INTRODUCTION
Primarily, position papers are tools used to outline a country’s foreign policy and their national goals as they specifically relate to each committee’s unique array of topics. By being able to clearly articulate the agenda of your member state, you will convey a clear sense of direction for all other delegates in your simulation. This paper is also your best opportunity apart from the conference itself to demonstrate the breadth of your historical insight and knowledge of current events. For fantasy/character based committees such as the Dr. Who or Harry Potter, this paper provides a chance to explore your particular character’s motivations, credentials, and anticipated goals. Furthermore, by providing context through using past examples, you will be well poised to express justifications for your nation’s or character’s present position.
CCI MUN has a strict policy against plagiarism and the inappropriate use of academic work. Papers will be checked thoroughly for proper citations (we recommend APA) and any breaches of this policy will be reported to school faculty advisors.
Best Regards,
GUIDELINES
See the sample position paper on page 2 for an example.
1. All position papers must be in Times New Roman font, size 12 and must be at least 500 -750 words (delegates are encouraged not to exceed 1200 words), with standard margins.
2. Properly identify your position paper. In the top left corner, write which country you are representing and in the top right corner, write your name and school.
3. The title of the position paper should be “Position Paper for the [committee]”, in italics.
4. The first sentence of a position paper should be separated as shown in the example, and should read “The issues before the [committee] are: [all committee topics]”
5. Number the topics, as shown in the example
6. The body of the policy for each topic should contain the following elements:
a. A general statement clearly stating the country’s position
b. An elaboration of the policy, which may include reference to past UN or other action, agreements the country has ratified or anything else that may be relevant
c. References to the country’s past experiences with the topic, if any
d. A conclusion restating the country’s policy
7. Nothing is required in addition to the separate policies on each topic. The position paper is completed once all topics have been addressed.
8. Do not use first person when discussing a policy. Instead, use expressions such as: “our government”, “our country”, “our nation”, the country name, etc.
Position papers must be submitted to your committee chair on the day of the conference Thursday, April 24, 2015. If your position paper is not submitted, you will be ineligible for UN delegate awards.
Example:
Delegation from: Represented by: United States of America – Thanushan Ananthakumar (L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute)
Policy Paper for the United Nations Security Council
The issues before the United Nations Security Council are:
1. Climate Change
2. Nuclear Proliferation
3. Pirates in Gulf of Aden
Topic 1: The United States of America believes that climate change is one of the major environmental issues of our time. The realistic consequences of climate change range from; global food shortage to catastrophic flooding to the spreading of pests and disease once limited to the tropical region. The United States is taking a leading role in addressing climate change by advancing an ever-expanding suite of measures. We have initiated a number of polices and partnerships that span a wide range of initiatives from reducing our emissions at home to developing transformational low-carbon technologies to improving observations systems that will help us better understand and address the possible impacts of climate change. Our efforts emphasize the importance of results-driven action both internationally and domestically. The international community recognizes the importance of moving forward collaboratively in addressing climate change. The Bali Action Plan represents an important step in this global effort by recognizing that all countries that contribute to atmospheric emissions must undertake measurable, reportable, and verifiable mitigation actions in order to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The world community must work collaboratively to slow, stop, and reverse greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a way that promotes sustainable economic growth, increases energy security, and helps nations deliver greater prosperity for their people. As we move from Bali to Poznan to Copenhagen, the United States will continue to engage constructively to contribute to an agreed outcome on a post-2012 arrangement that is both environmentally effective and economically sustainable.
Topic 2: The United States of America defines its areas of objectionable Iranian behavior as the following:
· Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction;
· Its support for and involvement in international terrorism;
· Its support for violent opposition to the Middle East peace process, as well as its harmful activities particularly in Lebanon, as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the region; and
· Its dismal human rights record and lack of respect for its own people.
The United States has held discussions with Iranian representatives on particular issues of concern over the years. U.S. and Iranian envoys cooperated during operations to overthrow the Taliban in 2001 and during the Bonn Conference in 2002 that established a broad-based government for the Afghan people under President Karzai. The Secretary of State, her Iranian counterpart, and others met at talks on Iraq in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on May 3, 2007. The American and Iranian ambassadors to Iraq took part in face-to-face discussions in Baghdad, with Iraqi officials in attendance, on May 28, 2007. Representatives from the three countries engaged in a second round of talks on July 24, 2007. Ambassadors met for a third discussion on August 6, 2007. The United States believes, however, that normal relations are impossible until Iran's policies change.
The Secretary of State has stated that Iranian agreement to abide by UNSC Resolutions 1737, 1747, and 1803, calling for Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment and comply with its international nuclear obligations, could lead to direct negotiations between American and Iranian Government officials, not only on Iran's nuclear case but on a wide range of issues.
