How To Write A Model UN Position Paper
A Model UN position paper is a formal, one-to-two-page document outlining a member state’s policies, past actions, and proposed solutions regarding a specific committee agenda topic. Mastering this document requires rigorous policy research, adherence to United Nations diplomatic terminology, and the precise structuring of clauses to secure committee awards and drive substantive debate.
Pre-Procedure Planning for Model UN Delegates
Developing a winning position paper requires a strategic blend of historical context, legal analysis, and creative policy formulation tailored to your assigned delegation. Before drafting a single word, you must establish a deep foundational understanding of your country's sovereignty limits, treaty obligations, and geopolitical alliances within the specific United Nations organ you are simulating.
- Essential Gear and Resources: Official United Nations Charter, country foreign policy archives, UN bodies' past resolutions, credible journalistic sources, and a dedicated citation manager or note-taking system.
- Mandatory Prerequisite Knowledge: Complete comprehension of your assigned committee's mandate, historical precedent of the agenda item, voting procedures, and specific state-level diplomatic positions.
- Time and Formatting Benchmarks: A standard position paper must not exceed two pages (single or 1.5-spaced, depending on conference rules), with a completion target of two weeks prior to the first conference session to allow adequate time for peer review and editing.
Step-by-Step Position Paper Drafting Workflow
Step 1: Researching National Sovereignty and Foreign Policy
Begin by establishing how your assigned nation is directly and indirectly affected by the committee's agenda topic. Access your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs press releases, official voting records in the UN General Assembly, and ratified international treaties to map out your hard lines and areas for diplomatic compromise.
Pro-Tip: Never rely solely on Wikipedia or general news articles. Cite primary sources such as UN Security Council resolutions, bilateral trade agreements, and official state declarations to substantiate your policy claims with undeniable authenticity.
Step 2: Structuring the Introduction and Topic Background
Open the document with a concise introduction of your nation's general stance on the agenda item, followed by a thorough historical context of the issue. Detail how the problem has evolved over time, previous UN actions taken, and why current international frameworks are falling short of resolving the crisis.
Step 3: Outlining Past International Actions and State Involvement
Dedicate the second major section to detailing what your country has already done domestically and internationally to combat the issue. Highlight specific legislative acts, humanitarian aid contributions, military alliances, or economic initiatives spearheaded by your government, proving your active leadership on the global stage.
Warning: Avoid contradicting your nation's actual foreign policy, even if it makes debate more convenient. Introducing policies contrary to historical reality constitutes a major violation of delegate rules and undermines your credibility during committee sessions.
Step 4: Proposing Innovative Solutions and Resolution Frameworks
Conclude the paper by presenting actionable, realistic, and legally sound policy recommendations that your delegation will champion during unmoderated and moderated caucuses. Ensure these proposals align directly with the jurisdictional powers of your specific UN committee, avoiding recommendations outside its legal mandate.
How To Write A Model UN Position Paper - (Example | PDF
Position Paper Parameter and Structural Comparison
| Document Section | Primary Objective | Word Count Allocation | Key Technical Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | State national policy and define the scope of the issue. | 150 - 200 words | Must reflect official state sovereignty and UN charter alignment. |
| Topic Background | Trace the historical evolution and past UN involvement. | 250 - 300 words | Cite specific historical resolutions, dates, and treaties accurately. |
| Past Actions | Outline state-specific interventions and contributions. | 250 - 300 words | Detail tangible domestic policies, funding, or diplomatic missions. |
| Proposed Solutions | Formulate actionable, committee-mandated resolutions. | 300 - 400 words | Propose practical mechanisms that fall within committee jurisdiction. |
Common Delegate Errors and Strategic Fixes
- Root Cause: Writing in the first person ("I believe my country thinks...") instead of official diplomatic voice.
- Actionable Fix: Shift all pronouns to collective or state references ("The delegation of France maintains...", "Our nation advocates...").
- Root Cause: Proposing sweeping actions that exceed the legal jurisdiction of the committee.
- Actionable Fix: Cross-reference your solutions directly with the founding mandate of the specific UN body (e.g., ensuring UNICEF proposals focus exclusively on children's rights rather than general military peacekeeping).
- Root Cause: Presenting generic, vague solutions without implementation details.
- Actionable Fix: Specify funding mechanisms, enforcement timelines, and monitoring bodies for every proposed solution within your paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard length of a Model UN position paper?
A standard position paper is strictly limited to one to two pages per agenda topic. Delegates must condense complex foreign policies into concise, highly impactful paragraphs that can be skimmed rapidly by dais members.
Can I use first-person pronouns in a position paper?
No, first-person pronouns such as "I," "me," or "my" should never be used. Always write from the perspective of the state or government delegation, using terms like "this delegation," "our nation," or the country's formal name.
How are position papers graded or evaluated?
Dais members evaluate position papers based on depth of research, accuracy of national policy, adherence to formatting guidelines, and the realism and creativity of the proposed solutions. Outstanding papers frequently factor into the calculation for Research Awards and verbal commendations.
Should I include a bibliography or works cited section?
Yes, including a formal bibliography using APA, MLA, or Chicago style at the end of your position paper demonstrates rigorous academic research and verifies the authenticity of your policy claims.
Elevate Your Diplomatic Strategy Today
Master the art of high-level international negotiation by transforming these structured insights into compelling, award-winning position papers for your next conference. Equip your delegation with meticulous research and strategic foresight to dominate committee debates from the very first opening speech.
