position papers
Due January 19, 2026*
*Deadline to be considered for research awards.
How do I write my SFMUN position paper?
What is a position paper?
A position paper is a document that demonstrates your delegation’s policy on the committee topic(s). In it, delegates should emphasize key facts about their delegation’s position and policies regarding the topic(s), as well as illustrating possible solutions to the topics at hand. These are required in order to be eligible for an award of any kind.
What do I include in my position paper?
Topic Background: The facts and general overview of the issue
Country Policy: Your assigned delegation’s stance and relevant legislation on the topic
Past Action: What organizations (including the UN) have done in the past to address the topic
Possible Solutions: What can we do in committee to solve this?
Attempt to answer the “questions to consider” included within the background guides. Delegates should try to integrate answers into paper rather than just simply answer them.
Must include a Works Cited section in MLA format, any uncredited work will be considered plagiarism.
How do I format my paper?
Minimum 1 page per topic
Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
Double spaced with 1-inch margins.
Upper left- hand corner should include the delegation (country)
Should be written in the third-person
Feel free to reach out to your committee chairs if you have any questions.
How do I submit my position paper?
Delegates should email their position papers as a PDF to the email on the committee page, and include their committee name and delegation name in the subject of the email. Please title your PDF as follows: “Country Name_Committee Name”. (Ex. China_ECOSOC). For research awards, please submit your position papers by 11:59 pm PST on January 19, 2026. Position papers turned in after this date till the conference will be accepted, but not considered for research awards.
Some chairs will send you feedback on your position papers before the conference so that you will have time to adjust to their constructive criticism before the debate starts. If you're having trouble reaching out to your chairs or haven't heard back from them, please contact the secretariat. Some chairs may also opt for in-person feedback during the conference.
Please email your chair if you'd like an individual extension. The Secretariat can provide extensions to entire schools depending on the circumstances.
how else should i prepare for sfmun?
Check out our learning resources page in which we provide our Lowell Model United Nations curriculum as well as other helpful delegate resources. Feel free to contact the SFMUN Secretariat for any other general questions.