Nevertheless, the U.S. State Department is supporting efforts to further the cause of democracy in Iran. In fiscal year (FY) 2006, the U.S. Congress allocated approximately $66 million to promote free media, personal freedom, and a better understanding of western values and culture. As part of these efforts, the Department supports efforts to develop civil society in Iran and exchange programs that bring Iranian students, athletes, professionals and others to the United States.In 2007, the Iranian Government charged and in some cases imprisoned four innocent Iranian-American scholars, civil society actors, and journalists, accused by the regime of jeopardizing the security of the state. The international community, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private citizens joined the U.S. Government in calling for the release of the detained dual nationals. They were later freed. We continue to press Iran to cooperate more fully in the investigation into the case of private investigator and retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, missing since visiting Kish Island, Iran, March 8-9, 2007.
Topic 3 Piracy in the Gulf of Aden off the Coast of Somalia - Piracy has been an issue in Somalia since the collapse of the Barre regime in 1991. Due to the collapse, there was no authority to enforce or regulate the fishing industry and thus, Somali fishermen were not protected by the law. As a result, many foreign companies took an advantage by the lawlessness in Somalia by dumping toxic waste in and unlawfully fishing the abundant tuna off Somali waters. The Somali fishermen attempted to defend their territory from foreign companies through attacks with little progress. What started off as defending their territory and their jobs has gradually become full-scale piracy and hostage taking. The Somali pirates are compromised of ex-fishermen as well as ex-militiamen and technical experts. However, Somalia piracy was less frequent when the Islamic Court Union gained control of southern Somalia and restore law and order, which includes imposing and enforcing strict laws against piracy. The ICU was ousted by the Ethiopian army when they invaded Somalia in 2006 and the government was later replaced by a UN backed transitional government named the TGF. The transitional government did not enforce laws as effectively as the ICU and as a result piracy emerged again in 2007. It first gained international attention in September 2008 when Somali pirates hijacked a Ukrainian vessel that was transporting an estimated $30 million US of Soviet-era weaponry to Kenya and took it in hostage for $20 million. A month later, Somali pirates hijacked a Saudi Arabian oil tanker known as the MV Sirius Star, which is one of the world’s largest oil tankers, hostage for $25 million. It is believed that the Somali pirates conduct are very sophisticated operations as they have access to hi-tech equipment such as satellite phones and GPS as well as speed boats.
Primarily, position papers are tools used to outline a country’s foreign policy and their national goals as they specifically relate to each committee’s unique array of topics. By being able to clearly articulate the agenda of your member state, you will convey a clear sense of direction for all other delegates in your simulation. This paper is also your best opportunity apart from the conference itself to demonstrate the breadth of your historical insight and knowledge of current events. For fantasy/character based committees such as the Dr. Who or Harry Potter, this paper provides a chance to explore your particular character’s motivations, credentials, and anticipated goals. Furthermore, by providing context through using past examples, you will be well poised to express justifications for your nation’s or character’s present position.
CCI MUN has a strict policy against plagiarism and the inappropriate use of academic work. Papers will be checked thoroughly for proper citations (we recommend APA) and any breaches of this policy will be reported to school faculty advisors.
Best Regards,
GUIDELINES
See the sample position paper on page 2 for an example.
1. All position papers must be in Times New Roman font, size 12 and must be at least 500 -750 words (delegates are encouraged not to exceed 1200 words), with standard margins.
2. Properly identify your position paper. In the top left corner, write which country you are representing and in the top right corner, write your name and school.
3. The title of the position paper should be “Position Paper for the [committee]”, in italics.
4. The first sentence of a position paper should be separated as shown in the example, and should read “The issues before the [committee] are: [all committee topics]”
5. Number the topics, as shown in the example
6. The body of the policy for each topic should contain the following elements:
a. A general statement clearly stating the country’s position
b. An elaboration of the policy, which may include reference to past UN or other action, agreements the country has ratified or anything else that may be relevant
c. References to the country’s past experiences with the topic, if any
d. A conclusion restating the country’s policy
7. Nothing is required in addition to the separate policies on each topic. The position paper is completed once all topics have been addressed.
8. Do not use first person when discussing a policy. Instead, use expressions such as: “our government”, “our country”, “our nation”, the country name, etc.
Position papers must be submitted to your committee chair on the day of the conference Thursday, April 24, 2015. If your position paper is not submitted, you will be ineligible for UN delegate awards.
