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Moriba Jah
Visionary in Agentic AI-Driven Decision Intelligence, Space Sustainability Leader, Global Advocate for Stewardship & MacArthur Fellow
Moriba Jah
Visionary in Agentic AI-Driven Decision Intelligence, Space Sustainability Leader, Global Advocate for Stewardship & MacArthur Fellow
Biography
Dr. Moriba Kemessia Jah is a MacArthur Fellow, renowned astrodynamicist and visionary leader whose work transcends the boundaries of space exploration and addresses some of humanity’s most urgent global challenges. While he is known for his pioneering contributions to space sustainability and space traffic management, Dr. Jah's broader mission is to revolutionize decision-making for individuals, organizations and governments—specifically focusing on advancing ethical stewardship across all sectors of society.
As a full professor at the University of Texas at Austin, a co-founder and Chief Scientist of GaiaVerse and Privateer Space Inc., Dr. Jah develops cutting-edge solutions that blend Agentic AI (AI that thinks and acts independently) with decision intelligence to create profound, impactful change. He focuses on solving complex global problems using AI-driven decision-making systems, leveraging data and human insight to empower individuals and organizations to act in the best interest of humanity and the planet.
Dr. Jah’s work spans multiple sectors—from space sustainability to environmental protection, human rights and social justice. While orbital debris management and space traffic safety are often highlighted in his research, his true passion lies in addressing a range of global issues through innovative solutions powered by decision intelligence. He is dedicated to applying AI to tackle child marriage, human trafficking, coral reef restoration and the optimization of education and healthcare for marginalized communities.
A thought leader in AI-driven decision intelligence, Dr. Jah believes that technology can and must be harnessed to make better decisions for global stewardship. His approach is rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, blending the best of artificial intelligence, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and planetary science to create a more just, sustainable and equitable future for all. His vision challenges the status quo and calls for a radical rethinking of how decisions are made—whether in the context of space policy, environmental action or social justice movements.
Dr. Jah is committed to fostering circular economies, from the cosmic commons in space to the ecosystems we inhabit on Earth. His work, which bridges technology, policy and humanitarianism, is reshaping how we approach global issues—whether in the preservation of the environment, the protection of human rights or the advancement of sustainable innovation. His leadership in AI and decision-making has made him a trusted partner to governments, corporations and international organizations, including NATO, AIAA and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS).
Through his role as a co-founder of Privateer Space, alongside Steve Wozniak, Dr. Jah leads efforts to develop AI-powered solutions for satellite data-driven sustainability—demonstrating how decision intelligence can not only protect satellites but can also serve as a model for solving other global crises. Whether optimizing medical care in underserved communities, tackling human trafficking or restoring fragile coral reefs, Dr. Jah's work exemplifies the power of AI-driven decisions in shaping a more resilient and compassionate world.
A sought-after speaker, Dr. Jah has delivered impactful talks at TED, TEDx, NATO, the U.S. Congress and numerous global conferences. Known for his ability to make complex ideas accessible, Dr. Jah’s talks inspire action by focusing on the intersection of humanity, technology and stewardship. He has mentored thousands of students and professionals, advocating for a future where AI and human compassion drive every decision.
Dr. Jah’s visionary research and thought leadership have garnered attention from top media outlets such as NatGeo, TIME, Wired, BBC and SpaceWatch Global. Through his work, he not only challenges existing norms but is also actively forging new paths toward solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As a TED Fellow, MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow and international member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Dr. Jah’s work continues to inspire change, shape policy and build a future where AI and humanity work in harmonious collaboration.
Dr. Jah’s journey from trauma to triumph informs his approach to leadership, making him not only a leader in science but also a visionary for societal transformation. His experiences, his work and his passion for global stewardship and ethical decision-making have positioned him as one of the most important thought leaders of our time. Whether in space or on Earth, Dr. Jah is leading a global movement to create a sustainable, equitable and compassionate future—driven by decision intelligence and a commitment to human dignity.
