A position paper is a type of essay where you express your opinion on a topic and provide evidence to support it. It’s often written for school assignments or in professional settings to show your stance on a certain issue.
In a position paper, you present your arguments and ideas about a topic. This could be in the form of a simple letter to the editor or a more complex academic paper. Organizations also use position papers to share their official views and recommendations.
When writing a position paper, it’s important to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and have strong opinions on. You’ll also need to do research to find evidence to support your arguments.
In School
Position papers in school are used to talk about new and interesting topics without doing experiments or original research. The author will use facts and evidence to support their opinions on the topic.
In Politics
A Position Paper is like a mix between a green paper and a white paper. It explains opinions and ideas for solutions but doesn’t say exactly how to put them into action. These papers are important for political campaigns, government organizations, and diplomatic efforts. They help us understand the views and opinions of others.
In Law
In the legal world, a Position Paper is called an Aide-mémoire. It’s a written statement that talks about the key points of a proposed discussion or disagreement. It’s used especially in communication between countries.
Model United Nations (MUN)
A position paper for a Model United Nations (MUN) conference is a key document that outlines a delegate’s country’s stance on a particular issue. As exactly what it sounds like – it is a document in which a Member State or Observer outlines their stance on a specific set of topics.
It’s like a plan or strategy for how the country wants to approach the topic being discussed. This paper helps to show everyone what the delegate’s country thinks and what they want to happen.
For some Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, delegates have to write one or two-page position paper about the topics given in their Committee Background Guide.
A position paper is different from a working paper or a resolution, because it shows the views and actions of just one country or group, not a group of countries working together.
The position paper should show the important issues for each topic, and what has been done about it so far by the country or group.
It should also have suggestions for what the committee should do next. All writing must be original and not copied from the guides or other sources.
Copying is not allowed and could lead to getting kicked out of the conference.
Why Position Paper Important for Model United Nations?
A position paper is important for MUN because it helps you show the leader of your group (called the chair) what your country thinks about the topic you’re discussing. It also helps you organize your ideas and show how your country has dealt with this issue in the past.
Your position paper should have three main goals:
- Explain your country’s views on the issue.
- Show how your country has dealt with this issue before.
- Tell what your country wants to see happen in the end.
To write a good Position Paper, you should write one paragraph for each of the three goals, making sure to smoothly transition from one paragraph to the next. The outline provided can help guide you, but you can add more details if needed.
Choosing a Topic
Sometimes you get to pick what to write about in your position paper, but other times your teacher or boss will assign it.
If you get to choose, pick a topic that you like or has something to do with your school or work. The goal of a position paper is to convince people, so having good reasons and proof to support your ideas is more important than the topic itself.
When choosing a topic, pick something that people have different opinions about and where there are two clear sides.
Make sure it’s a topic you feel strongly about and that you’re willing to argue for. Also, make sure the topic isn’t too big or complicated to write about.
Given Topic
For some Model United Nations conferences, you have to write about a topic that is given to you. It’s about your country’s thoughts and actions on the topic.
You need to write about:
- A little bit about your country and its history with the topic
- How the topic affects your country
- Your country’s rules and why they made those rules
- Things your leaders have said about the topic
- Numbers that show what your country thinks
- What your government has done about the topic
- Rules or agreements your country has made with others about the topic
- Actions by the United Nations or European Union that your country supported or didn’t support
- What your country thinks should be done to solve the problem
- What your country wants to happen in the end
- How other countries affect your country’s thoughts and actions.
Start Researching
After you pick a good topic, start researching. Look for information that supports your argument and also information that supports the other side.
This way, you’ll be able to show why your argument is stronger. You can find information on government and school websites, in newspapers, and in magazines.
Look for statistics, quotes from experts, and facts and figures that will help you make your case. If you can’t find enough information to support your argument, you might need to choose a different topic or a different way of looking at it.
Organize Your Ideas
After you have found information and taken notes, use a tool like a graphic organizer to sort out all the information you found. This can help you figure out what you want to say and what evidence is the most important to use.
