Writing a strong position paper is one of the most critical skills in Model United Nations. A well-crafted paper not only clarifies your delegation's stance but also serves as a roadmap for your speeches and negotiation strategy. However, the ideal structure and content vary significantly by committee. A paper for the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) will look different from one for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) or the World Health Organization (WHO). This article provides concrete position paper examples by committee, breaking down what makes each effective. For a broader overview of position paper fundamentals, see our Position Paper Structure and Outline guide.
General Position Paper Structure Recap
Before diving into committee-specific examples, recall that every position paper typically includes three core sections: Background of the Topic, Country/Delegate Position, and Proposed Solutions. The background briefly outlines the issue, citing relevant UN resolutions and statistics. The position section states your country's stance, referencing its past votes, treaties, or domestic policies. The solutions section offers actionable, committee-appropriate proposals. Most papers are one page (single-spaced) or 250–300 words, but some conferences allow longer submissions. Always check the conference guidelines—many require font size 12, Times New Roman, and 1-inch margins. For a detailed template, visit our Complete Guide to Model United Nations.
DISEC (Disarmament and International Security Committee)
DISEC deals with peace, security, and disarmament. Papers here should emphasize national security interests, treaty obligations, and sovereignty. Real-world examples: the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
Example Topic: Preventing the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Background: Small arms and light weapons (SALW) cause over 500,000 deaths annually, according to the Small Arms Survey. The UN Programme of Action on Small Arms (2001) remains the primary framework. Your paper might reference the Arms Trade Treaty (2014) and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security.
Country Position: As Brazil, you would highlight the high number of gun deaths in Latin America (over 100,000 per year) and support regional agreements like the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms. Brazil has ratified the ATT and supports marking and tracing measures.
Proposed Solutions: Propose a global database for tracing illicit weapons, funded by voluntary contributions from member states. Suggest capacity-building programs for customs officials in affected regions. Emphasize that any disarmament measure must respect national sovereignty and the right to self-defense.
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)
UNEP committees focus on environmental sustainability. Papers should cite scientific reports (IPCC, UNEP Emissions Gap Report) and international agreements (Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity).
Example Topic: Addressing Plastic Pollution in Marine Environments
Background: Over 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, costing the global economy $13 billion annually in damage to marine ecosystems. The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a resolution in 2022 to negotiate a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
Country Position: As Norway, a country with strong environmental policies and a large fishing industry, you would support a comprehensive treaty that includes reduction targets for single-use plastics, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and improved waste management. Norway already bans certain single-use plastics and funds ocean clean-up initiatives.
Proposed Solutions: Advocate for a global plastic waste tracking system using satellite monitoring. Propose a fund for developing countries to build recycling infrastructure, financed by a fee on plastic producers. Encourage voluntary industry commitments to use 50% recycled content by 2030.
WHO (World Health Organization)
WHO committees address global health issues. Papers must reference WHO data, frameworks (International Health Regulations), and recent outbreaks. Emphasize public health, equity, and cooperation.
Example Topic: Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness and Response
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused over 6 million deaths globally. The WHO's Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response recommended a new global treaty. The World Health Assembly is currently negotiating a pandemic accord.
Country Position: As South Africa, you would highlight the inequitable access to vaccines during COVID-19 and support the TRIPS waiver for diagnostics and therapeutics. South Africa co-sponsored the proposal at the WTO and champions local manufacturing of vaccines.
Proposed Solutions: Call for a global pandemic response fund of $10 billion annually, with contributions based on GDP. Establish regional manufacturing hubs for mRNA vaccines, as proposed by the WHO's mRNA technology transfer hub in South Africa. Strengthen the International Health Regulations by requiring timely reporting of outbreaks.
UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council)
UNHRC committees deal with human rights issues. Papers should reference the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specific treaties (ICCPR, ICESCR), and resolutions. Use strong language about state obligations.
Example Topic: Protecting the Rights of Migrants and Refugees
Background: As of 2023, there are over 35 million refugees and 60 million internally displaced persons. The Global Compact for Migration (2018) and the Refugee Convention (1951) are key frameworks. Many migrants face discrimination, detention, and violence.
Country Position: As Germany, which has accepted over 1 million refugees since 2015, you would emphasize integration policies and the need for burden-sharing. Germany supports the Global Compact and funds resettlement programs. Your paper would criticize countries that criminalize migration.
Proposed Solutions: Propose a voluntary quota system for refugee resettlement based on GDP and population. Suggest establishing a UN fund to support host communities, financed by a small tax on international financial transactions. Advocate for ending mandatory detention of asylum seekers and promoting alternative measures.
Specialized Committees (e.g., Historical Crisis, Arab League)
Specialized committees often have unique rules and require deep historical or regional knowledge. Papers must reflect the specific committee's mandate. For example, in a historical crisis committee set in 1990, you would write as a country in that era, not using post-1990 knowledge.
Example: Arab League Committee on the Palestinian Question
Background: The Arab League was founded in 1945 to coordinate policies on Arab affairs. The Palestinian question has been central since 1948. Key resolutions include UNSC 242 (1967) and the Arab Peace Initiative (2002).
Country Position: As Egypt, you would support a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Egypt has historically mediated between Israel and Palestine and signed the Camp David Accords. Your paper would emphasize the importance of Arab unity and condemn Israeli settlements.
Proposed Solutions: Propose an Arab League peacekeeping force to monitor a ceasefire. Suggest economic incentives for Israel to freeze settlements, such as increased trade with Arab states. Call for an international conference under UN auspices to restart negotiations.
Formatting and Style Tips
Regardless of committee, follow these formatting rules:
- Use official country name (e.g., “The Federal Republic of Germany” not “Germany”).
- Cite sources: “According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)…”
- Use passive voice sparingly; active voice is clearer.
- Keep paragraphs to 4-5 sentences.
- Include a header with committee, country, topic, and delegate name.
For more advice on crafting persuasive papers, read our How to Choose an MUN Conference article, which discusses how different committees may demand different writing styles. Also, check our Top MUN Conferences for Beginners to find suitable events to practice your position paper skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much background: Keep background to 2-3 sentences; focus on your country's position.
- No specific proposals: Vague solutions like “we should cooperate” are weak; be concrete.
- Ignoring committee mandate: A DISEC paper should not propose health measures.
- Overly emotional language: Stay diplomatic and factual.
- Exceeding word limit: Most conferences enforce strict limits; edit ruthlessly.
By studying these position paper examples by committee, you can adapt your writing to the specific expectations of your committee. Practice writing one for your next conference, and always tailor it to your country's real policies. For budget-conscious delegates, see our Conference Fee Breakdown and Budget Tips to plan your MUN expenses wisely.