Preparation for SIMAL

If you are new to Model Arab League or debate simulations in general, don’t worry! There are a few simple things you can do to prepare. For a full overview of the MAL program, check out the Handbook.

1. Learn About Your Country: do some general research about the country you are going to represent. Who are its leaders? Who are it’s neighbors? Who are its allies and enemies? What are its most pressing concerns socially, economically, geo-strategically, politically, etc.? Then, look at the Agenda to see which issues will be debated in your Council, and research your country’s positions on them. Look at news articles, statements from the country’s leaders, and past actions. You can start by looking at the MAL Research Resources page. Remember, your ultimate goal is to accurately role-play as a diplomat from your country and represent its positions, not your own personal positions.

2. Learn the Rules of Debate: the rules that govern how the Councils debate is called parliamentary procedure. The MAL uses a specialized form of “parli-pro” which can be found in the Handbook. Don’t worry – you’re not expected to be an expert in parli-pro your first time at an MAL. Each Council has a Chair to help guide the debate. However, get a general sense for how debate works starting on Page 11 of the Handbook.

NOTE: PARTICIPANTS’ OPINIONS AND VIEWS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE ORGANIZATIONS THEY WORK OR INTERN FOR