SEMAU RULES, PROCEDURES, & AGENDA

This page outlines the official rules and procedures governing the Southeastern Model African Union (SEMAU) Conference. Delegates are expected to follow these guidelines to ensure productive debate, respectful collaboration, and an accurate simulation of African Union proceedings. Here, you will find information on parliamentary procedure, delegate responsibilities, resolution drafting, voting processes, and conduct expectations. Additionally, you can download the conference agenda. All participants should review these materials carefully prior to the conference.

Download Rules

Conference Agenda

Organs of the SEMAU

All Member States belong to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government as well as the following organs:

Executive Council

The Executive Council in the Model African Union (MAU) represents the body of foreign ministers from AU member states and plays a critical role in the simulation. As a high-level decision-making organ, the Executive Council is responsible for addressing major continental issues and coordinating policy across various thematic areas.

Key Functions:

Policy Deliberation
Crisis Management
Inter-Committee Coordination
Diplomatic Leadership

Final Communique:
The Executive Council compiles and presents its final recommendations—often including inputs from the crisis simulation—at the Assembly of Heads of State, serving as the voice of ministerial coordination within the AU framework.

Authority: The Executive Council acts as the strategic engine of the Model AU, balancing national interests with Africa-wide goals.

Democracy, Governance, & Human Rights

The Committee on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance within the African Union (AU) framework is responsible for promoting and protecting democratic principles, human rights, and good governance across the continent.

Key Functions:

1. Promotes Democratic Governance

2. Protects and Promotes Human Rights

3. Monitors Member States

4. Recommends Policy and Action

5. Supports Capacity Building

Authority:

This committee debate and draft resolutions on issues like election integrity, press freedom, transitional justice, political inclusion, and the rule of law.

Economic Matters

The Committee on Economic Matters in the African Union (AU) focuses on issues related to economic integration, development, trade, and financial cooperation across the continent.

Key Functions:

1. Promotes Economic Integration

2. Oversees Development Policies

3. Addresses Fiscal and Monetary Issues

4. Supports Agricultural and Industrial Development

5. Encourages Youth and Women’s Economic Participation

Authority: The Economic Matters Committee plays a critical role in shaping Africa’s economic future by promoting prosperity, collaboration, and self-reliance among its member states.

Environment & Climate Change

The Environment and Climate Change Committee of the African Union focuses on addressing the environmental challenges and climate-related issues affecting the continent.

Key Functions:

1. Develops Environmental Policy

2. Combats Climate Change

3. Coordinates Continental Action

4. Promotes Renewable Energy and Green Innovation

5. Supports Community and Youth Engagement

Authority:

This committee leads efforts to ensure a sustainable, climate-resilient future for Africa, balancing development needs with ecological responsibility.

Peace & Security

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union is the AU’s standing decision-making body responsible for the maintenance of peace, security, and stability across the continent.

Key Functions:

1. Conflict Prevention and Early Warning

2. Crisis Management and Intervention

3. Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction

4. Promotion of Democracy and Good Governance

5. Collaboration with International Partners

Authority:

It operates somewhat like the UN Security Council, but within an African context, focusing on African-led solutions to African challenges.

Social Matters

The Social Matters Committee in the African Union (AU) simulations—focuses on issues that impact the social well-being, development, and inclusion of African peoples.

Key Functions:

1. Improves Health and Education Systems

2. Promotes Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

3. Addresses Youth and Employment Issues

4. Protects Cultural Heritage and Identity

5. Responds to Humanitarian and Social Crises

Authority:

The Social Matters Committee is vital to building a just, inclusive, and resilient African society that prioritizes the dignity and development of all its people.

Quick Review

These Rules and Procedures of SEMAU incorporate- and take precedence over the procedural portions of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. In the event of a dispute the interpretation of the Chair is final provided there is not a successful appeal.

Point of Order

Why: To complain of improper procedure/rules violation

When: Any time

Can interrupt the speaker? Yes

Needs a second? No

Debate? No

Vote needed? No