Anatomy of a Position Paper
Advocating for solutions that align with your nation's regional alliance or political bloc if your specific country lacks an explicit law on a niche topic.
Do
True or False: A personal blog or a student-edited news forum is an acceptable primary source to cite in a position paper bibliography.
False
In which city is the international headquarters of the United Nations located?
NYC
DO or DON'T: Using first-person pronouns like "I believe" or "We feel" anywhere in the position paper text.
Don’t
Which specialized UN database contains detailed profiles on national implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
SDG Database
In 2009, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi delivered a famously chaotic 96-minute General Assembly speech during which he physically tore up a copy of this founding document on stage.
UN Charter
This section outlines the global history, statistics, and past international action regarding the committee topic. Where in the paper does it go?
First
Name one international think tanks whose research reports are widely accepted for policy analysis in Model UN papers
CFR, Brookings, or other
Which South American nation's delegation once brought an actual piece of disputed land—a box filled with topsoil from the territory—and dumped it on the General Assembly floor during a speech?
Ecuador, fighting with Peru
This section details your nation's domestic laws, national interests, past treaty ratifications, and regional contributions. Where does it go in the paper?
Second
Name two UN agencies whose research may help you
WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNEP, or UNDP (any two)
In 1974, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat addressed the General Assembly carrying this item, famously stating, "I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom fighter's gun."
Empty holster
This section sets forth actionable policy proposals, framework ideas, and collaborative solutions your nation advocates for in draft resolutions. Where does it go in the paper?
Last
Why is Wikipedia, blogs, or open secondary media outlets considered unacceptable primary sources for an MUN position paper citation page?
They’re unverified
In 1960, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev famously made headlines at the UN General Assembly by doing this unusual action at his desk during a heated debate.
Banging his show on the desk