Outer Space Must Be a Place for Peace and Cooperation, Not an Arms Race, Speakers Affirm, as Fourth Committee Takes Up Space Matters
Outer space must become an arena for international cooperation for global sustainable development, and not a theatre for an arms race, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) heard today as it began its consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
The international community set a remarkable record in space exploration this year, with 17 people simultaneously orbiting the planet this May, Omran Sharaf (United Arab Emirates), Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, told delegates. Introducing that body’s report (document A/78/20), he said that outer space activity is intensifying, with numerous missions to the sun, the Moon, other planets and even asteroids. Space tools — such as satellite communications, meteorological satellites, navigation systems and earth observation technologies — are essential components of sustainable development, he pointed out, calling for global governance of outer space.
Noting that the Outer Space Committee made progress this year in enhancing understanding of regulatory frameworks and mechanisms related to space cooperation, he also highlighted the work of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and its instrumental role as the platform for multilateral cooperation on this topic. That Office builds capacity in space law and policy, supports regional space science centres and maintains the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space. Thus, it plays an important role in supporting Member States in fulfilling the objectives of the “Space2030” Agenda, he said.
In the ensuing debate, delegates stressed the importance of preserving outer space as an arena for international cooperation, while outlining the many peaceful purposes for which space technology can be harnessed.
Viet Nam’s delegate, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said that access to outer space is an inalienable right of all States. Highlighting the possibility of an arms race in outer space, the fragility of the space environment and the increasing probability of collisions due to increased space debris, he urged the international community to synchronize outer space research with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to developing legal frameworks that strengthen outer space governance, the international community must also focus on technology transfer and on capacity-building programs for developing countries, he said.
Pakistan’s representative said that his emerging space nation uses space technology for agriculture, disaster management, public health and water resource management. Further, he pointed out that space debris mitigation is a common but differentiated responsibility, since much of the current orbital debris is from past and ongoing operations of major spacefaring nations.
Cuba’s delegate expressed concern about the militarization of outer space and the deployment of spy satellites. Calling on all States to cooperate in transferring space technology and building capacity, she said that despite the blockade imposed by the United States, her country is developing space applications for meteorology, especially for predicting natural disasters.
The European Union is a responsible space actor, said its representative, speaking in its capacity as observer. Opposing the granting of UN affiliation to a new Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education hosted in the Russian Federation, he said that the Fourth Committee is not the appropriate body to discuss the draft resolution titled “Space technology for promoting peace”, submitted by that country. That text would set a precedent that is detrimental to the consensus-based working culture of both the Fourth Committee and the Outer Space Committee, he added.
The Russian Federation’s representative said discussions on the peaceful use of outer space must not be politicized. He also called on Member States to refrain from using civilian space infrastructure for undisclosed purposes, while highlighting the growing trend of the use of civilian space systems, including commercial space systems, for other purposes. Such irresponsible behaviour can undermine the long-term sustainability of space activity, he said.
The Fourth Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 26 October, to continue its consideration of the peaceful uses of outer space.
International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
MATHU JOYINI (South Africa), Chair of the Fourth Committee, delivered introductory remarks, saying that space science, technology, law and policy are of utmost importance for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She said that the safety of space operations and sustainability of outer space activities are imperative for ensuring the continued viability of space assets in the future. In this regard, she described the role of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as a global platform for fostering international cooperation in using outer space for peaceful purposes, especially for the benefit of developing countries.
OMRAN SHARAF (United Arab Emirates), Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, introduced that body’s report (document A/78/20) highlighting the broad range of activities undertaken by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and its mission of promoting international cooperation in the exploration and utilization of outer space. Also pointing to its instrumental role in discharging responsibilities under various UN treaties and principles on outer space and related resolutions, he noted that it maintains the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space. As the platform for multilateral cooperation, the Office fosters dialogue among all stakeholders, builds capacity in space law and policy, supports regional space science centres and promotes inclusive access to space. It thus plays an important role in supporting Member States in attaining Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the objectives of the “Space2030” Agenda, he said.
Recalling how, six decades ago, Valentina Tereshkova achieved a historic milestone as the first woman in space, he noted the increasing awareness of the importance of gender equality in the space sector, with more than 70 female spacefarers following this path. Earlier this year, a remarkable record was set with 17 people simultaneously orbiting the planet, he said, noting that the pursuit of space exploration, whether through human or robotic missions, has intensified with numerous missions to the sun, the Moon, planets and even asteroids. Also spotlighting bold commitments from both public and private actors to return to deep space, he underscored that space is a major driver of sustainable development. From satellite communications to meteorological satellites, from navigation systems to earth observation technologies, space tools are essential components in scientific research, environmental monitoring, global health and natural resource management.
Given this dependency on space systems, stronger international space cooperation and global governance of outer space is crucial, he continued. This is especially necessary given the unprecedented rate of development of new space technologies and the increased diversification of space actors. The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee as well as the Legal Subcommittee and their respective working groups made progress this year in enhancing understanding of regulatory frameworks and mechanisms related to space cooperation, he said. Preparations are under way for a dedicated workshop and an international conference to be held next year to advance the work on sustainability in outer space. The work of the Outer Space Committee and its Subcommittees, supported by the Office for Outer Space Affairs, is crucial in the collective endeavor for advancing the benefits of space activities for all, he said.
STEEN MALTHE HANSEN, representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, emphasizing the bloc’s condemnation of the Russian Federation’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, reiterated its opposition to granting UN affiliation to a new Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education hosted in the Russian Federation. As a responsible space actor, the European Union is actively exploring how it can align with United Nations space treaties within its legal framework, he added, stressing the importance of transparency and confidence-building measures and the need to foster responsible behaviour in space.
Space traffic management and the mitigation of space debris are key issues, he continued, adding that the European Union foresees the possibility for cooperation with international partners in that area. Already, the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking Support Framework’s collision avoidance services are open to non-European users. Turning to the draft resolution titled “Space technology for promoting peace” (document A/C.4/78/L.5), submitted by the Russian Federation, he said that the Fourth Committee is not the relevant body to address issues which are discussed in Geneva. That text would set a precedent that is detrimental to the consensus-based working culture of both the Committee and the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, he added.
HOANG NGUYEN NGUYEN (Viet Nam), speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said that access to outer space is an inalienable right of all States and that the use of outer space should exclusively be for peaceful purposes and the collective benefit of humanity. Echoing the concerns highlighted in General Assembly resolution 77/121, on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, he highlighted the possibility of an arms race in outer space, the fragility of the space environment and the need for greater attention to the increasing probability of collisions of space objects due to the increased space debris. Welcoming dialogues that help deepen understanding of issues relating to space security, he said efforts must be made to develop legal frameworks and strengthen governance for outer space activities.
Highlighting ASEAN’s contributions towards dialogue, including workshops and other initiatives, he said that the Outer Space Committee, its subcommittees and the Office for Outer Space Affairs must continue bolstering their essential roles as the prime intergovernmental platforms for addressing issues related to outer space activities. These mechanisms must be equipped with adequate resources, he said, calling on Member States, particularly developed countries, plus intergovernmental organizations and private sector entities to make more voluntary contributions in support of them. Emphasizing the importance of technology transfer, technical assistance and capacity-building programs, with particular emphasis on developing countries, he urged the international community to synchronize outer space research with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.
VATHAYUDH VICHANKAIYAKIJ (Thailand), aligning with ASEAN, said that the exploration and utilization of outer space must exclusively serve peaceful purposes and contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of humanity without discrimination. Thailand encourages closer international cooperation for knowledge-sharing, best practices and assistance on space and space sustainability, he said, noting that it shares geoinformatics from satellites as well as solutions with neighbouring countries, contributing to implementation of the regional space Plan of Action. Noting the recent launch of his country’s first Earth observation system, THEOS-2, he welcomed initiatives aimed at improving regulations for the peaceful use of outer space, adding, however, that these efforts should be driven by Member States.
NAEEM SABIR KHAN (Pakistan) said that space should be available to all countries on a non-discriminatory basis. As an emerging space nation, Pakistan's national space programme is focused on sustainable socioeconomic progress, with space technology being applied in such fields as agriculture, disaster management, public health and water resource management. However, developing countries still face considerable technical and financial hurdles that prevent them from fully benefiting from space technologies. The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space must make all efforts to ensure capacity-building, technical assistance and technological transfer so that developing nations can meaningfully enjoy their right to explore and use outer space. Further, the evolving framework on long-term sustainability of outer space must not impose unduly high standards which might be prejudicial to the interests of the developing and space-emerging countries, he added. Expressing concern about the increasing number of objects that are being launched into orbit, he said space debris mitigation is a common but differentiated responsibility. Much of the orbital debris that exists today is from past and ongoing operations of major spacefaring nations, he added.
TOUFIQ ISLAM SHATIL (Bangladesh), outlining his country’s space initiatives, said that its Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization recently adopted plans to tackle technological gaps for the advancement of space infrastructure and technology. It now is preparing to launch the Bangabandhu-2 satellite, which will support precision agriculture, resource management and environmental monitoring, among other things. Emphasizing the roles of capacity-building, technology transfer and effective international cooperation, he called for the implementation of the “Space2030” Agenda. Bangladesh attaches utmost importance on the use of space research and remote sensing for disaster management and environmental protection, he said, stressing the contribution of space technologies in increasing agricultural yields. He further expressed concern regarding deliberate debris-creating activities, including kinetic direct-ascent anti-satellite tests, uncoordinated launches and uncontrolled re-entry.
YUMIRKA FERNÁNDEZ PALACIOS (Cuba) called the Outer Space Committee a useful platform for global governance of outer space activities. Given the development of space weapons, the Fourth Committee must continue to examine how outer space can be used for peaceful purposes, she said, adding that all countries, regardless of their level of development, have a right to explore space. Expressing concern about the militarization of outer space and the deployment of spy satellites, she said that the geostationary orbit must be used only for peaceful purposes. Calling on all States to cooperate in transferring space technology and applications as well as in building capacity, she said that despite the blockade imposed by the United States, Cuba is developing space science, conducting space research and developing space applications for meteorology, especially for predicting natural disasters and conducting risk studies.
KIM SONG (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), noting that developing countries are actively embarking on efforts to conquer outer space, said that his country is pushing forward with the development of outer space to meet the interests of its people. Twenty-five years ago, it launched its first artificial satellite, he recalled, adding that the growth of space industry is key to securing a high-profile position as an economic power. He regretted attempts by the United States to obstruct his country’s cooperation in the space field, including the legitimate right to launch satellites for peaceful purposes. Security Council resolutions adopted against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are the product of the United States’ hostile policy, he said, adding that as a signatory to four major outer-space conventions, his country decries attempts by the United States to militarize space.
PETER MOHAN MAITHRI PIERIS (Sri Lanka) said that outer space must not become a theatre for an arms race, as its militarization could lead to potential conflict. An arms race in outer space would put all nations at risk, regardless of their space capabilities, while also threatening the earth’s environment. All nations, particularly those with advanced space capabilities, must cooperate to preserve space for the benefit of current and future generations, he said, calling for stronger partnerships to promote sustainable capacity-building. An inclusive legal framework, founded upon the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and equitable access, is necessary to address climate change and health crises through space technology, he added. Sri Lanka’s space system offers real-time data to farmers, providing them with actionable information to make better decisions and reducing weather-related risks while also enabling better resource management. He went on to highlight Sri Lanka’s space education programmes, saying that the young generation will become the torch-bearers of the nation’s cosmic odyssey.
MOHAMMAD REZA SAHRAEI (Iran) reiterated the need to observe the principle of non-interference with the activities of States in exploring and utilizing outer space for peaceful purposes. He further encouraged spacefaring nations to participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and provide capacity-building and technical assistance to developing countries. Although certain States have unfairly restricted and limited developing countries’ access to space, Iran is establishing one of the largest space centres in Western Asia, near Chabahar, in addition to launching its own imaging satellite, Nour-3, in September. He expressed concern about the increasing amount of space debris, adding that addressing this matter is a shared responsibility. “The duty of removing such debris lies exclusively with those who have created them,” he said, calling on Member States to examine the issue of space debris and reach a consensus on any proposed measures.
Mr. ALSAMMAK (Iraq) highlighted the role of outer space cooperation in improving space data, which helps guarantee public services, particularly in remote areas. It also makes it possible to strengthen economic development, as satellites can be used to survey natural and agricultural resources and to help thwart disasters. Putting early warning systems into place can save lives, he said, adding that satellites are also used to survey forests, plan crops and fight desertification. Highlighting their numerous environmental benefits, he said that using satellites to monitor drought in swamp areas makes it possible to preserve ecological balance. However, the increasing cost of space technology is a real obstacle for developing countries, he said, calling for stronger international cooperation and the ethical use of outer space. Iraq is striving to teach space technology and its applications in its universities, he said, calling for fellowships and training workshops to foster research and development.
MAXIMILIANO JAVIER ALVAREZ (Argentina), noting the changing nature of space technology and space activities, called for multilateral consensus-based solutions to new challenges posed by these advancements. Underscoring the democratizing nature of space technology, he pointed to the importance of making data available to all countries, thus promoting the collaborative use and equitable distribution of knowledge and resources derived from satellites. Elaborating on Argentina’s collaborative projects, he detailed initiatives such as the SABIA-Mar satellite mission, developed in cooperation with Brazil to observe coastal waters and ocean ecosystems and conduct habitat mapping across South America. Noting the launch of the Federal Geoportal for Local Management in 2022, he said that platform provides democratized access for municipal teams to territorial analysis tools. He further highlighted his country’s efforts in developing space technology skills, including the launch of an academic specialization in industry and aerospace systems.
HANA BINTI NORDIN (Malaysia), aligning herself with ASEAN, said that given the diversification and increase in space activities, it is essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of outer space. Reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to Assembly resolution 77/121, she said that it is vital to prevent an arms race. The establishment of a code of conduct could contribute to transparency and confidence-building, she said, also calling for a better exchange of information between all space actors, with due consideration to the legitimate self-interest of States. Malaysia’s domestic space laws ensure that its space activities are carried out responsibly and in compliance with international guidelines. Describing the “Space2030” Agenda as a forward-looking strategy that affirms the importance of space tools for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, she said that her country will continue to explore the benefits of space applications for emergency and disaster response, sustainable development and infrastructure planning.
SERGEY BELOUSKO (Russian Federation) said outer space should be used on an equitable non-discriminatory basis in accordance with international space law. He stressed the importance of strengthening the status of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which is founded on consensus-based decision-making and equal participation of Member States. Drawing attention to the growing trend of the use of civilian space systems, including commercial space systems, for other purposes, he warned that such irresponsible behaviour can undermine the long-term sustainability of space activity. Pointing to the increasing demand in initiatives to preserve the use of space for peaceful purposes, he said that the Russian Federation will table a draft resolution titled “Space technology for promoting peace” (document A/C.4/78/L.5). He further called on the Member States to refrain from using civilian space infrastructure for undisclosed purposes and from politicizing discussions on the peaceful use of outer space.
Right of Reply
The representative of the Russian Federation, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, expressed concern about the politicization of the Fourth Committee’s agenda item on outer space. The European Union is abusing its observer status with its hypocritical attack on the Russian Federation, he said, adding that the Committee’s bureau must ensure that Western States do not politicize discussions and erode the Assembly’s mandate. He also rejected unfounded allegations about his country’s special military operation in Ukraine, saying that it is taking place in full compliance with the United Nations Charter.