What are draft resolutions and decisions?

The process by which a resolution or decision is adopted depends on the rules of procedure of the body adopting the text. In general, draft proposals follow similar path and share similar characteristics.

Draft resolutions and decisions are usually presented for adoption in an open formal meeting; they may be introduced to the body by a sponsor, co-sponsor or an official of the body, such as the Chair or President. 

Draft proposals may be

• issued as separate documents called draft resolution or draft decision , eg S/2024/528 ; A/78/L.95 
• included in the report of a subsidiary to its parent organ, eg. E/2024/42- E/CN.18/2024/9

The sponsors of draft proposals are usually listed in the document that transmits the draft to the adopting body; additional sponsors sometimes are added when the draft is introduced in the meeting. Sometimes the draft does not include information about sponsors. Sponsors may include:

• states
• groups of states (eg, G77+China, Nordic Group, etc.)
• Presiding officer of the body (President or Chair),  often after informal consulations
• subsidiary organs 

Depending on the rules of procedure of the body and its established practices, draft proposals may be adopted by consensus or may be voted on.