square Position Papers

Position papers are documents outlining a country’s view on a given topic. Position papers are mandatory and should serve as preparation for the conference. Note that each position paper is read by the committee’s chair to determine, at the conclusion of the committee, the extent to which each delegate was able to achieve their stated aims. Completed papers should be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it in a single Microsoft Word document.

General Position Papers

A general position paper includes a nation's foreign policy and policies in the United Nations. A brief history of the country is often provided for context, but should not dominate the paper. Each delegation must prepare a general position paper.

Delegates should ensure that the paper answers the following questions:

  1. Are there larger movements within the UN with which the country is aligned?
  2. What is the government's policy in broad issues, including collective security, economic and social development, the environment, and human rights?
  3. How has the nation reacted to world events in the past year? The past decade? How has it been affected?

The primary concern of the UN, and thus of SOMA, is with international problems and issues. The listing of exhaustive facts, figures, and geographical information in position papers, therefore, is highly discouraged.

Each general position paper should be approximately one to three pages in length, single-spaced, and typed in size 12 Times New Roman, with the delegation and school names at the top. For further information, please consult the sample general position paper.

 

Committee-Specific Position Papers

Additional position papers must be submitted for each non-General Assembly committee that a delegation sits on. Delegates should read the appropriate background guides, available on this website, and do further research to familiarize themselves with the country's position for each topic.

A position paper should be divided by topic, and each should include:

  1. A clear statement of policy on the topic
  2. The country's background on the topic, with specific reference to domestic and foreign policy; action taken by the government; actions the government has supported, not supported, or condemned; resolutions and declarations that your country supports (UN or otherwise)
  3. Any action that your country would support in a resolution

For further information, please consult the sample committee-specific position paper.

Please ensure that all position papers for a country are merged into a single document before they are sent.

Historical Crisis Position Papers

 

In participating as a specific individual, rather than as a delegate to a country, in the historical crisis students will be required to represent the views of the individuals assigned. This presents unique challenges, and necessitates specific research as to the role and opinions of the person within the conflict: in this position paper, it is not adequate to simply express the views of the government or organization in which the individual represented is involved. Thus, it is especially important to read the background guide for this committee, as information is provided within as to the crisis and the roles of those participating.

The following is a list of elements that should be included in the position paper:

  1. A brief explanation of the individual's role within the scope of the organization that he represents
  2. A background of the policy that your individual supports, with specific reference to: domestic and foreign policy; actions taken by the individual; actions your individual has supported, not supported, or condemned
  3. Reasoning that relates the events and explains how they pertain to the individual's specific roles
  4. A clear statement of the objectives of the individual in representing his post
  5. Ways in which the individual feels these objectives may be attained, and actions which the individual would support, if applicable

The historical crisis position paper should be approximately one page long, single-spaced, and typed in 12 Times New Roman, with the name of the individual being represented at the top and the student's name underneath.