Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, 68th session, 836th meeting

Distinguished delegates, I now declare open the 836th meeting of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Distinguished delegates, this morning we will continue our consideration of Agenda Item 4, General exchange of views. We will continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 5, ways and means of maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes. We will begin and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 6, report of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on its 62nd session. We'll begin our consideration of agenda item 7, report of the Legal Subcommittee On its 64th session, time permitting, we'll begin our consideration of agenda item eight: space and sustainable development. Are there any questions or comments on this proposed schedule?

Je n'en vois pas.

I see none. German exchange of views. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to continue our consideration of agenda item. General exchange of views. I now turn to the first speaker on my list, the distinguished delegate of the United States. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Distinguished delegate of the United States, you have the floor.

Merci beaucoup.

Thank you very much, Chair.

Thank you, Chair. The United States congratulates you on your election and We look forward to working with you this session. Chair, 2025 has already been a year of firsts for the United States. In March, we welcomed the milestone achievement of the first fully successful commercial mission to make a soft landing on the moon by the Blue Ghost lunar lander. The mission delivered 10 scientific and technology experiments to advance our collective understanding of the lunar environment and reaffirm the trailblazing nature of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or CLPS, program. We were pleased to submit an Article 11 filing to the UN on this mission and several others to underscore the importance of transparency and further the principles of the Artemis Accords, which welcomed its newest and 55th signatory, Norway, on May 15th. Expanded human spaceflight capabilities are making space more accessible than ever before. Just yesterday, the Axiom-4 mission launched 4 astronauts from Hungary, India, Poland, and the United States to the International Space Station, where scientists from 31 different countries helped plan 60 scientific studies and activities. We also saw the first crewed spacecraft enter a polar retrograde orbit, allowing astronauts to fly over Earth's poles for the first time. These advances continue to lead to untold benefits that help lift up all nations. These activities, along with the impressive achievements cited by many other delegations in this room, uh, today and yesterday, underscore the dynamic innovation and economic growth that our civil and commercial space sectors are driving around the world today. These accomplishments and the speed with which space capabilities are changing today also reinforce why it is so essential for this committee to respond to modern challenges and opportunities in outer space. We cannot hope to utilize the untold benefits that satellites, large satellite constellations, and other space assets provide if we fail to address the pressing challenges we face. Whether it is orbital debris, space traffic coordination, space resource utilization, or a host of other topics, this forum plays a critical role in helping our civil and commercial space sectors operate safely, sustainably, and responsibly. To that end, my delegation welcomes the progress of the Space Resource Activities Working Group the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultations, or ATWAC, and the long-term sustainability of outer space. We are also encouraged by the promising discussions on space situational awareness and space traffic coordination and urge delegations to advance substantive work on these topics. With the committee advancing so many critical initiatives, it is important to ensure that we do not overextend ourselves or use our limited time to pursue efforts that are outside of UN COPUOS mandate and expertise. Further, we must ensure our work focuses on the immediate needs of space operators and maintains UN COPUOS's relevance as the center of global space discussions. The United States continues to reaffirm the importance of addressing security-related aspects of space activities in the disarmament and international security fora, not UN COPUOS. Chair, in closing, while the number of obstacles and challenges we face may seem daunting at times, I am confident that this committee has the capabilities necessary to meet the moment. However, we must ensure that UN COPUOS is willing and able to adjust to the changing space landscape and modernize its procedures, practices, and agenda to better address the rapid changes in the peaceful uses of outer space. We should embrace more streamlined substantive discussions, and find new and innovative ways to ensure all space actors, whether they are government, academic, or commercial, can offer their perspectives in this forum. New entrants into outer space bring innovative ideas, new perspectives, and new opportunities for cooperation. This committee has a massive responsibility before it, and we must work together to ensure that it can deliver. Merci beaucoup.

Je remercie.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United States for this statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Finland.

Merci, Monsieur le Président. Finland fully aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union. And would like to make a few remarks in its national capacity. At the beginning of this year, Finland adopted an updated space strategy, which defines our vision and goals for the space sector up to 2030. The objectives of the strategy include increasing international cooperation. Multilateral forums such as this one are key in promoting cooperation and common rules in the space arena. We recognize COPUOS as an indispensable forum for ensuring that space activities and related regulatory developments are carried out in accordance with international law.

Accordingly, we note UNOSA's success in facilitating COPUOS meetings and promoting constructive exchange therein.

Mr. Chair, in line with the Pact for the Future, We encourage the widest possible adherence to Outer Space Treaty, as well as further discussions on developing frameworks for space traffic, space debris, and space resources through COPUOS. In this spirit, we express our appreciation on the work done in this year's Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and Legal Subcommittee to push forward the discussions in a concrete and solution-oriented manner.

manner.

Finland has joined the German proposal for a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic. We consider that the anticipated work of such a study group, as well as fostering synergies between the 2 subcommittees on the matters relevant to space traffic, could serve as a valuable basis for continuing the discussions in UNISPACE IV. In this spirit, we wish that a consensus is reached in this committee To establish a study group at the legal subcommittee, as well as to organize Unispace 4 in 2027 in a cost-neutral way. We express our appreciation for the efforts already done with the aim of realizing Unispace 4.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Je remercie la distinguished delegate of Finland for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Spain.

