Build a winning Model UN position paper template with our expert guide. Learn the structure, research, and strategies that impress chairs and drive debate.

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Your position paper is your opening move in the diplomatic chess match that is Model UN. Think of a solid model un position paper template as your secret weapon. It’s what turns a mountain of research into a sharp, persuasive document that makes your credibility clear from the get-go. This isn't just about formatting; it's the blueprint for a paper that argues your position strategically.

Why a Strong Position Paper Template Matters

Your position paper is the foundation of your entire conference strategy. It's the very first impression the chair and other delegates get of you, and it screams volumes about how prepared and serious you are. A good template does more than just make things look neat—it guides your entire process, making sure you hit every crucial point in a way that’s both logical and convincing.

This structured approach is a lifesaver when you're grappling with complex global issues. Instead of staring at a chaotic jumble of notes and stats, a template helps you weave that information into a compelling narrative. It forces you to organize your thoughts, which is absolutely critical for showing you have a deep grasp of the topic and your country's policy.

The Credibility Factor

Let's be real: a well-structured paper earns you immediate respect in the committee room. Chairs have to read dozens, sometimes hundreds, of these things. One that's clear, concise, and flows logically is a breath of fresh air and instantly flags you as a delegate who knows their stuff.

That initial credibility is gold. It makes it far easier to build alliances and take the lead in discussions once the debate kicks off.

A great template makes sure you nail the essentials:

Historical Context: It prompts you to show you’ve done your homework on the issue's background.

Country Policy: It helps you clearly lay out your nation's official stance and what it has done in the past.

Proposed Solutions: It forces you to think through and present actionable, well-reasoned proposals that can actually drive the debate forward.

This infographic breaks down how a template acts as a strategic blueprint, combining diplomatic tools to build your credibility before you even set foot in the committee room.

As you can see, the process isn't random. It’s a deliberate journey from raw research to a polished, strategic document. Using a template isn't just about staying organized—it’s about intentionally setting yourself up to succeed from day one.

Deconstructing a Winning Paper’s Structure

Every truly great position paper I've seen follows a clear, logical structure. It's not just a laundry list of facts; it's a persuasive story that guides the chair through your country's argument. Getting this flow right is what turns solid research into a document that genuinely stands out.

Think of your paper as having three distinct movements. First, you set the scene. Then, you build your case with hard evidence. Finally, you lay out a credible path forward, positioning your delegation as a leader in the room.

Setting the Stage: The Introduction

Your introduction is your one shot to grab the chair's attention. Get straight to the point. It needs to do two things, and do them fast: show why the topic matters on a global scale and state your country's general stance.

Ditch the generic "this is an important issue" fluff. Start with a hook—a powerful statistic or a bold statement that immediately conveys the urgency. For instance, if you're tackling economic inequality, you need to frame it globally. Following National Model United Nations (NMUN) guidance, a delegate could point out that a huge portion of the 1 billion people in extreme poverty are women. You could cite 2013 employment data showing 72% of men employed versus only 47.1% of women to instantly illustrate the disparity.

Keep this first section tight and impactful. By the end of it, the reader should have no doubt about the topic's gravity or where your country stands.

Building Your Case: The Body Paragraphs

This is where the real work happens. The body of your paper is where you weave together your country’s policies, past actions, and international agreements into a coherent argument. My advice? Dedicate each paragraph to a single, focused point that builds on the last.

Here’s a logical way to structure this section to build a rock-solid case:

Historical Context and Past Actions: Start by outlining your country's history with the issue. What specific laws, domestic programs, or initiatives have you implemented? Be specific.

International Commitments: This is crucial for credibility. Reference any UN resolutions, treaties, or conventions your nation has signed or ratified. It shows you understand the existing international framework.

National Policy: Clearly state your country's current policy. Don't just say what it is; explain why your country holds this view. Connect it back to your national interests, core values, or regional priorities.

For those looking to really polish their arguments, brushing up on general research paper writing tips can make a world of difference in how your points land.

Proposing the Path Forward: The Conclusion and Solutions

Your conclusion is the grand finale. This is where you shift from analyzing the past to proposing the future. You need to present clear, concrete, and realistic solutions. Vague platitudes like "we should increase cooperation" will get you nowhere. Be specific.

