Overview
This is an advanced committee, it is recommended that delegates with experience compete in this committee.
UNOOSA serves as the leading international body responsible for promoting cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of outer space. It oversees the implementation of international space law and ensures that space activities are conducted for the benefit of all countries, regardless of their spacefaring capabilities. With rapid technological advancements and increased interest in extraterrestrial exploration, UNOOSA plays a critical role in balancing innovation, legal frameworks, and global equity in outer space governance.
Topic 1: Technology and Weaponry Regulation in Space
At this conference, the first topic for UNOOSA will be Technology and Weaponry Regulation in Space, which is an increasingly important issue. As nations develop advanced satellites and even consider space-based weapons, the militarization of outer space presents a serious threat to global security. Currently, the legal framework regulating weapons in space is minimal and outdated. Delegates must consider how to prevent an arms race beyond Earth through updated treaties, increased transparency, and demilitarization agreements. Should there be bans on certain technologies? How can states be held accountable for dual-use systems? The committee must craft proactive regulations that preserve space as a peaceful domain before conflict becomes inevitable.
Topic 2: Space Colonization and Resource Use
Additionally, the other topic for this committee will be Space Colonization and Resource Use, as the prospect of colonizing planets and mining celestial bodies is no longer science fiction. However, space colonization raises pressing legal, ethical, and environmental questions. Delegates must consider who has the right to inhabit and extract resources from celestial bodies, and how these activities can be conducted sustainably and equitably. What legal structures should be established to govern extraterrestrial claims? How can the international community ensure that space development doesn’t mirror exploitative practices on Earth? The committee must balance scientific ambition with fair access, stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
The Dais
Shlok Agrawal - Chair
Shlok Agrawal is a sophomore at Boston University studying Mechanical Engineering. He is deeply honored to serve as the Chair for the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) committee at BosMUN XXV, marking his tenth time chairing a Model UN committee.
This year, the committee will address the consequential challenge of Technology and Weaponry Regulation in Space. Shlok highlights the urgency of regulating advanced satellite systems, dual-use technologies, and the proliferation of space-based weaponry, noting that the existing legal architecture is struggling to keep up.
He frames the committee's mission around finding effective mechanisms to prevent an arms race, establishing technology-specific prohibitions, and developing robust accountability for systems that blur the line between peaceful and military use.
Shlok encourages delegates to engage deeply with the complexities, listen generously, and approach the work with both ambition and pragmatism. He has every confidence that their diverse perspectives and diplomatic acumen will yield solutions worthy of this critical moment in space governance. He looks forward to an intellectually rigorous and meaningful committee experience.
Contact: shlokagr@bu.edu
Audrey Rumteen - Vice Chair
Audrey Rumteen (she/her) is a first-year student at Boston University, majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. Originally from Southern California, she is excited to serve as the Vice Chair for the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) committee at BosMUN XXV.
Audrey has been involved in Model UN since her freshman year of high school, where she competed on her traveling team and helped plan and chair conferences. Although sad to move away from competing, she is excited to take to the dais for her first year chairing at BosMUN.
Outside of the conference, Audrey works as the Finance Director for the California chapter of the non-profit organization Voters of Tomorrow, where she coordinates fundraising events. In her free time, she loves staying active by going to the gym, attending hot yoga at COREPower, and exploring Boston on long walks.
She encourages delegates to collaborate—the core value of the UN—while staying true to their country's policy and maintaining diplomacy. She looks forward to seeing the advanced research and complex solutions delegates bring to the committee.
Contact: arumteen@.bu.edu