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

Patil Djerjerian

Patil is a rising senior studying Government and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations with a language citation in French. She is Canadian, originally Armenian, and was born and raised in Dubai. Growing up with a culturally diverse background in a cosmopolitan city sparked her interest in international affairs, which led her to participate in Model UN throughout high school and at Harvard as a Director for HMUN China 2023, HNMUN Africa 2024, HMUN India 2024, and HMUN Boston 2024 & 2025. She also served as the Under-Secretary-General for the Economic and Social Council & Specialized Bodies of HNMUN Boston 2025 and Director-General for HMUN Dubai 2025. Outside of Model UN, she is the President of the Armenian Student Association and writer for The Harvard Crimson. In her free time, she likes to read, travel, and take long walks by the Charles river. Patil is incredibly excited to be back for HMUN India 2025!