How to Write a MUN Position Paper: Complete Guide for Students

What Is a MUN Position Paper (And Why Should You Write One)?

A Model United Nations position paper — sometimes called a policy paper — is a short, formal document written from your assigned country’s perspective on the agenda topic. It’s submitted to the Executive Board before committee sessions begin, and it serves two purposes:

1. It proves your preparation. The EB has read dozens of these papers. A well-researched, clearly written one immediately marks you as a serious delegate.
2. It stakes out your country’s stance for the record. Chairs use your position paper as a baseline to evaluate whether your speeches, your lobbying positions, and your resolution language are consistent with what you submitted beforehand.

Here’s the thing most first-time delegates don’t realize: a strong position paper is your opening speech in writing. The delegates who win awards are those whose in-committee performance is consistent with their written position. Your paper tells the EB what to expect from you. Consistency signals mastery. Mastery wins awards.

At most conferences — including major ones like NMUN and Delhi MUN — submitting a position paper is required for award eligibility. Even when optional, it’s one of the easiest ways to separate yourself from the rest of the room.

• A MUN position paper is a 1–2 page document proving your research before committee starts.
• The proven structure is the PReP formula: Position, Relation, Proposal.
• You write in third person using formal diplomatic language — never “I think” or “In my opinion.”
• Common mistake #1: writing your own opinion instead of your country’s actual foreign policy.
• What we recommend: start with the committee study guide, then research UN resolutions and your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pro tip: Don’t submit your position paper on the deadline day. Build in a 24-hour buffer. Late submissions are often disqualified from award consideration entirely.

The PReP Structure: Your MUN Position Paper in 3 Paragraphs

The most reliable framework for writing a winning position paper is the PReP formula: Position, Relation, Proposal. It gives you a clear structure and guarantees that every paragraph serves a purpose.

Paragraph 1: Position — How Your Country Sees the Issue

This is your opening. In 2–3 sentences, frame the agenda issue from a global or historical perspective. You’re establishing context — not yet stating your country’s position.

Template language:

The issue of [topic] has been a central concern for the international community since [date/event]. With [key statistic or recent development], the urgency for multilateral action has reached [describe scale]. [Country] recognises the severity of this challenge and its implications for [region/global stability/humanitarian welfare].

What this paragraph does: It shows the EB you understand what’s actually being debated. You’re not regurgitating the study guide — you’re synthesising it, showing trends, identifying obstacles.

What to include:

• The history and global context of the issue
• Why this matters right now
• A hook that makes the chair want to keep reading

What to avoid: Starting with a cliché quote or question. Skip the “Did you know that…” opener. Start with substance.

Paragraph 2: Relation — Your Country’s Connection to the Topic

This is the core of your paper. State clearly where your country stands on the issue, why it holds that position, and which bloc or approach it aligns with.

Template language:

[Country] maintains that [core position statement]. This position is grounded in [treaty/resolution/domestic policy]. [Country] has historically [action: supported/opposed/abstained on] similar measures, as evidenced by [specific example]. [Country] aligns with [bloc/regional group] in its approach to [sub-issue].

What this paragraph does: It makes your paper unique. This is where you prove you’ve done country-specific research rather than writing generic MUN fluff.

What to include:

• Your country’s past UN voting records on this topic
• Relevant treaties your country has signed or ratified
• Domestic legislation or policies your country has passed
• The regional bloc your country belongs to (G77, NAM, Western bloc, BRICS, ASEAN, etc.)

Crucial insight: Don’t guess your country’s position based on geography or assumed alliances. If you can’t find a clear stance, look at similar issues affecting your country and extrapolate. For example, if your country has no clear position on nuclear non-proliferation but has signed environmental accords on the same theme, use that to build a logical argument.

Paragraph 3: Proposal — What You Want to Pass in a Resolution

End with 3–5 concrete, policy-level solutions your country supports. Frame them in the language of operative clauses where possible (Calls upon, Urges, Recommends, Emphasises).

Template language:

[Country] therefore proposes the following measures:

1. Calls upon member states to [specific, measurable action];
2. Urges the establishment of [mechanism/body] to [purpose];
3. Recommends the allocation of [resource] toward [goal];
4. Emphasises the importance of [principle] in all future negotiations.

What this paragraph does: It shows you’re not just identifying problems — you’re offering solutions. This is the most important section for winning awards because it demonstrates creativity and realism.