If you like to see things visually, you could try making a list of all the evidence you found, both for and against your argument. You could also try using a visual tool like a word cloud to show how all the different pieces of evidence fit together.
Write Your Main Point
Once you know what you want to say, use your research notes to write your main point. This is also called a thesis statement. It’s a sentence that tells what your opinion is and what your most important evidence is.
Usually, people put the thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph to give the reader a hint about what the rest of the paper will be about. Make sure to include what your main pieces of evidence are in your thesis statement.
Paper Outline
When you write a position paper, it’s important to have a plan so your ideas are easy to understand. This plan is called the structure of your position paper.
A good position paper starts with a short introduction. Then, it’s divided into different parts.
Title & Heading
Your title is important for your paper, it gives the reader an idea of what your paper is about. You need to include your country name, group name, topic, and your name.
You can use flags or seals, but only a little and make sure they look professional. Choose an easy to read font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a big enough size (11 or 12 points) and with 1.5 line spacing.
This will make it easier for the reader and for you to find information. Make sure your title looks normal and professional.
Introduction & Background Topic
When you write your position paper, it’s important to start with a good introduction. The people who will be reading your paper will read many papers, so if you start with something interesting, they’ll be more likely to keep reading.
In your introduction, you want to give a little information about the topic you’re writing about. But don’t try to tell everything you know about it. Instead, try to show that you understand the topic and what’s important about it.
You can do this by thinking about what might happen in the future with the topic and what might be stopping people from solving the problem. Another way is to break the topic into smaller parts and think about what the biggest problems are.
It’s also important to read the background guide carefully, so you make sure you understand what your committee is talking about.
Analysis of the Topic
The next part of your paper is all about understanding the topic from your point of view and from a bigger view. You will use a lot of what you learned while researching here.
For MUN conference, think about what does your country think about this problem? Have other countries and the world found successful ways to solve this issue? What the UN has done related this issue? And what didn’t work in the past?
What UN Has Done?
When you talk about what the UN has done in the past, it’s important to show that you know what’s been happening and what people have tried to do about it. Some people just list some agreements and decisions that the UN made, but that’s not enough. You have to do more than that.
Your goal in this section is to look at what has been done before, like plans and agreements made by the UN and other organizations, and see what worked and what didn’t. This helps you understand the situation better and come up with your own ideas.
By looking at what has happened before, you can see what people tried to do and how it worked out. You can see what is still in effect and what didn’t work, and why people had different opinions about it. This will make your paper more interesting for the Chair to read and help you think of better solutions.
What the Country Policy?
It’s easy to guess a country’s policy by looking at where it is on a map and who they are friends with. But if you pretend you don’t have a opinion when you really do, it can make you look bad at the conference and you won’t have as much fun.
When you’re trying to find out about a country’s policy, you should look at what they do both at home and around the world. You should see if they have any patterns and try to understand what their main goals are, like if they care about being in control, helping people have good lives, or following a certain set of beliefs.
Knowing a country’s policy is what makes your paper special and shows what you think about different things. If you take a strong stand and know your country’s policy really well, you can have opinions and ideas that come from what your country thinks, even if you didn’t study all the details.
Solving the Problem
The next part of your paper is for fixing the problem ideas. This is where you can use what you learned and your imagination to come up with plans that could turn into real solutions. Your ideas don’t have to be from your country or your point of view, but it’s a good idea if they are.
Think about these questions:
- What ideas do you have to solve the problem? Why do you think they’ll work?
- How will you deal with any problems that might come up when trying to make your ideas work?
The ideas are the most important part of your paper and you should take your time to make them good. Use the information you talked about earlier about the problem, what’s been tried before, and what your country thinks, to come up with strong ideas.
Start by thinking about any programs that are wasting resources and can be stopped. Then think about changing existing programs to make them better, like changing the goal of a peacekeeping mission or changing what an organization does. Finally, think about any new ideas you have, especially if they have worked in your country before, and explain how they will work.
