Master the format of position paper for MUN with our step-by-step guide. Learn the structure, rules, and tips to write a paper that stands out in committee.

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A Model United Nations (MUN) position paper is your diplomatic blueprint. It's a short, powerful document that lays out your country's perspective, history, and proposed solutions on the agenda topic. Getting the standard format of a position paper for MUN right—a simple three-part structure—is the first step to making your mark in committee.

What Is a MUN Position Paper and Why Does Its Format Matter

Think of your position paper as more than just a pre-conference homework assignment. It’s your opening move on the diplomatic chessboard, and it's the very first impression you’ll make on your committee chair and fellow delegates.

Long before you stand up to deliver your opening speech, your position paper has already introduced you. It signals how prepared, authoritative, and serious you are about the debate. A great paper tells everyone you’re a delegate to watch.

The goal is to clearly and efficiently communicate three key things:

Your country's official position on the issue at hand.

Its past actions, relevant laws, and history with the topic.

Your concrete ideas for how the international community should move forward.

The Universal Language of Diplomacy

So, why get hung up on the format? Because in the fast-paced world of MUN, the standardized three-part structure is a universal language. Chairs have to read dozens, sometimes hundreds, of these papers. A consistent format lets them quickly find your key arguments and see how well you've done your research.

When everyone uses the same structure, it puts the focus right where it should be: on the strength of your ideas, not the creativity of your layout.

A typical MUN position paper is built on three core pillars that explain your country's stance on the committee's topics: the issue's background, your nation's relationship to it, and your proposed solutions. Most conferences ask for a one to two-page paper that uses historical context and data to back up your country's policies.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each section of a position paper is meant to accomplish.

The Three Pillars of a MUN Position Paper

A quick overview of the essential sections that form the backbone of any effective MUN position paper and their strategic purpose.

Section	Purpose	Key Questions to Answer
Topic Background	To establish a shared understanding of the issue and its history.	What are the root causes? Who are the key actors? What past UN actions have been taken?
Country's Position	To clearly state your nation's stance and historical involvement.	What is our official policy? What treaties have we signed? How does this issue affect us domestically?
Proposed Solutions	To present actionable, well-researched policy recommendations.	What specific actions should the UN take? How will these be funded? What is our country's role in this solution?

Ultimately, a position paper is about convincing others to see things your way, much like the skills you learn from figuring out how to write a persuasive essay.

Following the expected format is the best way to make sure your brilliant research and innovative solutions are presented in a package that commands immediate respect and sets you up for success.

Building Your Paper: The Three Core Sections

Think of your position paper like a legal argument. First, you lay out the facts of the case for everyone in the room. Next, you explain your client’s direct involvement and stance. Finally, you propose a clear verdict or path forward. This simple, powerful three-part structure is the universally accepted format for a reason—it works.

This isn't just about following rules. A clear, familiar structure helps your Chair and fellow delegates quickly understand your country's position. When they're sifting through dozens of papers, a well-organized one makes your ideas stand out and easier to rally behind.

This diagram shows how each part of the paper logically builds on the last, creating a cohesive and persuasive argument.

As you can see, the flow is intuitive: you start broad with the global context (Background), narrow down to your nation's specific perspective (Policy), and then look ahead with a concrete plan (Solutions).

Section 1: The Topic Background

Your first job is to set the stage. This section is all about demonstrating a shared understanding of the issue—its history, its scope, and why it matters right now. You're not writing a history textbook here. Instead, you're crafting a tight, factual narrative that frames the problem for the entire committee.

Here’s what you need to cover:

The Origin Story: Briefly touch on the root causes and any key historical turning points.

What's Been Done: Mention major past UN resolutions, treaties, or international efforts.

Where We Are Now: Give a quick summary of the current situation, emphasizing its urgency and impact.

This section proves to your Chair that you’ve done your homework. Solid research is everything here, and knowing how to evaluate sources is what separates a good paper from a great one.