Thank you very much, Chair. Spain aligns with the statement made by the European Union and would like to make some further comments in its national capacity. At the outset of this session, Chair, allow me to extend my congratulations to you on your election. Spain trusts to your well-known professionalism in helping the committee to achieve its goals. You can count on Spain's full support. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Director of the Office and all of the staff of the Office who, with their work and dedication, have made it possible for us to hold this session. Chair, my delegation reiterates the importance it attaches to a rules-based multilateral system which is fully compliant with international law. Violations of the UN Charter are an attack on the multilateral system as a— in itself. Thus, Spain condemns the Russian Federation's unjustified attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in violation of international law and the UN Charter. We wish to express our solidarity and our support to the people of Ukraine. We advocate for the implementation of international law including international space law. Spain is party to the first 4 UN treaties which govern the use and exploration of outer space. We continue to advocate for its universe— the universalization and full implementation in the context of broad and inclusive dialogue under COPUOS, the sole multilateral forum under the aegis of the United Nations which has a cross-cutting approach to legal, scientific, and technical aspects related to the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. Chair, the Spanish Space Agency recognizes the importance of ensuring the sustainability of space activities in the medium and long term. Hence, the agency supports various activities in Spain to avoid the creation of space debris to improve the management of space traffic, to develop technologies to remove objects from orbit, and to better understand the disintegration processes of space objects when they re-enter the atmosphere. We reiterate our commitment to international cooperation as a necessary approach for taking on the shared challenges that we face in the context of outer space, such as controlling space traffic, reducing space debris, and protecting dark and quiet skies. Thus, Spain has present— has submitted a conference room paper to discuss the mitigation of the harmful effects of human activity on the observation of the skies, and we, alongside Chile, are organizing a side event on this subject. Spain also supports the proposal of the UAE to create a group of experts on space situational awareness under the legal subcommittee. We also support holding Unispace 4 in 2024, and we hope that in this session we'll be able to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that the conference can go ahead with successfully. To summarize, Spain attaches great importance to the principles of the peaceful use of space, transparency, and responsible behavior. With that, my delegation reiterates its willingness to contribute under your expert leadership to the smooth running of the session. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Spain for this statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of New Zealand.

Thank you, Chair, and the Secretariat for facilitating our discussions this week. New Zealand is an active and interested participant in the work of the committee, and I assure you of New Zealand's full support. In 2024, we published the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy 2024 to 2030. As part of our ongoing commitments under this strategy, New Zealand continues to apply the guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. We support the working group to progress effort towards their practical implementation. New Zealand takes space debris mitigation and remediation very seriously. We are one of the first countries in the world to develop an approach to regulating active debris removal and on-orbit servicing, enabling international partners to conduct innovative and sustainable activities from New Zealand. New Zealand also supports the need for space resource utilization and associated activities to be conducted in a safe, sustainable, responsible, and peaceful manner consistent with international law. We see the benefits of a multi-stakeholder and multilateral approach and note that non-binding instruments and fora can also be useful in guiding the behavior of states and in supporting the development of rules and norms. Chair, while progress is being made, space has also become congested and contested. We share concerns expressed by several delegations regarding potential activities that may risk the free and open use of space for all. We acknowledge the work underway by our colleagues in Geneva. and look forward to a constructive outcome from the open-ended working group on preventing an arms race in outer space. Thank you, Chair. We look forward to a productive session.

I thank the distinguished delegate of New Zealand for this statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Malaysia.

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, We attach the utmost importance to the work of COPUS as a significant international forum. This session marks an important milestone in the global governance of the space sector. In this regard, we assure you of our commitment to ensuring the successful outcome of this session. Malaysia fully aligns itself with the statement of the Group of 77 and China. Hence, please allow me to update the Committee on the most recent developments in the Malaysia space sector. Mr. Chair, underscoring the importance of enhancing the capacity and capability of emerging spacefaring nations, Malaysia has continued to develop a complete space ecosystem in line with the implementation of the National Space Policy 2030, the Malaysian Space Exploration and the Space Industry Strategic Plan. A study has shown that our space industry is positively growing. With more than 70 local companies generating a total revenue of Malaysian ringgit 6.12 billion from 2017 until 2024. Mr. Chair, as one of the activities under the memorandum of cooperation between Malaysian Space Agency and, and Japan Space— Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, the Technomat Malaysia-Japan program was held on May 2025, in conjunction with World Expo Osaka 2025. The program, which was held in partnership with the Malaysian Space Industry Consortium, has successfully achieved its objective of promoting partnership and fostering technological collaboration between both countries towards the new space economy. Mr. Chair, Malaysia has joined the annual observation of World Space Week, with our own Malaysia chapter celebrated throughout the month of October. Furthermore, Malaysia has also successfully organized the Conference on Space Economy Revolution Trends, Technology, and Strategies on 22nd May 2025 in conjunction with Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition. The conference served as a strategic platform bringing together experts from the space sector to address challenges at national, regional, and international levels, facilitate the exchange of insight on key priorities and action, and expand collaborative networks within the field of space science and technology. Malaysia wishes to express its full support for the proposal to establish an expert group on space situational awareness by United Thank you, Mr. Chair. Malaysia welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the United Arab Emirates to develop best practice within the framework of STAC of COPUS. Malaysia reaffirms our commitment to contribute to the sustainability of our outer space activity throughout the Space 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the implementation of long-term sustainability guidelines. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, Malaysia offers our assurance that we will continuously invest and develop our space capabilities and cultivate a flourishing space economy. We recognize the current demands and challenges of the global community in space that are causing space to become more complex. Therefore, the role of governance through COPUS and its subcommittees and international cooperation among all member states without discrimination will lead the way towards sustainable development and the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit and the interests of all humankind. Mr. Chair, thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Malaysia for this statement, and I give the floor now to the distinguished delegate of Peru.

