Model United Nations – Position Paper Guide 

What Is a Position Paper?

A position paper is a short, organized paper that explains:

• Who your country is

• What the problem is

• What your country believes

• What solutions your country supports

• Fits in 1–2 pages

What You Need to Include:

Required Header Format

At the top of your paper (left-aligned), you must include the following:

Committee:
Topic:
Country:
Delegate/Grade:
School/Coach:

Your header should appear at the very top of the first page before your paper begins.

1. Country Background (Who are you?)

Explain important information about your country that relates to the topic.

Include:

• Basic facts (location, economy, government, allies)

• How the issue affects your country

Ask yourself:

• Why does my country care about this issue?

2. Topic Explanation (What is the problem?)

Show that you understand the topic.

Include:

• A clear explanation of the issue

• Why it is a global problem

Do not copy definitions word-for-word from websites.

3. Country Position (What does your country believe?)

Explain your country’s opinion.

Include:

• Your country’s stance on the issue

• Past actions, laws, or policies your country supports

Ask yourself:

• What would my country say in a UN debate?

4. Solutions & Ideas (What should be done?)

This is the most important part.

Include:

• 2–3 realistic solutions your country supports

• Solutions that match your country’s beliefs

Good solutions:

• Are realistic

• Involve cooperation with other countries

• Follow UN values

Writing Expectations

Your paper should:

• Be clear and organized

• Be written in your own words

• Stay in character as your country

• Use formal but simple language

Avoid:

• First person ("I think") → use "The delegation believes"

• Slang or casual wording

Simple Checklist 

Make sure your paper:

• Has the proper heading format

• Explains your country and the issue

• Clearly states your country’s position

• Includes realistic solutions

• Is organized and easy to read

• Is about 1-2 page long

Position Paper Guidelines

Please follow these rules carefully. Not following them may affect award eligibility.

• Position papers are due: May 9, 2026

• Electronic submissions are due: May 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

• Position papers are not required to participate, but they are mandatory to earn an award.

• Font: Times New Roman

• Font size: 12 pt

• Spacing: Single-spaced

• Page minimum: 1 page

• Page maximum: 2 pages (citations not included)

• Works Cited: Mandatory in MLA or Chicago style format

Submission Rules

• Submit a printed version of your position paper to your chair at the start of committee on May 9, 2026.

• Delegates who submit electronically must email their paper in pdf format to their committee chairs. 

• Chair emails are provided in the background guides.

• Email submissions after 11:59PM EST on May 8, 2026 will not be accepted.

Academic Integrity

• Position papers should come directly from you.

• Please do not use AI writers to write your position paper.

• Small assistance such as grammar checks or word suggestions is allowed.