How to Make a MUN Winning Position Paper

Introduction

Since you’re here I am assuming that you have your MUN in a couple of weeks and you are supposed to prepare a position paper but you are clueless about how to actually make one?? 

No worries at all. Today we are here to sort all your doubts in this one single blog

We’ll discuss

• What is a position paper?

• Why is it important?

• How to make a position paper?

• What mistakes should a delegate avoid while making a position paper?

          and lastly a 

• “Before you submit” checklist 

Yes - all of this in ONE SINGLE BLOG so that by the end of it you’ll know how to ace your position paper and win an award.

What Is a Position Paper?

Think of a position paper as your country’s Instagram bio for a MUN committee but add some diplomacy.

A position paper is basically a one or two-page document where you outline your country’s stance on a particular agenda. Generally, in most conferences, you are required to submit your position paper before the actual day of the conference.

Let's understand the position paper with an example: If a country is advocating for strong laws against gender-based violence, their position paper would outline existing national policies, highlight gaps, and propose specific reforms.

Why Is It Important?

A question that usually comes to mind is the significance a position paper holds. Is it really that important? I used to think the same too, and the answer is yes

A position paper holds the same amount of significance in the committee as much as a GSL does. A position paper not only helps you dive deeper into your agenda and access more information, but it also provides clarity to your chair. While it helps you structure your arguments clearly, it also shows your chair that you have come prepared and there’s no fluff.

Now that we have discussed all the pros of making a position paper, the real question is: How do you make an award-winning position paper?

Making a position paper isn’t so hard, although it can seem like that. Let’s start with a few steps. We can divide all the steps into three brief blocks:

First: Research

Second: Drafting

Third: Writing

1. Research

As a delegate, one of our biggest concerns is how and where do we research? Because obviously, you don’t want to rely on Wikipedia (and get called out for stating incorrect facts in the committee) right? 

But don’t worry, I've got you covered. Below are some of the most reliable websites for researching:

1. UN Digital Library

2. The World Factbook [CIA]

3. Statista

4. Our World in Data

5. CFR Global Conflict Tracker

And now one of my personal favourites,

6. Google Scholar ( pro tip- put any agenda and you'll find all the trust worthy research papers with actual facts and figures to refer ) 

2. Drafting

You must note that a position paper is a very well-structured document. Hence, it follows a specific order. The structure is:

1. Committee

2. Agenda

3. Country

4. About the Country

5. Country’s Policy on the Agenda

6. Past actions taken by the country

6. Country’s Proposed Solutions and Future Plans

7. Citations/ Bibliography

 [ Make sure to add your country’s flag on extreme right ]

3. Writing

Now comes the main part : actually writing it. This is where you turn all that research into something the Chair wants to read. While writing, there are some key rules you must follow

1. Tone: Formal but clear. You’re writing as “The Delegation of ”, not “I think...”. Ditch personal opinions. 

2. Length: Stick to 1- 2 pages max. Times New Roman, 12pt, 1.15 spacing is the MUN standard.

3. No first-person: Say “India believes” 

or “France has ratified”, never “We feel” or “I believe”.

4. Cite sources: If you mention a stat, back it up. Referring our previous example: Global estimates published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that “about 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.”

Because we promised you a complete guide to position paper and also to make all of the above information more relevant, below i have attached a sample position paper

AND A TEMPLATE TOO!!!

SAMPLE POSITION PAPER

United Nations Security Council

Russia-Ukraine War: World Security Threat and Solutions for Resolving Conflicts

United States of America

1. Introduction

A decade worth of heightened political turmoil in the Ukraine and Russia has placed the USA at the forefront of the foreign interventionism in the conflict-ridden countries. The United States of America recognizes the Russia-Ukraine conflict as one of the most pressing global security threats of our time which constitutes a grave violation of international law and threatens global peace and security. The ongoing aggression undermines international law, threatens the sovereignty of Ukraine, destabilizes the European region, and exacerbates humanitarian crises. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the United States is committed to upholding peace, security, and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity by providing appropriate Military and Economic Aid as a Measure.

