Your journey to Model UN success doesn't start with the first gavel drop. It begins with your position paper. This single document is your strategic blueprint, a concise declaration of your country's policy, and the foundation for every speech, negotiation, and resolution you'll be a part of.
Honestly, a well-crafted paper is the single most critical tool you have as a delegate.
Why Your Position Paper Is Your Ticket to Success
Think of your position paper as the condensed power of all your research and strategy. It's what allows you to walk into that committee room and lead with authority from minute one. This isn't just another pre-conference assignment to check off your list; it's the very first impression you'll make and a direct reflection of how prepared you really are.
Making a Killer First Impression on the Chair
Long before you stand up to give your opening speech, your chair has already read your position paper. This is their main tool for figuring out who in the room really gets the topic, who dug deep in their research, and who is truly committed to the conference.
A sharp, well-organized paper instantly flags you as a serious delegate and a contender for an award. On the flip side, a vague or poorly researched paper puts you at a disadvantage before you've even said a word. Chairs use these papers to scout for the future leaders of the committee—delegates who haven’t just read the background guide but have already started thinking about real, workable solutions.
Building Your In-Committee Arsenal
The act of writing a position paper forces you to understand your country's policy on a completely different level. This deep dive is absolutely essential for navigating the fast-paced, unpredictable environment of a live committee session.
When another delegate questions your stance or a rival bloc pushes a conflicting idea, you'll be ready. You can respond with a confident, well-reasoned argument because you've already put in the work.
This detailed knowledge gives you a massive advantage:
- You can anticipate arguments. You'll have a good sense of where other key countries stand, letting you prepare counterpoints ahead of time.
- You can propose detailed solutions. Your research will help you develop unique, creative solutions that are perfectly aligned with your country's foreign policy.
- You can negotiate from a position of strength. You'll walk into lobbying sessions with a clear mandate and specific goals, making you an invaluable ally and a formidable bloc leader.
Let's break down what a truly effective position paper looks like. While every conference has its own guidelines, the best papers almost always follow a specific structure that balances background information with strong policy and forward-thinking solutions.
The Anatomy of an Award-Winning Position Paper
Here’s a breakdown of the three core components, their purpose, and how they typically factor into both word count and scoring.
Component | Purpose | Recommended Word Count | Scoring Weight |
I. Topic Background | Briefly defines the problem and its history, showing you understand the core issues. | 20% of total | ~15-20% |
II. Country Policy | Details your nation's past actions, official stance, and relevant domestic/foreign policies. | 30% of total | ~30-35% |
III. Proposed Solutions | Outlines concrete, actionable proposals your country will advocate for in committee. | 50% of total | ~45-55% |
As you can see, the real weight is in the solutions. In competitive circuits, I've seen papers that nail this 20%-30%-50% structure boost a delegate's award chances by up to 40%. The time you put in here pays off big time during the conference weekend.
Ultimately, this document is the foundation of your entire MUN experience. It builds your confidence, sharpens your arguments, and sets you up for a standout performance. The whole exercise is a crucial part of how to prepare for MUN, ensuring you arrive ready to make a real impact.
Mastering the Art of Diplomatic Research
An award-winning position paper isn’t built on opinion; it’s forged from solid, verifiable research. To represent your country authentically, you need to think and source information just like a real diplomat would. That means going beyond a few quick web searches and digging into the primary documents that actually shape international policy.
Your goal isn't just to know what your country has done, but to understand why. This depth of insight is what separates a forgettable paper from one that commands respect and marks you as a committee leader right from the start.
Going Straight to the Source
The most compelling arguments come from the same places actual diplomats get their information. Your first move should be to focus on primary and highly credible secondary sources. This ensures your paper is grounded in reality and reflects an accurate understanding of the global political landscape.
Here are the essential sources you should be prioritizing:
- Official UN Documents: This is your bread and butter. The UN Digital Library is your best friend for finding General Assembly and Security Council resolutions on your topic.
- NGO Reports: Organizations like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the International Crisis Group offer incredibly detailed, on-the-ground analysis that adds layers of nuance to your position.
- Government Publications: Head directly to the official website for your assigned country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent). Look for official statements, press releases, and reports.
Once you start gathering intel, knowing how to organize your research notes effectively is a game-changer. Getting a system in place early will save you a massive headache when it's time to start writing.
Analyzing Your Country’s Diplomatic Footprint
To truly get inside the head of your assigned country, you have to understand its history of international engagement. Past actions are the single best predictor of future policy. This is where you'll find the specific, unique details that make a position paper truly stand out.
A fantastic technique is to analyze your country's voting records on past UN resolutions. The UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library's voting data is an absolute goldmine for this. Seeing how your country—and just as importantly, its allies and adversaries—voted on similar issues in the past reveals consistent policy priorities and geopolitical alignments.
