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Committee Profile
UNOOSA serves as the UN’s primary body for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space. As the secretariat of COPUOS, UNOOSA is tasked with implementing major international treaties on space law, maintaining the global registry of space objects, and supporting Member States in developing space capabilities. This committee will explore the rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities in the modern space landscape, with a special focus on the roles of the private sector and developing nations.
Topic A: Commercial Uses and the Rise of Private Tourism in Outer Space will engage delegates in assessing how the surge of private space tourism impacts existing space law frameworks. With increasing launches by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, delegates must consider safety, sustainability, and the equitable use of outer space.
Topic B: Expanding Access to Space Technology for Developing Nations invites delegates to confront the technological and institutional barriers that prevent equitable participation in the space economy. From satellite navigation systems to remote sensing for climate resilience, delegates will debate mechanisms for capacity-building, technology transfer, and global partnerships.
Delegates should be prepared to navigate both legal and developmental questions that will shape humanity’s shared future in space.
Chair Letter
Hello Delegates,
I am Alana Akiwumi, and it is my privilege to serve as the Chair of Novice UNOOSA at BruinMUN 33. I’m a fourth-year Anthropology major with a minor in Global Studies from New Jersey. Beyond academics, I love Pinterest, trying new foods, and traveling. In the future, I would like to go into law, particularly in the realm of cultural preservation and human rights.
My journey with Model United Nations began quite by accident when I stumbled into the wrong meeting during my first week of high school. Since then, I haven't looked back. MUN has been an amazing way to bond with friends, learn about global issues, and develop my speaking and collaborative skills. I have had the opportunity to staff various conferences, and most recently have taken on the role of Director of Internal facilitating social events and club camaraderie.
As part of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, your work in this committee will be rooted in pressing real-world issues about the future of space. We’ll be addressing two important and timely topics. The Commercial Uses and the Rise of Private Tourism in Outer Space and Expanding Access to Space Technology for Developing Nations. As private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic push the boundaries of space travel, questions of regulation, safety, environmental impact, and accessibility arise. How do we ensure responsible development in space that benefits all of humanity? Space technology, from satellites to communications infrastructure, has immense potential to support economic development, climate monitoring, and disaster response. How can the international community work to close the gap and ensure equitable access? This committee will challenge you to think critically about innovation, equity, and global cooperation. I’m excited to hear your ideas and see how you navigate these complex issues through diplomacy and collaboration.
If you have any questions as you prepare, please don’t hesitate to reach out, at unoosa@bruinmun.org
Looking forward to a great weekend of debate,
Alana Akiwumi
Chair | UNOOSA | BruinMUN 33