Thank you, Chair. On behalf of the delegation of Peru, I would like to extend our congratulations to you on your election to the Chair of the 68th session of COP+1. We are persuaded that under your leadership, these sessions will be successful and productive. Peru aligns with the statements made by GRULAC and the G77 and China, and in our national capacity, we would like to state the following. Our country was one of the first to accede to the 5 treaty— UN treaties on outer space, and therefore we reiterate our commitment to developing space activities for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all states, irrespective of their degree of economic and scientific development. We are conscious of the rapid developments in the space sector in all its areas, and therefore one of our priorities is the sustainability of space activities both on Earth as well as on on other celestial bodies such as the Moon, where intensive exploration, which is expected to occur in the near future, will create opportunities and challenges for international cooperation. Peru is deeply attached to the current discussions on governance of space. And to this end, in 2024, we signed the Artemis Accords with the goal of participating actively in the cooperation regime and international dialogue to seek guidance and principles to ensure the peaceful use of the Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids. It's a pleasure to announce that Peru will be the host of the 4th workshop on the Artemis Accords in 2026, and for the first time, this event will take place in Latin America. To this end, we invite all signatories of these agreements to participate in the event and to use the opportunity to— this dialogue platform to address shared interests. We'd also like to emphasize that this year our space agency celebrated 51 years as an institution working to strengthen our national capacities for the benefit of the Peruvian— of the Peruvian people. And also, we have— we've been engaged in sustained and active cooperation with other agencies and international actors. In this context, Peru has been working to renew its satellite system for Earth observations with a view to ensuring capacity building and services related to defense, territorial management, disaster risk management, and so on for the service of our citizens. Likewise, we are an active member of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, ABSKO, in the framework of which we have promoted international multilateral cooperation through the implementation of projects related to science and space technology, capacity-building opportunities, and we have also had— it has also been a platform for exchanging experience and data. Finally, our country would like to reiterate its willingness to support efforts under the— under UNOSA and COPUOS to strengthen the international legal framework and good governance of outer space, the Moon, and other celestial bodies. Thank you very much, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Peru for that statement and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Norway to take the floor.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Norway fully aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union and we have the following additional remarks.

Mr.

Chair, Norway wishes to congratulate you on your election as Chair, please rest assured of our support. We would also like to thank the outgoing Chair, Mr. Sharif Mohamed Setki of Egypt, for his outstanding work in leading the Committee during the last year. We also thank the Office for Outer Space Affairs, under the able leadership of Director Holmeier, for their excellent work in preparing this session. In that regard, the growing gap between ENOSA's expanding mandates and its limited financial and human should be addressed. We are pleased to see that the membership of this committee is steadily increasing, and we welcome the new members, Djibouti and Latvia. Mr. Chair, the topic of space traffic management is gaining increased importance. Norway is a co-sponsor of the paper by Germany on a proposal for a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic. We hope to Committee will be able to approve the establishment of such a study group under the Legal Subcommittee. Furthermore, we also support the establishment of an expert group on SSA under the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, as proposed by the United Arab Emirates. Norway expects that the Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability will be able to make substantial progress on the draft final report and the annex in its meetings during this session of the committee. Regarding the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities, Norway is pleased with the progress made during this year's legal subcommittee, and we look forward to receiving the updated draft set of recommended principles for space resource activities in July. Chair, we are pleased to announce that Norway, on the 15th of May this year, signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the 55th signatory state of, uh, the Accords. Earlier this month, Norway also signed a declaration of interest for Space for Ocean Alliance at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. In conclusion, allow me to present a few updates on Norway's latest space activities. On the 14th of January, the maritime monitoring satellite Norsat-4 was launched. On the 30th of March, the German company ISAR Aerospace launched its rocket Spectrum from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway. This is the first orbital rocket launched from continental Europe. Despite the short journey of the Spectrum rocket, this marks the beginning of a new era in Norwegian and European spaceflight. In April, we had the first person in space wearing a Norwegian flag on her arm. Jannecke Mikkelsen flew on the mission Fram 2. This is the first human spaceflight mission to explore the Earth in a polar orbit. And lastly, last week the proposal for a new Norwegian space law was presented to the Norwegian Parliament. The new law will facilitate space activities that contribute to business development, innovation, and the peaceful exploration of outer space, with due regard to the environment and sustainability. The law will require that activities are carried out in a responsible and safe manner in accordance with Norway's national security interests. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Norway for that statement and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Ukraine to take the

Thank you, Mr.

