Position Paper 101

The Art of Knowing Your Country | 🕮 4 Min

Klemun's guide to writing a position paper

A position paper is the result of thorough research and preparation for a Model UN conference. It presents your country’s perspective on a topic, explains its connection to the issue, and outlines the solutions it wants to achieve through a resolution. Always follow the formatting guidelines provided by your conference.

A good MUN Position Paper has three parts:

1. Country’s Position on the Topic
2. Country’s Relation to the Topic
3. Proposals of Policies to Pass in a Resolution

The following guide will show you how to write an excellent Position Paper, make the right impression on your chair and fellow delegates while achieving your strategic goals.

The Purpose of a Position Paper

Show chairs you’ve researched and successfully turned facts into a strong, country-specific case
Make a first impression with the other delegates, to present yourself in the manner you want to be viewed
For you to sort your thoughts and research
Have a fact and example sheet that you know, available to use in speeches
Read what other delegates wrote to best strategize what course of action will get the best majority to pass your resolutions

1. Your Country’s Position on the Topic

Start by briefly introducing the issue and explaining how your country views it. Provide relevant historical background and identify the main challenges facing the international community.

Present the issue as a global concern rather than something affecting only your country. This helps other delegates understand your perspective and makes them more likely to support your proposed solutions.

2. Your Country’s Relation to the Topic

Explain how your country has previously addressed the issue. Include relevant national policies, actions, and their successes or failures. This demonstrates your country’s experience and helps justify its current position.

Focus only on information that supports your argument. Avoid including general facts about the topic or past committee actions unless they directly contribute to explaining your country’s perspective.

If your country has no direct connection to the issue, research countries with similar circumstances or positions. You can also examine how your country has approached related issues to help justify your policies.

3. Proposal: What You Want to Achieve

Conclude by outlining the solutions your country would like to see implemented through a resolution. These proposals should be realistic and fall within the mandate of your committee. If certain actions require another committee’s involvement, you can suggest cooperation with it.

You may propose one main solution, several policies, or establish clear limits within which you are willing to negotiate.

Although you do not need to commit to every proposal in your paper, it should clearly reflect your intended approach during the conference. Your actions in committee should remain consistent with the position you presented, demonstrating preparation, diplomatic flexibility, and a clear understanding of your country’s priorities.

2.1. Additional Supporting Material (Optional)

Some position papers benefit from an additional paragraph containing evidence that strengthens your argument. This may include case studies, statistics, or examples from your country or other relevant countries.

The purpose of this section is to provide additional justification for your proposed solutions. Every piece of information should contribute to your argument and demonstrate how your research supports your country’s position.

The key takeaway: A strong position paper connects your country’s understanding of the problem, its national interests and experience, and the solutions it wants to achieve. Each section should support the next, creating a clear and convincing argument that other delegates can understand and support.

Find the full comprehensive guide with examples and in-depth explanations here.

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