SUMMIT FOCUS

When astronauts look down at Earth from space, they experience the Overview Effect—a sudden, cognitive shift. They don’t see lines on a map or geopolitical rivalries; they see a fragile, borderless blue marble. They realize that we are all, fundamentally, Terrestrials United.

But a cosmic perspective requires an equally cosmic ambition. That is why the 2026 UNA-USA Leadership Summit in Houston is the launchpad for leadership and the skills, knowledge, and resources to support a collective moonshot.

THE MOONSHOT

A “moonshot” refers to an extremely ambitious, innovative, and risky project that aims to achieve a monumental goal. Inspired by historic space missions, the term has evolved from its literal aerospace meaning into a popular business and tech metaphor for tackling massive global challenges.

The 2026 UNA-USA Leadership Summit will gather current UNA-USA chapter leaders, citizen diplomats, and UN advocates from across the country to harness this cosmic perspective from Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15, 2026. Together, we will develop the tools to counter hate speech, explore the cutting edge of space diplomacy, and strengthen the vital relationship between the US and the United Nations.

Friday, November 13:  

  • UNA-Houston Gala at Hilton Post Oaks (evening)
  • UNA-USA National Council meeting TBD (daytime)

Saturday, November 14, 2026: Houston City College – Alief Hayes Campus

  • High-impact plenaries
  • Breakout sessions in three tracks
    • Chapter Leader
    • Citizen Diplomat
    • Understanding the UN

Sunday, November 15, 2026: TBC (Space Center)

  • UNA-USA Awards Ceremony 
  • Plenaries at Space Center in possible partnership with Conrad Foundation

THE UN CONNECTION

The Summit’s theme and location in Space City (Houston, Texas) directly converges with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and its groundbreaking “Terrestrials United” global campaign. Recognizing that human rights are universal and borderless, OHCHR’s initiative uses the cosmic perspective of our shared planet to spark urgent, local action against hate speech, discrimination, and division. By aligning our grassroots energy with the OHCHR framework, we bridge the gap between international human rights standards and the critical advocacy work happening in American communities. Together, we are turning a profound global message into a practical, localized roadmap for change.

UN OHCHR Terrestrials United Campaign

UN Office for Outer Space Affairs

Why Should You Attend?

SIGNATURE SUMMIT SPONSOR

 

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