How to Write a Position Paper for Model UN

Last Updated: February 9, 2023 References

Model UN is a great way to find global solutions for global problems and it is a great way to improve many skills. But Model UN is not only about debating and discussing resolutions, it is also about preparation. The position paper is one of the most important parts of preparation. It will define your position at the beginning of the debate and will exhibit the resolutions and ideas of the country you represent.

Part 1

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Normal Form

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Be faithful to the agenda. For example, if the agenda is "Poverty in developing countries", you need to talk as much about it as possible. If you are a country where the agenda is highly relevant, talk about what has been done and what is being done. If you are a country that is not affected much by the agenda, talk about how your country plans on helping other countries; those that are affected.^{[1]
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Introduce yourself and your country. For example: "Fellow delegates, I will introduce myself as the delegate of Finland". If you don't like to be very formal, talk about your country's advantages. For example: "Finland is a nation in Northern Europe that has a great health care system."^{[2]
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3
Explain the topic and how it affects your nation. For example: "For the Maldives, global warming has always been a top priority, over the years, the sea levels have been rising, putting my delegation in risk of sinking."^{[3]
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Try to engage other nations to see and accept your position. For example: "Recently, Bangladesh has begun to experience an increase in floods and has observed and recorded higher sea levels too."
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Once you have more common points, introduce your solutions. Remember that you should make solutions that involve everyone and benefit everyone, as much as possible. If you do so, more people will consider you as the committee's leader.^{[4]
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- For example: "Introducing new alternative energies will help to reduce emissions, slowing the release of emissions that contribute to global warming and helping to prevent the continued melting of glaciers and sea-level rise being experienced around the world. It will also support the American economies that are trying to make businesses from alternate energy production. If these services are also established in Africa, there would be increased work opportunities and better economic outcomes."
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Conclude by stating why this problem is so important. Finish with how your country's resolutions can go a long way to solving the problem. There is no example, it is all up to you.^{[5]
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Part 2

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Human Rights Topics

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When talking about human rights, include one or two stories of violated rights. Demonstrate how could they be avoided with your country's solutions.

Part 3

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Economic Topics

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When talking about economics, mention your country's industries. Also try to mention as many statistics as possible, as it will make you sound more professional and reflects that you have done your homework.

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Health Topics

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When it comes to health, research is important. In this case, try to mention what cures have eventuated from collaborative research efforts and which research/medical organizations are the most helpful and why.

Part 5

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War Topics

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Consider that war is a very sad and complicated topic. Analyze your nation's priorities––people?; money?; weapons?; territory? After analyzing it, try to apply it in a friendly way to your position paper.

Part 6

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General Format

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When writing the Position Paper, try to limit it to one page, with footnotes citing your sources at the bottom.^{[6]
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Begin with a header, which should have the following, each on a new line: your name, your country, your committee (if applicable), and your school, university, or organization.^{[7]
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Reserve the first paragraph for a brief introduction to the topic, as well as your country's generalized stance on it.
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For the second paragraph, focus on your research. This should be your longest paragraph, as well as the most researched. This paragraph should focus on how your country handles the topic domestically, as well as mentioning your countries response (if any) to the situation mentioned within the topic brief.
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For the third paragraph, come up with any potential solutions to the topic. Make sure to devise them from the perspective of your country.

Community Q&A

Question

I will be representing France, and the organization UNESCO. How do I prepare for it if it's my first time?

Community Answer

It actually depends on the topic you were assigned and the level of competition inside the committee. France usually has a very good position regarding UNESCO projects. I myself was France in UNESCO before, and they are big project supporters. The best way in which you can prepare is doing some research about your country, UNESCO itself, the topic(s) of the committee and the relevance the topic has in your country. Make summaries about the information you have, print them, and highlight what you think is relevant. Write notes. And, if you know any good delegate, talk to him, and ask him how he prepares.
Question

How do I state my sources on a position paper?

Community Answer

It might be a good idea to use an MLA bibliography, since MLA citations are used for most high school projects and papers.
Question

What do you end your last paragraph with?

Community Answer

You can end it with: 1. strategies that are working to fix the solution; 2. new strategies upon old strategies that are not working and; 3. lastly, a delegated solution to address the problem.