For instance, did your country always abstain from resolutions on a specific topic? That might suggest a long-standing policy of neutrality or a careful balancing act between major powers. Did it frequently co-sponsor resolutions with a particular regional bloc? That signals strong alliances you can call upon in committee.
This kind of detail shows the chair you've done your homework. More importantly, it gives you concrete evidence to use in your speeches and negotiations, adding serious weight to your arguments.
Finding Your Authentic National Voice
Every nation has a distinct diplomatic voice, shaped by its history, culture, and core interests. Your final research task is to capture it. Go to the official websites of your country's permanent mission to the UN and its foreign ministry.
Read their press releases and speeches. Pay attention to the language they use. Is it firm and direct? Or is it more conciliatory and focused on building consensus? The words they choose are your key to writing a paper that sounds like it came straight from the nation's capital.
This authenticity is crucial at major conferences like the National Model United Nations (NMUN), where delegates represent over 190 UN member states. With 58% of participants often coming from outside the U.S., papers must reflect genuine global perspectives to stand out. You can get a feel for the global nature of these events through UN Web TV coverage.
Ultimately, your research should empower you to think like your country's diplomat. That genuine perspective, backed by hard evidence, is the secret to a position paper that doesn't just inform—it persuades. If you need a bit more guidance, our deep dive on how to evaluate sources will help make sure your research is always rock-solid.
Structuring Your Paper for Maximum Impact
Think of your position paper's structure as the engine that drives your argument. All the research in the world won't matter if the chair can't follow your logic. A persuasive, well-organized paper is a powerful diplomatic tool that immediately signals your competence.
While some conferences might have their own quirks, the universally recognized gold standard is the three-paragraph format. It’s clean, it’s logical, and it makes your key points impossible to miss, even when a chair is sifting through dozens of submissions. A good layout is more than just aesthetics; it's about clarity and persuasion. If you're interested in the theory behind this, there are great resources on mastering visual hierarchy that apply just as well to text as they do to graphics.
The First Paragraph: Topic Background
This is your opening act. Your goal here isn’t to write a history book but to set the stage, demonstrating that you have a firm grasp of the issue's background and global importance. You’re framing the problem from a high-level, international perspective.
Start with a concise summary of the issue, touching on its most critical history. Mention key international treaties, landmark UN resolutions, or major events that have shaped the current debate. This instantly tells the chair you’ve gone beyond the background guide and understand the foundations of the topic.
Try using phrases that show this depth:
- "Recognizing the historical precedent set by..."
- "Building upon the framework established in General Assembly Resolution..."
- "The international community has long grappled with..."
This paragraph should be factual and to the point. You're establishing credibility right out of the gate, before you even mention your own country.
The Second Paragraph: Your Country's Policy
Now, you pivot from the global to the specific. This is the heart of your paper, where you must clearly and forcefully articulate your nation’s official stance. This is where you connect the dots between the international problem and your country's direct interests and past actions.
Lean heavily on the research you did into your country's diplomatic record. Did they co-sponsor a relevant resolution? Provide foreign aid? Make a key speech at the General Assembly? Use that evidence. Don't just say your country supports something; prove it.
For instance, if you're representing Japan on climate finance, you could write, "Japan has already committed $1.5 billion to the Green Climate Fund, demonstrating our long-standing dedication to supporting developing nations." Getting this part right is crucial, and looking at a well-researched https://blog.modeldiplomat.com/mun-country-profile can give you a great model to follow.
The research process for this section often follows a clear path, starting with broad UN documents and narrowing down to specific national policies.
This path—from UN documents to voting records and official government statements—is the bedrock of an authentic and persuasive policy paragraph.
The Third Paragraph: Proposed Solutions
This is your closing argument and your call to action. You’ve analyzed the past and present; now you look to the future. This section is often the most heavily weighted because it reveals what you plan to do in committee. Your solutions need to be smart, practical, and, above all, perfectly aligned with the country policy you just laid out.
Get specific. Vague platitudes like "we will promote peace" are a waste of space. Instead, think in terms of a multi-point plan that another delegate could actually work with.
Let’s break it down:
- The Problem: Lack of funding for refugee education programs.
- The Vague Solution: "Our country will support refugee education."
- The Strong Solution: "Our delegation proposes a three-pronged approach: first, establishing a public-private partnership fund to supplement UNHCR resources; second, creating a standardized curriculum for displaced children; and third, deploying mobile educational units to underserved refugee camps."
This is your moment to take the lead. By offering well-developed, actionable ideas, you're not just writing a paper—you're shaping the entire committee's debate. You're positioning yourself as the delegate who will drive the resolution-writing process. That’s what chairs are looking for.