What makes a great proposal:

• It’s SMART: Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Timely
• It builds on existing UN programs (not brand-new agencies)
• It aligns with your country’s actual interests
• It could realistically become draft resolution language

Example: Instead of “International cooperation is important” (vague, adds nothing), write “The delegation of Brazil urges the establishment of a regional monitoring mechanism under UNHCR oversight, with annual reporting requirements and funding drawn from existing humanitarian contingency budgets.”

How to Research a MUN Position Paper (Step by Step)

The quality of your position paper is determined entirely by the quality of your research. Here’s the order of sources, from most essential to supplementary:

Step 1: Read the Committee Study Guide First

The background guide (study guide) is the single most important document. It tells you exactly what the EB wants debated. Read it before anything else — it frames which aspects of the topic are in scope for your committee.

Step 2: Search the UN Digital Library

Search UN Digital Library for past resolutions on your topic. Find ones your country co-sponsored, opposed, or abstained on. This is primary source material — cite it directly. It also gives you ready-made operative clause language for your proposals.

Step 3: Check Your Country’s Official Foreign Policy

Go to your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, UN mission statements, and speeches by the head of state or foreign minister. These are your country’s actual diplomatic positions — the most credible basis for your paper.

Step 4: Use Credible News & Think Tanks

Sources like Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, The Hindu, and think tanks (Brookings, ORF, etc.) provide current-events context. Use them to show you understand the live dimensions — not just historical background.

Step 5: Map Your Country’s Bloc Alliances

Identify which bloc your country belongs to on this issue (G77, NAM, Western bloc, BRICS, ASEAN, etc.) and what that bloc collectively supports. Your proposed solutions should align with, or intelligently diverge from, your expected bloc position.

Step 6: Review Past Conference Resolutions

If your conference has published resolutions from previous years on similar topics, read them. They show you what passed and what failed — giving you a strategic sense of where consensus is possible and where it breaks down.

MUN Position Paper Formatting: What Chairs Actually Look For

Every conference has its own formatting rules, but here’s what most position papers share:

• Length: Most conferences cap position papers at 1–2 pages (approximately 400–600 words) per agenda topic. NMUN, for example, limits papers to two pages maximum.
• Font: Times New Roman or Arial, 11 or 12 point size.
• Spacing: Usually single-spaced or 1.5-spaced, with proper paragraphing.
• Header: Center-aligned on the first page, identifying the delegation name, committee, topic, and (sometimes) delegate name.
• Language: Written entirely in third person. Never use “I”, “me”, or “we”.
• Tone: Formal diplomatic register throughout.

⚠️ Common mistake: Using bullet points in the body section. Position papers are written in formal prose paragraphs. Bullet-point lists in the body read as unprepared. Reserve lists only for the solutions section if your conference allows it.

What to Cite in a MUN Position Paper

Your citations are what separate a good position paper from a great one. Here’s what you should cite:

• UN resolutions (cite by number: e.g., UNGA Res. 73/195)
• Official government statements from your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Credible news outlets (Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, The Hindu)
• Academic sources and think-tank reports
• Past conference resolutions from your event or similar conferences

Avoid using Wikipedia as a primary source. EB members will notice, and it damages your credibility immediately. Wikipedia can be a starting point for your research, but never cite it.

Inline parenthetical citations or a short footnote block at the end of the paper are both acceptable formats — check your conference’s delegate guide for preference.

Common Mistakes That Kill Your Award Chances

Here are the most common pitfalls — and how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: Writing Your Own Opinion, Not Your Country’s

Your personal views on climate change, nuclear weapons, or economic sanctions are irrelevant. What matters is what Bangladesh, Russia, or Brazil actually believes — and why.

Fix: Research your country’s actual foreign policy. If your country has signed a treaty, ratified a convention, or taken a publicly known position — your paper must reflect that. Contradicting real foreign policy is an instant credibility loss.

Mistake #2: Using First-Person Language

Never write “I believe…” or “In my opinion.” Position papers are written in third person, referring to your country as “The Delegation of [Country]” or simply “[Country]”.

Fix: Replace every instance of “I think” with “The delegation of [Country] maintains that.” Replace “We propose” with “[Country] therefore proposes.”

Mistake #3: Generic Solutions That Could Apply to Any Country

“International cooperation is important.” This adds nothing. Propose specific mechanisms, bodies, timelines, or funding structures.

Fix: Use the SMART framework. Make every proposal specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely.

