Fourth Committee Approves Draft Resolution Requesting Expanded Services of University for Peace in Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding
Members Begin Debate on International Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
Prior to opening its annual debate on outer space issues today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) unanimously approved a draft resolution on the University for Peace, by which the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General to expand the scope for using that institution’s services as part of his conflict-resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
By that text (document A/C.4/70/L.10), the Assembly would also invite the University to strengthen its activities for cooperation with and capacity-building for Member States in the areas of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. It would encourage Member States and the United Nations system to strengthen cooperation with the institution in areas such as education, training and research. In addition, the Assembly would encourage Member States to take the lead in supporting the University’s mission by recognizing the institution and, when possible, contributing financially to it.
Addressing the Committee, Francisco Rojas Aravena, Rector of the University for Peace, recalled that, 35 years ago, then President Rodrigo Carazo of Costa Rica had proposed that, rather than building armies, national leaders should instead use the money for the development of the University for Peace. Since 1980, the institution had offered, and continued to offer, innovative master’s degree programmes in areas relating to peace studies, international law, gender studies, environment and sustainable development, as well as a doctoral programme in peace and conflict studies, he said.
Mercedes Peñas Domingo, First Lady of Costa Rica and an alumna of the University for Peace, said the world was in a period of crisis, and inaction was not an option. An awareness of the culture of peace and a willingness to advocate for it were critical. The University had become even more relevant in that regard, she said, thanking the Rector for aligning the institution with the vision of the United Nations and its strategic goals.
Turning to the discussion on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, the Committee heard from Azzenine Oussedik (Algeria), Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, who said “the space agenda is evolving and becoming more complex, and the nature of space activities is evolving to meet those realities”. In particular, there was increasing emphasis on securing the long-term sustainability of outer space operations and on ensuring transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities.
He went on to describe the recent work of the Outer Space Committee’s Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and its Legal Subcommittee, recalling that, during its last session, the former had established the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group and the International Asteroid Warning Network, while the latter was advancing its work towards building an understanding on the mechanisms of international space cooperation. In addition, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs acted as the secretariat for the Outer Space Committee, and the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) continued to play an important role in its work.
A number of delegations pointed to the practical benefits of space exploration and activities. Thailand’s representative, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said that, as one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions, South-East Asia recognized the utility of space-based technologies in enhancing the capacity for disaster risk preparedness. ASEAN supported efforts to strengthen the governance framework for outer space, based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and equal access for all States.
In the same vein, Paraguay’s representative, speaking on behalf of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), emphasized that States must abide by the principles of equitable and rational use of outer space without discrimination. The moon and other celestial bodies could not be expropriated through claims of sovereignty, he added.
While some delegations expressed support for the establishment of a non‑legally binding international code of conduct governing outer space activities, others disagreed, calling exclusively for a legally binding instrument. In that connection, Mexico’s representative said he was disturbed over efforts to “leave the door open” for a few States to use outer space for hostile purposes. “Outer space must remain open to all States,” he stressed, adding that the exploration and use of space must always be for peaceful purposes.
Also speaking during the discussion on the University for Peace were the representatives of Costa Rica and Chile.
Also participating in the general debate on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space were representatives of Switzerland, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates. Representatives of the European Union and the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See also addressed the Committee.
The Committee will reconvene at 3 p.m. on 20 October to continue its general debate on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
Background
The Committee had before it a report of the Secretary-General on the University for Peace (document A/70/288) and a related draft resolution (document A/C.4/70/L.10). Also before members were the report of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space on its fifty-eighth session (document A/70/20); a related draft resolution titled “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space” (document A/C.4/70/L.2); a draft decision, “Increase in the membership of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space” (document A/C.4/70/L.7); and a draft resolution titled “Matters relating to activities under the United Nations Programme on Space Applications in 2016” (document A/C.4/70/L.9).
University for Peace
FRANCISCO ROJAS ARAVENA, Rector, University for Peace, introduced the report of the Secretary-General (document A/70/288), saying that the institution was more relevant now than ever because the number of international and regional conflicts had increased and grown more complicated. Although some geopolitical factors remained the same, the cold war had diminished and been replaced by a more aggressive tension characterized by major Powers and small victims. The relevant bodies must redefine analysis of the root causes of conflict, taking into account the interdependence resulting from globalization, and then make recommendations in order to properly mitigate new types of conflict.