A strong conclusion doesn't just summarize; it inspires. It should present a vision for resolution that is both ambitious and diplomatically feasible, positioning your delegation as a key architect of the committee's final output.

For every solution you propose, briefly explain how it tackles the problem and why it fits with your country's policy. This is your chance to set the terms of the debate and show real leadership. A well-designed model un position paper template always saves plenty of room for this critical section. For a closer look at the exact layout, you can find more details at https://blog.modeldiplomat.com/format-of-position-paper-in-mun.

To help you visualize this structure, here's a simple blueprint that breaks down the essential components and their roles within a standard position paper.

Model UN Position Paper Template Blueprint

Section	Objective	Key Elements to Include
Introduction	Hook the reader and establish your country's relevance to the topic.	Compelling statistic/statement, brief overview of the issue's global impact, clear statement of your country's general position.
Body Paragraph 1: History	Provide context and demonstrate long-standing engagement with the issue.	Mention of past national laws, domestic initiatives, and historical involvement.
Body Paragraph 2: Int'l Law	Ground your position in existing international frameworks.	UN Resolutions your country supports, signed treaties, and relevant international agreements.
Body Paragraph 3: Policy	Articulate your country's current, specific stance.	Detailed explanation of your national policy, including the reasoning (national interests, values) behind it.
Conclusion & Solutions	Transition from analysis to action and propose a clear path forward.	Specific, actionable, and well-explained policy proposals. Reiterate your country's commitment to finding a resolution.

This table serves as a quick-reference guide. Sticking to this proven structure will ensure your paper is not only well-researched but also persuasive and easy for your chair to follow.

Weaving Research and Precedent Into Your Paper

Let's be blunt: a position paper without solid evidence is just an opinion piece. And in Model UN, opinions alone don't win awards or pass resolutions. To build a truly undeniable case for your country's stance, you need to seamlessly weave research and international precedents into every argument you make. This is how you transform a simple policy statement into a powerful diplomatic tool grounded in established fact and international law.

This means moving beyond vague claims like "our country supports peace." That doesn't tell the chair anything.

Instead, you should be citing the specific UN resolutions your country has sponsored or ratified. Mentioning your nation's commitment to the Paris Agreement is a start, but referencing your country’s specific Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the domestic legislation passed to meet it? That's far more powerful. This level of detail proves your proposals are the logical next steps, not just wishful thinking.

Grounding Your Stance in Global Agreements

The fastest way to add weight to your arguments is by anchoring them to the international community's existing legal and political framework. This immediately demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic's history and shows you respect the diplomatic process.

When you're digging through research, you should be hunting for:

Key UN Resolutions: Pinpoint the most relevant resolutions passed by the General Assembly or Security Council. Dropping the resolution number (e.g., A/RES/76/262) shows you’ve done your homework.

International Treaties and Conventions: Reference treaties your country has not just signed but also ratified. Then, explain precisely how your proposed solutions align with the obligations in those documents.

Past Committee Actions: What has this specific committee done on this topic before? Referencing past reports or draft resolutions shows you understand the committee's unique context and history.

A great way to do this is to frame your country's historical and present-day stance. For example, when tackling the illicit small arms trade, a delegate could underscore that these weapons contribute to 500,000 fatalities worldwide every single year, actively fueling instability.

Using Data to Create a Sense of Urgency

Statistics are your best friend for quantifying a problem and making it feel urgent. A generic statement like "poverty is a major issue" is completely forgettable. A specific data point like "over 700 million people, or nearly 1 in 10 globally, live in extreme poverty" is impactful and sticks in the reader's mind.

The goal isn't just to drop numbers into your paper. It's to use data to tell a story—one that highlights the human cost of inaction and makes your proposed solutions seem not just logical, but morally necessary.

As you gather data, remember that not all sources are created equal. You need to be critical about where your information comes from. For a deeper dive into this, check out our guide on how to evaluate sources for your research.

Finally, keeping all this information straight can be a real headache. To effectively integrate all this research, understanding the importance of a reference manager is a game-changer for keeping citations and sources organized.

