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MUN Training |
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Position Papers
Position Papers are Essential to Successful Preparation
The position paper helps the delegates organize their ideas and share their country's foreign policy with the rest of the committee.
Provide a
concise review of your country's foreign policy and needs on the topic
Identify
key Conventions, Treaties, Resolutions and other measures relevant to the
topic
Serve as a
blueprint for your use in formulating and negotiating workable draft
resolutions to resolve the problem
An excellent position paper must contain:
a clear statement of your country's position on each topic and an indication of why your country takes this position in the context of what it has already done in relation to the topic
past U.N. actions regarding the topic
suggestions for a plan of action in addressing the issue.
Click here to learn about making an argument in an essay.
A position paper is a one page statement of a country's policy on the topic under consideration by a committee and the rationale behind it. There are several reasons for position papers. Writing position papers serves to focus delegates' thoughts on the topic areas. It also encourages all delegates to conduct research. At the conference, delegates should have copies of their own position papers in order to refer to them during debate. In addition, all of the delegates' position papers are available at the conference so that other committee members can utilize them for reference. Having these papers available in committee assists delegates as they seek out nations with similar positions to theirs in order to form working blocs. The papers will also be of use when delegates attempt to write resolutions which deal with the points of major concern to the committee. Furthermore, access to the papers may allow them to clarify points made in delegates' speeches.
A position paper must be written on each topic area in a committee. The content of the position paper should synthesize the information from the delegates' own research with respect to the country's position on the given issue. When writing their position papers, delegates should ask themselves two questions about the issues in the topic areas:
Next, delegates should have specific answers to their country's position:
Position papers have three sections: Introduction and Body (3 topic areas). Read on to find out what each section should include. A model of the format is available for visual learners by clicking "Samples" below.
Consider using the following to improve your introduction:
The body consists of three topics. You should have at least two paragraphs for each topic.
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