Chair. Ukraine fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union under this agenda item. In my national capacity, I wish to add the following. Ukraine remains firmly committed to multilateral cooperation within COPUS and its subcommittees. These platforms are vital for promoting the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of all humankind. Preserving space as a peaceful domain requires transparency, cooperation, strong legal framework, and mechanisms for accountability. Only through trust, responsible conduct, and the prevention of weaponization can space remain a realm of opportunity. Mr. Chair, Russia's ongoing unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine has severely impacted our ability to develop space science, technology, and education. The adoption of our national space program remains stalled. Constant missile attacks on educational, research, and industrial infrastructure have progress, disrupted key projects, and damaged facilities. This has led to reduced investment, the loss of international cooperation, including our participation in the Antares program, and the destruction of valuable space assets. Moreover, our highly qualified scientists and engineers are being compelled into defence-related roles. Many have left their professions to serve their country. Some have paid the ultimate price. Distinguished delegates, since 24 February 2022, Russia has launched hundreds of missiles, thousands of drones, and tens of thousands of guided bombs on Ukrainian cities, killing civilians, including children, and destroying infrastructure. These are not collateral incidents, but systematic violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. They are war crimes. Russia also continues to misuse space technologies for military purposes, violating the core principles of peaceful space space activity. It collaborates with regimes under UN sanctions, namely Iran and the DPRK, to bolster its missile and drone capabilities, further fueling its unlawful aggression against Ukraine. And against this backdrop, Ukraine firmly opposes the Russian draft resolution entitled Space Science and Technology for Promoting peace, which we, along with many other member states, view as wholly inappropriate. We also strongly oppose granting UN affiliation to the so-called Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education hosted in Russia. We ask that these concerns be duly reflected in the committee's report. Despite nearly 3.5 years of war, international solidarity remains critical. Russia must not be allowed to violate the sovereignty of other states without consequences. In closing, Ukraine expresses its sincere appreciation to all nations standing with us in our struggle for freedom, independence, and dignity in the face of Russia's ongoing war of aggression. I thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Ukraine for that statement. We've received a request for the exercise of the right of reply coming from the Russian Federation. This will be put to the end— rather, this will be given now. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you very much, Chairman, for giving my delegation the opportunity to respond to the delegation of Ukraine. This delegation, yet again, in spite of the numerous and many years' appeals to refrain from politicizing the committee's work and that of its subcommittees, continues to use this specialized technical platform for an attempt to impose politicized discussions on issues having to do with armed conflicts in a region of our world. We all know very well that these matters do not fall within the purview of UN COPUOs, particularly at this time with very strict time limitations. However, this is not our choice. We certainly aren't imposing this discussion, but we'll have to respond to all of the allegations which have now been made. First, the Russian Federation many times and at all levels has declared that it is striking solely military targets and will continue to do so. Second, Ukraine itself daily is striking the Russian Federation's territory, various regions thereof. These include with the use of highly precise—

Weapons.

Yes, I see that the distinguished delegate of Ukraine has requested the floor under a point of order. As this is a point of order on substance, I will I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, very much for giving me the right to make my point of order. I just want a little bit of clarification. Usually the right of reply is given at the end of the session of the agenda item, so now you give it in the middle of a discussion. Could you please clarify whether it is according to the established rules? Thank you very much.

I'd like to give the floor to the Secretary, thus, so she will clarify.

Mr. Chairman, I'd be more than happy to clarify the procedure. Um, this was the declaration of Ukraine under Agenda Item 4, was the last speaker among the member states of the committee.

The following 3 member states are non-members of the committee.

Therefore, at this particular meeting, At the end of the item on 4 of the member states is the right moment to give the opportunity for any member states asking for the right of reply to take the floor.

Therefore, the chair, according to the procedural established practice, gave the floor to the distinguished delegation of the Russian Federation because the Russian Federation was taking— asking for the, um, floor for the right of reply, and that was the moment they got the item for— with the member states of the committee already have already taken the floor, and this is the opportunity that the chair should give the floor to the Russian delegation. Thank you very much, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you very much to the secretary for those clarifications. I would now like to call upon the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation such that he can

Chairman, I must remind you that as per the rules of procedure of the General Assembly of the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies, including COPUOS, the floor is given to delegations having requested it as per The procedures for the conduct of the session is given immediately after another delegation has concluded its statement, but not interrupting said statement. Chairman, I am making an observation to you. If yet again someone were to interrupt the Russian Federation's statement, be it you, sir, or any other delegation present in the room, my delegation will block the adoption of the final report. And I do hope this is very clear. I am expecting apologies, Chairman. And at that point, I can continue my statement under the right of reply.

I will give the floor to the Secretary General. Secretary, such that she provide additional clarification. Yeah, Mr.

Chairman, I apologize for interrupting the statement of the distinguished delegate from the Russian Federation and then trying to see what the point was from the distinguished delegation of Ukraine, because I couldn't really understand why the distinguished delegate of Ukraine was really asking for the floor, taking the floor, and I tried to respond to the question raised by Ukraine, but I sincerely apologize to the delegation of the Russian Federation for accepting the request from the delegation of Ukraine to clarify the procedure.

Our apologies to the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation. We would invite him to continue with his statement.