He went on to recall that 35 years ago, then President Rodrigo Carazo of Costa Rica had proposed that, rather than building armies, national leaders should use the money towards the development of the University for Peace. Since 1980, the institution had offered, and continued to offer, innovative master’s degree programmes in areas relating to peace studies, international law, gender studies, environment and sustainable development, as well as a doctoral programme in peace and conflict studies designed for talented researchers who would pursue innovation in the field of peace studies. As of 2011, the University offered an online master’s degree programme in sustainable peace in the contemporary world. It maintained dual-degree, dual-campus and joint programmes with other high-level universities around the world.
Students and professors came from different cultures, he continued, noting that its 1,685 graduates came from 101 countries, almost 65 per cent of whom were women, with 27 per cent working in the public sector, 17 per cent within the United Nations and 36 per cent in non-governmental agencies and civil society. In 30 years, there would be more than 9 billion people in the world. A lack of natural resources, in particular water and energy, would become the basis of new and deeper international as well as local conflicts.
Pointing out that the University did not receive funding from the regular United Nations budget, he emphasized that it needed money to help carry out its mission, now more than ever. It was initiating a process of revitalizing and relaunching its core activities in order to align its endeavours with those of its main stakeholders, the United Nations and the signatory States of the Charter of the University, through a process of academic and institutional reform. Education for peace must be expanded until it touched all people everywhere and convinced them that armed conflict must be relegated to the past.
MERCEDES PEÑAS DOMINGO, First Lady of Costa Rica, recalled that she had herself graduated from the University for Peace. Emphasizing that the world was in a period of crisis, she said inaction was not an option. If the world wanted peace, leaders must be prepared for peace, which required an awareness of the culture of peace and a willingness to advocate for it. The University had become even more relevant in that shift, she said, thanking the Rector for aligning the institution with the vision of the United Nations and its strategic goals.
FIDEL COLOMA GRIMBERG (Chile) noted the long-standing career and great experience of the University’s current Rector in learning institutions. Endorsing the relaunching of the University, he said education was a key component of peace. Chile wished the Rector and the Board success in achieving its “dignified objective”.
JUAN CARLOS MENDOZA-GARCÍA (Costa Rica) introduced a draft resolution on the University for Peace (document A/C.4/70/L.10), as orally revised. Noting that 2015 marked the University’s thirty-fifth anniversary, he said the text provided updated information and highlighted, among other things, a new programme that had been launched in Spanish. The institution continued to offer training programmes on access to justice, human rights and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He went on to say that the draft resolution also introduced various elements relating to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reiterated a request that the Secretary-General establish a voluntary contribution trust fund. It further invited Member States that had not already done so to accede to the International Agreement for the Establishment of the University for Peace.
Speaking briefly in his national capacity, he reminded delegates that the University for Peace did not receive any funding from the regular United Nations budget, and emphasized that voluntary contributions were therefore crucial.
Ms. PEÑAS DOMINGO (Costa Rica), taking the floor in her national capacity, thanked all delegations that had endorsed and co-sponsored the draft resolution. Emphasizing that the culture of peace and education for peace were “absolutely critical”, she said the University focused on respect, coexistence, tolerance and cooperation. Costa Rica urged other Member States to work together in order to honour those principles through grants and other voluntary contributions. “The United Nations needs us increasingly,” she stressed, adding that Costa Rica had established a modest but standing annual contribution to the institution. There could be no peace until all human rights, including the right to development, were respected, she said, adding that peace could only be guaranteed in just, equitable and participatory societies.
The Committee then approved the draft resolution without a vote, as orally revised.
International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
AZZENINE OUSSEDIK (Algeria), Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), presented that body’s report on its fifty-eighth session (document A/70/20), describing the session as “challenging”, but stressing that openness had prevailed. The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee had made significant strides during the session, with the former having established the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group and the International Asteroid Warning Network as per recommendations for an international response to the threat of impact by near-Earth objects. It had also created two groups of experts to consider global health and space weather under multi-year work plans.
