Policy Statements
In order to formulate a policy, both in writing (Policy Statement and Resolution) and in speaking (Lobbying, Opening Speech and Debating), students must prepare by doing thorough research. It is important for all delegates to be informed about their country, to have specific knowledge of the issues on the agenda, and to be aware of the opinions of the experts.
RESEARCHING THE COUNTRY
When researching your country, make sure you know all of the following:
Political Structure |
Geography Bordering Countries Topography Geopolitical Considerations Views on World Problems Role and Influence in the World Membership of Blocks and Geopolitical Groupings Economy Monetary System Dependency and Debt Membership of Economic and Trade Organizations History General Last 50 Years Recent History |
WRITING THE POLICY STATEMENT
Each delegate must write a brief, yet comprehensive, policy statement for every issue on their committee's agenda. This serves three important purposes. Firstly, writing a policy statement generally allows the delegate the opportunity to think out his policy more thoroughly. Secondly, it is in the interest of every delegation to have a document that contains that country's policy on all issues at the conference so that there will be consistency among the various members of the delegation on all policy lines. Ideally, all delegates should have some familiarity with all the issues so that they will feel comfortable in representing their country's view, when asked, even if they are not specifically prepared on a particular issue. Thirdly, a policy statement serves as an outline for the preliminary draft resolution.
COMPONENTS OF A POLICY STATEMENT
Historical background and causes of the problem
What nations are directly involved with or affected by the issue?
What effect does this problem have on the international community?
-United Nations Involvement - How is the UN involved?
How did it originally become involved and what actions has the UN taken on this issue (resolutions, conferences, etc.)?
What organs, NGO's and other UN affiliated groups are involved in the situation?
-Country Policy and Involvement
Your nation's position and policy on the topic and opinion on the UN's actions regarding the topic.
Your nation's past actions regarding the topic (voting records, resolutions, conference attended and conventions signed)
Your nation's proposals or plans in dealing with the issue.
In the sample policy statement below, note the format and the way in which the above outline is followed.
