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Position Paper Guidelines

What is a position paper?
A position paper, also referred to as a policy paper, is an essay summarizing a countrys views
and policies on the issues to be discussed in committee. It organizes ideas, proposed solutions,
statistics, and general background information on each topic. Background guides and topics can
be found here: chantillymun.org/committees.html. Position papers will be read by each
committees respective chairs/co-chairs and will be factored into awards decisions. They will
primarily be used to measure the breadth and substance of research delegates conducted in
preparation for the conference. For CHMUN IX, each delegation must submit a position paper in
order to be considered for awards. Plagiarism will result in disqualification from awards.
How do I write one?
Position papers are generally formulaic in nature, but requirements can change from conference
to conference. CHMUN X has a preferred format, but delegates can deviate from the preferred
format as long as all the crucial information is presented. Keep in mind that a good position
paper will present and back-up proposals for resolutions based on country policy. This is the
most important part of the paper. The following is the favored format outline:
1) Cover page
a) Name of committee
b) Country Flag & Country name
c) Name of delegates
d) School
2) Introduction
a) This is a very brief summary of the countrys current status. Possibly list some relevant
facts that could potentially substantiate claims made later in the paper. Should be no more
than a short paragraph
3) Topic I - (Make sure to list the name of the topic as the heading)
a) Introduction
i) This section should be used to describe the issue based on further research. Do not
simply state facts found in the background guides; the chair wants to see how you
researched outside of the given information. This is where delegates can reference
previous UN resolutions/laws if possible.
ii) Delegates should keep this section brief as well
b) Proposed solutions
i) This should be the meat of the paper. This includes specific policies a country seeks
to implement in order to resolve the issue. Adhere to country policy when making
claims. Organize this section into paragraphs to make it easier to navigate during
committee.

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4) Topic II
a) Introduction
b) Proposed Solutions
5) Works Cited
a) Delegates should include a bibliography page giving credit to any and all sources in MLA
format.
Further Information
Delegates are requested to use a professional font such as Times New roman (Font Size 12) or
Calibri (Font Size 12). There is no specific length requirement to the paper; as long as all
information is presented thoroughly and sufficiently, then the paper is acceptable. Again, this
guide is simply an outline, not a required/enforced format. Nonetheless, delegates are urged to
use information in this guide to their benefit. The CHMUN Secretariat has a zero tolerance
policy regarding plagiarism, for further details refer to the CHMUN Code of Conduct.