Position papers

This page features general information about position papers, guidelines for WMHSMUN position papers, suggestions on how to complete a position paper, and information on position paper awards at WMHSMUN XL.

General Information

  • A position paper is a short report style paper that delegates write to prepare themselves for a Model UN committee. These papers will provide a condensed overview of delegates’ research and position, ensuring engagement with the topic and guiding committee discourse. A position paper is not simply a summary and restatement of the committee’s background guide.

  • Position papers are a great way to engage with the background guide and develop your position in committee. Writing a position paper not only prepares delegates for the committee but also promotes research skills, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. 

  • While all delegates are encouraged to write a position paper, it is not necessary to participate at WMHSMUN. 

    However, position papers are REQUIRED to be eligible for awards in ALL committees – General Assemblies, Specialized Agencies, Crisis Committees, and Novice Committees – excluding the Ad Hoc committee. 

    Additionally, delegates in a double delegation need only submit ONE position paper per pair.

Position Paper Guidelines

Summary of Guidelines

  • Position Papers are REQUIRED to be eligible for awards in ALL committees except for the Ad Hoc Committee.

    A position paper should be around 2-6 pages in length, 12 pt font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.

    Citations are required, and we recommend citing in MLA, APA, or Chicago style. Citations do not count towards the length requirement.

    Please also include a cover page or header on the first page of your position paper that includes the delegate name(s), position, committee, and school.

    Position papers should include an overview of the delegates’ assigned country/position’s background, past and current international actions on the topic/the situation at hand, your country’s position on the topic/what you will advocate for during the committee, and potential solutions to the issues.

    A good rule of thumb is to write around 2-3 pages per committee topic.

    Position papers should be written in 3rd person if you are representing a Country, and 1st person if you are representing a Person.

    Position papers must be submitted no later than November 4th, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST via a website portal on wmhsmun.org to be eligible for awards.

  • A position paper should be around 2-6 pages in length, 12 pt font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins. Citations are required and we recommend citing in MLA, APA, or Chicago style. Citations do not count towards the length requirement. 

    Please also include a cover page or header on the first page of your position paper that includes the delegate name(s), position, committee, and school. 

  • Position papers should include an overview of the delegates assigned country/position’s background, past and current international actions on the topic/the situation at hand, your country’s position on the topic/what you will advocate for during the committee, and potential solutions to the issues.

    A good rule of thumb is to write around 2-3 pages per committee topic. Position papers should be written in 3rd person if you are representing a Country, and 1st person if you are representing a Person. 

  • Position papers must be submitted no later than November 4th, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST to be eligible for awards.

  • More information will be available on this topic in the fall!

  • More information will available on this in the fall! 

How to Write a Position Paper

Position Paper Award

ALL committees, excluding the Ad Hoc committee, will give out an individual position paper award during closing ceremonies. 

Position papers will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Research on assigned country/position, committee topics, and potential solutions

  • Correct Citation Style and Formatting 

  • Originality and Creativity 

    • Note: the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and plagiarized materials is strictly prohibited in all aspects of WMHSMUN.

  • Writing Quality

Additionally, the WMHSMUN secretariat will award the Group Delegation Position Paper Award to a delegation based on the individual achievements of delegates and their position papers.

More information on position paper awards can be found on our policies page.