Committee Description

This committee challenges delegates to develop innovative solutions that ensure a peaceful, secure, and sustainable international space frontier. As outer space becomes increasingly militarized, with military satellites capable of targeting Earth and heightened geopolitical competition, the need for effective space governance has never been more pressing. Established in 1959, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), operating under the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), seeks to promote international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

In an era of rising global tensions and rapid technological advancement, this committee will emphasize the importance of inclusive, transparent governance structures that reflect the voices of all nations, developed and developing alike. Delegates will collaborate to shape frameworks that uphold the principles of peace, security, equity, and sustainability.

The subtopic will focus on the environmental impacts of space activity, emphasizing the roles of international cooperation, regulation, and innovation in ensuring a sustainable and peaceful relationship between Earth and outer space. Delegates will assess the environmental implications of increasing activity from national governments, private industries, research institutions, and military actors. Issues such as space debris, orbital congestion, and long-term planetary protection will require serious diplomatic engagement.

The discussion will also consider how the rapid growth of the private space sector, evolving technologies, global power imbalances, and conflicting interests, both between states and between public and private entities, impact efforts to preserve space as a global commons. Delegates will propose viable strategies for environmentally conscious space governance that prioritize sustainability while balancing the diverse ambitions of international stakeholders.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Joshua Kertesz at gaecosoc@ssuns.org

Gillian Butler

Co-Chair

Camille Batiot

Co-Chair

Amelia Podgorski

Vice Chair

Mary Kamami

Vice Chair