United Nations
Office for Outer
Space Affairs

(Single Delegation)

Fostering Global Cooperation for the Utilization of Outer Space Resources.

Topic A: Regulating Physical Resources in Outer Space (Space Debris and Space Mining)

Topic B: Ensuring Safe and Ethical Implementation of New Technologies in Outer Space (AI Navigation and Satellite Surveillance)

About

Since the enactment of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs has been actively involved in facilitating international cooperation on space exploration. However, major new global resolutions specifically addressing recent advancements and challenges in space technology remain limited, making their development increasingly pertinent. To address the rapidly evolving space industry, this committee tasks delegates with building upon existing international legal frameworks and envisioning the future of space exploration in light of emerging technologies and their potential consequences.

First, delegates will focus on regulating the physical resources in space, tackling issues such as space debris mitigation and preparing for a future in which the extraction of natural resources may become more viable. Questions regarding the ownership of these currently untapped resources are important to avoid international disputes and exploitation by the world’s most powerful nations and their space agencies.

Second, this committee aims to discuss questions regarding the safe and ethical implementation of new technologies in the space exploration industry, such as artificial intelligence for autonomous satellite navigation and mass surveillance using satellite imagery. To foster international collaboration, delegates will also discuss measures to promote the participation of nations without dedicated space agencies.

Director

Kenith Taukolo

Kenith Taukolo is a current sophomore at Harvard College studying environmental science and engineering. His interest in international affairs sparked in high school, where he made his debut on the Chicago-suburb Model UN circuit. At Harvard, he serves as one of the Head Delegates of the Intercollegiate team, as well as the of the Under-Secretary Generals of the General Assemblies at HNMUN Boston 2026. Outside of Model UN, he is a writer for the Harvard Crimson Newspaper and manages the Undergraduate Law Review. He is so excited for HMUN India to be his first international conference with the Harvard MUN team!