Section 2: Your Country's Policy

Time to zoom in. After establishing the global context, you need to articulate your assigned country’s specific stake in the issue. This is the heart of your paper, where you define your role in the debate. Vague statements won't cut it; you need to anchor your position in hard evidence.

Start digging. Look at official government websites, check past voting records on similar resolutions, and find relevant national laws. You’re trying to answer a few key questions:

How does this issue actually affect our nation?

What has our government officially said about this?

Which treaties or international agreements have we signed?

What steps has our country already taken at home to deal with this?

When you back up your stance with this kind of proof, you build massive credibility. It shows you're not just guessing—you're accurately representing your country.

Section 3: Your Proposed Solutions

This is your moment to lead. The final section is your call to action, where you shift from analyzing the past to shaping the future. The best solutions are clear, creative, and—most importantly—realistic. They should feel like a natural extension of your nation's foreign policy and capabilities.

This three-part framework has stood the test of time because it perfectly balances comprehensive detail with the brevity needed in a fast-paced committee. Major conferences like the National Model United Nations (NMUN) require papers to follow this format, covering the background, policy, and solutions, typically within a two-page limit. By offering a clear path forward, your solutions can make you the delegate everyone wants to work with to build consensus.

Mastering the Technical Formatting and Citation Rules

While your arguments are the heart of your position paper, the formatting is its professional handshake. It's the first impression you make, and it instantly signals your preparedness and attention to detail.

Think of it this way: clean, consistent formatting is like the proper diplomatic attire for your ideas. It ensures your brilliant proposals are taken seriously from the moment the chair lays eyes on them.

Most conferences have their own specific guidelines, but a common professional standard definitely exists across the MUN circuit. These rules aren't just for show; they make every paper easy to read and compare, keeping the focus right where it belongs—on the substance of your arguments. Nail the format of a position paper for MUN, and you're already on the path to commanding respect in committee.

Adhering to Universal Formatting Standards

The golden rule is simple: always check your specific conference's guide first. Their requirements are the law of the land.

That said, you can almost always count on a few universal standards that form the baseline for a professional-looking paper. These technical details are your first and easiest opportunity to show you mean business.

Before you even begin writing, it's wise to set up your document to meet these standards. This checklist covers the most common requirements you'll encounter.

Standard Formatting Checklist for a Professional Paper

Use this checklist to ensure your position paper meets the professional formatting standards expected at most MUN conferences.

Formatting Element	Common Standard	Pro Tip
Page Length	1-2 pages maximum per topic	Keep it concise. A single, powerful page is often better than two weak ones.
Font Style	Times New Roman	This is the undisputed classic for a reason. Don't get creative here.
Font Size	12-point	Ensures readability without taking up too much space.
Spacing	Single-spaced	Most conferences prefer this to keep papers compact.
Margins	1-inch on all sides	This is a standard setting in any word processor.
Header	Committee, Topic, Country, Your Name	Place this in the top left or top right corner so chairs can identify it instantly.

Getting these small details right from the start saves you a headache later and shows that you're a delegate who values precision.

Demystifying Citations and Sources

Citations are the backbone of your paper’s credibility. Every statistic, every quote, and every reference to a past UN resolution absolutely must be sourced. This isn't just about avoiding plagiarism—it’s about proving your country's position is grounded in hard evidence, not just your opinion.

When you cite your sources correctly, you show the depth of your research. It allows the chairs and even your fellow delegates to verify your claims, which builds trust. Forgetting them can sink even the most persuasive arguments.

Learning the basics is crucial. Our comprehensive guide on how to cite sources for your MUN paper can walk you through the entire process, step-by-step.

When you're putting the finishing touches on your paper, making sure your citations are perfectly formatted and alphabetized is a must. To save time and ensure accuracy, you can use dedicated tools to alphabetize citations and streamline this final, critical step.

