Position Papers

Position papers are required for all committees at CIMUN, and are an important part of the conference preperation process. The goal of a position paper is to outline each member state's general stance on each topic, as well as to help delegates understand both the public and private motivations behind policy alternatives.

White and Black Papers

At CIMUN, position papers for each topic are divided into two sections: white papers and black papers. Delegates are required to submit both a white paper and a black paper for each topic, and should follow the guidelines below. Each double delegation is only required to submit one set of papers. 

White Paper: A white paper is an official statement of policy from a national government, similar to a national press release. It is intended to be a public statement, and will often include political rhetoric and posturing. A good white paper will attempt to "spin" your country's position on controversial topics to defray any criticism. Submitted white papers will be avaliable for all other delegations to read online.

Black Paper: A black paper is a confidential, internal document that discusses a country's strategic interests for a particular topic, which may differ significantly from what your government discusses openly. Whereas the white paper is a public statement, the black paper can be compared to a confidential policy memo for your diplomatic corps. A good black paper will demonstrate a sound understanding of your country's internal motives behind a policy decision. Black papers will only be viewed by the CIMUN staff, and will not be accessible by other delegates.

Example: Most countries will publically condemn the global arms trade, but states that are major arms exporters may face economic harm if strong action is taken to curb it. In such a situation, the country's white paper may decry the arms trade and call upon the committee to keep arms out of conflict regions, but their black paper would state their true desire to block any firm action to prevent harm to their domestic arms industry.

Helpful Tips

• Papers should be written from the point of view of the national government, and should avoid using the first person.
• Focus on policy analysis, not simply the facts of the matter. Papers should resemble a coherant policy statement, not a Wikipedia article.
• Quotes and other statements from government leaders can be helpful in formulating policy, especially for the white paper.
• Your writing should show the bias of your country; there is no need to maintain a neutral or academic tone.  

Format and Length

In total, the position paper for each topic should be around one page (single spaced) in length. Therefore, the white and black papers should be 1/2 page each.

All position papers should be written in paragraph form. A seperate paper is required for each topic. Partner delegations are only required to submit one paper per delegation.

Cabinets and Special Committees

Cabinets: Since cabinets will be operating as closed committees, there is no need to submit a white paper. Instead, cabinet position papers should discuss the country's strategic interests for each topic, similar to a traditional black paper. When possible, delegates should focus on the role of their own ministry/portfolio, but should also consider the topic from the perspective of the country at large. For example, on the topic of Involvment in Afghanistan for the present day US cabinet, the Attorney General could discuss the war at large, but should also focus on legal aspects that may arise. If you have questions regarding your specific portfolio, please contact your committee staff using the link on the page.

International Press Delegation: Specific information for IPD delegates can be found on the committee page.

Spanish Language Committees: Delegates in Spanish Language committees should submit standard white/black papers, but they must be written in Spanish.

International Court of Justice (Justices): Each justice should write a paper consisting of a factual analysis of each of topic. Justices should not form or state any opinions before the case is heard. Instead, focus on identifying the keys facts and points of contention that you believe will be part of each case.

International Court of Justice (Parties to the Dispute): Each Party to the Dispute must submit a Memorial (or Counter Memorial) outlining their country's case and summing up the argument they will be making before the court. Typically, these are prepared and presented by the Head Delegate of the countries involved in each case. They will be made available to the Justices before the case is heard.

NATO Ministerial Summit (2011): Each double delegation is only required to submit one set of position papers, but each topic should still include the perspectives of both Ministries.

Submission and Viewing

Position papers are due by December 1, 2011, and can be submitted at CIMUN Live. To submit a paper, delegates must register for an account. Delegates in General Committees may simply register on the CIMUN Live website. Special accounts have been created for delegates in Cabinet committees, and can be obtained from your faculty advisor. Delegations that do not submit position papers will not be eligible for awards.

Once submitted, each delegation's white paper will be accessible by other delegates, but the black paper will only be viewed by CIMUN staff.