Introduction to MUN

By Matheus C. Bevilacqua
Position Papers
Position Paper

The position paper serves to further clarify a delegate's

position on a specific topic, as well as to establish an
outline for an eventual resolution.
Format
• Header: Informs your committee, topic, country, school, and name on the
top left hand corner of the page.

• The position paper is divided into three paragraphs, as follows:

– History and background on the topic:
– This section should not be a re-statement of the background guide. Instead, it should
elaborate on the issue from the perspective of your country.
– History of your country’s position on the topic:
– The section should explain your nation’s specific history with the topic and assess the various
solutions that your country has explored.
– Proposed solutions to the topic:
– The final portion of your paper should discuss the various solutions that your nation would
like the UN to consider.

• Position papers should be no more than one typed, single-spaced page in

Times New Roman size 12. One position paper is required per topic.
Sample
Tips
• Don’t begin writing until you’re almost done researching.

• Before you being writing, outline your facts and ideas so that the paper flows
logically.

• Make sure to edit position papers for grammatical mistakes before submitting
them!

• Remember that your proposed solutions should reflect your country’s position.
The solutions you propose should also be as original as possible, though you
should also acknowledge and suggest measures that strengthen solutions that
have already been implemented in other initiatives.

• Show the breadth of your research and your mastery of the facts. Include
references to specific dates, people, documents, and events.

• Strive to strike a balance between concise and thorough. Include specifics in

your plans, but make your descriptions are short and easily understood.
Resolutions
Resolution

A resolution is a written suggestion for addressing a specific

problem or issue. They are written by the delegate, debated and
later voted on in the committee to which the topic pertains. A
resolution should NOT be written until you are almost done
with your research. It is also important to note that resolutions
are usually debated independently at most conferences.
Research Process
Format: Preamble
• Heading: Informs the committee and topic, main and co-
submitters.

• Pre-ambulatory clauses: They state the reason for which

the topic is being addressed and highlights past action
taken. Each clause beings with a present participle (see
list) and ends with a comma. It may include references to
the UN Charter, past resolutions, statemen ts made,
recognition of efforts made and other generalities.

• Each preamble begins with a preambulatory phrase. Th e

clause must meet the following criteria:
1. The preambulatory phrase must be italicized.

2. The first word of the clause must be capitalized.

3. Preambles are not numbered.

4. Each preamble ends with a comma.

5. Skip a line between each clause.

6. Preambles cannot have sub-clauses.

Format: Preambulatory Phrases
Format: Operative Clauses
• Operative Clauses: They state actions that the submitters

believe should be taken to resolve the issue. Each clause

begins with a verb (see list) and ends with a semicolon.

The information must be organized in a logical sequence

with each point numbered and containing a single idea or

proposal. If further explanation or clarification is

required, sub-clauses with Roman numerals or letter can

be used. After the last clauses the resolution ends in

either a semicolon or a period. A semicolon indicates that

the delegation is open to suggestions or contribution s

while a period does not.

Format: Operative Clauses
• Each operative clause begins with an operative
phrase. The clause must meet the following criteria:

1. The operative phrase must be underlined.

2. The first word of the clause must be capitalized.

3. Operative phrases are numbered.

4. Each operative clause ends with a semi-colon.

5. The last operative clause ends with a period.

6. Skip a line between each clause.

7. Indent all lines of each clause after the first line.

8. Operative clauses may have sub-clauses. Sub-clauses

should be indented.
Format: Operative Phrases
Tips
• Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution calls for a new program,
think about how it will be funded and what body will manage it. DO NOT LEAVE VAGUE
STATEMENTS IN YOUR RESOLUTION.

• Try to write your resolution based on concrete measures with quantitative suggestions.

• Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that cannot be met. Make sure
your committee has the power to take the action suggested. For example, the General
Assembly can't sanction another country – only the Security Council can do so.

• Try to find co-submitters. Your committee will be more likely to approve the resolutions if
many delegates contribute ideas.

• Preambulatory clauses are justifications for the action. Use them to cite past resolutions,
precedents and statements about the purpose of action. Also utilize them to highlight the
importance of discussing the issue.

• Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to
explain what the committee will do to address the issue.
Opening Speeches
Opening Speeches
• Usually first thing done in committee prior to lobbying

• Greeting to chairs and delegates

• Brief introduction of your country’s history in the topics

• Current situation

• Your country’s overall position on the topics + reason for position

• Mention of past actions taken by the UN, members states, etc. to combat
problems

• Possible goals for resolutions

• Conclude with aims for debate (engaging discussion, productive debate, etc.)

• Should last for approx. 1-2 minutes (varies depending on conference)

Characteristics of a Great
Opening Speeches

• Concise
• Clear

• Constructive

• Critical

• Confident

• Passionate
Questions?