Position Papers are simply what the title mentions, they are the positions that a  country will take in a certain issue/topic area. These Position Papers will signal to other countries the idea of what you are wanting to accomplish, and to keep your thoughts aligned when working to write resolutions. Each delegation is required to submit one Position Paper. If there are two delegates representing a single country, there is still just one Position Paper that needs to be submitted. These Position Papers should state the Position that the country is willing to take on the assigned topic areas. Position Papers should incorporate the following: 

1. An explanation of the topic area beyond the information provided in the background guide. What is the current status of the topic? Why is the topic important? 

2. An overview of what has already been done to address the topic. What has the United Nations done regarding the topic? What resolutions has the Security Council adopted on the topic? What has your specific country done to address the issue? 

3. A position on what should be done now to address the issue. What does your country want to see happen regarding the topic area? Be as specific as possible. 

To be fully prepared when writing a position paper, delegations should research their Country and committee. The delegation should look at the United Nations website, past resolutions, future Agendas that will play a role in future decisions and the countries backgrounds. After this, you should thoroughly understand the topic and your country's position on your designated topics. Additional resources include: 

• The Dag Hammarskjold Library is the official library of the United Nations. 

• The UN News Center publishes information regarding recent UN efforts on different topics

• The UN’s Meetings Coverage and Press Releases website provides UN press releases and information regarding UN Meetings

• Follow your UN delegation on Twitter / X!

Position Paper Requirements

1) One position paper per delegation.

2) MSU HSMUN template required and found below. The template includes the following formatting requirements: 

a. Paper size: 8.5”x11” 

b. Margins: 0.5” on all sides 

c. Font: Arial, 10 point 

d. File Type: PDF

e. Headings: centered

f. Alignment: justified

g.  Paragraph Format: Increase Indentation 

3) Must not exceed one page. 

4) Refer to the resources below for help writing and formatting your Position Paper.

Position papers will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Position: Relates to how the paper discusses the country’s views on that specific topic. Delegates are expected to be able to support their positions. Is the position consistent with the geopolitical constraints of the country? 

• Research: How in depth is the research and analysis, does the paper reflect the amount of research that has been done. Does the paper cite relevant international, regional, and national resolutions/documents? Research will be judged based on the information and understanding of the topics within the paper. 

• Action Plan: An evaluation of the policies that are introduced in the paper. Can the committee act upon these specific topics, are the policies introduced of substance. Are the policy suggestions consistent with the constraints of the UN?

• Writing Quality: Style, spelling, and grammar are also evaluated on Position Papers. Delegates should always go back over their papers and check for any small mistakes before the submission. An extra step to take is to have your paper peer reviewed by other delegates.