Thank you very much, distinguished chair. We accept the apologies and hope that this won't repeat itself in the future. Distinguished colleagues, allow me to return to what I was talking about based on what Ukraine said. Daily, the Russian Federation's territory is subject to strikes with the use of highly provided by Western states. Nobody is hiding that fact. It is information which is actively circulated in the media. Some politicians are even boasting about it, that they're giving Ukraine the ability to strike Russia. And the lion's share of those strikes are done against civilian infrastructure. Uh, sites, that is railroads, bridges, gas stations, car park lots, and unfortunately even kindergartens and schools. This data is published daily and it's very easy to verify. Turning now to Ukrainian researchers or scientists who supposedly are the victims of Russian attacks. Are you aware of how many Ukrainian men are forcefully put into the armed forces and onto the front lines? The Ukrainian media and social networks are totally flooded with videos about how people are taken from the streets and forced somewhere. Mobilization. All are subject to mobilization. Millions of men have already deserted Ukraine so as to avoid getting caught in this senseless war. We understand very well why Ukraine does not want to support the Russian Federation's draft resolution, Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace. That is because it is Ukraine that has become the fortress or even place d'armes for the testing of new state-of-the-art technologies using civilian satellite systems to carry out military activities and intel operations and so on and so forth. This is not a disarmament forum indeed, and so we won't get into that. But we absolutely know what Ukraine's motivation is— and the task is to not allow for general understanding on an international level of how inadmissible this type of practice is. This practice is harmful to the implementation of the SDGs and actually is a general threat to space as a boon for humanity. And in conclusion, Chairman, I would like to note that the Russian Federation's Regional Center for Space Science and Education is working quite fine, and we are going to be talking about that under the related agenda item of the session. If we want it to keep working, we won't need any benediction, much less permission, from Ukraine nor anyone else. And in conclusion, allow me to state that the Russian Federation is is proud of his strategic partnership with the DPRK and Iran. Thank you very much, Chairman.

Thank you very much to the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation for that statement. I see a request for the exercise of the right of reply coming from Ukraine. Allow me to recall that this is your second time exercising this.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. I would like to use my right of reply, my first right of reply. So first of all, we regret that the representative of the Russian Federation has one once again chosen to politicize this technical forum, which is devoted to the peaceful uses of outer space, by introducing disinformation and unfounded accusations. If the Russian delegation truly believed that the Ukrainian issue was not on the agenda, it would have refrained from from raising it. Instead, it attempted to deflect attention from its own unlawful, unlawful actions, both on Earth and potentially in space, by accusing others. The irony is not lost on us. We categorically reject Russia's attempts to portray its full-scale aggression against Ukraine as the actions of a so-called peace-loving state. This narrative is not only false, it is a cynical distortion of facts. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is illegal, unprovoked, and entirely unjustified. Ukraine has never posed a threat to the Russian Federation. Our actions are grounded on Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees every sovereign state the inherent right to self-defense. And Ukraine's cooperation with international partners serves one purpose only: to defend our people and protect our critical infrastructure from unlawful attacks. All the actions taken by Ukrainian state is an action—

is action—

are actions in response to Russia's aggression. Equally untrue is the accusation that Ukraine targets civilians. Unlike the Russian Federation, which has repeatedly struck residential areas, energy infrastructure and civilian facilities, Ukraine conducts its defense strictly in line with international humanitarian law, targeting only legitimate military objectives. Ukraine remains committed to constructive dialogue in this forum. At the same time, we cannot allow aggression to be reframed as victimhood, nor international law to be twisted to justify its violation. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Ukraine for that statement. Distinguished delegates, we will now move to statements from non-member states of the committee, and I would like to call upon the distinguished delegate of the Maldives to take the floor.

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, Let me begin by congratulating you on your election as Chair to the Committee. We look forward to your leadership in these challenging times, and we extend our full support. The Republic of Moldova is honored to take the floor and submit our membership for the very first time in this distinguished Committee. This moment marks the beginning of a journey not only for our country, but we hope for many Small Island Developing States and emerging space nations who have long looked to the stars without yet having a seat at this Committee. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. That this Committee convenes in spite of budgetary constraints is a testament to UNOOSA's resilience and Ms. Aarti Hollamaini's leadership. But expressions of gratitude must be matched with action. As new countries begin to enter the space domain, the role of UNUSA becomes more vital, not less. The Maldives is committed to working with our permanent mission in New York and other member states to help ensure that UNUSA, and therefore Corpius, is strengthened, resourced, and protected.

Mr.

Chair, though new to this committee, the Maldives has been actively building its space ecosystem. System over the past 2 years. Through the work of the Maldives Space Research Organization, we have applied Earth observation to support maritime and environmental security, addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, coastal erosion, habitat degradation, and land subsidence. We have also been actively engaged in crucial conversations related to space and island nations. In 2023 and 2024, we convened the Space for Island Nations Conference, a platform we founded to bring together emerging and established space actors to explore how space can serve the unique needs of island nations. That dialogue will continue later this year at the International Astronautical Congress, where we are honored to help shape the IAF workshop on this very theme. Similarly, as mentioned yesterday by France and UNOOSA, We also were involved in the founding of the Space for Oceans Alliance, a timely and vital coalition to ensure that space capabilities are mobilized in defense of our oceans. Our approach to space has never been one of passive consumption, but of active contribution. As the world's flattest country and a nation that cuts across the equator, we have carefully identified what makes us unique and how we can contribute actively to the global space sector. This includes hosting space situational awareness sensors to contribute to space traffic coordination, enabling international ground station infrastructure that can serve the needs of not just Earth orbits but also cislunar and lunar missions, and perhaps most urgently, building a nationwide sensing network that delivers in situ data on our environment and oceans, data that is essential to make space technology work better, not only for island nations like ours, but for the world's oceans as a whole. We are here to participate fully, and we call on other SIDS to see space not as a distant dream, but as a strategic domain. Our experience managing vast maritime spaces with scarce resources and overlapping interests offer real lessons for space governance. These are insights we hope to contribute and perspectives we believe deserve to be heard.

