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GSUMUN 2026 Conference

Position Papers

Position Paper Guide

Learn how to write compelling position papers that represent your country's stance and demonstrate thorough research and understanding.

Due Date

November 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Awards Eligible

Position Paper Awards

Required For

All Delegates

Download Guidelines

A position paper is a diplomatic document that outlines your country's official stance on the topics being discussed in your committee. It demonstrates your research, understanding of your country's foreign policy, and proposed solutions to global issues.

Purpose

  • Demonstrate your country's historical position
  • Show understanding of the issues
  • Propose realistic solutions
  • Prepare for committee debate

Requirements

  • One page per committee maximum
  • Times New Roman 10–12pt font
  • Proper header format
  • No citations required

Important Note

Position papers are required to be eligible for Position Paper Awards. They must be submitted by November 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM to sg@gsumun.org.

Header Section

Delegation from
The Republic of India
Represented by
Georgia State University
Position Paper for the General Assembly Third Committee

The header must include your delegation name, representing school, and the specific committee. Use the exact format shown above.

Topic Sections

Each committee topic should have its own section. Follow this structure for each topic:

1. Topic Introduction

Briefly describe the issue and why it's important globally and to your country.

2. Country's Historical Position

Explain your country's past actions, policies, and statements on this issue.

3. Current Stance & Challenges

Describe your country's current position and any challenges it faces.

4. Proposed Solutions

Outline specific, realistic solutions your country supports for addressing the issue.

1

Research Your Country

Study your country's government structure, economy, culture, and foreign policy priorities. Understand its relationships with other nations and international organizations.

2

Understand the Topics

Read the background guide thoroughly. Research current events related to each topic. Understand the key stakeholders and existing international frameworks.

3

Find Your Country's Position

Look for official government statements, UN voting records, speeches by leaders, and policy documents. Check your country's mission to the UN website.

4

Identify Key Challenges

Determine what specific challenges your country faces regarding each topic. Consider economic, political, social, and security factors.

5

Develop Realistic Solutions

Propose solutions that align with your country's capabilities and interests. Consider what your country would realistically support in committee.

6

Write and Review

Draft your position paper using formal diplomatic language. Review for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to formatting requirements.

Writing Tips

  • Write in third person (avoid "I" or "we" — use "The delegation of...")
  • Use formal diplomatic language
  • Be specific rather than vague
  • Stay consistent with your country's actual positions
  • Avoid taking positions your country would never support

Document Format

  • Length
    Maximum one page per committee
  • Font
    Times New Roman, 10–12 point
  • Margins
    1 inch on all sides
  • Spacing
    Single-spaced

Header Requirements

Delegation from
[Your Country]
Represented by
[Your School]
Position Paper for the [Committee Name]

Use this exact format for your header. Bold and italic formatting is required as shown.

Common Formatting Mistakes

  • Exceeding one page length
  • Missing or incorrect header information
  • Wrong font or font size
  • Including citations or bibliography
  • Missing bold/italic formatting in header

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources

Research Strategy

Country Background
  • Government structure
  • Economic priorities
  • Foreign policy goals
  • Regional relationships
Topic Research
  • Current developments
  • Key stakeholders
  • Existing frameworks
  • Recent UN actions
Country Position
  • Official statements
  • Voting records
  • Policy documents
  • Leadership speeches

Here are examples of how different countries might approach common topics:

General Assembly Third Committee

Topic: Combating Climate Change and Global Security

United States

Focus on technology solutions, private sector innovation, and market-based approaches while emphasizing economic competitiveness.

China

Emphasize developing country status, historical responsibility of developed nations, and sovereignty over domestic climate policies.

India

Highlight development needs, per capita emissions, and call for climate finance and technology transfer from developed countries.

Germany

Advocate for ambitious emission reduction targets, renewable energy transition, and strong international cooperation mechanisms.

Brazil

Focus on forest conservation, sustainable development, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Security Council

Topic: The Situation in the Middle East

United States

Approach would focus on regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and each country's specific strategic interests in the region.

United Kingdom

Approach would focus on regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and each country's specific strategic interests in the region.

France

Approach would focus on regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and each country's specific strategic interests in the region.

Russia

Approach would focus on regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and each country's specific strategic interests in the region.

China

Approach would focus on regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and each country's specific strategic interests in the region.

Economic and Social Council

Topic: Promoting Sustainable Development Goals

Japan

Emphasize national priorities, capacity building needs, and international cooperation for achieving the SDGs.

Sweden

Emphasize national priorities, capacity building needs, and international cooperation for achieving the SDGs.

Kenya

Emphasize national priorities, capacity building needs, and international cooperation for achieving the SDGs.

Mexico

Emphasize national priorities, capacity building needs, and international cooperation for achieving the SDGs.

Australia

Emphasize national priorities, capacity building needs, and international cooperation for achieving the SDGs.

Submission Requirements

  • Deadline: November 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  • Email to: sg@gsumun.org
  • Format: PDF or Word document
  • Filename: SchoolName_Country_Committee.pdf

Email Subject Line

GSUMUN 2026 Position Paper — [School Name] — [Country]

Use this exact format for your email subject line to ensure proper processing.

Email Body Should Include:

  • •  School name and delegation size
  • •  Country assignment
  • •  Committee assignments
  • •  Faculty advisor contact information

Important Reminders

  • Position papers submitted after the deadline will not be eligible for awards
  • Make sure to submit one paper per committee your delegation is in
  • Double-check all formatting requirements before submission
  • Keep copies of your submissions for reference
  • Confirmation emails will be sent within 48 hours of submission

Submission Checklist

Before Submitting:

  • Proper header format used
  • One page maximum per committee
  • Times New Roman 10–12pt font
  • Proofread for grammar and spelling
  • Saved as PDF or Word document

Email Submission:

  • Correct email address (sg@gsumun.org)
  • Proper subject line format
  • Correct filename format
  • All required information in email body
  • Submitted before deadline

Position Paper Awards recognize outstanding research, writing, and understanding of country positions. Awards are given in each committee based on the quality and accuracy of submitted position papers.

Evaluation Criteria

Research Quality (30%)

Depth and accuracy of research, use of reliable sources

Country Representation (25%)

Accurate portrayal of country's actual positions and policies

Writing Quality (20%)

Clear, diplomatic language and proper formatting

Solution Feasibility (15%)

Realistic and practical proposed solutions

Understanding (10%)

Demonstration of topic comprehension and global awareness

Award Categories

Outstanding Position Paper

Top 10% of submissions in each committee

Commendable Position Paper

Top 25% of submissions in each committee

Special Recognition
  • Best First-Time Delegate Position Paper
  • Most Creative Solutions
  • Best Research

Tips for Award-Winning Papers

  • Use primary sources from your country's government and UN mission
  • Be specific about policies and provide concrete examples
  • Avoid generic statements that could apply to any country
  • Propose innovative but realistic solutions
  • Demonstrate understanding of your country's unique perspective
  • Use proper diplomatic language throughout

Need Help with Your Position Paper?

Our academic team is here to help! Don't hesitate to reach out with questions about research, formatting, or country positions.

Academic Team

sg@gsumun.org For topic and research questions

Secretary-General

sg@gsumun.org For submission and general questions