2. +
The 5 PARTS of a POLICY
STATEMENT
1. Explain and define the issue and its most
important terms;
2. Provide a short summary of recent
international action related to the issue;
3. Refer to key documents that relate to the issue;
4. State the country’s general position on the
issue;
5. Make suggestions of your own that are in line
with your country’s policies to provide a solution to
the issue. Make sure your policy statement does not
exceed 500 words.
3. +
How to write a policy statement
ORGANIZE the 5 PARTS into 3 PARAGRAPHS
1st paragraph Outline/Background (History of the issue in my country)
What is the background to my country’s point of view on
the issue?
2nd paragraph Country’s Stance/Position on the Issue
What is my country’s current position on the issue?
3rd paragraph Diplomacy Building/Action Plan
What does my country hope to achieve in relation to the issue?
What have other member states that share my country’s view
done in this area?
4. +
Policy Statement: Background
Paragraph
The Issue: What are the key concepts that I need to define?
Summarize the issue in one sentence
Is the country contributing to the problem? How does the issue affect the
country?
Does the country’s type of government and/or religious beliefs contribute
to the problem or stop the country from addressing the issue?
How long has this issue affected the country?
How long has this issue impacted globally?
Does the country work with other organizations to address the issue?
5. +
Let’s evaluate an example of a
background paragraph (Issue:
Human Rights Abuses)
Korean conflict has been arousing for many years. For a
long time the development of disparities between the two Koreas
have been witnessed - mainly on the ground of human rights.
While South Korea is the country that is one of the most
respectful of human rights, North Korea is one of the world's
leaders in violencing them. As far as we know from available
sources, people in North Korea have no dignity, no right to
protection or expressing their own opinion. The current
generation has been thoroughly indoctrinated and does not even
realize their right to have free media and is not able to create a
functioning civil society.
6. +
Let’s evaluate an example of a
stance paragraph (Issue: Human
Rights Abuses)
Brazilian experiences in dealing with fragile human
rights issues are very complex. Our country does not have a
stable tradition of obeying those rules, but in effect of recent
activities we are developing new solutions and decisions which
could be introduced worldwide with a great effect. The situation in
North Korea is more difficult. We are all aware about widely
spread disrespect of human rights in every aspect in this country.
7. +
Let’s evaluate an example of an
action plan paragraph (Issue:
Human Rights Abuses)
In our opinion, the revolution of any kind would only be
harmful for Korean society. Any actions should be preceded by
continous education and regular actions. Soution we, as a
Federative Republic of Brazil, suggest is a calm cultural change. As
a country closely connected to North Korea, we undertook actions
aiming to help Korea manage with difficult situation. Starting with
donating food for the poorest of this country we develop the cultural
exchange - movies, festivals and celebrations are the first step to
expand common vision on attitutde to restricting human rights. We
are also opposing to any new sanctions against North Korea - it
would only make lives of Koreans more miserable. Calm
development and deliberate actions are, in our opinion, the only
reasonable option with dealing with Korean issue.
8. +Now let’s ASSESS the background
paragraph for its IDEAS (CONTENT)
Exemplary Proficient Developing Emerging
Exceptionally clear The writing is clear The writing is general. The writing needs a
and focused ideas and focused. central idea or
purpose
The reader can
Main ideas stand out The reader can easily understand the main The reader struggles
and are developed by understand the main ideas, although they to understand the
strong support ideas. Support is may be overly broad main ideas due to
suitable to audience present, although it or simplistic, and the minimal development;
and purpose. may be limited or results may not insufficient details or
rather general be effective. irrelevant details that
Supporting detail is clutter the text. There
often limited, may be extensive
insubstantial, overly repetition of detail.
general, or
occasionally slightly
off-topic
9. +
Finally, let’s assess the background
paragraph for its WORD CHOICE
Exemplary Proficient Developing Emerging
Words convey the Words effectively Language is quite Imprecise words are
intended message in convey the intended ordinary, often lacking often used detracting
an exceptionally message. precision and variety, from the message.
precise, and natural or may be
way appropriate to inappropriate to
audience and audience and purpose
purpose. in places.
The writer employs a The writer employs a The writer employs The writer employs
rich, broad range of variety of words that words that are general, vague words
words, which have are specific and accurate for the most that communicate a
been carefully chosen functional, and part, although ‘fuzzy’ meaning
and thoughtfully appropriate to misused words may and/or uses certain
placed for impact audience and occasionally appear, words repetitively
purpose. technical language or
jargon may be
overused or
inappropriately used.
10. +
Let’s evaluate another example of a
background paragraph (Issue:
HIV/AIDS)
On September 25th 2003 the Malaysian Prime Minister
presented Kofi Anan, on behalf of the United Nations, a tepak
sireh, which is a ceremonial vessel to hold the ingredients for
betel chewing, a very significant social custom for the
Malaysians. As Kofi Anan phrased it a tepak sireh embodies
the rich culture, art and history of Malaysia and it represents
communication and harmony among peoples, two essential
ingredients for today’s session on HIV/AIDS. Each nation
present here today is different and we must respect and
recognize each other’s differences. Delegates, AIDS knows no
borders, thus we must unite in combating this plague that has
attacked our people.