Writing and Formatting Like a Seasoned Diplomat
This is where the good delegates get separated from the great ones. Your research and structure are the foundation, but the final polish—the writing, the formatting, the attention to detail—is what tells the chair you're a serious contender.
Think of it this way: your paper's presentation is the diplomatic equivalent of a sharp suit. It’s not just for show. It conveys credibility, professionalism, and a respect for the formal process of international relations. Let's nail these final details.
Adopting a Formal Diplomatic Tone
The voice you write in isn't your own; it's the official voice of your country. Your language needs to be formal, objective, and persuasive. That means no casual slang, no emotional appeals, and absolutely no personal opinions.
This is a common pitfall for new delegates. They'll write something like, "We feel this is a terrible problem." A seasoned diplomat, however, would frame it differently: "This issue poses a significant threat to international peace and security, as evidenced by..." The second version is grounded in fact and projects authority, not feeling.
By staying consistently formal and respectful, you build instant credibility. You're signaling to everyone in the room that you're ready to lead.
Citing Your Sources for Credibility
Proper citations are non-negotiable. Period. They are the academic and diplomatic standard for showing where you got your information, and they're your best defense against any hint of plagiarism.
More than that, citations are a power move. They show the depth of your research and add undeniable weight to your arguments. Every key statistic, direct quote, or reference to a UN resolution needs to be backed up with a source.
Most conferences specify a preferred format, like MLA or Chicago. If they don't, just pick one and stick with it. Consistency is the name of the game here—it's a small detail, but chairs absolutely notice. If you need a refresher, this guide on how to cite sources is a fantastic resource with clear, practical examples.
Your Pre-Submission Checklist
Don’t stumble at the finish line. Rushing your final review is an easy way to let small mistakes undermine all your hard work. Before you hit "send," run through one last meticulous check.
Here's what to look for:
- Conference Guidelines: Go back to the conference rules one last time. Is there a strict one-page, single-spaced limit? What are the font requirements (Times New Roman, size 12 is standard)? Are the margins set correctly? Ignoring these basic instructions is the fastest way to lose points.
- Grammar and Spelling: Proofread it. Then proofread it again. Use a tool like Grammarly, but also read your paper out loud—you’ll catch awkward sentences you might otherwise miss. Better yet, have a friend or advisor give it a once-over with fresh eyes.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Is every sentence pulling its weight? Could you say something more directly? Diplomatic language is precise, not bloated. Cut any filler that doesn't add real substance.
- Header Information: Make sure your header is formatted correctly and has all the required information. It should look clean and professional, something like this:
ㅤ | ㅤ |
Committee | General Assembly First Committee (DISEC) |
Topic | The Militarization of Outer Space |
Country | The Republic of France |
Delegate(s) | Your Name(s) |
This final polish turns a good paper into a great one. It transforms your research from a simple collection of facts into a powerful instrument of diplomacy, ready to make a real impact in committee.
Advanced Strategies for Competitive Delegates
Once you've got the basics down, it’s time to stop thinking of your position paper as just a homework assignment. For delegates who are serious about winning the gavel, the position paper is your opening move—a strategic tool that can shape the entire committee before you even step into the room.
A decent paper gets you a seat at the table. A truly outstanding one sets the agenda. The difference is critical in the competitive world of Model UN, where every advantage counts. In fact, organizers often find that over 90% of Best Delegates build their success on a powerful paper that weaves historical context with hard-hitting stats. You can see how competitive the circuit is by checking out the competitive MUN rankings on AllAmericanMUN.com.
Let's break down how to turn your paper into a serious competitive advantage.
Embed Pre-Written Resolution Clauses
This is one of the most effective power moves you can make. Instead of just vaguely suggesting solutions, write them as fully-formed, ready-to-use clauses right in your position paper. You're essentially drafting parts of the final resolution before the first caucus even begins.
Don't just say, "Our country supports creating a new fund."
Instead, write something with teeth:
Doing this accomplishes two things immediately. First, it signals to your Chair that you’re a serious delegate who came prepared with concrete, actionable ideas. Second, it gives you perfectly phrased text you can immediately introduce to your bloc during lobbying, making you an instant leader.
Analyze and Tailor to the Committee Makeup
A generic paper is a wasted opportunity. The best delegates get their hands on the committee roster the second it's released and start analyzing the diplomatic landscape. Your paper should be tailored to the specific countries you'll be debating with.
Figure out who your natural allies are, who your likely opponents will be, and which nations could be the crucial swing votes. Then, strategically name-drop them in your paper.
- For potential allies: "In alignment with the recent initiatives proposed by Germany and France, our delegation believes that..." This is a clear invitation to form a bloc.
