on Friday, 28 October, to resume its general debate on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. The Fourth Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. The representatives of the Russian Federation, Cuba and Syria raised a procedural matter. Today, outer space is more democratic, she said, and governance must adapt to that new reality.Īlso speaking today were representatives of Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, China, El Salvador, France, Republic of Korea, Iran, Brazil, Pakistan and Belarus.Īlso participating in the panel discussion were Nayef Al-Rodhan, Geneva Centre for Security Policy Guoyu Wang, Professor, Beijing Institute for Technology and Jennifer Warren, Satellite Industry Association. He added that it is obvious that international humanitarian law applies in outer space.Ĭosta Rica’s representative, emphasizing that placing weapons in outer space is unacceptable, said that the current framework for outer space governance stems from a time when few States were active in space. The Netherland’s representative said that a step-by-step approach, based on responsible behaviour, but without ignoring the possibility of a future legally binding instrument, is the best way forward. ![]() He was also among several delegates who voiced concern over the risks posed by a proliferation of space debris. India’s representative said that his country, a major spacefaring nation, favours a legally binding instrument to prevent an arms race in outer space that would be multilaterally negotiated by the Conference on Disarmament. Going forward, it will work to enhance trust through confidence-building measures such as norms, rules and principles for space activities, she added. The United States representative, underscoring the leading role played by commercial operators in developing best standards and practices, said that her country is committed to a rule-based approach. He drew attention to a draft treaty, prepared by his country and China, on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space and reaffirmed support for the United Nations bodies mandated by the international community to consider outer space issues. The Russian Federation’s representative said that the United States and its allies are making space a new arena for confrontation as they deploy outer space infrastructure for military objectives. But there is clearly a need for more work, she said, adding that voluntary collective norms of behaviour and space awareness will help reduce risks of unintended escalation. The United Kingdom’s representative, speaking on behalf of 44 countries and groups, and underscoring the progress made in the past year, said that international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, applies to all outer space activities. That would help ensure the longer-term sustainability of outer space activities and the preservation of the space environment for peaceful purposes, he added. Omran Sharaf, Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, speaking at the start of a panel discussion, said the “Space2030” Agenda - adopted by the General Assembly on 25 October 2021 – demonstrates the commitment of the Member States to promote the implementation of United Nations treaties on outer space. The international community has a common interest in maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes, he said, adding that building sustainability on Earth through sustainability in space is growing crucial. Niklas Hedman, Acting Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, based in Vienna, said that any action to meet space security and sustainability concerns must relate to the fundamental development needs of all nations and people. ![]() ![]() He recalled that the Secretary-General intends to convene a multi-stakeholder dialogue in 2024 which will seek to elevate the topic to a higher political level and instil a sense of urgency in existing workstreams. ![]() With concerns growing about the weaponization of the heavens, speakers renewed calls today for a multilaterally negotiated and legally binding instrument to prevent an arms race in outer space, during a joint ad hoc meeting of the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) and Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization).Īdedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, delivering opening remarks, said that preserving outer space as a realm free of conflict and weaponization remains an urgent priority. Concerns Also Raised about Proliferation of Space Debris
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