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

Tips for Writing a Position Paper When Your Country Doesn’t Have a Policy

So, 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 Enthusiasm

It’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 Essay

When 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 & 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 Key

Using 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 Enough

When your country doesn’t have a clear policy, you’ll need to go beyond surface-level research.

Where to Look:

✔ UN Resolutions & Conventions – Check if your country has signed or ratified any agreements.

✔ UN General Assembly Speeches – Countries often comment on issues indirectly in debates.

✔ Government & 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 Committees

If 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 Allies

If 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 Help

Explaining your topic to someone else can help you understand it better. Try discussing it with:

✔ Friends & MUNers – They may offer insights you hadn’t considered.

✔ Professors & 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 Country

This 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! 🚀