From Template to a Real-World Example

It’s one thing to talk about the theory behind a position paper, but it’s another thing entirely to see it come to life. The rules and structure we’ve discussed really start to make sense when you can see how they work in a finished product. So, let's bridge that gap—we'll start with a clean template and then flesh it out into a complete, practical example you can use as a model.

First, let's look at the basic blueprint. This isn't just a fill-in-the-blanks worksheet; think of it as a strategic map that shows you the "why" behind each section, from the formal header down to your final proposed solution.

This structure is designed to build a logical, persuasive argument that a chair can quickly understand and other delegates can follow. If you're looking for a more in-depth version you can download and use, check out this comprehensive Model UN position paper template that breaks down every single step.

Sample MUN Position Paper

Now, let's put some meat on those bones. Below is a sample position paper written from the perspective of a specific country tackling a very real global issue. This is exactly how you blend solid research, diplomatic language, and structured arguments into a powerful one-page document.

Committee: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Topic: Combating Desertification in the Sahel Region

Country: The Federal Republic of Nigeria

Background of the Topic

Desertification is one of the most critical environmental and humanitarian crises of our time, especially for the nations of the Sahel region. Driven by climate change and unsustainable land use, this process destroys farmland, jeopardizes food security for millions, and forces entire communities from their homes. While international frameworks like the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) exist, progress has been far too slow. The Sahara Desert has expanded by an estimated 10% in the last century alone, highlighting the urgent need for a more coordinated, innovative, and well-funded global response.

Position of Nigeria

As a nation where over 75% of our northern states are directly threatened by desertification, the Federal Republic of Nigeria considers this a matter of utmost priority. We have been a leader in regional solutions, most notably through our deep commitment to the Great Green Wall initiative—a massive undertaking to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across the Sahel. Domestically, Nigeria has rolled out policies promoting reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and smarter water management. We are convinced that fighting desertification isn't just about the environment; it is a fundamental requirement for regional stability, economic prosperity, and lasting peace.

Proposed Solutions

To tackle this crisis head-on, the delegation of Nigeria puts forward a multi-pronged strategy focused on practical, collaborative action. We strongly urge this committee to consider the following proposals:

Establish a Technology Transfer Fund: We propose creating a UN-administered fund dedicated to transferring proven anti-desertification technologies, like drip irrigation and satellite-based land monitoring, to the most affected nations in the Sahel.

Empower Local Communities: We must launch programs that provide micro-financing and training directly to local communities, especially women. This will promote sustainable farming practices and create alternative livelihoods, easing the pressure on our fragile ecosystems.

Strengthen Regional Cooperation: A mandate is needed to increase collaboration among Sahelian nations through the African Union. This would help harmonize land management policies and coordinate cross-border restoration projects, creating a truly unified and effective regional strategy.

This example shows exactly how to turn your research into clear, actionable points within the standard three-paragraph format. This is the kind of paper that sets the stage for effective diplomacy in committee.

Avoiding Common Delegate Mistakes

You can do all the research in the world and nail the formatting, but a few classic, unforced errors can still sink your position paper. Think of this as your final pre-flight check. We're going to cover the common pitfalls that chairs and seasoned delegates can spot from a mile away.

A strong paper isn't just about what you put in; it's also about what you leave out. Waffly statements, undiplomatic language, and factual slip-ups will torpedo your credibility before you even get a chance to build alliances.

Vague Solutions and Empty Phrases

The number one mistake I see is proposing "solutions" that sound nice but are completely hollow. Phrases like "increase international cooperation" or "promote peace" are diplomatic fluff. They don't offer a real plan and tell the chair you haven't thought through the how.

Don't Do This: "The delegation of France believes we must all work together to solve this problem."

Do This Instead: "The delegation of France proposes establishing a joint task force under ECOSOC to coordinate resource allocation for refugee camps, with a mandated reporting deadline of six months."

See the difference? One is a platitude; the other is a concrete, actionable step.

