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Tips for Writing a Position Paper When Your Country Doesn’t Have a PolicySo, you’ve signed up for a conference, received your country assignment, and suddenly realized… your country doesn’t have a clear policy on the topic. To make things worse, you now have to submit a position paper.Sound familiar? Don’t panic. Even if your country has never publicly addressed the issue, you can still write an effective position paper. Here’s how:1. Stay Positive—Don’t Let This Kill Your EnthusiasmIt’s easy to feel discouraged when you think you have nothing to write. But remember: MUN is about problem-solving.Instead of seeing this as an obstacle, view it as an opportunity to craft a unique stance.Plenty of successful delegates have faced the same challenge and still performed exceptionally well. MUN is meant to be fun—stay positive!2. Follow the Position Paper Structure—Don’t Turn It into an EssayWhen struggling with content, it’s tempting to write long introductions and conclusions to fill space. Don’t do this.Instead, stick to the required format:• Introduction: Briefly state your country’s general stance.• Background: Explain the issue’s significance.• Policy &amp; Analysis: Present your country’s approach based on available data.• Proposed Solutions: Offer practical recommendations.If you structure your paper properly, you’ll stay on track and won’t feel lost while writing.3. Keep It Simple—Clarity Is KeyUsing sophisticated vocabulary might seem impressive, but clarity always wins over complexity.• Keep your arguments logical and structured.• Avoid unnecessary jargon.• Write in a way that’s easy for others to understand.Remember, a clear and well-supported argument is more powerful than a complicated one.4. Dig Deeper—Basic Google Searches Won’t Be EnoughWhen your country doesn’t have a clear policy, you’ll need to go beyond surface-level research.Where to Look:✔ UN Resolutions &amp; Conventions – Check if your country has signed or ratified any agreements.✔ UN General Assembly Speeches – Countries often comment on issues indirectly in debates.✔ Government &amp; Ministry Websites – Even if there’s no international policy, there may be domestic policies that align with the topic.✔ Voting Records on Past Resolutions – Look for your country’s stance on similar issues.A little extra effort in research can reveal hidden information that strengthens your argument.5. Check YouTube for Non-GA CommitteesIf you’re in a Security Council, specialized UN body, or regional organization, you might struggle to find written records.✔ Search for video recordings of past UN sessions on YouTube.✔ Look for press briefings or interviews from diplomats.✔ Stay focused—don’t get distracted by unrelated videos!Sometimes, watching discussions can give you a better understanding of international perspectives than reading.6. Think Outside the Box—Use Your Country’s AlliesIf your country doesn’t have a direct policy, look at:✔ Your country’s closest allies and their positions.✔ Trade partners and regional blocs that influence decision-making.✔ Existing national policies that might relate indirectly to the topic.You can align your stance with your country’s allies or adapt their positions to fit your country’s general values.7. Talk to Others—Fresh Perspectives HelpExplaining your topic to someone else can help you understand it better. Try discussing it with:✔ Friends &amp; MUNers – They may offer insights you hadn’t considered.✔ Professors &amp; Mentors – Their expertise can guide your research.✔ Family Members – Sometimes, an outsider’s perspective can spark new ideas.Engaging in discussions prepares you for committee debates and can help you refine your arguments.Final Thoughts: The Delegate Defines the CountryThis list isn’t exhaustive, but it provides a clear strategy when you feel stuck.Your research and preparation define your success at MUN—not just your country’s policies. A well-structured position paper will boost your confidence and help you navigate debates effectively.At the end of the day, the delegate makes the country. Even if your country has no official stance, your ability to present logical, well-researched arguments is what truly matters.So, stay confident, trust your research, and go make an impact at your conference! 🚀

TIPS FOR WRITING A POSITION PAPER WHEN YOUR COUNTRY DOESN’T HAVE A POLICY!

It's always a productive day with technology around

Being a first-timer at MUN can feel overwhelming. Many believe that experience is the key to success, but the truth is, your mindset matters more than anything else.I asked some experienced MUNers about their first conference, and 8 out of 10 admitted thinking:“Nobody’s going to listen to my ideas. The other delegates are more experienced. Even the Chair might make fun of me.”And yet, almost all of them later realized that their fears were completely unnecessary. MUN is a place where every voice matters. So let’s correct some of the biggest misconceptions first-time delegates often have.1. The Chair Will Not Make Fun of You—They’re There to Support You.One of the biggest fears first-timers have is that they will be judged, especially by the Chair. This is simply not true.A Chair’s main responsibility is to guide the committee, ensure engagement, and keep the discussions productive. Their role is not to intimidate or humiliate delegates but to facilitate meaningful debate.Other delegates will also want you to participate because an active committee leads to better discussions. Remember, the entire purpose of the UN is unity and collaboration. So don’t hesitate—clear your throat, stand up, and make your voice heard.2. Every Idea Matters—Even First-Timers Can Shape the Debate.Some first-time delegates hesitate to speak, thinking their ideas aren’t good enough. But here’s the truth: some of the best, most impactful arguments have come from first-timers.MUN is built on collaboration. Even if your idea is challenged, at least you contributed—and that’s what matters. Speaking up ensures that at the end of the conference, you won’t be left wondering:“What if I had shared my idea?”3. You Don’t Have to Represent a P5 Country to Win an Award.A common myth is that only delegates representing P5 countries (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) win awards. This is completely false.Success in MUN isn’t about the power of your country, but the strength of your ideas. Many outstanding delegates have won Best Delegate awards while representing smaller nations.If you receive an allocation for a lesser-known country, don’t be discouraged. Your words hold just as much weight as those of a P5 nation. What matters is your ability to debate, form alliances, and contribute to resolutions.4. The General Speakers List (GSL) Is Not a Waste of Time—It’s Your First Impression.Some delegates think the General Speakers List (GSL) is unimportant. That’s a mistake.The GSL is your first opportunity to introduce your country’s stance and show the committee that you are prepared. This is your first impression, both to your Chair and fellow delegates.Opening yourself up for questions after your speech is also a smart move. It shows that you are confident, well-researched, and ready to defend your position.5. Staying Silent During an Unmoderated Caucus Will Hurt Your Performance.Unmoderated Caucuses can feel overwhelming, especially in a crowded committee. But staying silent, sitting in a corner, or chatting with friends while others draft resolutions will not help you succeed.If you feel left out, speak up. Ask to join a discussion. Sit next to the delegate working on the document. If possible, be the delegate with the computer—you’ll have a direct role in shaping the resolution.Unmoderated Caucuses are where real diplomacy happens. Don’t let fear hold you back. Engage, collaborate, and make an impact.Final ThoughtsThese are just a few of the misconceptions that hold first-time delegates back. If you have more concerns, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to answer any questions.Most importantly, trust yourself. Your ideas matter. Your voice matters. Now go out there and own your MUN experience! 🚀

