Preparing for MITMUNC

Position Papers

Position papers are due by email to delegates' respective chairs (see the committee pages for email addresses) by Sunday, January 31, at noon. They are required for consideration for delegate awards.

The position paper is a pre-conference document that should be a statement of each delegates' position in the conference in an organized and logical format. Not only will position papers allow delegates to better understand the topic being discussed and their individual countries' stance on the committee topics, but it also forms as an effective base to begin speeches and discussions during the actual conference. Position papers should describe their countries' positions, both public and private, in terms of the committee, to their chairs in succinct paragraphs.

Layout

The position paper should begin with an introductory statement about the country's background in relation to the delegates' committee. The country background statement can include items about the country's past relation with the committee, major decisions by the committee that have affected the country, etc. General statements about the country's history are not needed; given the length of the position paper, the background statement should be focused on the country's relation to the field of expertise of the committee.

The majority of the position paper should be at least two paragraphs that separately describe the delegates' position on each of the committee topics. Delegates should first read their committees' background guides, posted on their committee pages, as they clarify and provide an introduction to the topics and may include pointers for what to write in the position paper. The position paper should explain the impact of the topic on the country, the country's stance on the topic, and the past actions relating to the topic that the country has undertaken.

Length

The whole position paper (both topics) should be a maximum of one page of normal-sized single spaced text or the equivalent. The short length requirement for our position papers is to allow delegates to practice condensing their thoughts into succinct papers and to allow chairs to be able to read every position paper thoroughly. Bibliography and/or Works Cited are not required but may be included on a separate page. The header of each paper should list the committee, country, school, and delegate name.

Style

The position paper should be written in the third person; refer to what your country and/or sovereign wishes, not to yourself. For example: "The People's Republic of China wishes," "His Excellency demands," or "The people of Guatemala believe." "We" is also acceptable. However, as delegates and not heads of state, it would be improper to state "I want" or "I believe" since you are not in the position to dictate personal beliefs on behalf of your country, whether or not they align. This usage of third-person carries over to debate in committees and in resolutions and working papers.

Conference Materials

There will be a conference booklet, folder, and scratchpad for each delegate provided at the conference.
Delegates may bring laptops to the conference but they should not be used during committee sessions or for drafting resolutions or working papers. We recommend that delegates print out any conference materials they wish to bring to the conference. MITMUNC is not responsible for lost property.
Delegates and advisors should bring a cell phone if possible. The main MITMUNC phone number during the conference is 617-575-9658.
Delegates are required to be in Western Business Attire during committee sessions, opening ceremonies, and closing ceremonies
Delegates should bring money to buy food during the conference. Refreshments will be provided during the Friday and Saturday night events but delegates should still buy their own dinner those nights. MITMUNC will also be selling t-shirts during the conference!
Schools should bring pre-filled liability release forms for each student attending the conference. The liability form can be found here.
MITMUNC does not allow resolutions or working papers written outside of committee to be introduced in part or in full within committees. They can only be used for reference.

Dress Code

MITMUNC requires all delegates to be in formal Western Business Attire during all committee sessions. Western Business Attire for MITMUNC will be defined as suits and ties for men and a jacket (optional) with skirt or trousers, plus a blouse for women. We will not allow jeans or sneakers in committee. Non-formal attire can be worn outside of committee sessions during the social events.

Research And MUN Links

Model UN Reference

UN Preparation Guide by UNAUSA
Resolution Clauses A copy will be provided in the conference booklet
Points and Motions A copy will be provided in the conference booklet
Committee Flowchart A copy will be provided in the conference booklet

General Research

UN Public Website
UN Permanent Missions Website This is the portal for real UN Delegates
Dag Hammarskjöld Library A good place to look up UN Documents
UN Documentation Centre Another good place to look up UN Resolutions and Major Treaties
UN System Organizational Chart A chart linking all UN standing committees
The Economist Some of the best political and economic analysis ever. Think Responsibly
CIA World Factbook Statistical profiles of every country
Insider's Guide To The UN A personal recommendation by one of the Secretary-Generals

IAEA

IAEA Website

UNSC

UNSC Website (Resolutions viewable in a drop-down link on the left side)

More Information to be posted shortly. See your background guides for more information