Mr.

Chair, the interventions here reminded us of the power of this forum, but also its fragility. Some statements strayed into divisive political rhetoric, out of step with the spirit of COPUS. As a new country in this committee, we say this gently but clearly: this is not what we expected of this committee. Space has always stood apart, a domain where cooperation triumphed even when geopolitics failed. Let us protect that tradition. Let us ensure that this committee remains a sanctuary for scientific, inclusive, and peaceful engagement, especially for the new generation of states that have joined and are about to join. And so we reaffirm a principle that is especially important to us as a vulnerable frontline nation that needs space technology to protect itself. Space must remain a peaceful domain. It should never become a theater for conflict. The Maldives will engage in conversations here in Vienna and in Geneva to help advance this principle, and we will do so with the clarity of perspective that comes from being a small nation entrusted with the stewardship of a vast ocean where balance, restraint, and cooperation are are not ideals but survival tools.

Mr.

Chair, the Maldives arrives to this committee with humility but also with incredible resolve. We believe that space governance can and must reflect the best of multilateralism, and we stand ready to help shape a future where no voice is too small and no space too big to be shared. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the Maldives for that statement. And I invite the distinguished delegate of Malta to take the floor.

Merci beaucoup, Monsieur le Président. Mr. Chair, allow me to start by congratulating you on your election, and I would also like to thank the team at UNOSA for convening this session and Director Hollamaini for all her support and stewardship, especially in light of the challenges posed by the budgetary constraints. Malta aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union, but please allow me to make a few remarks in my national capacity. At this critical juncture, a sustainable approach to outer space is required, one which is consistent with international law and embedded in multilateralism. Over the past years, Malta has given due attention to outer space, driven by our ambitions to structure a national ecosystem for space, increase know-how and capabilities, promote research and innovation, and explore space-related economic activities. This has resulted in our first National Space Strategy 2022-2027, which is anchored in the exploration of societal applications for space-based data use cases and downstream applications. This has encouraged enhanced further efforts in international collaboration and modernizing our legal and regulatory systems. Mr. Chair, the ratification of the ESA Convention is a manifestation of Malta's determination not only to engage in international space collaboration but also to play a strong role in enabling and empowering local space researchers and businesses, as well as expanding education opportunities. Moreover, vested in our steadfast commitment, Malta is drafting its first Space Activities Act aimed at establishing a clear legal framework for space operations, encouraging research and development, utilization of satellite data, and establishing a favorable environment to attract international investment to the space sector in Malta. These initiatives affirm our aspiration to become an active, forward-looking space sector and a trusted partner in international cooperation in the peaceful and responsible uses of outer space. Mr. Chair, as enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty, space shall be the province of all mankind, and we need to ensure that the potential from this domain, including advancing science and innovation, is unleashed for a better future for all. The visionary founders of this committee recognized the importance of the common interest of mankind in outer space and its sole use for peaceful purposes, thus creating a platform for the international community to promote the exploration of outer space for the benefit of humanity and for future generations. It is in this spirit that COPUS must be, must be preserved and elevated, particularly in view of the ever-growing indispensable role of outer space in our societies. Cognizant of these realities and as ardent supporters of multilateralism and international cooperation, we have decided to formalize our interest by submitting our application to become a full member of COPUS, which will be brought to the committee's attention for its consideration under agenda item 16. We sincerely take— thank everyone in advance for your support to our bid, and we look forward to engaging actively and collaboratively on this critical dossier.

I thank I thank the distinguished delegate of Malta for this statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Honduras.

Thank you, Chair. Chair, allow me to congratulate you on your election as Chair of this session. You can count on the Honduras in moving forward with the important agenda we have. My country commends the valuable work of the Secretariat as well as the Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, Madam Arti Holomaini. We thank you for preparing this session and the efforts undertaken to fulfill the mandate of the committee.

Thank you.

