Topic Summary

In the year 2027, the global music industry is reeling after the unprecedented success—and catastrophic fallout—of Coachella 2026, widely dubbed the one of the greatest iterations in history. What was meant to be a landmark celebration of music became a cultural flashpoint: surprise reunions broke streaming records, viral performances reshaped artist careers overnight, and headline-making celebrity appearances turned the festival into an international spectacle. But behind the glamour, chaos brewed. Allegations of disastrous crowd control failure, controversial artist remarks, and accusations of favoritism have left the future of Coachella hanging by a thread.

In this fast-paced committee, delegates will engage in strategic negotiations, crisis management, and chaotic entertainment politics where every decision could make—or break—the festival. Because when the desert becomes a battlefield…who will own the spotlight?

Director’s Letter, #Hot Girl Summer: The Battle for Coachella, 2027

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the 73rd iteration of Harvard National Model United Nations and to the Battle for Coachella committee where I am delighted to serve as your director!

To introduce myself, my name is Timmy Tran and I'm a sophomore in Lowell House studying Social Studies. I was born in Vietnam, but have spent most of my life living in Westminster, California. Within MUN, I also compete for Harvard in the Intercollegiate Model United Nations team---you've probably seen me at some other college conferences! Outside of MUN, I am also involved in the Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program and Harvard Vietnamese Association. If I'm not doing any extracurriculars, you'll probably see me visiting a new cafe or restaurant and exploring more of Boston!

As the crisis director, I am so excited to see what each and every one of you have to offer as we dive deep into the concert chaos that'll unravel during committee. Growing up in Southern California, the season of Coachella never fails to entertain me. Thus, I encourage you to have some fun, create interesting character arcs, and get this show rolling! I love it when delegates fully commit to the committee topic and really show their expertise in their agendas. Like you all may know, crisis is extremely fast-paced, so don't lose track and always push! I want to see you on that stage.

Looking forward to seeing you all,

Timmy Tran

Director, #Hot Girl Summer: The Battle for Coachella, 2027

crisis@hnmun.org

Crisis Director’s Letter, #Hot Girl Summer: The Battle for Coachella, 2027

Dear Delegates,

I’m honored to welcome you all to Harvard National Model United Nations 2027! I have only begun to understand the ins and outs of staffing a conference in my second year, and to see it come to fruition through your enjoyment brings me great joy! Our conference has put in so much effort to make this experience for you all one of personal growth, connection-building, and smile-inducing. I hope that, through our time together, you also share in the excitement that staffing with you all will bring me!

I am a sophomore at Harvard from Revere, Massachusetts, just 20 minutes off our campus! Despite being home to America’s first public beach, I still cannot swim…hopefully I will learn soon! Along with my love of Boston, I also appreciate taking care of my plants, playing the guitar, thrifting at local spots, and crocheting in my (little) free time.

When I’m not in class or finding a hobby to keep busy with, I’m probably spending time in one of my many extracurriculars! I’ve found great joy staffing HNMUN and HMUN, competing on the college MUN circuit, volunteering around Cambridge, and fighting for immigrant justice. I was a legal intern this past summer in San Francisco, and have learned about the incredible opportunity for growth through the lens of public service. Along with other extracurriculars, I hope to study Social Studies and Ethnicity, Migration, Rights, both passions motivated by my care for public service, debate, and Model UN!

I have known the unique world of Model UN ever since my first year in high school. Before joining, I knew very little about the world of international relations. But still, I saw my family and city’s immigrant roots as motivation to care more about the world around me. With the help of my school’s team, I was able to find myself learning more about my passions for immigrant advocacy and international human rights law. Model UN has afforded me more opportunities than simply practicing public speaking and debate skills, but also has given me confidence and a better understanding of my place in contributing to society. Along with personal growth, I have also been able to help build and find comfort in a new family through our own team at Harvard! I hope you find the same enjoyment that the collegiate circuit has afforded me in your own team and enjoy our “Harvard Hospitality” – full of smiles and laughs – for yourself!

I look forward to learning with you all.

See you at the conference!

Erta Ismahili

Crisis Director, #Hot Girl Summer: The Battle for Coachella, 2027

crisis@hnmun.org