Wrap up the section by summarizing your ideas and saying why they will fix the problem.
Tips for a Successful Position Paper
- Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: The chairs reviewing the position papers receive a large number of submissions, so it’s important to keep your paper concise to maintain their attention.
- Avoid Overusing Jargon: Utilizing some technical terms may give the impression of professionalism, but it’s essential to ensure that your paper is comprehensible to all readers. Stick to using only a few, necessary Latin terms.
- Properly Cite Your Sources: Ensure that you properly cite all of your sources, either through in-text citations or footnotes.
- Treat Writing a Position Paper as a Research Opportunity: Rather than viewing it as a burden, consider writing a position paper as a valuable step in the research process.
Generic Position Paper Template
Use this template as a guide to outline and draft your position paper:
[Introduction]
Begin with a captivating sentence to grab the reader’s attention. Introduce your topic and conclude with your thesis statement that clearly states your position and summarizes your reasons for it.
A comprehensive overview of the issue at hand, encompassing a detailed description of the problem, an explanation of why it is a matter of international significance, and the provision of specific examples and data to support these claims.
[Body]
The first paragraph should present an argument with at least two pieces of evidence to support it. A comprehensive examination of recent efforts related to the issue, featuring specific examples and highlighting any action taken. Additionally, an evaluation of the effectiveness of these actions is provided, including an assessment of whether they have been successful or not.
The second paragraph should include a second argument with supporting evidence. An explanation of why the issue is important, why this issue affects the others, and why this issue should be solved.
In the third paragraph, provide another argument that supports your position and is supported by evidence. For example a record of the actions and steps taken with regards to the issue.
[Conclusion]
The conclusion should summarize the arguments and claims made in the paper, with a statement that reinforces your position. This part should present a solution and a recommendation for specific actions that should be taken in the future.
Position Paper Template for MUN Model
[Introduction]
The United Nations Conference on [Insert Topic] is a crucial platform for Member States and Observers to address and find solutions to the [insert topic]. As a [insert Member State or Observer], we would like to set out our position on the issue at hand and highlight the steps we have taken to address it.
[Body]
[First Paragraph]
One of the key issues related to [Insert topic] is [insert issue]. Our country recognizes the importance of addressing this issue and has taken significant steps to address it. For example, [insert example of action taken by the country]. This demonstrates our commitment to finding a solution to the issue and our willingness to work with other Member States to achieve this goal.
[Second Paragraph]
Another important aspect of [insert topic] is [insert issue]. Our government has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at [insert goal of initiatives]. For instance, [insert example of initiative]. This has had a positive impact on [insert result of initiative]. Our country is committed to continuing these efforts and exploring new ways to address the issue.
[Third Paragraph]
In addition to the steps we have taken domestically, we believe that international cooperation is crucial in addressing [insert topic]. We are therefore eager to work with other Member States and Observers to find common solutions to the issue. For example, [insert example of international cooperation].
[Conclusion]
In conclusion, as a [insert Member State or Observer], we believe that [insert topic] is a pressing issue that requires the collective efforts of all Member States and Observers. The steps we have taken and the initiatives we have implemented demonstrate our commitment to finding a solution. We look forward to working with other Member States and Observers at the United Nations Conference on [Insert Topic] to find a comprehensive solution to the issue.
Example Position Paper Regarding Konoha Economic Crisis
[Introduction]
The delegation of Konoha is honored to participate in this Model United Nations conference. Our country is a proud member of the international community and has a long history of promoting peace and prosperity. The economic crisis in Konoha is a pressing issue that has affected the livelihoods of our citizens. In this position paper, we would like to outline our stance on the issue and the actions we have taken to resolve it.
[A Brief Introduction to Konoha and its History Concerning the Topic and Committee]
Konoha is a sovereign nation with a rich cultural heritage. Our country has a strong economy, based on agriculture and manufacturing, and has made significant progress in recent years. However, the recent economic crisis has threatened this progress and created significant challenges for our citizens.