11. +Now let’s ASSESS the background
paragraph for its IDEAS (CONTENT)
Exemplary Proficient Developing Emerging
Exceptionally clear The writing is clear The writing is general. The writing needs a
and focused ideas and focused. central idea or
purpose
The reader can
Main ideas stand out The reader can easily understand the main The reader struggles
and are developed by understand the main ideas, although they to understand the
strong support ideas. Support is may be overly broad main ideas due to
suitable to audience present, although it or simplistic, and the minimal development;
and purpose. may be limited or results may not insufficient details or
rather general be effective. irrelevant details that
Supporting detail is clutter the text. There
often limited, may be extensive
insubstantial, overly repetition of detail.
general, or
occasionally slightly
off-topic
12. +
Finally, let’s assess the background
paragraph for its WORD CHOICE
Exemplary Proficient Developing Emerging
Words convey the Words effectively Language is quite Imprecise words are
intended message in convey the intended ordinary, often lacking often used detracting
an exceptionally message. precision and variety, from the message.
precise, and natural or may be
way appropriate to inappropriate to
audience and audience and purpose
purpose. in places.
The writer employs a The writer employs a The writer employs The writer employs
rich, broad range of variety of words that words that are general, vague words
words, which have are specific and accurate for the most that communicate a
been carefully chosen functional, and part, although ‘fuzzy’ meaning
and thoughtfully appropriate to misused words may and/or uses certain
placed for impact audience and occasionally appear, words repetitively
purpose. technical language or
jargon may be
overused or
inappropriately used.
13. +
One more sample (Issue: Terrorism)
France is very concerned about the problem of
terrorism in the Middle East. Terrorism has been a major
problem in the Middle East for decades now: ever since the
British mandate over Palestine after World War I, terrorist
groups have tried to further their causes through intimidation,
violence and murder. Terrorists in the Middle East act in
many locations and fight for a vast variety of purposes: from
the liberation of Palestine to the creation of an independent
state for the Kurdish population. France applauds Security
Council resolution 1269 of the 4th of October 1999 for its
total condemnation of terrorism, regardless of the motive.
14. +Now let’s ASSESS the background
paragraph for its IDEAS (CONTENT)
Exemplary Proficient Developing Emerging
Exceptionally clear The writing is clear The writing is general. The writing needs a
and focused ideas and focused. central idea or
purpose
The reader can
Main ideas stand out The reader can easily understand the main The reader struggles
and are developed by understand the main ideas, although they to understand the
strong support ideas. Support is may be overly broad main ideas due to
suitable to audience present, although it or simplistic, and the minimal development;
and purpose. may be limited or results may not insufficient details or
rather general be effective. irrelevant details that
Supporting detail is clutter the text. There
often limited, may be extensive
insubstantial, overly repetition of detail.
general, or
occasionally slightly
off-topic
15. +
Finally, let’s assess the background
paragraph for its WORD CHOICE
Exemplary Proficient Developing Emerging
Words convey the Words effectively Language is quite Imprecise words are
intended message in convey the intended ordinary, often lacking often used detracting
an exceptionally message. precision and variety, from the message.
precise, and natural or may be
way appropriate to inappropriate to
audience and audience and purpose
purpose. in places.
The writer employs a The writer employs a The writer employs The writer employs
rich, broad range of variety of words that words that are general, vague words
words, which have are specific and accurate for the most that communicate a
been carefully chosen functional, and part, although ‘fuzzy’ meaning
and thoughtfully appropriate to misused words may and/or uses certain
placed for impact audience and occasionally appear, words repetitively
purpose. technical language or
jargon may be
overused or
inappropriately used.
16. +
Let’s evaluate an example of a
background paragraph (Issue:
Space Arms Proliferation)
Japan continues to be a leader in the development of
peaceful space technology. Since 1970, when the first successful
launch of a satellite from Japan was achieved, applications in
communication, broadcasting, meteorology, and earth
observation followed in rapid progression. Japan has worked to
co-operate with the United States, Western Europe and Canada
in the construction of an earth-orbiting space station.
17. +
Let’s evaluate an example of a
stance paragraph (Issue: Space
Arms Proliferation)
The government of Japan believes that space technology
development is critical for the nation’s future, so it is encouraging
active participation in this industry by Japanese firms. Because of
its international approach to peace and security Japan strongly
supports the Outer Space Treaty. Preventing the
deployment, placing, or testing of nuclear weapons or other
weapons of mass destruction in space must be accepted as a
fundamental principle of this new frontier. The Strategic Arms
Limitations Treaty (SALT 1) also set a precedent in establishing
protection from attack from a country’s orbiting satellites. This
convention should be extended as a matter of international law.
