MYADP x BAC Workshop 2.0: Mastering the Art of Model United Nations

What is a Position Paper and Why Does It Matter?

The workshop kicked off with a deep dive into the Position Paper - the backbone of any strong MUN performance. A Position Paper isn’t just a summary of your country’s stance; it’s a strategic document that shapes your debate strategy, strengthens your credibility, and (if done well) puts you on the radar for awards.

Delegates were reminded that every Position Paper must:

1. Be written in the view of the country/portfolio they are representing - not their personal opinions.
2. Clearly define the agenda, highlighting key international issues and policies.
3. Provide realistic solutions that align with their country’s official stance.

The importance of a well-crafted Position Paper was emphasised throughout the session. As every experienced MUN delegate knows, a strong Position Paper isn’t just a requirement - it’s a ticket to winning awards. Chairs take them seriously when evaluating performance, and those who master this skill have a competitive edge before the debate even starts.

Position Papers vs. Opening Speeches: Similar, But Not the Same

A crucial takeaway from the workshop was understanding the relationship between a Position Paper and an Opening Speech. While both serve to establish a country’s stance, they have distinct purposes:

• A Position Paper is a formal document meant for judges and fellow delegates to read before the conference. It’s detailed, structured, and references actual policies.
• An Opening Speech, on the other hand, is a spoken introduction meant to set the tone for debate. It’s more persuasive, engaging, and meant to capture the room’s attention.

Connecting the two effectively is what separates an average delegate from a great one. The workshop provided a step-by-step guide on how to transition from Position Paper writing to delivering a compelling Opening Speech.

The Role of MUN Chairs and How They Score Delegates

Understanding how Chairs evaluate MUN delegates is crucial for any aspiring Best Delegate winner. The workshop provided a rare behind-the-scenes look at how marking schemes work.

Chairs assess content, structure, diplomacy, and engagement—meaning that:

• Well-researched arguments score higher than emotional pleas.
• Clear, logical solutions matter more than vague idealistic statements.
• Sticking to official policies is key—deviating from your country’s stance is a quick way to lose credibility.

This was a valuable insight, especially for those who have ever wondered, “Why didn’t I win even though I spoke the most?”

AI and MUN: A Double-Edged Sword

AI has found its way into every academic and professional field - including MUN. But with great technology comes great responsibility. The workshop explored how AI tools can be both helpful and harmful when preparing for an MUN conference.

Helpful Uses of AI in MUN:

• AI checkers can help improve the structure and grammar of Position Papers.
• AI-generated research can provide quick summaries of country policies and historical data.
• AI-powered speech analysis tools can enhance delivery and tone for Opening Speeches.

Risks of AI in MUN:

• AI-generated content often lacks nuance; it may misinterpret official policies.
• Over-reliance on AI can lead to plagiarism concerns (especially since many MUN conferences now use AI checkers to detect copied content).
• AI cannot replicate critical thinking and strategic diplomacy, which are key skills in any debate.

In short, AI can be a great assistant, but it shouldn’t replace human research and original argumentation.

Activity Time: The Position Paper Evaluation Challenge

After absorbing all this knowledge, it was time to put theory into practice. Participants were split into groups and tasked with evaluating Position Papers using a structured rubric.

How It Worked

• Delegates scanned three QR codes, each containing a different Position Paper.
• Using a marking rubric, they graded the Position Papers based on clarity, argument strength, and adherence to country policies.
• After 20 minutes, each group presented their scores and explained their reasoning.

This hands-on exercise helped participants sharpen their analytical skills, making them better equipped to write their own high-scoring Position Papers.

MUN Debate Simulation: From Prep to Action

The second activity took things to the next level—a full MUN debate simulation.

What Happened

1. A briefing on pre-debate procedures, including lobbying and alliance-building.
2. A structured MUN debate, where participants had to defend their Position Papers, respond to challenges, and navigate diplomatic negotiations.
3. A walk-through of the various stages of an MUN debate, including motions, moderated caucuses, and voting procedures.
4. By the end of the session, delegates left with first-hand experience of how real-world MUN conferences operate - making mistakes in a safe environment before facing the real competition.