On 19 May 2025, UNIDIR and United Nations University (UNU) will co-host the panel discussion “New frontiers in global security: Emerging technologies and outer space”.
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.
Panelists 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? How can various stakeholders, including industry, academia and civil society organizations, contribute to these efforts and foster international cooperation?
This event is part of the UNU 50th anniversary celebration.
When and where
Monday, 19 May 2025, 18:00 – 19:30 JST, U Thant International Conference Hall, UNU Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan.
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. Shorna-Kay Richards, Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of UNIDIR
18:10 Panel discussion
Moderator
- Kaori Iida, NHK (Japanese broadcasting company)
Panelists
- Dr Robin Geiss, Director of UNIDIR
- Naoko Yamazaki, celebrated Astronaut
- Chris Blackerby, Chief Operating Officer, Astroscale
19:00 Interactive session
Question and answer session with audience
19:25 Closing remarks
- Speaker to be confirmed
Further information
The event will be held in English and Japanese with simultaneous interpretation of each language. Advance registration (by 18 May at 15:00 JST) is required. In-person attendees are kindly requested to arrive early and ensure that identification is presented at check-in.