Using a tool to keep track of your resolutions, treaties, and statistics will save you a ton of time and help you build a more coherent, evidence-based model un position paper template. This structured approach ensures your arguments are not only persuasive but also impeccably sourced.

Crafting Compelling and Realistic Solutions

This is where your paper stops just reacting to the problem and starts proactively solving it. The solutions section is your chance to steer the entire debate and position your delegation as a serious player. Think of your proposals as the engine of your paper—they're what turn a simple policy statement into a genuine blueprint for action.

Of course, the best solutions walk a very fine line. They need to be innovative enough to make other delegates take notice, but also realistic enough to actually work within the UN system. Proposing a brand-new UN agency with a billion-dollar budget might sound grand, but it's almost always a non-starter. You'll gain far more traction by focusing on ideas that build on existing frameworks and can attract widespread support.

From Vague Ideas to Actionable Plans

The number one mistake I see delegates make is offering vague goals instead of concrete plans. Phrases like "increase international cooperation" or "provide more aid" are wishes, not solutions. A strong model un position paper template will force you to dig deeper and develop specific, multi-faceted proposals.

Let's see what that looks like in practice.

Vague Idea: "We should improve education for girls."

Actionable Plan: "Our delegation proposes establishing a multi-donor trust fund, to be administered by UNICEF, aimed at subsidizing secondary school fees for girls in post-conflict regions. The initiative will also fund local mentorship programs that connect female students with professional women in their communities."

See the difference? The second version is credible. It shows you've considered the how, the who, and the what. This kind of detail gives you solid talking points for caucusing and a ready-made clause for your draft resolution.

Your proposed solutions should be the most detailed and well-argued part of your paper. They are not just suggestions; they are your opening offer in the negotiation process, designed to attract allies and set the agenda.

Backing Your Solutions With Data and Precedent

A strong proposal is never just an opinion; it's an evidence-based recommendation. Using hard numbers is the best way to show the scale of a problem and make a compelling case for your specific fix. When you're talking about something like educational disparities, quantifying the issue makes it clear why UN intervention is necessary.

Take a case from Botswana, where 2014 statistics showed a staggering drop-off in school attendance as kids got older. While around 331,000 children were in primary school, that number plummeted to 120,000 in lower secondary and then got cut in half again to just 61,000 for upper secondary students. When you present data like that, your proposed educational initiatives suddenly feel urgent and essential. For a great walkthrough of how to weave data into your arguments, check out this sample position paper analysis.

Designing Solutions for Coalition Building

Finally, always remember the golden rule of MUN: no resolution passes alone. As you draft your solutions, constantly think about who else in the room might support them. You need to frame your ideas in a way that appeals to a broad coalition, not just your traditional allies.

Before you finalize a solution, ask yourself:

Whose interests does this serve? Does your idea offer clear benefits to developing nations, regional partners, or other key blocs?

Is it adaptable? Is there room to modify or merge your proposal with ideas from other delegations? Flexibility is your friend.

Is it consistent with international law? Make sure it aligns with existing UN resolutions and treaties to avoid easy criticism.

When you design solutions with collaboration baked in from the start, you're not just writing a paper—you're creating a powerful diplomatic tool to drive the committee forward.

Getting the Formatting Right for Maximum Impact

You could write the most brilliant position paper in the world, but sloppy formatting can kill its credibility before the chair even reads the first sentence. Think of it like this: your formatting is your diplomatic attire. A sharp, professional presentation signals that you're serious and demand respect. Nailing this final step is how you make a killer first impression and mark yourself as a delegate to watch.

The very first thing you need to do—before you even think about proofreading—is to hunt down the conference’s official rules guide. This document is your bible. It will lay out the non-negotiable rules for everything from page limits and font sizes to margins and citation styles. Ignoring these guidelines is the fastest way to have your hard work overlooked.

Sticking to the Conference Playbook

Every Model UN conference plays by its own rules. One might insist on single-spacing with a classic Times New Roman font, while another demands double-spacing and a specific citation format like MLA or Chicago. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why digging into that rulebook is your most critical first move.

Keep an eye out for these common formatting requirements:

Page Limits: Most conferences are sticklers for a one-page-per-topic limit. No exceptions.

Font and Size: You'll almost always see a standard like Times New Roman or Arial in size 12.