5 Conceptions Of The 5 Misconceptions That First Timers Have About MUN

How to Be Successful in MUNBeing successful in Model United Nations (MUN) requires more than just showing up with research papers and pre-written speeches. You must be fully prepared not only with facts and arguments but also with an understanding of your delegation’s weaknesses, past controversies, financial limitations, and questionable actions related to the topic. Anticipate criticism from other delegates and prepare strong counterarguments in advance. If you fail to address these challenges effectively, your influence in the committee will weaken. Being well-prepared ensures that you maintain credibility and control over the debate. Be Ready Without Relying on TechnologyMany MUN conferences enforce a no-device policy, which means you won’t have access to the internet to conduct research during formal debate. This rule is designed to keep delegates fully engaged and prevent last-minute fact-checking. Therefore, knowing your country’s historical stance on key issues—whether related to nuclear weapons, sovereignty, or human rights—is essential. This prior knowledge will allow you to respond quickly and confidently while maintaining diplomatic accuracy. Winning Awards: Make an ImpactIn MUN, awards are given to delegates who stand out and actively shape the debate. To increase your chances of winning, you need to do more than just speak frequently—you must bring new perspectives and lead discussions in a meaningful way. Simply agreeing with the majority won’t make you memorable; instead, focus on offering innovative solutions, defending your position effectively, and influencing the committee’s final decisions. To prepare, research your country’s policies, programs, and past actions on your committee’s topics.• Start by exploring official government websites, especially speeches by your head of state and foreign ministry officials.• Review your country’s voting record on past resolutions, treaties, and agreements related to the issue.• Always check the dates of policies, as recent changes can affect your stance. Additionally, study the Chair’s letter and committee guide, as these documents highlight the key issues and preferred solutions from the Chair’s perspective. Understanding this can help you tailor your arguments and align your approach with the committee’s overall direction. Forming Alliances: The Key to SuccessMost MUN conferences require collaboration to succeed. Building alliances is crucial, as you will need support to pass resolutions and influence decisions. Start by identifying:• Your country’s allies, trade partners, and regional neighbors.• Member states of international organizations that share similar policies with your country.Your closest allies will be your starting point for coalition-building. Strengthening these relationships early in the conference will give you a strategic advantage. Fully Embrace Your RoleWhether you represent an entire country or an individual, embodying your role is essential for delivering strong speeches and negotiating effectively. Understanding your delegation’s policies is not enough—you must believe in them and persuade others to support your stance. Entering each session with confidence and diplomacy will elevate you from being a “good” delegate to a memorable leader in the committee. Know Your CompetitionSuccess in MUN is not just about alliances—it’s also about knowing your competitors. Identify:• Countries that oppose your policies and will challenge your resolutions.• Delegates who are competing for awards, particularly those representing traditionally strong delegations.Balancing cooperation and competition is essential, especially when some of your closest allies may also be your biggest rivals. Master Resolution WritingMost MUN conferences require delegates to draft resolutions, making this a key opportunity to showcase leadership and diplomatic skills.• Follow your conference’s official format carefully.• Ensure your resolutions align with your country’s policies while remaining realistic and actionable.• Keep a one-page summary of your main points for quick reference during debates.Well-structured resolutions not only strengthen your position but also demonstrate your ability to lead discussions and drive solutions. Final ThoughtsMUN success is built on thorough preparation, strong alliances, confident public speaking, and effective resolution drafting. By mastering these skills, you can stand out as a respected delegate, influence committee decisions, and increase your chances of winning awards.

How To Be Successful In MUN

DSG-Partners

DSG-Partners was born out of a passion for Model United Nations (MUN) that began during our university years. Initially, we organized and participated in MUN conferences both as volunteers and as paid consultants, gaining hands-on experience in guiding delegates and managing successful events. This early involvement helped us build a deep understanding of the needs and challenges within MUN, laying the foundation for DSG-Partners. Today, we leverage that experience to offer professional consultancy services for schools and institutions looking to enhance their MUN programs.

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TIPS FOR WRITING A POSITION PAPER WHEN YOUR COUNTRY DOESN...

5 Conceptions Of The 5 Misconceptions That First Timers H...

How To Be Successful In MUN