Researching for Optimal Results And writing a position paper like nobody’s business

Position, Issue(s), a background guide for overview You are given: Position, Issue(s), a background guide for overview You want walk in with: Issue knowledge, your country’s perspective, an amazing solution RESEARCH

The good news: This mimics the structure of a position paper! What am I looking for? What’s the issue? What have I done about it in past? What am I going to do in future? The good news: This mimics the structure of a position paper!

What’s a position paper? A two-page document detailing What’s the issue? What have I done about it in past? What will I do in future? Additionally, this is one of the best strategies I know for synthesizing one’s research. When you can write and verbally explain the answers to these questions with no difficulties, then you have a solid foundation going into the conference.

So then I can stop researching? The basic answer is no, but that’s generally a good judge of when one is about ready for the conference. The goals of research are to develop your country’s perspective and a potential solution to the problem. How do I do that?

Step 0: Who am I? What to look for: What to read: Resource strengths Government structure, stability Key allies What to read: CIA World Factbook US Department of State overview (take this with a grain of salt, per your position) What to keep in mind: You represent the government and the party in power, NOT the people and definitely NOT your own personal opinions (sorry)

Step 1: What’s the issue? What to read: What to look for: The background guide Search the topic on any major news source (BBC, New York Times, etc.) UN reports on the topic What to look for: Connections to your country for potential solutions What to keep in mind: These are complex issues, start thinking about which portions of them you want to discuss, and which you want to avoid if you can help it

Step 2: What have I done in past? What to read: UN and NGO reports on your nation Statements by agencies that handle this issue in your own government What to look for: Any attempts to handle this issue or a similar one, and how they went Any sentiments expressed that you can expound upon and/ or quote directly What to keep in mind: This is absolutely the time to sugarcoat anything and everything. While you can’t usually deny everything, it is your job to present your nation in the best possible light - Stay on policy. Yours is the best nation in the history of the world.

Step 3: What will I do in future? This is the most creative portion of the paper, and helps you begin to solidify plans for while you’re in committee. It’s ok for this to be general. Items to include: A very general sketch of your plan The ideal outcome A call for nations to come together

“I have no policy” False. You absolutely have a policy, and if it’s not explicitly stated, it’s nothing that you can’t build. The ultimate goal of committee is to solve the problem in a way that is in line with your interests, and maximizes benefits for your country. Your questions as you research, over and over: How is this relevant to me? How can I make this relevant to me? Research makes you valuable. Leverage the value of your work to create a solution of value to those affected, but also to you.

How are you relevant? Is there a similar situation in your region? Are you a producer of related materials? Are you struggling with, or have you corrected, a similar problem in past? Are there sections of your economy or academia that offer particular expertise? Have you participated in a group that worked to correct this issue? Are there groups working in your nation to correct this issue? What resources can you offer (and control)? You can also investigate nations of similar alliances/ economic standing/ geography for guidance on how they’re handling the issue