United Nations Educational, scientific, and cultural organization
Location: Bosewell 20
Topic 1: Repatriation of Cultural Artifacts from European Museums to their Places of Origin
Topic 2: Safeguarding of Cultural Sites in Conflict Areas
As the preeminent international organization dedicated to promoting peace through traditional “soft power” means emphasizing the role of arts, history, and education, UNESCO seeks to resolve any conflicts that threaten the erosion of diplomacy as a result of cultural disputes between countries. Representing over 194 nations, 12 associate members, and a plethora of non-governmental organizations, UNESCO serves an invaluable role in arbitrating trans-national conflicts by reconciling the increasingly globalized international system with the cultural distinctiveness of each individual nation. As a result, this year’s UNESCO committee will primarily focus on contemporary debates surrounding the repatriation of cultural artifacts to their places of origin and the safeguarding of cultural sites in conflict zones, thus upholding the UN’s stated goals of peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
Director
Chaewon Kang
Chaewon is a freshman from Chesapeake, Virginia, majoring in Government and Sociology. From being involved in Model UN since high school to joining William and Mary’s IRC in the fall, Chaewon now serves as the chargé d'affaires for the travel team and the Under-Secretary-General of General Assemblies for the William and Mary high school conference. Outside of Model UN, Chaewon spends her time