To ensure a comfortable experience during the conference, we recommend packing warm clothing and sturdy warm shoes.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Feel free to contact our team using the contact form at our homepage.