From Research to Strategy

The Strategy Template

Your research is only useful if it translates into a plan. Before committee starts, fill out this template:

1. Objectives (What do you want?)

Rank your goals from most to least important. Be specific. Not 'promote human rights' but 'ensure the resolution includes language on corporate due diligence obligations for supply chains, consistent with the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.'

2. Red Lines (What can't you accept?)

These are positions your country will never agree to. Russia will never accept language endorsing NATO enlargement. Israel will never accept a resolution recognizing Palestinian statehood with East Jerusalem as capital without negotiation. China will never accept any text that implies Taiwan is a separate state. Know your non-negotiables.

3. Allies (Who's with you?)

List 3-5 countries that share your core objectives. These are your first conversations in committee. If you're representing France on climate, your natural allies are the EU bloc. If you're Mexico on migration, look to the Group of Friends of the Global Compact for Migration.

4. Swing States (Who can you persuade?)

These countries don't share your position but could be moved. What would it cost you to win them over? Middle powers (Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil) are often swing states — they have interests on both sides.

5. Fallback Positions (What will you accept?)

If you can't get your ideal outcome, what's the minimum acceptable result? Having fallbacks pre-planned prevents you from either caving too easily or blocking consensus unnecessarily.