UNESCO


United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

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Preservation and Repatriation of Cultural Artifacts

As millions of cultural artifacts are being excavated every year, only a handful ever reach the hands of their original owners, a long-standing tradition that can be changed. UNESCO is a committee focused on arts, sciences, and culture through globalization and prioritizing the preservation of tangible cultures such as monuments, tools, or artifacts-- and intangible cultures such as traditions, language, and folklore. Regarding the Preservation and Repatriation of Cultural Artifacts, UNESCO has created methods to establish this. Most notably, World Heritage Sites have been implemented all across the globe to prioritize the preservation of ancient cultural artifacts such as natural landmarks, monuments, and formations. In light of museums and institutions holding a significant percentage of cultural artifacts, UNESCO has focused primarily on safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting the protection of these artifacts for restoring culture to many of the world's nations and indigenous groups. Delegates will be encouraged to find different ways to create open, bilateral negotiations between the cultural groups of origin, and the museums/private collectors if reparations are to be made, along with outlining the means for maintaining their heritage and preservation of the pieces. As UNESCO delegates, how can you find a common ground where communities are paid reparations and institutions can share their cultural knowledge to a contemporary audience?

Chairs

Sofia Rodriguez

Maya Shtangrud

Bianka Gomez 

Background Guide:

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Please submit your final position papers to the Google form by January 28, 2024 at 10 PM PST. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. 

For position paper guidelines, visit Delegate Resources

UNESCO Background Guide VRMUN 2024.pdf