A position paper is an essential document that outlines your country’s stance on the topics being debated at OXMUN. It helps you present your country's position in a clear, professional manner and serves as a key part of your preparation for the conference. Here’s how to craft a well-written position paper:

​

1. Structure of the Position Paper

A typical position paper should be 1-2 pages long and follow this structure:

​

a. Heading
• Committee: The name of the committee you’re participating in (e.g., General Assembly, Security Council, etc.).
• Country: The country you’re representing.
• Topic: The title of the topic you will address in the paper.
• Delegate: Your name.

​

b. Introduction
Start with a brief introduction to the issue. Provide a general overview of the topic and its significance. Mention the global impact and why the issue is relevant today.

Example:
"The issue of child exploitation is a global crisis that impacts millions of children, violating their rights and preventing them from accessing basic human necessities such as education and healthcare."

​

• Why is this topic important for the committee to address?

​

c. Country’s Stance
This section explains your country’s position on the issue and its policy. Use facts and evidence to back up your position, referring to your country’s history, national interests, and international relations.

• Why does your country support or oppose certain actions?
• What specific policies or past actions can you reference?
• How does the country contribute to or influence the topic?
Example:
"As a country committed to human rights, Canada has consistently advocated for global child protection laws and has contributed to several international initiatives aimed at eliminating child labor, such as the ILO's Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor."

 

d. Solutions and Recommendations
In this section, propose realistic solutions to address the issue. Your recommendations should align with your country’s position and be actionable. Ensure your proposals are both innovative and feasible while maintaining diplomatic respect.

• What steps should the international community take to solve the issue?
• What role can your country play in implementing these solutions?
• Are there any existing frameworks or treaties your country would like to strengthen?
Example:
"Canada proposes a multi-faceted approach that includes increasing funding for education programs for at-risk children, expanding global cooperation to enforce labor laws, and enhancing support for international NGOs that work directly to combat child exploitation."​

​

2. Formatting and Presentation

• Font: Use a clean and readable font, like Arial or Times New Roman, size 12.
• Spacing: The document should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins.
• Length: Aim for 1-2 pages in length, not exceeding 2 pages.
• Language: Keep your language formal, precise, and free from personal opinions or emotional language.
• All sources must be listed in APA format in the reference list at the end of your position paper. This includes sources from websites. Ensure that you provide the full details of the website, including the author (if available), publication date (if available), title of the page, and the URL.

 

 APA Citation Example for Websites

• Reference list entry:
Smith, J. (2020, March 15). The impact of child labor on global economies. Global Studies. https://www.globalstudies.com/child-labor

• If there's no author:
Global Studies. (2020, March 15). The impact of child labor on global economies. https://www.globalstudies.com/child-labor

3. Additional Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper

• Be concise but thorough—your paper should be clear and to the point while covering all necessary aspects, including country stance, evidence, and solutions.

• Stay on topic—keep arguments and proposals relevant to the issue and aligned with your country’s actual position.

• Avoid restating information from the topic guide.

• Only include relevant information—focus on details about your country that directly relate to the issue.

• Go beyond listing facts—analyze, provide context, and offer specific recommendations.

• Use data and evidence—support your position with credible sources such as statistics, treaties, resolutions, or reports from reputable organizations like the UN or WHO.

• Proofread—ensure your paper is free of spelling and grammatical errors to maintain professionalism.