Procedure & Preparation
Position Papers
All delegates participating in BISHMUN 2026 must research their country and topic and produce a position paper. Delegates are recommended to consider their country’s actions and stance on the subject and its relevant relationships with other countries. As a prompt for continued research, please see the individual committee pages for your committee’s background paper.
All position papers must include properly cited sources in MLA or APA format and be submitted to the BISHMUN webpage by October 28th, 2026, to be eligible for awards.
Note: Delegates are expected to print their position papers and any additional notes before the conference, as electronic devices are not permitted during sessions (except in unmoderated caucuses).
Protocol
BISHMUN follows the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) protocol. We strongly encourage all participants to familiarize themselves with this protocol prior to the BISHMUN 2026 conference.
Please find here a set of guides and resources to help you prepare for BISHMUN. If you have questions, please reach out via the contact form!
Resolution Paper
Guide
Points and
Motion​
Expectations & Conduct
To help maintain a respectful and positive setting at BISHMUN, please follow these guidelines:
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Treat all participants (delegates, faculty, British International School of Houston property, etc.) with respect and patience at all times.​
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Follow the dress code and always wear your badge.
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Bring only water (no food) into committee sessions.
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Only use electronic devices (including mobile phones) during Unmoderated Caucuses.
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Speak exclusively in English during sessions.
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Arrive at sessions promptly.
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Submit your position paper by October 28th, 2026, to be eligible for awards.
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Delegates are expected to understand debate protocol and procedure.
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Any rude, aggressive, or disruptive behavior will result in a warning; repeat offenses will lead to dismissal from the conference without a refund.
Dress Code
Participants at BISHMUN should dress in business-casual attire that is appropriate for a diplomatic context.
This can include a formal jacket or sweater, a dress shirt, a tie, a pair of pants/trousers, a skirt or dress, and dress shoes. Dresses and skirts must be knee-length, per the standard for professional attire. Participants should dress appropriately for their self-identified gender.
Inappropriate clothing includes hoodies, graphic t-shirts, leggings, tank tops, crop tops, shorts, sundresses or other casual dresses, baseball hats, jeans, sandals, sneakers, athletic wear, and sunglasses. Clothing that is overly revealing (such as showing excessive skin or undergarments) is prohibited.
If you have any questions or concerns about the dress code, please contact the Secretariat via the provided form.
Awards
BISHMUN’s goal is to develop students’ skills in research, diplomacy, and public speaking. Awards recognize participants’ outstanding growth in these areas throughout the conference.
Criteria
Research & Preparation
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Demonstrate strong understanding of your committee, topic, and country’s position.
Participation & Speaking Skills
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Contribute clearly, confidently, and meaningfully in the debates.
Leadership & Diplomacy
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Exhibit effective collaboration, respect for all viewpoints, and professionalism.
Conduct & Dress Code
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Adhere to all Expectations, Conduct Requirements, and the Dress Code.
Additionally, delegates are required to submit a Position Paper by October 28th, 2026, to be eligible for any delegate award.
Categories
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Best School
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Awarded to the school with the strongest overall performance, collaboration, and professionalism across the entire conference.
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Best Conference Delegate
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Awarded to the most distinguished delegate across the whole conference, based on all criteria.
Best Conference Position Paper
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Awarded for the position paper that shows the strongest research, policy understanding, structure, and writing.
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Outstanding Committee Delegates
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Two delegates selected per committee.
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Awarded to the highest-performing delegates based on their overall research, diplomacy, and speaking skills.
Best Chair Duo
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Awarded for outstanding teamwork, leadership, professionalism, and committee management.