Misrepresenting National Policy

This is a big one. You are a diplomat representing your assigned country, not a platform for your personal opinions. Making up a policy because you think it's a good idea or, worse, completely misstating your country's actual position is a cardinal sin in MUN. It instantly destroys your credibility.

Using Undiplomatic Language

Model UN is an exercise in diplomacy. That means your language has to be measured and respectful, even when you disagree. Dropping aggressive, accusatory, or emotional bombs into your paper is a rookie move. It just alienates potential allies and paints you as someone who will be difficult to work with in committee.

Don't Do This: "The irresponsible actions of neighboring countries have caused this crisis."

Do This Instead: "The delegation notes that transboundary challenges require a collaborative regional framework to ensure mutual accountability and shared success."

By consciously steering clear of these common blunders, your paper becomes more than a research summary. It becomes a genuine instrument of diplomacy, ready to shape the debate from the very first gavel.

Answering Your Position Paper Questions

As you put the finishing touches on your paper, some last-minute questions always seem to surface. We’ve all been there. This section is your go-to guide for those final, nagging queries that pop up right before the deadline.

Think of this as your final check-in. Getting these small details right can make a big difference, giving you the confidence that your paper is not just good, but an effective tool you can lean on in the committee room. Let's clear up any confusion so you can walk into your conference ready to go.

How Long Should a Position Paper Be?

The gold standard in MUN is simple: one page per topic, single-spaced.

While a conference might occasionally allow two pages, sticking to a single page is a sign of a disciplined delegate. It forces you to be ruthless with your editing, trimming away the fluff and leaving only your most powerful arguments. Honestly, a sharp, concise one-page paper is always more impressive to a chair than a two-page document that rambles.

Always check your conference's specific rules first, but if they don't specify, aim for one page. Brevity is your friend.

Do I Write One Paper for the Whole Conference?

Nope. You need to write a separate, focused position paper for each topic on your committee's agenda. Each issue has its own history, complexities, and required solutions, so trying to tackle them all in one paper just doesn't work.

Submitting a solid paper for every topic sends a clear message to your chair: you're prepared, you're serious, and you respect the process. It's one of the easiest ways to stand out before you even say a word.

Where Should I Start My Research?

Your first stop, without question, should be the Background Guide your conference provides. This document is your roadmap. It was written by your chairs to lay out the core issues and signal what they believe is most important. Read it, understand it, and build your entire case from it.

Once you’ve absorbed the background guide, it's time to branch out to other rock-solid sources:

The CIA World Factbook: An incredible resource for grabbing key stats, economic data, and a general geopolitical overview of your country.

Your Country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Go straight to the source. The official government website is the best place to find press releases, policy statements, and the exact language your country uses.

The UN Digital Library: This is where you'll find the history—past resolutions, voting records, and official reports on your topic. It’s a goldmine for evidence.

Basing your arguments on these sources gives your paper the weight and authority it needs to be persuasive.

Can I Use 'I Think' or 'We Believe'?

Never. A position paper is a formal document written in the third person, from the perspective of the nation you represent. You aren't sharing your personal thoughts; you are a diplomat articulating the official stance of a sovereign state. This is a non-negotiable part of the format of a position paper for MUN.

Ditch the personal pronouns and adopt formal, diplomatic language. It immediately makes you sound more credible.

"The delegation of Japan asserts..."

"It is the formal position of Brazil that..."

"France maintains that the Security Council must..."

Using this kind of phrasing isn't just about sounding official—it correctly frames your arguments as the policy of your country, which is the entire point of the exercise.

Ready to put these insights into action? Model Diplomat is your AI-powered co-delegate, helping you conduct deep research, draft powerful arguments, and master the nuances of MUN strategy. Prepare with confidence and walk into your next conference ready to lead the debate. Learn more about Model Diplomat

A Winning Format of Position Paper for MUN Your Complete Guide