What is a Position Paper?
A Model UN position paper is a formal document that represents your assigned country’s official stance on the committee’s topic. It demonstrates your understanding of the issue, your country’s policies and interests, and potential solutions that align with your nation’s position. Position papers are essential preparation for committee sessions and help you develop informed, realistic policy arguments during debate.
Paper submissions for PilibosMUN 2026 have ended, thank you.
What to Include
Your position paper should contain three main sections:
1. Background of the Issue
Provide context on the topic, including its historical development, current status, and why it matters globally. This shows you understand what the committee will be debating.
2. Country Position & Analysis
Explain your country’s official stance, relevant domestic policies, past actions on this issue, and why your nation holds this position. Use specific examples like treaties signed, votes cast, or statements made by government officials.
3. Proposed Solutions
Offer realistic, actionable solutions that align with your country’s interests and policies. These should be specific enough to guide your strategy in committee and show how your country would address the issue.
Position Paper Guidelines
All papers must follow these expectations:
- Minimum Word Count: 750
- MLA/Chicago Format & Corresponding Citations
- Times New Roman, 12pt font
- Proper header with country and committee
- Structure: Background, Country Position, Proposed Solutions
Background of the Issue
Your paper should demonstrate:
- Clear understanding of the topic’s historical development and current global context
- Identification of key stakeholders, events, and relevant international frameworks
- Explanation of why this issue matters and its impact on the international community
- Accurate information with appropriate citations
Country Position & Analysis
Your paper should demonstrate:
- Clear articulation of your country’s official stance on the issue
- Specific examples of past actions (votes, treaties, statements, policies)
- Explanation of the reasoning behind your country’s position (political, economic, cultural factors)
- Understanding of how this issue affects your country’s national interests
Proposed Solutions
Your paper should demonstrate:
- Specific, actionable solutions that could realistically be implemented
- Solutions that align with your country’s position and interests
- Attention to root causes rather than just symptoms of the problem
- Consideration of feasibility, potential obstacles, and international cooperation needed
Organization & Writing Quality
Your paper should demonstrate:
- Clear analytical structure
- Professional, diplomatic tone appropriate for international discourse
- Coherent flow between ideas and paragraphs
- Minimal grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors
- Concise, focused writing without unnecessary repetition
Formatting & Citation Compliance
Your paper should demonstrate:
- Adherence to all formatting guidelines
- Proper header with country and committee
- Citations for all data, statistics, treaties, and direct references
- Submission by deadline
- Original, delegate-written work