3 steps to make an effective position paper (with example)

In Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, you’ll be asked to create a position paper to state your country’s perception of a certain issue, which would be submitted before the MUN conference itself. Position papers may act as a guide towards delegates to recall their countries’ viewpoint and past responses regarding the topic of discussion. Writing a position paper is essentially the best time for you to research about your country in relation to the issue and to get a better understanding of your country’s opinions regarding the problem.

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I. History of issue and key areas of discussion

 

A great position paper starts off with an introduction of the topic. It is plausible to write about the history of the issue alongside with a general description of the topic. Consider these things in writing the first section of your position paper:

 

1. What is the topic of discussion?

2. What certain event initiated the issue?

3. How has the issue brought an impact to the world?

4. Why must the issue be recognized by the majority of the globe?

5. If possible, add both positive and negative effects that the issue creates.

6. Statistics and facts to support your statements.

7. Ending the introduction with a suggestion to build dependable plans and solutions.

 

 

II. Country’s stance

 

In this part of the position paper, you must really imagine yourself being the legitimate representative of your assigned country. Because of that, you must state what your country thinks, instead of what you think about the problem. These are important things that you must examine in this section:

 

1. You are representing your country, not representing yourself.

2. How has your country addressed the issue prior to the conference?

3. How has your country cooperated with other countries/international organizations regarding the issue?

4. What has your country done to face the issue? Move from national to international actions.

5. Address the issue on an international level.

6. If possible, add supporting quotes or opinions by government officials of your country.

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III. Possible solutions and goals

 

To increase the strength of your position paper, you may insert a conclusion with recommendation to summarize all the things you have written. Furthermore, you must suggest to the United Nations possible methods to solve the issue.

 

Examine your solutions by writing the following:

• What method are you proposing?

• Why is it effective?

• How will it solve the issue?

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Several guidelines to write effective solutions:

 

1. Developing/rectifying past resolutions

2. Implementing your national resolution as the global solution

3. Connecting with national and international NGOs or NPOs

4. Be creative! Think outside the box and create unique solutions that may benefit everyone!

 

Lastly, have fun in making it! It is very crucial that you understand each and every part of your position paper as it will be your primary guide for the conference!