SGAC x ECSL Model UN COPUOS

In collaboration with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), and with the participation of multiple experts from the United Nations, the ECSL is excited to announce the second edition of a Model Session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) where you have the chance to participate as one of the United Nations Member States. Within the model simulation, students and young professionals will represent their assigned State and promote their State's political or economical interests, negotiate with other countries, and try to shape the future of space law.

The second edition of the event will take place on 25-27 October 2023 in ESA's Headquarters in Paris, France.

UN COMMITTEE ON THE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity: for peace, security and development. The Committee was and is tasked with reviewing international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, studying space-related activities that could be undertaken by the United Nations, encouraging space research programmes, and studying legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space.

The Committee was instrumental in the creation of the five treaties and five principles of outer space. International cooperation in space exploration and the use of space technology applications to meet global development goals are discussed in the Committee every year. Owing to rapid advances in space technology, the space agenda is constantly evolving. The Committee therefore provides a unique platform at the global level to monitor and discuss these developments.

The Committee has two subsidiary bodies: the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, and the Legal Subcommittee, both established in 1961. The Committee reports to the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly, which adopts an annual resolution on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. 

WHAT IS A MODEL UNITED NATIONS?

A Model UN is a simulation of a UN session for educational purposes. The second edition of the SGAC x ECSL Model UN COPUOS follows the scenario of a real UN COPUOS meeting – representatives of States with diverse interests meet for debates and find legal and policy solutions for the continued peaceful use of outer space. 

The aim of the first Model UN COPUOS held in 2022 was to draft a Resolution on the use of Space Resources. Space is fast-developing, and within the legal framework, the topic of space resources remains largely unregulated. With limited access and availability but great demand, it is crucial to ensure their fair and sustainable use. The first Model UN COPUOS discussed the possible peaceful solutions to this legal and policy issue. 

The topic for the 2023 will be centred around Sustainability aspects of Outer Space. While there is already some initiatives in this aspect, the delegates will aim to discuss what is needed to proceed at a more appropriate pace to sufficiently tackle the new challenges of the space sector. Click here to find out more about the topic of this year's edition.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications to participate as delegates are open!Model UN COPUOS 2023 - SGAC x ECSL Tickets, Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

*SGAC x ECSL Model UN is an SGAC event, and is as such aimed at students and young professionals between 18-35.

Rolling admissions - apply now!

If you have any questions please contact us at ecsl@esa.int