Week 4 – Research and Position Paper

Research skills help delegates prepare for Model UN before the conferences even start. Understanding their country, committee, and topic can give delegates the confidence to know what to say!

Lesson: Explain the purpose of a Position Paper:

  • To help you understand your topic and country policy;
  • To practice research and writing skills; and,
  • Required by most MUN conferences.

The four sections of a Position Paper are below. Use the questions to guide students through what to include in each section of the their 1-2 page “Position Paper”, and generally how to research for information in each set:

  • Background of Topic
    • What is the definition of the issue?
    • What is its scope (who does it impact)?
    • What are the main causes of this issue?
    • What are major sub-topics related to the issue?
  • Past International Actions
    • Have there been any major treaties or resolutions agreed to related to your topic?
      • Has any part of the international community taken action on this issue?
      • What events, speeches, or reports has the international community produced about this issue?
  • Country Policy
    • Has your country supported or resisted any major international efforts on the topic?
    • Has your country’s government or UN mission issued any statements on the topic?
    • Who does your country like to worth with in solving this issue?
  • Possible Solutions
    • What solutions could be used to help address this issue that your country could agree with? Solutions should be detailed, realistic, and specific.

Research Binder: Delegates can print out sources and compile into a physical binder to prepare for a conference in addition to writing their position paper.

Presentations

Position Paper Overview (Locked) 

Research- Country Policy (Locked) 

Possible Solutions (Locked) 

Worksheets

Source Credibility (Locked) 

Part 1 – Topic Background (Locked) 

Part 2 – Past International Action (Locked) 

Country Profile (Locked) 

Part 3 – Country Policy (Locked) 

Country Policy Sources (Locked) 

Brainstorming Possible Solutions (Locked) 

Creating Program Solutions (Locked) 

Position Paper Writing (Locked) 

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