Writing a strong position paper is one of the most important steps in preparing for a Model United Nations conference. A well-crafted paper demonstrates your delegation's understanding of the topic, your country's policy, and your ability to negotiate effectively. However, many delegates—especially beginners—make common mistakes that weaken their papers and hurt their committee performance. This article identifies the most frequent errors and provides actionable advice to avoid them.
Whether you are writing for your first conference or your tenth, avoiding these pitfalls will help you produce a clear, persuasive, and professional position paper. For a complete overview of the writing process, see our Complete Guide to Model United Nations.
1. Ignoring the Committee and Topic Background
One of the most fundamental mistakes is failing to tailor your paper to the specific committee and its mandate. Each committee—whether it is the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), or a specialized body like the African Union—has its own rules, scope, and focus. A position paper written for the UNSC should emphasize security and enforcement, while one for the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) should highlight environmental sustainability and scientific cooperation.
Many delegates simply copy generic language about “international cooperation” without referencing the committee's past resolutions, reports, or specific working methods. This signals a lack of preparation. To avoid this, read the committee's background guide thoroughly and look up its recent activities. For example, if you are in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), mention its Universal Periodic Review process or special rapporteurs.
Another related error is ignoring the topic's history. A position paper should show that you understand how the issue has evolved. If the topic is “Cybersecurity in Armed Conflict,” do not just state that cyber attacks are bad—reference the 2013 UN Group of Governmental Experts report, the 2018-2020 GGE failures, and the 2021 Open-Ended Working Group. Without this context, your policy proposals will seem disconnected from reality.
For guidance on choosing a conference that matches your interests, read How to Choose an MUN Conference.
2. Writing a Generic or Vague Policy Statement
Another frequent mistake is stating a country's position in broad, unsubstantiated terms. Phrases like “we support peace and security” or “we condemn all forms of terrorism” are meaningless without specifics. A strong position paper must include concrete actions your country has taken, relevant treaties it has ratified, and specific data points.
For instance, if your delegation is the United Kingdom, do not just say “the UK supports climate action.” Instead, write: “The United Kingdom has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels under its Nationally Determined Contribution, and has allocated £11.6 billion to international climate finance from 2021 to 2026.” That level of detail shows research and builds credibility.
Delegates also often confuse “position” with “opinion.” Your paper must reflect the official policy of the country you represent, not your personal views. If you are representing China, you must defend the One-China principle even if you personally disagree. Ignoring this leads to a paper that is unrealistic and will be dismissed by the dais.
To see examples of strong policy statements, review our Position Paper Examples by Committee.
3. Poor Structure and Lack of Clear Organization
A position paper is not an essay; it has a specific structure that most conferences expect. The standard format includes: an introduction, a section on country policy, a section on past international action, a section on proposed solutions, and a conclusion. Many delegates either omit sections or mix them together, making the paper hard to follow.
For example, some delegates write the entire paper as one long paragraph, which buries key points. Others put proposed solutions before explaining the problem, leaving the reader confused. Use clear headings and subheadings to guide the reader. If the conference provides a template, use it exactly. If not, follow the structure outlined in our Position Paper Structure and Outline.
Another structural mistake is writing too much or too little. Most position papers are one page (about 500-600 words). Exceeding two pages is usually frowned upon, while writing only a few sentences shows lack of effort. Check the conference rules: for example, the National Model United Nations (NMUN) requires position papers of 500-600 words per topic, while the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) asks for one page per topic. Adhere strictly to the word limit.
4. Failing to Propose Realistic and Specific Solutions
The solutions section is the most important part of a position paper, yet many delegates fail to propose anything concrete. They write things like “we must work together” or “we call for more dialogue,” which are not actionable. Instead, propose specific mechanisms, funding amounts, timelines, and responsible bodies.
For example, if your topic is “Improving Access to Education in Conflict Zones,” do not just say “we should build schools.” Propose: “Establish a $50 million trust fund under UNESCO to rehabilitate 200 schools in the Sahel region over three years, with monitoring by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).” Such proposals show that you have thought about feasibility and implementation.
Additionally, ensure your proposals align with your country's foreign policy. A small developing nation should not propose a $10 billion program; instead, suggest capacity building, technical assistance, or partnerships. Conversely, a major power like the United States can propose large financial commitments. Realism is key.
For budget tips and understanding conference costs, see Conference Fee Breakdown and Budget Tips.
5. Overlooking Formatting and Citation Rules
Many delegates lose points simply because they ignore formatting guidelines. Common errors include wrong font size (usually 12 pt Times New Roman or Arial), lack of header information (delegation name, committee, topic), and improper file naming. Some conferences require PDFs, others accept Word documents. Always follow the exact specifications provided in the background guide.
Citations are another area where mistakes abound. While position papers do not require a full bibliography in most conferences, you should cite key sources like UN resolutions, treaties, or reports. Use footnotes or parenthetical citations if allowed. For example: “According to UN Security Council Resolution 1325, women must be included in peace processes.” Failing to cite sources makes your claims appear unsupported.
Also, avoid using Wikipedia as a source. Use official UN documents, government websites, and reputable think tanks (e.g., Chatham House, Council on Foreign Relations). If you are unsure about a fact, flag it with a phrase like “according to a 2022 report by the International Crisis Group...”
6. Neglecting to Proofread and Edit
Spelling and grammar errors can undermine an otherwise strong paper. They make you look careless and unprofessional. Always run a spell check, read the paper aloud, and ask a friend to review it. Pay attention to common mistakes: confusing “its” and “it's,” “affect” and “effect,” and “principle” and “principal.”
Beyond grammar, check for logical consistency. If you say in one section that your country supports free trade, but later propose protectionist tariffs, that contradiction will be noticed. Ensure that your policy statements, past actions, and proposed solutions are all aligned.
Finally, ensure that your paper is submitted on time. Late submissions are often not accepted, or they incur penalties. Mark the deadline on your calendar and aim to finish at least two days early to allow for revisions.
7. Not Adapting to the Conference Level or Style
Different conferences have different expectations. A beginner-friendly conference like the YMCA Model UN (YMUN) may accept simpler language, while advanced conferences like the World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) expect sophisticated analysis. Research the conference's level and past position papers if available.
For instance, at the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN), the dais expects a clear policy statement and three to four concrete solutions. At the more competitive University of Chicago Model United Nations (UChicago MUN), delegates are expected to engage with academic literature and propose innovative mechanisms. Tailor your paper accordingly.
If you are a beginner, consider attending conferences listed in our Top MUN Conferences for Beginners to build your skills before tackling advanced events.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve the quality of your position paper and increase your chances of earning an award. Remember to research thoroughly, structure clearly, propose specific solutions, and proofread carefully. Your position paper is your first impression on the dais—make it count.
For more detailed guidance, explore our related articles below.
Related articles
- The Complete Guide to Model United Nations
- Position Paper Structure and Outline
- Position Paper Examples by Committee
- How to Choose an MUN Conference
- Conference Fee Breakdown and Budget Tips