The first “official” document you are going to have to write and submit before the conference is the Position Paper. As the name already indicates, the goal of this document is to explain, as if you were already representing that nation, your country’s position regarding the topic you are debating. In other words, explain your country’s policy summarized in one or two pages. (In case you are debating more than one topic, you will have to write one Position Paper for each topic.)

In addition, it will be very helpful to organize your ideas and ensure you fully understand your country’s policy. Moreover, it will serve as the basis of your opening speech, which is the first speech each delegate delivers to explain their position. (Check here the debate development in case you don’t know or remember.) 

The structure we recommend is the following; however, you can adapt it to whatever is best for your country.

Background of the Topic

Firstly, at the beginning of the Position Paper, you can briefly explain the topic and why it is a concerning issue, highlighting what your country feels is most important. It is crucial that you explain this from your country’s perspective. That is why you also need to explain how this issue is affecting your nation. Moreover, you can mention some important international actions taken to tackle the problem and how your country feels about them.

Country’s Policy

Secondly, you need to explain your country’s position, as well as what actions they have taken to contribute to solving the issue (an internal law, participating in a treaty, projects they have launched, etc.).

Possible Solutions

Finally, you need to start explaining some actions your country would like to encourage to tackle the issue. These are proposals that you will later use to write your working paper. In How to Make a Working Paper, you will find explanations about how to come up with ideas.