18. +
Let’s evaluate an example of an
action plan paragraph (Issue: Space
Arms Proliferation)
The government of Japan commends the Advisory
Committee and the Preparatory Committee in preparing the draft
report of UNISPACE III, the Executive Summary, and the Vienna
Declaration eight months in advance. However, Japan is
concerned at the cleavages that have been accentuated between
Western space powers and the non-space states. Japan
emphasises the continued practical benefits to life on earth of the
diverse spin-offs of space technology. The delegation of Japan is
certain that the debates in our committee are going to be
stimulating and will provide new solutions to this problem.
19. +Now let’s ASSESS the background
paragraph for its IDEAS (CONTENT)
Exemplary Proficient Developing Emerging
Exceptionally clear The writing is clear The writing is general. The writing needs a
and focused ideas and focused. central idea or
purpose
The reader can
Main ideas stand out The reader can easily understand the main The reader struggles
and are developed by understand the main ideas, although they to understand the
strong support ideas. Support is may be overly broad main ideas due to
suitable to audience present, although it or simplistic, and the minimal development;
and purpose. may be limited or results may not insufficient details or
rather general be effective. irrelevant details that
Supporting detail is clutter the text. There
often limited, may be extensive
insubstantial, overly repetition of detail.
general, or
occasionally slightly
off-topic
20. +
Finally, let’s assess the background
paragraph for its WORD CHOICE
Exemplary Proficient Developing Emerging
Words convey the Words effectively Language is quite Imprecise words are
intended message in convey the intended ordinary, often lacking often used detracting
an exceptionally message. precision and variety, from the message.
precise, and natural or may be
way appropriate to inappropriate to
audience and audience and purpose
purpose. in places.
The writer employs a The writer employs a The writer employs The writer employs
rich, broad range of variety of words that words that are general, vague words
words, which have are specific and accurate for the most that communicate a
been carefully chosen functional, and part, although ‘fuzzy’ meaning
and thoughtfully appropriate to misused words may and/or uses certain
placed for impact audience and occasionally appear, words repetitively
purpose. technical language or
jargon may be
overused or
inappropriately used.
21. +
Last example of a background
paragraph (Issue: Conflict in Syria)
The delegation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
would like to express its delight and gratitude at being allowed to
participate in these debates concerning the disputes in Syria. The
delegation of the United Kingdom believe that this dispute must
be settled immediately, and trusts that the other countries present
will agree with the notion that under no circumstances may we
appease and repeat anything that could ultimately lead to a
reoccurrence of the unrest in Libya. The United Kingdom feels
strongly that any aggression must be combated, and urges the
delegates to think about the disregard for human rights,
economic lapses and corruption that have been caused by
Bashar al-Assad, and started the Syrian Uprising.
22. +
Last example of a stance paragraph
(Issue: Conflict in Syria)
The United Kingdom would like to state that it supports the people who are
fighting in the name of freedom, for reduction of unemployment, improvement of
living conditions and a more democratically led government. Honourable delegates,
must work together to try and rid Syria of the troubles that the government’s
incompetence and ineptitude have caused, especially trying to re-establish freedom
of trade, support towards the local industry, and freedom of speech, press and
assembly. Corruption and fraudulent elections must also be stopped immediately.
The government of the United Kingdom has called upon al-Assad to respect their
people’s rights to peaceful protest, and to take action about their legitimate
grievances. The United Kingdom would like to remind delegates that along with the
United States, France and Germany, there has been a United Nations non-binding
resolution created by the Security Council condemning the Syrian government for its
response to the uprising. The violent repression must stop!
23. +
Last example of a action plan
paragraph (Issue: Conflict in Syria)
The United Kingdom believes that achieving these aims
will not be problematic if all of the countries gathered here today
will put past their differences and strive to amalgamate their
views into positive resolutions.
I am open to any points of information, I yield the floor back to the
Chairs.
24. + Adding make-up to your policy statement
a. You must have a title
Policy Statement
b. Indicate your country’s delegation
Delegation: Namibia
c. Indicate your commission
Commission: Nuclear Weapons
d. Indicate the question for debate
The Question of Nuclear Disarmament
e. Greet the other members (salutation)
Honorable Chair and Distinguished Delegates
f. When you have finished presenting your policy statement, you have to say
I yield the floor to the Chair
25. +
Noodletool Notecards (10)
4-5 notecards = definition of key terms
1 notecard = issue explanation (paraphrase)
2-3 notecards = issue’s relevance to country
2-3 notecards = contributing factors
1 notecard = chronology of issue’s impact on country
1-2 notecards = global implications/impacts of issue
2-3 notecards = other related organizations supported by country
26. +
HOMEWORK
due: Sunday @ 9PM
COMPLETE Policy Statement
PRINT Policy Statement and bring to Social Studies class