Writing Position Papers

A position paper is a 1-2 page document you submit before the conference. It outlines your country's stance on the committee's topic. Most conferences require one, and many use it as part of award evaluation.

A good position paper does three things:

1. Shows the chair you've done your research
2. Forces you to organize your thinking before the conference
3. Gives you a strategic roadmap for committee — you'll know what you want before debate starts

The Three-Section Structure

Every position paper follows the same format:

Section 1: Topic Background

2-3 paragraphs. Frame the issue from your country's perspective.

• What is the problem and why does it matter?
• What has the international community done so far? (reference specific UN resolutions)
• How does this issue affect your country specifically?

Section 2: Country's Position

2-3 paragraphs. The most important section.

• What has your country said about this? (cite speeches, statements)
• How has your country voted? (cite specific resolutions)
• What treaties has your country signed or refused to sign?
• How do your country's alliances shape their position?

Section 3: Proposed Solutions

1-2 paragraphs. What does your country want the committee to do?

• Propose 2-3 specific, realistic policy actions
• Reference existing frameworks that could be expanded
• Avoid vague language like "the international community should work together"

Going Deeper

Mastery of this topic comes from sustained practice in committee, debate room, and study circle, not from any single lesson. The most successful MUN delegates, debate competitors, and political-research practitioners treat each new concept as a building block for the next conference, tournament, or written brief.

Connecting to Practice

When you encounter this concept in committee, ask yourself three questions:

1. How does this apply to my current position? A delegate representing Brazil on UNSC reform applies political-economic concepts differently than one representing the United States. A debate competitor preparing the affirmative case on a particular topic applies analytical frameworks differently than one preparing the negative.
2. What evidence supports my application? Mastery requires moving beyond abstract concept to specific cited evidence. Build the habit of finding 2-3 primary sources that ground your application of any concept.
3. What counter-arguments would the strongest opposition raise? Anticipating opposition is the single highest-leverage skill in competitive activities. The best delegates and debaters prepare for the strongest version of opposing arguments, not the weakest.

Building Your Resource Library

Develop a personal library of go-to sources for the concepts and issues that matter most for your work. For most MUN and debate competitors, the core library includes:

• Primary documents: UN resolutions, treaty texts, government statements relevant to your committee or topic.
• Quality secondary sources: think-tank reports (CFR, Brookings, CSIS, Chatham House), peer-reviewed journal articles, recognized news outlets.
• Historical context: foundational books and articles on your topic area.
• Recent developments: news in the last 90 days that affects your position.

Why Sustained Practice Matters

The difference between bronze-level and gold-level performance in MUN and debate is not raw intelligence — it is hours of structured practice. Recognized champions typically practice 5-10 hours per week between competitions, not the night before. Build sustainable practice habits, and your performance will improve cumulatively across seasons.