Speaker Videos
Moriba Jah's Hot Takes on Astrodynamics, Spirituality, and Leadership
Moriba Jah Describes the Moment That Changed His Life | The Businessweek Show
The world's first crowdsourced space traffic monitoring system | Moriba Jah
ITU INTERVIEWS @ ITU AI for Good Global Summit: Moriba Jah, Founder, Privateer Space
PRIVATEER SPACE: The Future of Space for the Future of Us with Dr. Moriba Jah
Space environmentalist Dr. Moriba Jah at the College of the Atlantic Summer Institute
Moriba Jah
TEXAS IN DEPTH: Moriba Jah on Space Junk and Spirituality
Decluttering space: Meet Moriba Jah, a space environmentalist
Moriba Jah, Astrodynamicist | 2022 MacArthur Fellow
Space Junk, StarLink and Falling Rockets with Moriba Jah – Cosmic Queries
Speech Topics
The Final Frontier or Final Folly? Orbital Debris & the Environmental Crisis Above Us
Space is often romanticized as the final frontier, but it is increasingly becoming a hidden environmental disaster. In this talk, Dr. Moriba Jah dives deep into the escalating crisis of orbital debris, showing how the growing clutter in space is not just an issue for astronauts but for every person on Earth. Dr. Jah explores how we are on the brink of a global catastrophe in orbit, with far-reaching consequences for climate monitoring, communication, navigation and even global security. He will present the urgent need for a sustainable space environment, using AI, data science and TEK to address the crisis. Is humanity prepared to be the “celestial stewards” it needs to be, or are we doomed to repeat the environmental mistakes of the past? The clock is ticking. Don't miss this urgent call to action to safeguard our future in space and on Earth.
Healing the World Through Healing Ourselves: Leadership Lessons From Trauma & Resilience
As a survivor of extreme personal trauma, Dr. Moriba Jah shares an incredibly personal journey that reveals how trauma is not just an individual experience—it’s a collective one. In this talk, he challenges the traditional views of leadership by linking personal healing with global impact. He explores the profound connection between resilience, leadership and healing—showing how individuals who confront their own trauma can create more authentic, compassionate and impactful leadership in the world. This talk asks the critical question: Can we heal the world if we don’t heal ourselves?
Decision Intelligence: Leading Through Chaos in a World That Feels Broken
In an age of increasing uncertainty, climate crisis, political turmoil and technological acceleration, how do we make decisions that matter? Dr. Moriba Jah argues that the key to effective leadership in times of chaos is not just data-driven decision-making but a holistic approach that combines human intuition, Agentic AI (AI that thinks and acts independently) and insights from traditional wisdom. He explores real-world examples of how these principles have been applied in space exploration, climate change mitigation and conflict resolution, and why the future of leadership lies in our ability to harness interdisciplinary collaboration to guide us through complexity.
Resilience in the Age of Extinction: How to Lead in Times of Global Crisis
The world is at a tipping point. From the climate crisis to global pandemics to the destabilizing impact of technology, Dr. Moriba Jah explores the psychology of resilience and how we can not only survive but also thrive in times of existential crisis. Drawing from his own experiences of trauma and healing, Dr. Jah discusses the importance of mental and emotional resilience, community leadership and intergenerational stewardship in addressing the crises we face. This talk explores how collective action, rooted in resilience and compassion, can guide humanity toward a more sustainable and harmonious future.
The Unseen Web: The Invisible Networks That Hold the World Together
What happens when the invisible networks that sustain our lives—satellites, data and supply chains—break down? In this talk, Dr. Moriba Jah examines the intricate web that connects humanity through satellite infrastructure, global logistics and AI-driven systems. He will explore how these systems are vulnerable and how a breakdown in space—due to orbital debris or cyber threats—could cause global chaos. This talk explores the invisible crises affecting our planet and why the future of global stability is tied to the health of these networks.
Celestial Stewardship: The Moral Imperative of Space Sustainability
As we enter an era of space commercialization and private-sector launches, the question must be asked: Who is responsible for the cosmic commons? This provocative talk challenges the prevailing notion that space is a free-for-all and introduces the idea of celestial stewardship—a new paradigm for managing space resources, ensuring equity and addressing the moral implications of exploiting space. In this keynote, Dr. Moriba Jah examines how AI, machine learning and global cooperation are essential to making space a sustainable resource for all of humanity as we face an imminent space sustainability crisis.
Testimonials
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