Highlighting Need to Harness Potential of Space Technology, Fourth Committee Emphasizes Need to Preserve Peace, Avoid Military Conflicts in Realm
Delegates also Underline Space Benefits for Water Management, Development, Tackling Climate Change
As the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) began its consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, delegates underscored the fragility and mystery of that realm, calling for cooperation in preserving its peacefulness and harnessing the potential of space technologies.
The representative of Sri Lanka, highlighting the romance, beauty and sense of infinite possibility offered by outer space, noted that it is also a solitary place. But its solitude and mysteriousness must encourage humans to use it peacefully, he said, adding: “The vastness of space reflects boundless human imagination and the dreams we dare to pursue.”
Highlighting the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, he underscored the importance of conducting outer space activities for the collective benefit of humanity, rather than for military or territorial claims. Rejecting “any doctrine that categorizes outer space as an arena of armed conflict or the next battlefield”, he warned that such “militaristic doctrines” will not only pit space-faring nations against each other but pose dangerous consequences for all humanity.
Noting the way humans have created “a multitude of ills on this planet” from nuclear weapons to climate change, he said it is time they fulfilled their “responsibility as trustees of this planet”. While welcoming trust-building measures like those developed by the open-ended working group on reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours, he asserted that such measures “cannot be a substitute for a legally binding instrument”. His country and Egypt have tabled a draft on the prevention of an arms race in outer space, he added.
The representative of Egypt, Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, also spoke today, introducing that body’s report (document A/79/20). Over 65 years of its existence, it has enabled development of the international legal regime governing outer space activities and fostered dialogue among space-faring and emerging space nations. Noting the exponential growth in space activities, rise in the number of objects in outer space and development of new technologies, he stressed the growing importance of ensuring safe and sustainable space activities.
During its sixty‑seventh session, he added, the Outer Space Committee agreed to establish the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation to improve consultations related to lunar activities. The Committee also agreed to a new agenda item on “Dark and quiet skies, astronomy and large constellations: addressing emerging issues and challenges” for the next five years, from 2025 to 2029. He also noted progress on various issues of space sustainability overall, including uses of nuclear power sources in outer space, legal aspects of space resource activities, space debris mitigation and remediation measures and enhanced access to the benefits of space for developing countries.
The Committee also welcomed a recommendation that the year 2029 be declared a UN-designated international year of asteroid awareness and planetary defence, he added, noting broad support for the proposed draft resolution on the matter. “This is in view of a unique opportunity of asteroid Apophis passing safely but in very close proximity to the Earth, making the asteroid visible to billions of people with the naked eye in the clear night sky,” he pointed out. Noting that he will introduce the draft omnibus resolution covering the agreements of the Committee and its two subcommittees, he highlighted the role of the Office for Outer Space Affairs as the substantive secretariat to the Committee. Among other things, the Office maintains the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space and facilitates dialogue among various stakeholders, builds capacity in space law and policy and promotes access to space for all, he said.
Other speakers highlighted the widening influence of space technology on everyday life. They underscored the need to harness its immense potential to combat climate change, while the representatives of developing countries, in particular, noted myriad ways in which satellite data contributes to development activities.
Iraq’s delegate highlighted the role of outer space technologies in communications, education and healthcare. Satellite technology plays a crucial role in providing Government services to rural and remote areas, he said, adding that these technologies are also helpful to protect the environment, monitor deforestation, prepare for natural disasters and facilitate early warning systems. Further, his country uses space data to monitor archeological areas and protect them, monitor desertification and plan urban development. Developed countries must provide technical assistance to States that aspire to enter this domain, he said, and the Outer Space Committee must continue to facilitate this.
Bangladesh’s national space agency, that country’s delegate said, plays an important role on critical issues such as disaster management and mega-infrastructure development. Highlighting the role of space-based science and technology in the health sector, he also noted its contribution to disaster management, environmental protection, natural resources management and climate change impact monitoring. It is essential to support the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response, he said, also calling for capacity-building and technology transfer.
“With hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods arriving with unprecedented power”, the representative of Canada, also speaking for Australia and New Zealand, said, climate change is especially affecting Pacific Island countries and the Global South, forcing people from their homes and challenging the foundations of peace, as people are displaced and vital resources are depleted. Data from Earth observation satellites is essential for monitoring the environment and supporting evacuation efforts, emergency response teams and communication. The practical, technical and legal work undertaken by the Outer Space Committee is crucial to this, she said. She urged States that have not done so to ratify or accede to the Outer Space Treaty, which has been the cornerstone of the international legal framework governing the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.
She also stressed the importance of diversity, adding: “The space community needs the knowledge and experience of everyone, including women and girls, to help maximize the innovative and peaceful uses of outer space.” Welcoming publication of the first-ever gender mainstreaming toolkit for the space sector, she said it offers simple and practical measures that space organizations can adopt to help bring about meaningful improvements for gender equality in the global space community, and help organizations address challenges faced by women in the space sector.
Along similar lines, the representative of Costa Rica said: “Gender-approach is fundamental for the benefits of space technology to be inclusive.” The participation of women broadens diversity in science and technology and strengthens local capacities to address environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Recalling a 2023 mission by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to her country, she said this facilitated the establishment of an inter-institutional process on space governance. She also urged States to intensify collaboration in using space applications for sustainable water management, especially in climate-affected regions.
Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative, that country’s delegate said, has provided the world with free access to high-resolution satellite images covering the entire tropical forest belt. This has supported efforts in many countries to address destruction of their tropical forests. Noting the increasing importance of space traffic management, she voiced support for the suggestion made by Germany in the Legal Subcommittee, for a study group of experts to come up with a proposal on how to move forward. As space becomes increasingly accessible, the global market for space launches will grow proportionately, she said. Working groups on long-term sustainability and legal aspects of space resource activities must strive to promote a common understanding of the way forward, she added.
The representative of Viet Nam, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), voiced concern about the possibility of an arms race in outer space and the fragility of the space environment. He called for strengthening the General Assembly’s role in fostering dialogue on current issues. Further, he called on Member States, particularly developed countries, to increase voluntary contributions to the trust fund in support of the United Nations Program on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as well as to enhance cooperation in research and exploitation of outer space for sustainable development purposes.
The representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer, said the bloc promotes responsible behaviour in outer space. The Outer Space Treaty obligates States Parties not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons, she said, adding: “We urge all States to refrain from any threatening activity.” Pointing to the involvement of private entities in outer space activities, she underscored the crucial role of the Outer Space Committee in enhancing transparency and building confidence among all nations, including space-faring and non-space-faring States.
The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea spoke in exercise of the right of reply.
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