How to Write a Strong Position Paper
Explain your country’s position, the evidence behind it, and the action it supports.
Check your conference’s word limit and submission rules first. Then organise the paper around your country’s policy and proposed actions.
What a position paper is
A position paper is a formal document that explains your country’s view on the issues under discussion. It should help you stay aligned with your delegation throughout debate and make your strategy easier to defend.
A strong structure to follow
Introduction
Start with a short overview of the topic and your country’s general position. This frames the issue and makes the rest of the paper easier to follow.
Body
This is where the substance goes. Explain your country’s policy, relevant past actions, current views, and how it fits into the wider global situation. If useful, mention how other states approach the issue and where your country aligns or differs.
Conclusion
End by summarizing your country’s goals and the solutions or actions it supports. This section should reflect your diplomatic strategy, not just repeat earlier lines.
Why it matters
- It guides your speeches during committee.
- It shows that you understand your country and the agenda.
- It builds credibility before debate becomes competitive.
Best tips for writing one well
Know your country’s policy
Research your country’s history, alliances, and existing position on the agenda items. A weak understanding of policy almost always leads to weak writing.
Stay focused on the agenda
Every section should connect directly to the committee topics. If a paragraph does not clearly serve the agenda, it is probably unnecessary.
Use diplomatic language
Write formally, but be specific. Name the policy or action you support and explain why. Diplomatic vocabulary cannot replace a clear proposal.
Prepare for counterarguments
Your paper should not just state a view. It should prepare you to defend that view in debate. Think about likely objections from other delegations and where your country can compromise.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Misrepresenting your country because of weak research
- Ignoring the agenda and writing around it instead of through it
- Using vague, informal, or confrontational language
- Failing to anticipate how other delegations will respond
What chairs usually look for
Check the conference rubric. Your paper should explain the country’s policy, cite relevant sources, and propose actions within the committee’s mandate.