Position Papers

A position paper is a brief summary of a delegate's agenda and desired outcomes in their respective committee. It is a statement of purpose that demonstrates depth of background knowledge and research preparation. 

A quality position paper will reflect a nuanced understanding of the delegate's assigned country, its foreign policy, and its positions on the committee's topics of consideration. A quality position paper also communicates a set of clear and tangible objectives the delegate wishes to achieve in committee. 

Due Date and Submission Information

All delegates are invited to submit a position paper, and can find official guidelines at the bottom of this page. Delegates serving on the Security Council and the Antarctic Crisis committee should consider the additional guidance provided below. 

Position papers are due before midnight on Thursday, 3 April. 

Delegates should submit their position papers as a PDF attachment to oaklanduniversitymun@gmail.com with the subject line: [Committee] [Country] Position Paper. Position papers should omit student names and school affiliations. 

Security Council

Delegates participating in the Security Council crisis simulation should review their official background guide and tailor their position papers to their country's views on the following two issues: 

• The EU's alleged violation of the doctrine of MFN in imposing a restrictive tariff regime on Latin American banana and other fruit producers. 

• The Chiquita Banana Corporation's reliance on child and other forced labor in its supply chain, as well as issues of labor exploitation by multi- and trans-national corporations more broadly. 

Crisis in Antarctica

Delegates participating in the Antarctic Crisis committee should review the official background guide and tailor their papers to their country's position and likely response to Argentina's alleged violation of the Treaty of Antarctica and its incursion into the Antarctic Peninsula to establish mining operations. 

Position papers for this committee should include a strategy for formally supporting or opposing Argentina's actions. Delegates might consider their probable allies and adversaries, along with specific directives they may issue, jointly or otherwise, to pursue their interests in committee. 

Detailed guidelines, including instructions for formatting, are available below.