We are super excited to welcome you to YMUNE XIV! In order to be eligible for awards, and to help guide and structure your preparation, we require delegates to submit a Position Paper. You may find more information below, as well as in our first Delegate Training, which covered research tips and Position Paper writing advice. 

What is a position paper?

A position paper outlines the position or stance that a country— your delegation— has on the topics the committee is focused on. In your position paper, you will have one page dedicated to each topic. you’re getting the lay of the land— don’t worry about getting especially nitpicky or launching into a 4-part history series about your country’s history on a certain topic. Think of it as a concise briefing that introduces your country's stance on the global issues at hand. Your Position Paper is not only a tool for showcasing your research and understanding but also serves as a foundation for your contributions during committee sessions. Remember, this is also your Director and Assistant Director’s first impression of you!

Submission Deadline for Feedback: March 7, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Final Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. CET

To streamline our conference preparations and enhance the overall quality of debate, we request all participating delegates to submit their Position Papers by March 7, 2024. This deadline allows our dedicated team to thoroughly review each submission, ensuring that your perspectives are valued and integrated into the conference agenda. Position papers are absolutely mandatory and you will not be eligible for awards at the end of YMUNE XIV if you do not submit a position paper.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Include a header with committee name, delegation, personal name, topic, and school

  • Footnoted sources

  • Length: One page per topic 

    • A position paper for each topic must be submitted in order to be eligible for awards

    • Don’t worry if you go a little over a page—we understand footnotes take up space!

  • Format: Single spaced

  • Font: Times New Roman, 11-point

  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides

We encourage delegates to adhere to these guidelines to maintain consistency and fairness across all submissions. By presenting your ideas concisely within the specified parameters, you contribute to a dynamic and focused dialogue on the global challenges we aim to address.

How to submit

Please submit your Position Papers by uploading through the correct Google Form:

 

Awards

YMUNE has an award for the best position paper received for each committee. At the end of the conference, we will announce the winner of the Best Position Paper Award, along with all other awards we will be offering.

The Best Position Paper award at a Model United Nations (MUN) conference is typically bestowed upon delegates who exhibit exceptional qualities in research, analysis, and diplomacy. To secure this accolade, delegates must showcase a profound understanding of the assigned topics, supported by well-researched facts and insightful perspectives. The winning paper should not only articulate the country's stance clearly but also present innovative and original solutions to the global challenges at hand. Effective communication through a clear, concise, and well-organized writing style is crucial, coupled with a high level of proficiency in grammar and syntax. The alignment of proposed solutions with the country's foreign policy, values, and strategic interests is a key consideration. Additionally, active participation in committee sessions and adept responses to questions contribute to the overall assessment. Delegates who exhibit professionalism, a diplomatic tone, and consistency throughout their Position Paper and interactions in the committee are more likely to be recognized for this prestigious award. Overall, a winning Position Paper should reflect excellence in research, critical thinking, and diplomatic communication.

Sample Position Paper

Please find an attached position paper example below, which can serve as a template for how to structure your own paper. Note that it talks about previous resolutions, actions it wishes to implement, and overall values of the country—this is what you should be aiming for, too. While a position paper is concise in nature, it takes true craftsmanship and professionalism to be able to summarize one’s perspective in essentially one page. Please keep in mind that the sample below covers one topic. You will need to write one for both topics.

 

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Position Paper submission process that were not answered above, do not hesitate to reach out to Jessica Huang at committees@ymuneurope.org.