The Working Group of the Legal Subcommittee on international mechanisms for cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space was advancing its work towards building an understanding on the mechanisms of international space cooperation, he said. It had also agreed on two new agenda items, one on addressing space traffic management, and the other relating to international law perspectives on small and very small satellite activities. “The space agenda is evolving and becoming more complex, and the nature of space activities is evolving to meet those realities,” he continued. In particular, there was increasing emphasis on securing the long-term sustainability of outer space operations and on ensuring transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities.
Indeed, much had changed in the space enterprise since the beginning of the twenty-first century, and it was now appropriate to take stock of what had been achieved and the challenges that remained, he continued. Coordination at the regional and inter-regional levels was essential to fostering common efforts to promote international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. In that context, he went on to underline the particular role of regional organizations and mechanisms for providing platforms for enhanced coordination and cooperation between space-faring nations and emerging space-faring nations. Thanking the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) for its work, he said that he also recognized that the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) continued to play an important role in many areas of his Committee’s work. He also highlighted the important role that the Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education, affiliated with the United Nations, played in enhancing cooperative efforts. Likewise, the network of UN-SPIDER Regional Support Offices around the world catered to regional coordination efforts in the area of disaster risk reduction.
CHAYAPAN BAMRUNGPHONG (Thailand), speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said that, being one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions, South-East Asia recognized the utility of space-based technologies in enhancing the capacity for disaster risk preparedness. The development and application of such technologies required significant human capital and large financial investments, a factor that had prevented many developing countries from reaping maximum benefits from the peaceful uses of outer space. ASEAN encouraged developed countries, as well as relevant international organizations and agencies, to help developing countries build capacity in space science.
Expressing support for efforts to strengthen the governance framework for outer space, he reiterated that any discussion to lay down legal principles for outer space activities should be the product of a transparent and inclusive intergovernmental process within the ambit of the United Nations. Such a discussion must be based on respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and equal access for all States. He reiterated concerns about space debris, saying it posed a serious risk to communications, and to all nations, peoples and industries that relied heavily on their use. ASEAN therefore urged the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee to continue its discussion on mitigation measures.
Speaking in his national capacity, he said Thailand was committed to promoting the peaceful uses of outer space in order to improve the well-being of its people. To that end, the Government had implemented a number of projects that applied space-derived data to water and land management, which had improved the agricultural productivity of farmland and the livelihoods of farmers. Thailand had also approved a five-year plan for developing and launching the second Thailand Earth Observation System (THEOS 2), which would provide satellite images and geographic information in agricultural monitoring, risk management, natural resources, infrastructure and national security, he said.
FEDERICO ALBERTO GONZÁLEZ FRANCO (Paraguay), speaking on behalf of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), reaffirmed the group’s support for efforts to ensure the peaceful uses of outer space, adding that States must abide by the principles of equitable and rational use of outer space without discrimination. The moon and other celestial bodies could not be expropriated through claims of sovereignty. International and regional cooperation in developing space activities were required to ensure continued progress, and MERCOSUR reaffirmed its support in ensuring the creation of a legal framework to take into account the interests of all Member States, large and small.
JACEK BYLICA, of the European Union, said the bloc’s space policy priorities lay in the areas of global navigation and Earth observation, adding that it participated in the Galileo and Copernicus flagship programmes. Two Galileo satellites had been put into orbit on 27 March, joining six others launched previously. The Galileo navigation system would allow several kinds of improved services, ranging from search and rescue to electricity supply, he said. Copernicus, a long-term European Union Earth observation and monitoring programme, would encompass the launch of six families of satellites and instruments, and its data and services would be available free of charge to certain users, including European Union institutions, member States, the private sector, international partners, the global scientific community and interested citizens.