in a difficult international context. Honduras aligns with the statement made by the Group of 77 plus China, as well as the statement on behalf of GRULAC read by Ambassador María Eugenia Echevarría, the Permanent Representative of Peru. Moreover, in our national capacity, we'd like to say— to state the following. As observer state, Honduras is deeply committed to cooperating actively on the outstanding work of the committee. Our country is keen to move forward with the signature and ratification of the UN outer space treaties. This will enable us to participate more effectively, particularly with respect to the use— peaceful uses of space and access to technical assistance. We are pleased to announce that Honduras is creating its first satellite, the Morazán satellite, which will be launched into space thanks to joint efforts involving the National Autonomous University of Honduras, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, and the, the University of San Carlos of Guatemala and the University of Costa Rica. This satellite will launched in the context of the KiboCube program involving cooperation between JAXA and JUNOSA. The main goal is data collection on the Earth and ocean— Earth atmosphere and the oceans, as well as research into early warning systems in the context of natural disasters, especially in the Central American region. Honduras is also— would also like to express its interest in participating actively in the UN SPIDER program with a view to bolstering our capacity at national level for disaster risk management and our handling of disasters. To this end, we would call on the committee to foster inter-institutional coordination and inter-agency coordination with emphasis on capacity building in the context of initiatives such as NDCs, for all and the tsunami warning system of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. To conclude, Honduras reiterates its commitment to the work of this committee, and we emphasize the importance of ensuring that all states without exception can benefit from the peaceful uses of outer space. Thank you very much, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Honduras for the statement. Distinguished delegates, we will now continue with— we will continue with our consideration of Agenda Item 4, General Exchange of Views, this afternoon. Distinguished delegates, we will now continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of Agenda Item 5, Ways and Means of Maintaining Outer Space for Peaceful Uses. peaceful purposes. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished delegate of the United Arab Emirates.

You have the floor.

Mr. Chairman, the United Arab Emirates reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful and responsible use of outer space, and we support international efforts to promote cooperation in this field. We believe that the peaceful uses and sustainable peaceful uses of outer space depends on promoting international cooperation and abiding by international treaties and transparency and the exchange of information and confidence building among states. The United Arab Emirates reaffirms its full commitment to international treaties and agreements related to the use of outer outer space. Our country has effectively worked to develop a comprehensive national system of regulations and procedures to organize and regulate space activities to ensure their full compliance with international laws. We believe in the importance of international cooperation in the field of space. In this context, last month In our capital, Abu Dhabi, we hosted a workshop on the Artemis agreements with the participation of representatives from 30 countries. This reaffirms their joint commitment to support this exploration of space. Mr. Chairman, one of the greatest challenges, challenges facing the sustainability of space environment is space debris. This is a true threat now. To the safety of space activities. The United Arab Emirates believes that the time has come to take practical and decisive steps to limit this problem through effective international initiatives that promote space awareness and encourage responsible practices to guarantee a safe and sustainable space environment. We reaffirm the importance of developing clear frameworks to promote transparency, the exchange of information for the peaceful use of the outer space and the sustainability of space activities. In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to support all international efforts to promote outer space as a safe and peaceful environment for the benefit of all humanity. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegates of the UAE for the statement, and I would like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the United States.

Chair, the United States remains committed to maintaining the use of outer space for peaceful purposes. We call on all states to refrain from actions which might have widespread and irreversible impacts on the outer space environment, including destructive direct ascent anti-satellite missile tests. We also recall the obligation of all States Parties to comply with the Outer Space Treaty, including the obligation not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction. In this regard, the United States was pleased to join with 90 other members of this committee in support of General Assembly Resolution 79/18, Weapons of Mass Destruction in Outer Space. Chair, the United States recognizes there are distinct and complementary efforts in this committee and UN disarmament fora, including the Conference on Disarmament, the Disarmament Commission, and the First Committee of the General Assembly. These mandates also do not prejudge the specific and distinct role of the Security Council regarding the maintenance of international peace and security in outer space. The United States will continue to raise security implications of dual-use space objects and relevant space security concerns in disarmament and international security fora, as they are appropriate venues to address such threats. We also note that deliberations on certain space-related activities in governing bodies of UN specialized agencies, such as the International Telecommunication Union and the World Meteorological Organization, can have implications for both this committee and discussions in disarmament and international security fora. As we acknowledge the distinct mandates for space issues among elements in the UN system, The United States again notes that some committee efforts, such as the guidelines for orbital debris mitigation and long-term sustainability of outer space activities, complement and contribute to enhancing space security and stability. Chair, in this regard, the United States was pleased to join with over 90 members of this committee in supporting UN General Assembly Decision 79/533, 12, which establishes an open-ended working group on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects, or PAROS OEWG. We commend Ambassador Carlos Foradori of Argentina for his leadership as OEWG chair. The United States urges all members of UN COPUUS to participate constructively in the 2nd session of the Paros OEWG next month in Geneva. The Paros OEWG, along with ongoing discussions at the Conference on Disarmament, would serve as a more appropriate forum for substantive discussions on issues such as the dual-use aspects of non-governmental space capabilities. The United States stands ready to engage on these issues in Geneva. It is up to all states to adopt a balanced agenda to guide the working group's deliberations through 2028. Finally, in carrying out its mandate for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, this committee advances both universalization of the 4 core space treaties as well as voluntary, non-legally binding best practices and guidelines for the full range of governmental and non-governmental space activities conducted for peaceful purposes. As such, the United States will continue to uphold and advocate for UN COPUSS's position as the premier venue for the promotion of international space cooperation and the study of related issues toward the maintenance of the peaceful uses of outer space. And Chair, I would also note that my delegation cannot support the resolution Space Science and Technology for promoting peace, including its attempt to establish an agenda item in the UN Fourth Committee. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United States for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Canada.