Mistake #4: Copying From the Committee Background Guide

The study guide is research — not copy-paste material. Copying from it (or from Wikipedia) shows you didn’t do your own work.

Fix: Use the study guide as a starting point, then do your own research and write in your own words.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Country’s Real Foreign Policy

If your country has a clear stance, don’t ignore it. If you claim a neutral position when your country has a stake in the matter, you’ll lose standing with the EB.

Fix: Always ground your paper in your country’s actual policies, treaties, and voting records.

MUN Position Paper Example (Template You Can Adapt)

Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topic: Nuclear Non-Proliferation in South Asia
Country: The Republic of India

Position: The issue of nuclear non-proliferation has been a central concern for the international community since the adoption of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968. With the recent developments in South Asia’s nuclear programme, the urgency for multilateral action has reached unprecedented levels. The Republic of India recognises the severity of this challenge and its implications for regional and global stability.

Relation: The Republic of India maintains that a universal, non-discriminatory, and transparent nuclear security framework is essential. This position is grounded in India’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty principles, despite not being a signatory, and its subsequent designation as a responsible nuclear power by the US-India Nuclear Deal in 2008. India has historically supported strengthening the IAEA safeguards system, as evidenced by its voluntary adoption of additional safeguards in 2009. India aligns with the G77 and Non-Aligned Movement in its approach to nuclear disarmament, calling for a balance between non-proliferation and the right to peaceful nuclear technology.

Proposal: The Republic of India therefore proposes the following measures:

1. Calls upon all member states to fully implement IAEA safeguards agreements and enhance transparency in nuclear activities;
2. Urges the establishment of a South Asian regional nuclear monitoring framework under UN auspices, with annual reporting requirements;
3. Recommends the allocation of technical assistance resources through the IAEA to support nuclear safety and security capacity-building in developing states;
4. Emphasises the importance of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as an inalienable right under the NPT, and calls for increased technology transfer and capacity-building support.

Final Checklist Before You Submit

• [ ] Written in third person throughout (no “I”, “me”, or “we”)
• [ ] Follows PReP structure (Position, Relation, Proposal)
• [ ] 1–2 pages (check your conference’s page limit)
• [ ] Cites UN resolutions, government sources, and credible news
• [ ] Proposes SMART solutions (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Timely)
• [ ] Aligns with your country’s actual foreign policy
• [ ] No bullet points in body paragraphs
• [ ] Proofread and formatted cleanly
• [ ] Submitted at least 24 hours before deadline

Need Help With Your MUN Position Paper?

Writing a position paper is challenging, especially when you’re representing a country you know nothing about and need to produce something that’s concise, diplomatic, and evidence-based. That’s exactly what we specialise in.

Our professional writers handle country research, UN resolution analysis, and policy proposal development so you can focus on the committee debate. If you need a position paper that wins awards — not just meets requirements — get in touch with our team. We’ve got your back.

Related Guides

• How to Write a Position Paper: Academic Writing Guide with Examples
• How to Write a Speech: Expanded Academic Presentation Guide
• How to Write a Summary: Step-by-Step Guide with Examples
• How to Write a Reflection Paper: Structure, Examples, Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a MUN position paper mandatory?

It depends on the conference. Many major conferences — including NMUN and Delhi MUN — require a position paper for award eligibility. Even when optional, submitting one signals serious preparation and gives the EB a baseline for evaluating your in-committee performance.

How long should a MUN position paper be?

Most conferences cap position papers at 1–2 pages (approximately 400–600 words) per agenda topic. Some allow up to two pages for complex multi-agenda conferences. Always check your specific conference’s delegate guide for the word or page limit.

Can I use first person in a MUN position paper?

No. Position papers are written in third person, referring to your country as “The Delegation of [Country]” or simply “[Country]”. First-person language (“I believe…”, “We think…”) is not appropriate — use formal diplomatic register throughout.

Does a good position paper help win Best Delegate?

Yes — significantly. A strong position paper demonstrates prior research, establishes your country’s stance clearly, and lets the EB track whether your in-committee speeches are consistent with your written position. Delegates who submit quality position papers typically receive higher overall scores.

What sources should I cite in a MUN position paper?

Cite UN resolutions, official government statements, credible news outlets, and academic sources. Avoid Wikipedia as a primary source. Inline parenthetical citations or a short footnote block at the end of the paper are both acceptable formats.

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