position papers

How do I write my SFMUN position paper?

What is a position paper?

A position paper is a document that demonstrates your delegation’s policy on the committee topic(s). In it, delegates should emphasis key facts about their delegation’s position and policies regarding the topic(s), as well as illustrating possible solutions to the topics at hand. These are required in order to be eligible for an award. 

What do I include in the position paper?

• Topic Background: The facts of the issue AND country policy

• Past Action:  What organizations (including the UN) have done in the past

• Possible Solutions: What can we do in committee to solve this?

Attempt to answer the “questions to consider” included within the background guides. Delegates should try to integrate answers into paper rather than just simply answer them. 

Cite your sources in MLA format, any uncredited work will be considered plagiarism.

How do I format my paper?

• Minimum 1 page per topic 

• Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.

• Double spaced with 1-inch margins.

• Upper left- hand corner should include the delegation (country)

• Should be written in the third-person

Please feel free to reach out to your committee chairs if you have any questions.

How do i submit my position paper?

Delegates should email their position papers as a PDF to the email on the committee page, and include their committee name and delegation name in the subject of the email. Please title your PDF as follows: “Country Name_Committee Name”. (Ex. China_ECOSOC). These are due at 11:59 on 1/24 unless you want a research awards. For research awards. please submit your position papers by 11:59pm on 1/22.

Some chairs will send you feedback on your position papers before the conference so that you will have time to adjust to their constructive criticism before debate starts. If you're having trouble reaching out to your chairs or haven't heard back from them, please contact the secretariat. Some chairs may also opt for in-person feedback during the conference.

Please email your chair if you'd like an individual extension. The Secretariat can provide extensions to entire schools depending on the circumstances.

how else should i prepare for sfmun?

Check out our learning resources page in which we provide our Lowell Model United Nations curriculum as well as other helpful delegate resources. Feel free to contact the SFMUN Secretariat for any other general questions.