DISARMAMENT COMMISSION
(DIS)

VENUE

TBD

Disarmament Commission Topic 1:

Regulating militarization and satellite testing in low earth orbit

Low Earth orbit has become an increasingly congested and strategically significant domain, hosting satellites essential for communication, navigation, climate monitoring, and global commerce. However, rising military activity and anti-satellite weapon testing threaten to generate dangerous debris, escalating security tensions and endangering civilian infrastructure. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs has emphasized the need for responsible behavior in space to preserve its long-term sustainability. Similarly, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space advocates for cooperative governance and debris mitigation standards. Regulating militarization and satellite testing in low Earth orbit requires binding international norms, transparency measures, and confidence-building mechanisms to prevent conflict and protect the shared orbital environment.

Disarmament Commission Topic 2:

Regulating the development and use of autonomous weapon systems

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence have accelerated the development of autonomous weapon systems capable of selecting and engaging targets with limited or no direct human control. Proponents argue such systems may increase precision and reduce military casualties, while critics warn of ethical risks, accountability gaps, and unintended escalation. The United Nations has facilitated discussions on lethal autonomous weapons under the framework of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, where member states debate potential regulations or bans. Regulating the development and use of autonomous weapon systems requires clear definitions, meaningful human oversight, and internationally agreed safeguards to ensure compliance with humanitarian law and global security norms.