Writing A Position Paper

Writing a position paper
Writing a position paper might appear to be a daunting task, especially for new delegates. But with enough research, you will find that writing a position paper will beeasy and useful. Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length. Your position paper should include a brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown of your country'sposition on the topics that are being discussed by the committee. A good position paper will not only provide facts but also make proposals for resolutions. Many conferences will ask for specific details ina position paper, so be sure to include all the required information. Most conferences will provide delegates a background guide to the issue. Usually, the background guide will contain questions toconsider. Make sure that your position paper answers these questions.
A good position paper will include:
A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and committee;How the issue affects your country; Your country’s policies with respect to the issue and your country’s justification for these policies; Quotes from your country’s leaders about the issue;Statistics to back up your country’s position on the issue; Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue; Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified; UN actionsthat your country supported or opposed; What your country believes should be done to address the issue; What your country would like to accomplish in the committee’s resolution; and How thepositions of other countries affect your country’s position.

SAMPLE POSITION PAPER
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Disarmament
Country: People’s Republic of China Delegate:
On behalf of President HuJintao and the people of our great country I would to thank the honorable chair for the invitation, and welcome you all delegates to this debate in which an important part of the international efforts...