He went on to say that the bloc’s space research was supported by the Horizon 2020 programme, which would ensure that outer space remained accessible and safe in the long run, a challenge, which required a long-term approach. It was also important to promote industry capability, technology readiness and space situational awareness capabilities, so as to cope with threats, such as orbital space debris, which increased the likelihood of destructive collisions and deliberate disruption of satellites. The non-legally binding international code of conduct for outer space activities had been suggested by the European Union in 2007, in response to United Nations General Assembly resolution 61/75, and three rounds of open-ended consultations on that subject had been conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner.
RICARDO ALDAY GONZÁLEZ (Mexico) said the general goal of his country’s policy on outer space issues was to promote and strengthen capacities to explore outer space for peaceful purposes only. As a party to the five United Nations treaties governing outer space activities, Mexico hoped for greater transparency and trust in outer space activities, and attached great importance to efforts aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space. The country promoted efforts towards a fair, viable and verifiable instrument to achieve those ends. Emphasizing that exercises in “soft law”, such as the development of a code of conduct, were no substitute for legally binding instruments. Mexico was disturbed by efforts to “leave the door open” for a few States to use outer space for hostile purposes. “Outer space must remain open to all States,” he stressed, adding that exploration and use must always be for peaceful purposes. All weapons of mass destruction must be prohibited and eliminated, regardless of their nature or where they were located, he said, strongly rejecting the placement of any such weapon in outer space.
NATÁLIA ARCHINARD (Switzerland) said that, given developments in the uses of outer space, there was a need to strengthen the international normative framework in order to preserve security and stability in outer space, as well as the long-term sustainability of those activities. The space and disarmament communities should work in a coherent manner on cross-cutting issues, he emphasized, welcoming the joint ad hoc meeting between the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) and Fourth Committee planned for 22 October. Switzerland also encouraged closer collaboration on space matters between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Office for Disarmament Affairs, he added.
DAVID FORÉS RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) reiterated that outer space must not become the next arena of the arms race, saying that the adoption of an international treaty to prohibit the deployment of weapons into outer space was the only way to prevent the militarization of space. Scientific advances had permitted nearly endless possibilities for developing space programmes for all people, and outer space should not be for the exclusive use of private entities, he emphasized. Global leaders also needed to prevent the overuse and pollution of outer space, lest the same ills that had befallen the terrestrial environment recur above the earth. The Outer Space Committee must urgently intensify efforts to define and delineate the terms of outer space use, rather than confining itself to certain areas. It was disturbing that some countries had attempted to negotiate space treaties outside the United Nations and the Outer Space Committee when the two entities possessed the sole legal authority to pursue such agreements. He said that, despite harsh economic sanctions, his country had used outer space to advance its meteorological programme and, in particular, its early warning system for hurricanes. Every country should be able to use outer space for its own advancement, and Cuba encouraged the United Nations and the Outer Space Committee to move towards closer cooperation in order to initiate more opportunities in environmental research, sustainable development, food security and communications, among other fields.
NASER Al RASHEDI (United Arab Emirates) said experience had shown that the peaceful use of outer space had become essential to the development of the human race and should be furthered in the spirit of fostering sustainable development, communications, and the management of natural resources. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the crucial role played by the United Nations and the Outer Space Committee in ensuring that developed and developing countries alike could make use of outer space to help implement the 2030 Agenda, he said, reiterating his delegation’s willingness to help strengthen international law in order to curb the race toward the militarization of outer space. The international community must focus on waste from older activities that had created a threat to the planet, he said, adding that the United Arab Emirates would support all efforts and strategies aimed at curbing the threat posed by space debris.
BERNARDITO AUZA, Permanent Observer of the Holy See, said that the Earth, the common home of the entire human family, was entrusted to people to be — as the Bible said — “cultivated” and made “fruitful”, alongside the responsibility to take care of it. Gazing into the skies and marvelling at the quantity and variety of celestial bodies, one could see that the planet was just a small part of the universe, whose vastness and awesome wonders invited reflection and humility. The harmony of celestial bodies and their relationship with the Earth conditioned the rhythm of life as well as daily human activities, he said. According to Saint Francis, the space beyond the Earth was also humankind’s home, its common good, and a gift for the enjoyment of the whole of humanity. It was therefore of the utmost importance that the opening of outer space for scientific and peaceful research be for the benefit of all, he emphasized.