Example:
Delegation from: Represented by: United States of America – Thanushan Ananthakumar (L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute)
Policy Paper for the United Nations Security Council
The issues before the United Nations Security Council are:
1. Climate Change
2. Nuclear Proliferation
3. Pirates in Gulf of Aden
Topic 1: The United States of America believes that climate change is one of the major environmental issues of our time. The realistic consequences of climate change range from; global food shortage to catastrophic flooding to the spreading of pests and disease once limited to the tropical region. The United States is taking a leading role in addressing climate change by advancing an ever-expanding suite of measures. We have initiated a number of polices and partnerships that span a wide range of initiatives from reducing our emissions at home to developing transformational low-carbon technologies to improving observations systems that will help us better understand and address the possible impacts of climate change. Our efforts emphasize the importance of results-driven action both internationally and domestically. The international community recognizes the importance of moving forward collaboratively in addressing climate change. The Bali Action Plan represents an important step in this global effort by recognizing that all countries that contribute to atmospheric emissions must undertake measurable, reportable, and verifiable mitigation actions in order to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The world community must work collaboratively to slow, stop, and reverse greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a way that promotes sustainable economic growth, increases energy security, and helps nations deliver greater prosperity for their people. As we move from Bali to Poznan to Copenhagen, the United States will continue to engage constructively to contribute to an agreed outcome on a post-2012 arrangement that is both environmentally effective and economically sustainable.
Topic 2: The United States of America defines its areas of objectionable Iranian behavior as the following:
· Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction;
· Its support for and involvement in international terrorism;
· Its support for violent opposition to the Middle East peace process, as well as its harmful activities particularly in Lebanon, as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the region; and
· Its dismal human rights record and lack of respect for its own people.
The United States has held discussions with Iranian representatives on particular issues of concern over the years. U.S. and Iranian envoys cooperated during operations to overthrow the Taliban in 2001 and during the Bonn Conference in 2002 that established a broad-based government for the Afghan people under President Karzai. The Secretary of State, her Iranian counterpart, and others met at talks on Iraq in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on May 3, 2007. The American and Iranian ambassadors to Iraq took part in face-to-face discussions in Baghdad, with Iraqi officials in attendance, on May 28, 2007. Representatives from the three countries engaged in a second round of talks on July 24, 2007. Ambassadors met for a third discussion on August 6, 2007. The United States believes, however, that normal relations are impossible until Iran's policies change.
The Secretary of State has stated that Iranian agreement to abide by UNSC Resolutions 1737, 1747, and 1803, calling for Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment and comply with its international nuclear obligations, could lead to direct negotiations between American and Iranian Government officials, not only on Iran's nuclear case but on a wide range of issues.
Nevertheless, the U.S. State Department is supporting efforts to further the cause of democracy in Iran. In fiscal year (FY) 2006, the U.S. Congress allocated approximately $66 million to promote free media, personal freedom, and a better understanding of western values and culture. As part of these efforts, the Department supports efforts to develop civil society in Iran and exchange programs that bring Iranian students, athletes, professionals and others to the United States.In 2007, the Iranian Government charged and in some cases imprisoned four innocent Iranian-American scholars, civil society actors, and journalists, accused by the regime of jeopardizing the security of the state. The international community, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private citizens joined the U.S. Government in calling for the release of the detained dual nationals. They were later freed. We continue to press Iran to cooperate more fully in the investigation into the case of private investigator and retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, missing since visiting Kish Island, Iran, March 8-9, 2007.
Topic 3 Piracy in the Gulf of Aden off the Coast of Somalia - Piracy has been an issue in Somalia since the collapse of the Barre regime in 1991. Due to the collapse, there was no authority to enforce or regulate the fishing industry and thus, Somali fishermen were not protected by the law. As a result, many foreign companies took an advantage by the lawlessness in Somalia by dumping toxic waste in and unlawfully fishing the abundant tuna off Somali waters. The Somali fishermen attempted to defend their territory from foreign companies through attacks with little progress. What started off as defending their territory and their jobs has gradually become full-scale piracy and hostage taking. The Somali pirates are compromised of ex-fishermen as well as ex-militiamen and technical experts. However, Somalia piracy was less frequent when the Islamic Court Union gained control of southern Somalia and restore law and order, which includes imposing and enforcing strict laws against piracy. The ICU was ousted by the Ethiopian army when they invaded Somalia in 2006 and the government was later replaced by a UN backed transitional government named the TGF. The transitional government did not enforce laws as effectively as the ICU and as a result piracy emerged again in 2007. It first gained international attention in September 2008 when Somali pirates hijacked a Ukrainian vessel that was transporting an estimated $30 million US of Soviet-era weaponry to Kenya and took it in hostage for $20 million. A month later, Somali pirates hijacked a Saudi Arabian oil tanker known as the MV Sirius Star, which is one of the world’s largest oil tankers, hostage for $25 million. It is believed that the Somali pirates conduct are very sophisticated operations as they have access to hi-tech equipment such as satellite phones and GPS as well as speed boats.