A resolution is the final result of research, caucusing and discussion by delegates on a specific issue. Resolutions can compel nations to take action, but only Security Council resolutions have binding power. All other resolutions are non-binding, but still offer suggestions for future action. Delegates will likely work on multiple draft resolutions during the conference, but it is best to focus efforts and build support for one resolution that covers the entire topic. It is also common for delegates to combine clauses from various draft resolutions together to create a more comprehensive document.
The draft resolution begins with a heading, which lists the committee and topic (see the example below). The draft resolution then contains a preamble, operative section and annex. The heading and preamble describe the current situation, while the operative sections outline the actions that the committee will take.
Resolutions are generally numbered in sequence, and the texts of resolutions adopted by subsidiary bodies are published in annual or sessional compilations of those bodies. The resolutions of the Security Council, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council are issued as individual documents, while those of other UN organs appear in the report of that body to its parent body. UN Resolutions are also sometimes combined into a single document that includes all the resolutions of that body. In addition to resolutions, other types of formal UN actions are called decisions and recommendations. The Charter of the United Nations stipulates that member states are bound to carry out all decisions of the Security Council.