TECO MUN Lesson 1.

3 Key Information:
The Position Paper
What’s a Position Paper?
• A position paper is a 1 - 1.5 page piece of writing that shows the chairs that you, as a delegate, are
aware of the necessary information behind the topic of the conference.
• Writing a good position paper shows that you are ready to contribute to finding a solution to it.
• Position papers should not be thought of as a useless document, but a chance for you to organize
your research into an organized paper to remind you of…
o The historical development of the issue
o How your country responded to it
o How the international community responded to it
o The kind of position you, as a delegate, hold in terms of approach to finding a solution

Basic Organization of a Position Paper

A. Background Information
➢ The historical development: How did it start and how did the it change over time?
➢ Definitions of issue-specific terms and vocabulary, to show your full awareness of the
smallest details in the issue
➢ The issue’s impact on the international community: How does it impact one country and
how does that also affect surrounding countries?
➢ If an issue is specific to a country or region, how does the issue directly impact that region?
How does it impact the economy or the people’s way of life?
➢ Why is this issue an important global issue?

B. Your Country’s Position and Previous Actions

➢ How has your country responded to the topic? News reports from your country? Reporting
from other news sources about your country’s reactions? Government releases?
➢ What direct action/support have they taken to address the problem? Do they have their
own methods of addressing the issue?
➢ Has your country been involved in any UN activities to fix the problem? Have they funded
UN related groups or participated in writing a resolution?

C. Proposed UN/NGO Solutions + the Delegate’s solution

➢ What action has the UN taken in the past to address the issue? Resolutions? Conferences?
➢ How have other NGOs dealt with the issue and what action have they taken?
➢ What kind of solution would you suggest for this issue?
➢ Is there a general sentiment or mindset you want to have for the debate?
➢ Include YOUR voice in this section, this is where you shine in your creativity
Sample Position Paper links with Comments
Sample A:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PqTdMre6pk4KzSzs5xLREjyqUuQO_M_J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid
=105856629911955825590&rtpof=true&sd=true

Sample B:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bmp_zABCO5n7yBfb6Is_eqcDM_KKCCd9/edit?usp=sharing&oui
d=105856629911955825590&rtpof=true&sd=true