Position Papers
Purpose
The purpose of position papers are twofold:
1. Position papers outline a delegation's policies on the topics being discussed and help delegates organize their ideas and develop internal committee strategy.
2. Position papers are statements of official policy - as such, they are available for public viewing.
For each topic, CIMUN requires that delegations submit position papers in the form of both a "white paper" and a "black paper".
White Paper
1. An elucidation of policy that highlights positive contributions the state has made regarding policy and UN initiatives (e.g. conventions or resolutions a country has adopted), as well as a framing of public policy on world developments. It may be helpful to use quotes taken from speeches made by heads of government. A good white paper will also set specific goals to be met at the upcoming meeting
2. The defense of policy that is controversial or widely suspect, either through argument or omission. A good white paper will, however, not appear defensive but will “spin” these parts as affirmative or omit the all together in some cases.
• All delegations must submit white papers
• "Traditional" position papers can be compared to the white paper
Click here to see a sample White Paper.
Black Paper
• Delegations are required to submit black papers.
• If your country has a nuanced political position, or you plan on engaging the committee in a unique way, you should note it in your black paper as a strategic plan
• Committee staff will use black papers along with white papers to evaluate delegates. It is advantageous for you to give committee staff detailed information on your plans. Successful execution at the conference would be impressive.
Click here to see a sample Black Paper.
Viewing of White and Black Papers
• White papers will be immediately available for public viewing on this website. At most MUN conferences, position papers are available for public viewing at conference services. This is neccessary for delegations to inspect and review positions of other delegations to aid in the planning of coalition building and comprehensive policy formation at the conference. Take a look at other position papers to plan your committee strategy. At CIMUN, all position papers will be posted online for the viewing of all delegates.
• Black papers will NOT be available for public viewing. Black papers will only be seen by CIMUN staff. Faculty will be able to view black papers submitted by students from their own school
Committee Specific Procedures
Please review the document Pre-Conference Requirements by Committee Type. Different committees will have different procedures for the completion of position papers. Cabinet Ministers do not need to complete position papers at all and will have a different procedure for preparation.
Sample Position Papers
Please click here to see a sample White Paper and Black Paper.
Position Papers and Awards
• White and black papers will be used by committee staff to determine position paper awards.
• White and black papers are one factor used to determine whether a delegate is in character, which is a major consideration in all general committee awards. Consistency is key. For more information, please review our awards policy.
Notes
• In past CIMUNs, Black Papers were option. This year Black Papers are required.
• All position papers must be in paragraph form.
• Please take pride in the construction of your position papers.
• A good position paper can set the tone at the conference
• Delegations that do not submit position papers will not be eligible for awards at CIMUN.
• All position papers for CIMUN are due on November 15, 2009.