Topic Summary

Since the adoption of the Outer Space Treaty in 1963, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs has yet to adopt any major global resolutions addressing space exploration. In order to address this situation, this committee tasks delegates to build upon existing international regulatory frameworks, and work towards their vision for the future of space exploration, in light of the new technology developments and their potential consequences. 

First, delegates will focus on regulating the physical resources existing in space, tackling issues such as the removal of space debris, while preparing for a future in which mining of natural resources in space and colonization efforts could become commonplace. Questions regarding the ownership of these currently untapped resources are important to avoid international disputes and abuse by the world’s most powerful nations and their space agencies. Second, this committee aims to discuss questions surrounding 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, for example by miniaturizing space technology to decrease its cost.

Director’s Letter

Dear Delegates,

My name is Vincent Costa, and it is my pleasure to welcome you aboard your journey to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs at HNMUN 2025! 

I am from Montreal, all the way up north in Canada, and I am a native french speaker, donc n’hésitez pas à venir me dire bonjour si vous souhaitez pratiquer votre Français! At Harvard, I am a sophomore living in Lowell House, and I am currently pursuing a joint concentration in Physics and Mathematics. I also conduct research in quantum computing on campus, and I hope to become a physics professor, overseeing the research in my own lab one day.

My Model UN journey began all the way back in the tenth grade, when I participated in a small European Union simulation organized by my high school. Although I mistook the event for a debate society competition, I was instantly captivated by the well researched solutions, creative showmanship and incredible bonding opportunities on display over the course of this first conference. Now, I compete on the college circuit as a member of Harvard’s Intercollegiate Model UN team, and I had the pleasure of serving as an Assistant Director at both HMUN and HNMUN last year. 

In my free time, I watch an unhealthy amount of sports, closely following the Premier League, NHL, NBA, and Formula 1, and I am a huge fan of Chelsea and the Montreal Canadiens. I also love reading science fiction and French classics, so if anyone has any book recommendations please let me know, although I will judge you heavily if I do not end up enjoying it. 

As we embark together on this journey through outer space, I am excited to debate foundational updates that must be made to international space policy, to address current issues such as the pollution of space debris, as well as future ones such as space colonization, that are inching closer to reality with the advent of new technologies. I look forward to overseeing the development of creative yet pragmatic policy solutions, and welcome delegates that are prepared to diplomatically guide the committee towards implementing their innovative vision for the future of space exploration. 

I am eagerly looking forward to meeting all of you in February, but until then, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Metaphorically speaking, my door is always open!

Wishing you all continued success,

Vincent Costa

Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs