Topic 1 -  Human settlements on Mars

NASA plans to send astronauts to Mars in the 2030s. The private sector is more ambitious, with SpaceX conceptualizing a mass-colonization program anticipated to occur in 30 years. The emergence of an Earth-sized frontier brings forth a range of ethical, legal, and practical considerations. Firstly, what is the most appropriate way to extract and allocate space resources? Next, can private entities participate in space colonization, and how should we regulate them? Finally, to what extent are states entitled to monopolize space resources and territories, and how do we manage relations with long-term colonizers of Mars? Drawing insights and lessons from Earth’s history, delegates are expected to formulate strategies that ensure a smooth future transition into the space age.

Topic 2 - Space resource extraction

Space mining technologies offer an appealing solution to the rapid depletion of resources on Earth. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits the national appropriation of space resources. However, in an era of great power competition, legal issues surrounding extraction rights and ownership of strategic extraterrestrial resources will become a major source of international conflict. Additionally, a legal framework for equitable distributions of space resources has yet to be developed, and will likely spark acrimonious debates worldwide. Economically, the emergence of new resources could disrupt global markets. The substantial upfront costs and environmental impact of such projects will also need to be evaluated.