- For neutral or swing states: "Acknowledging the concerns raised by nations like Brazil and Indonesia regarding national sovereignty, our proposed framework includes..." This shows you’re already thinking about consensus and compromise.
This simple tactic demonstrates a high level of diplomatic awareness. It proves you understand that MUN is about building coalitions, not just shouting your own position into the void. This sets the foundation for your in-committee strategy and gives you a clear roadmap for lobbying. If you want to dive deeper into this, our guide on what lobbying in MUN truly entails is a great next step.
Frame Solutions with Strategic Data
Don't just relegate your statistics to the "Background of the Topic" section. Data is one of your most powerful weapons for persuasion, especially when you attach it directly to your proposed solutions. Using targeted stats makes your ideas feel less like suggestions and more like urgent, logical necessities.
Think about the difference between these two proposals:
- The Standard Way: "We propose investing in renewable energy infrastructure."
- The Strategic Way: "With the International Energy Agency projecting a 45% increase in energy demand by 2040, a proactive investment in decentralized solar microgrids is the only viable path to ensure energy security without escalating carbon emissions. Our model suggests this approach could slash energy costs in rural areas by up to 30% within five years."
The second version uses data to build a compelling narrative. It creates urgency and frames the solution as the only smart response to a clearly defined problem. This makes your ideas far more convincing and much harder for other delegates to dismiss. Master these techniques, and your position paper will transform from a simple summary into your most powerful strategic asset.
Answering Your Top Position Paper Questions
Even with the best guide, you're bound to have questions as you start writing. It happens to everyone. Let's tackle some of the most common ones that pop up, so you can move forward with confidence and create a paper that truly stands out.
This is your go-to FAQ for sidestepping common blunders and making sure your paper is ready for the chair's desk.
How Long Should My Position Paper Be?
Keep it to one single-spaced page per topic. This is the gold standard for virtually every conference out there. You might see a rare exception allowing for two pages, but don't count on it.
This isn't just an arbitrary rule; it's a test of a critical diplomatic skill: being concise and impactful. Your chairs have to read dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of these papers. A delegate who can deliver a sharp, well-reasoned argument within that one-page limit immediately earns respect. Brevity is a superpower in Model UN.
Ignoring these simple instructions, on the other hand, can suggest you're unprepared. It’s a small detail that carries a lot of weight.
What's the Biggest Mistake Delegates Make?
Hands down, the most common error is writing a generic research report instead of a persuasive position paper. A research report just lists facts. A position paper weaponizes those facts to push your country's specific agenda.
Your paper needs to be unapologetically biased. It should read like a policy memo straight from your country's foreign ministry. Don't waste precious real estate on general topic background that everyone already got from the background guide. Your focus has to be laser-sharp and strategic.
Ask yourself this for every sentence you write: "Does this advance my country's specific interests and agenda?" If it doesn't, it has to go. By the end, the chair should have zero doubt about where you stand and what you want to accomplish.
Should I Use a Position Paper Template?
Yes, you absolutely should. A template is your best friend for making sure you have the right structure locked in from the get-go. It acts as a safety net, ensuring you hit the three non-negotiable sections of a strong paper.
- Topic Background: Briefly sets the scene and establishes the problem's importance.
- Country's Stance: This is the core, detailing your nation's policy, history, and actions on the issue.
- Proposed Solutions: Lays out what you want to see happen in the committee room.
But here's the crucial part: a template is only a structural guide. The substance—the research, the analysis, the unique diplomatic phrasing—has to be 100% yours. Relying on pre-written filler phrases is a fast track to a generic paper that blends into the crowd. You want to stand out, not fit in.
When Should I Actually Start Writing?
The best delegates start their research the day they get their assignments. As for the writing itself, aim to begin at least two to three weeks before the deadline. Seriously.
That timeline gives you the breathing room you need for the whole process, which is more than just typing.
- Deep Research: This means digging into primary sources, UN resolutions, and official government websites, not just the first page of Google results.
- Drafting: This is your "get it all down" phase. Don't worry about perfection; just get your ideas onto the page.
- Revising & Editing: Here's where the magic happens. You'll refine arguments, sharpen your language, and proofread until it's flawless.
Trying to cram all of this into the last couple of days is a recipe for disaster, resulting in a shallow and forgettable paper. A truly great position paper is the product of deep thought and several rounds of polish. Give your work the time it deserves.
Ready to elevate your preparation from good to gavel-worthy? Model Diplomat is your AI-powered co-delegate, designed to streamline your research, help you craft compelling speeches, and provide strategic insights for your next conference. Stop scrambling for sources and start building your strategy by visiting the Model Diplomat website to see how we can help you succeed.