II. Measure's Taken

It remains an urgent security assistance priority to provide Ukraine the equipment it needs to defend itself against Russia's war against Ukraine. To date, the USA has provided $65.9 billion in military assistance since Russia launched its premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and approximately $69.2 billion in military assistance since Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014. The total U.S. aid to Ukraine, which includes military, economic, and humanitarian support, has exceeded $170 billion.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury took sweeping action to fulfill the G7 commitment to reduce Russian revenues from energy, including blocking two major Russian oil producers. These actions also impose sanctions on an unprecedented number of oil-carrying vessels, many of which are part of the "shadow fleet," opaque traders of Russian oil, Russia-based oilfield service providers, and Russian energy officials. The United Kingdom (UK) is also taking action today, joining the Treasury in sanctioning two major Russian oil producers. The US has designated a number of Russian and Ukrainian entities, including 14 defense companies and individuals in Putin's inner circle, as well as imposed targeted sanctions limiting certain financing to six of Russia's largest banks and four energy companies.

III. Solutions

Creating Autonomy or a Regime backed by both Countries in Donbas, Luhansk and Crimea where Russian-backed separatists and Russian forces have gained control. Making a Government backed by both countries can take discussions and policies of both regions. The US also supports the idea of Peace Talks between Ukraine and Russia by being a mediator between both the Nations for negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive

IV. Works Cited

• U.S. Department of State. U.S. Security Cooperation with Ukraine.

• U.S. Department of the Treasury. Sanctions Against Russia.

• United Nations Charter.

• UN Security Council Resolutions on Ukraine.

• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

• World Bank. Ukraine Country Overview.

TEMPLATE POSITION PAPER

Committee:

Example: UNCSW / DISEC / WHO / ECOSOC

___________________________

Agenda: ______________________________________________

Country:

Delegation of

_______________________________________

1. About the Country

The Delegation of __________________ recognizes the significance of addressing the issue of __________________________________________.

__________________ has actively engaged with this issue through initiatives such as _____________________________________________.

2. Country's Position on the Agenda

The Delegation of __________________ believes that _____________________________________________.

The root causes of this issue include _____________________________________________.

3. Actions Taken by the Country

To address this issue domestically and internationally, __________________ has:

— 

— 

— 

These measures have resulted in ____________________________________________.

—

4. Proposed Solutions and Future Plans

The Delegation of __________________ proposes the following measures:

— 

—  

5. Bibliography

—

—

—

Now that you know how to draft a strong position paper, let’s cover the basic mistakes delegates make — and how you can avoid them.

1. Write like a country, not a student 

This isn’t a school essay. Don’t write personal opinions or use “I think”/“we feel”. 

2. Focus on solutions, not just history

Don’t spend 80% of your paper describing the problem. Ask yourself— What does my country want to achieve?Your solutions section should be the strongest part. 

3. Be specific, not generic

Avoid empty lines like “countries should cooperate.” That means nothing. Instead: “The Delegation of India proposes a $5M UN-monitored fund under ECOSOC to train cyber-response teams in LDCs by 2027.” 

4. Keep solutions realistic

Don’t propose “end all wars by next year.” If your country wouldn’t actually vote for it,  don’t put it in your paper. 

TIPS FROM BEST DELEGATES

★ Don't contradict your country's foreign policy.

★ Write your opening speech after writing your position paper.

★ Read your paper aloud once

★ Read your country’s UN speeches 

★ Don't overuse fancy vocabulary.

Now that you've got it all and you're fully prepared- to make it all easier for you and basically summarize everything I've prepared a "Before You Submit Checklist". Run through this before emailing your Chair to avoid last minute mess-ups:

• 1-2 pages max 

• Zero plagiarism

• No I/we 

• No spelling errors

• Professional file name

• Correct formatting

Remember, chairs do not expect perfection, they expect preparation. Having a well structured and correctly drafted position paper helps you stand out and alongside gives you confidence.  So use this guide, follow the checklist and if all 6 boxes are checked, your award-worthy position paper is ready to be submitted. All the best!!