UNESCO: Preserving Historical Sites in War, Climate Change
From the Taj Mahal to the Parthenon, world heritage sites are some of the most important vestiges of culture and history, but are often the most difficult to protect. After the Taliban destroyed the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, the preservation of cultural sites came to the forefront of the international dialogue. How much money should be devoted to infrastructure meant for maintaining these sites? How do indigenous and private land rights factor into the equation? What are the legal obligations under international law, and how can the international community create accountability? In this committee, delegates will discuss the legal, political, and economic implications of cultural sites as they work to preserve world heritage for future generations.