[How the Issue Affects Konoha]
The economic crisis in Konoha has had a profound impact on our citizens, particularly those in the lower-income bracket. The decline in exports and high rate of unemployment have resulted in a decline in living standards and increased poverty levels. The economic crisis has also created social and political instability, making it imperative that we find a solution to the issue as soon as possible.
[Konoha’s Policies with Respect to the Issue and Justification for These Policies]
Our government has implemented several policies to address the economic crisis, including diversifying our export market, promoting local industries, and creating jobs. These policies are based on the principle of sustainable economic growth and development and are designed to ensure that our citizens are able to improve their living standards.
[Quotes from Konoha’s Leaders About the Issue]
“The economic crisis in Konoha is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to create a stronger, more prosperous nation. We are committed to finding a solution that will benefit all of our citizens.” – President of Konoha
“Our government is determined to create jobs and improve the living standards of our citizens. We believe that by working together, we can overcome the challenges posed by the economic crisis and create a brighter future for Konoha.” – Prime Minister of Konoha
[Statistics to Back Up Konoha’s Position on the Issue]
To support our position, we would like to present the following statistics:
- In the past two years, exports from Konoha have declined by 20%.
- The unemployment rate in Konoha has increased by 10% in the same period.
- The poverty rate in Konoha has increased by 5% in the past two years.
[Actions Taken by the Konoha Government with Regard to the Issue]
Our government has taken several measures to address the economic crisis, including:
- Diversifying our export market and promoting local industries through a program to support SMEs and encourage the development of local products.
- Implementing job creation programs, such as skills training and entrepreneurship development, through a network of incubators and accelerators.
- Collaborating with other Member States on trade agreements and investment opportunities to promote economic growth and development.
[Conventions and Resolutions that Konoha has Signed or Ratified]
Konoha is a proud signatory to the United Nations Convention on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). We are committed to the principles of sustainable economic growth and development and are eager to work with other Member States to achieve this goal.
[UN Actions that Konoha Supported or Opposed]
Konoha has consistently supported UN actions aimed at promoting economic growth and stability. We have supported the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. We have also supported the creation of the United Nations Development Programme, which provides technical assistance and capacity-building support to developing countries.
[Position of Konoha]
Konoha believes that a comprehensive approach is required to tackle the economic crisis. This approach should be grounded in the principles of economic growth, job creation, and social equity. To achieve this, we propose the following measures:
- Investment in Infrastructure: Konoha is in dire need of infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth. By investing in key sectors such as transportation, energy, and communication, we aim to create job opportunities, boost productivity and attract foreign investment.
- Promoting Entrepreneurship: The government of Konoha is committed to fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses. This can be achieved through the provision of financial assistance, tax incentives and business-friendly regulations.
- Social Safety Net: Konoha recognizes the importance of providing a safety net for its citizens during difficult times. The government is committed to ensuring that its citizens have access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis.
[What Konoha Would Like to Accomplish]
Konoha would like to see the international community recognize the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the economic crisis. We would like to see the international community provide support to Konoha in terms of financial assistance and technical expertise to help us implement the measures outlined above. Furthermore, Konoha would like to see the international community adopt a resolution that calls for the promotion of entrepreneurship and investment in infrastructure as key components of economic recovery.
[Impact of Other Countries’ Positions]
Konoha recognizes that the positions of other countries will have a significant impact on our efforts to address the economic crisis. For example, if other countries adopt a position that emphasizes austerity measures, it would make it more challenging for Konoha to implement the measures outlined above. Therefore, Konoha is committed to engaging in constructive dialogue with other countries to build consensus on the best way forward.[Conclusion]
The economic crisis in Konoha is a pressing issue that requires the immediate attention of the international community. The delegation of Konoha believes that a comprehensive approach, grounded in economic growth, job creation and social equity, is required to tackle this crisis. Konoha is committed to working with other countries to build consensus and address this issue in a manner that will benefit not only our citizens but also the international community as a whole.
