Crisis at the Museum: The Reparation Wars
Topic Summary
A global reckoning is underway as museums face mounting pressure to return looted and colonial-era artifacts to their countries of origin. Directors of the world’s most prestigious institutions—the British Museum, the Louvre, the Met, and others—must navigate a storm of diplomatic tensions, public scrutiny, and internal dissent. As nations demand restitution, activists rally, and rival institutions compete for moral high ground, questions of ownership, legacy, and cultural identity take center stage. In this committee, delegates will confront the ethical, legal, and political complexities of repatriation, balancing historical responsibility with institutional survival. The future of the global museum order is up for debate.
Hello!
My name is Signe Smith, and I am beyond excited to be acting as your director for what will be THE most fun committee, Crisis at the Museum at HMUN 2026! I was raised on the east side of Detroit, Michigan, and am completing a double concentration in Social Studies and Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations. In fact, as I am preparing for this committee in the fall, I will be studying abroad in Jordan! (Be prepared for about 20 mentions of Amman per day - I’ll start a jar.)
My journey in Model UN began in middle school, sparking a profound passion for global issues and diplomacy. From the research and wealth of topics I have been exposed to, to the friendships and connections I have made, I have had nothing but amazing experiences in this community both as a competitor and staffer on the college circuit. Beyond Model UN I am a bit of a sci-fi nerd and love everything from Star Wars, Marvel, and DC to Avatar: The Last Airbender! You can often find me knitting, killing my eardrums while blasting Laufey on my Sony XM4s, playing 2048, or trying to finish Pride and Prejudice for the 20th time (it will never happen, I fear). However, most of all, I have a deep symbiotic relationship with caffeine, and throughout this conference be prepared to see me drink my fair share of coffee and tea!
Best,
Signe Smith
Director, Crisis at the Museum: The Repatriation Wars
repatriationwars@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2026
Dear delegates,
I’m currently a sophomore at Harvard University, where I’m studying Economics, Philosophy, and Art History, though I’m originally from Madrid, Spain.
In terms of extracurricular activities, I participate in multiple organizations within the International Relations Council, and I also spend time planning art exhibitions for the Harvard Undergraduate Architecture Society while serving as a research assistant.
When it comes to MUN, I had my first experience before coming to college. Since then, I’ve continued to participate in discussions with the Harvard Intercollegiate MUN team (ICMUN) and have also explored the other side of conferences. I’ve served as a Director at HNMUN-LA 2026, assistant director for the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) within the Regional and Specialized Crisis Bodies at HMUN 2025, and for the O4 Council, also within Crisis, at HNMUN that same year.
Sincerely,
Jorge Zafrilla
Crisis Director, Crisis at the Museum: The Reparation Wars
repatriationwars@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2026