Margins: One-inch margins on all sides are the usual standard, but always double-check.

Header Details: The top of your paper will need specific info, usually your name, assigned country, committee, and the topic.

Once you have these details, immediately set up your model un position paper template in your word processor. Getting the document structure right from the start saves you a massive headache later and ensures your brilliant arguments fit perfectly within the required space.

A well-formatted paper does more than just look good. It tells the chair you’re a serious delegate who sweats the details—a fundamental diplomatic skill. It’s a silent testament to your competence and preparation.

Polishing Your Language and Diplomatic Voice

With your document’s skeleton in place, it’s time to focus on the words themselves. Your writing needs to project a formal, diplomatic tone. This isn't about being stuffy; it's about sounding objective, persuasive, and in control. A few simple tweaks can get you there.

First, use the active voice. It’s more direct and packs a much bigger punch. Instead of a passive phrase like, "It is believed by the delegation of France that..." go with the confident, "France believes that..." See the difference? It adds instant authority.

Next, make sure your language is precise and professional. Ditch the slang, contractions (don't, can't, etc.), and any overly emotional appeals. You're a diplomat presenting a well-reasoned case, not a pundit on a cable news show.

Finally, while not all conferences demand a full works cited page, you absolutely must be ready to back up every claim you make. Being prepared to cite your sources shows you’ve done your homework and built your arguments on a foundation of solid evidence. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on how to cite sources in Model UN. It’ll get you ready for any questions or challenges that come your way in committee.

Your Top Model UN Position Paper Questions, Answered

Even the most experienced delegates get tripped up by the specifics of position papers. Conference rules can be vague, unwritten expectations are everywhere, and it's easy to second-guess yourself. Let's clear up some of the most common questions I hear from delegates.

Think of this as your final pre-conference gut check. Getting these details right can make all the difference, turning a good paper into one that truly commands the chair's attention.

How Long Should a Position Paper Be?

The classic, unwritten rule is one single-spaced page per topic. This isn't just about saving paper; it's a test. It forces you to be sharp, concise, and strategic, proving you can cut through the noise and get straight to the point.

But—and this is a big but—you must always check your conference's official guide. Some conferences allow two pages, while others have strict formatting rules that change how much you can fit. The guide is your bible. Don't assume anything.

A paper that’s too long tells the chair you couldn't prioritize your points. A paper that’s too short suggests you didn’t do the work. Hitting that sweet spot shows you respect the rules and your role.

What Is the Most Important Section?

Every part of the paper has a job to do, but if you have to pick one MVP, it's the Solutions section. This is your moment to shine. It's where you stop reporting on the problem and start acting like a diplomat ready to solve it.

Your solutions are what will drive the entire debate in committee. When you walk in with creative, well-researched, and practical proposals, you instantly establish yourself as a leader. Those ideas are the building blocks for draft resolutions, making your paper a crucial tool from the very first session.

Can I Use the Same Template for Every Conference?

Yes, and you absolutely should. Creating your own model un position paper template is one of the smartest things you can do. It gives you a reliable structure, streamlines your research, and saves you a ton of time.

Here's a simple way to approach it:

Build Your Blueprint: Create a master document with clear headings for your introduction, background, international actions, country policy, and solutions.

Plug and Play: For each new conference, you're not starting from scratch. You're simply filling in your blueprint with fresh research for the new country, committee, and topic.

Iterate and Improve: After a conference, think about what worked. Did you like a certain phrasing? Did a structural tweak make your arguments stronger? Update your master template with those improvements.

What Citation Style Should I Use?

This one trips up everyone. The short answer is: there's no single standard. Unlike a term paper for school, most Model UN conferences—especially at the high school level—don't require formal in-text citations or a bibliography.

What matters most is that you know your sources and can reference them if another delegate or the chair challenges your data. If a conference does require a specific format like APA or MLA, they will state it very clearly in the rules. When in doubt, just remember the golden rule: always check the conference guide.

Ready to walk into your next committee fully prepared and confident? Model Diplomat is your AI-powered co-delegate, offering research assistance, speech writing help, and strategic guidance to master every aspect of your MUN journey. Visit Model Diplomat's website to get started.

A Winning Model UN Position Paper Template