On 19 May 2025, UNU and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) will organize the panel discussion "New Frontiers in Global Security: Emerging Technologies and Outer Space", with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. This event will begin at 18:00 in U Thant International Conference Hall at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
As science and technology continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, they bring both tremendous benefits and significant challenges. While advancements in AI and space technologies drive economic and social progress, they also pose potential risks to global security. This symposium will explore these dual aspects, addressing how technological competition and cooperation shape geopolitics and strategic rivalries.
During a panel discussion moderated by NHK's deputy chief commentator Ms. Kaori Iida, Dr. Robin Geiss, Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Ms. Naoko Yamazaki, celebrated astronaut, and Mr. Chris Blackerby, Chief Operation Officer of Astroscale (an on-orbit servicing company), will discuss the future of AI and outer space, as well as the importance of international cooperation, from their respective perspectives and based on their experience and research.
Key questions to be explored include: What will the future of conflict and security look like as AI and space technologies continue to advance? What are the most pressing security concerns related to recent and anticipated developments in AI and outer space? What actions and measures are needed to create effective global norms and regulatory frameworks in these areas? And how can various stakeholders, including industry, academia, and civil society organizations, contribute to these efforts and foster international cooperation?
We look forward to your participation in this important discussion on the future of global security in the age of rapid advancements of AI and outer space capabilities and collaboration.
This event will be held in English and Japanese with simultaneous interpretation of each language. Advance registration (by 18 May at 15:00) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page.
Please plan to arrive early and be prepared to present identification at check-in.
UNU@50
This event is part of the UNU 50th anniversary celebration. To learn more, visit: https://unu.edu/unuat50
Agenda
18:00 — Opening Message
- Video message by Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Remarks by H.E. Ms. Shorna-Kay Richards, Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of UNIDIR
18:10 — Panel Discussion
Moderator: Ms. Kaori Iida, NHK
Panellists:
Dr. Robin Geiss, Director of UNIDIR
Ms. Naoko Yamazaki, celebrated astronaut
Mr. Chris Blackerby, Chief Operating Officer of Astroscale
19:00 — Interactive session
Q&A session with audience
19:25 — Closing remarks
- Speaker to be confirmed