Merci, Monsieur le Président. As global societies deepen our reliance on space-based technologies to provide crucial services, outer space is taking on an increasingly central role in ensuring our shared prosperity and security. The increasingly congested and contested space environment highlights the need for the international community to come together to establish measures to ensure the safety, security, and sustainability of outer space. The current context of heightened geopolitical tensions further underscores the critical importance of a strong multilateral framework to maintain international dialogue on the ways and means of preserving the security of outer space. In this context, Canada was disappointed with the lack of progress at the first meeting of the new open-ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in all its aspects. Despite the clear mandate provided by the United Nations for this Working Group to engage in discussions on both legally binding and non-legally binding measures to enhance space security, the group's April proceedings failed to progress as a result of the Russian Federation's withholding of consensus on an agenda. This tactic of obstruction is a waste of time and resources, and the mandate in the UNGA Decision 79/512 needs to be respected so we can proceed to substantive discussions in July. In these discussions, Canada will continue to support the development of norms, rules, and principles of responsible behavior in space. A behavior-based approach maintains flexibility in the face of rapidly changing technologies and supports the fostering of mutual trust and understanding among space actors. Indeed, a widely accepted normative framework for responsible space behaviors provides the best opportunity to prevent conflict in outer space and a strong foundation for measures which can evolve into binding international law. Chair, Canada would additionally like to draw attention to Russia's proposal for a draft resolution entitled Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace. Canada notes with concern that this draft resolution fails to recognize the dual-use nature of many space-based technologies. Moreover, as the core idea of this resolution is one related to space security, Canada would suggest that this resolution be considered in a suitably dedicated forum. There is an important distinction between discussions on space security that take place in Geneva-based disarmament forums and those on the peaceful uses of outer space at COPUUS, a distinction mirrored in the UN General Assembly's First and Fourth Committees. Chair, Canada will continue working to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable outer space environment for the benefit of all states and our shared prosperity.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Canada for the statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Singapore.

Chair, outer space is essential for humankind's advancement. Access to outer space and the associated benefits of of space science and technology should therefore be available to all countries. With the growing demands for space-based technology and infrastructure, it is our collective obligation to preserve outer space as a peaceful environment for the conduct of space activities. Singapore supports practical approaches towards a common framework for outer space security, such as the development of norms of responsible behaviors in outer space. Singapore is also open to the possibility of a legally binding instrument in the future to strengthen the application of international law in outer space. In this regard, we fully support the mandate of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space, PAROS, in all its aspects, and as set out by UNGA Decision 79/512. It is in this spirit that Singapore co-drafted a joint statement calling for the commencement of substantive discussions at the Open-Ended Working Group without further delay. Chair, Singapore continues to be concerned with the issue of space debris, a major cause of which has been destructive anti-satellite activities conducted by states since the 1950s. It is for this reason that Singapore co-sponsored UN General Assembly Resolution 77/41 in 2022 in support of a moratorium on destructive direct ascent anti-satellite missile tests. Singapore supports the cessation of all destructive anti-satellite activities, whether direct ascent or co-orbital. The cessation of destructive anti-satellite activities will support the sustainability of Earth's orbital space environment and complements the guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities adopted by this Committee in 2019. Singapore recognizes the importance of of inclusivity in the ongoing conversation on the peaceful uses of outer space. In this regard, Singapore, together with Australia and the UN Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, organized 2 virtual regional workshops on outer space security in February and March 2025. Such regional capacity building and initiatives are a practical way to support more Asia-Pacific nations to engage in international discussions on outer space activities. Chair, discussions at COPUAS on the peaceful uses of outer space complement the substantive work on space security being undertaken in the Open-Ended Working Group. Singapore will continue to work closely with other UN member states in all the relevant UN bodies to advance the peaceful uses of outer space. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Singapore for the statement. I then give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Argentina.

Chair, distinguished delegate, Delegations, observers. Our society's dependence on technology and services based on the use of space is growing on a daily basis as more nations and non-government entities participate. It has resulted in greater congestion, substantial pollution in the form of space debris, and a rise in traffic including towards the Moon and other celestial bodies. While space activity has brought great benefits, it has generated tensions and potential risk of conflicts due to competition between states. This is why we find ourselves here at COPUOS to regulate its use on a multilateral basis based on international cooperation on the exploration of peaceful and peaceful uses of outer space for the common benefit of humanity. Argentina understands that it is necessary to improve To improve measures of trust and transparency and to make progress on clear and consensus-based mechanisms of communication to avoid misunderstandings resulting in conflict, national space-related regulatory frameworks are also a measure to achieve this end. Moreover, new knowledge and technologies such as proximity technologies, RPE, and rendezvous have peaceful applications. To avoid misunderstandings both here and elsewhere, there is a need to adopt urgent measures. The progressive development of articles of the Outer Space Treaty, such as number 11 and even 9, which considers the information to be shared and mechanisms to do so, including prior notification, make— are measures that help to make sure we use space in a peaceful manner. We support the work of the Working Group on the Five Treaties and ATLAS. Chair, the Space Treaty is not merely a recommendation. It's part of a legal framework, a binding legal framework, which includes the UN Charter, international law, and we believe international humanitarian law. We recall in particular the obligation imposed in Article 4 on nuclear weapons and other The Argentine Republic is a founding member of this committee. However, in line with Resolution 7872 of the General Assembly, in which the committee was instructed to consider from a broad perspective space safety and related issues, my delegation supports initiatives and the work of all of the bodies of the UN which are involved in space. such as the Open-Ending Working Group on Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space, which was established by Decision 79512 of the General Assembly and is currently chaired by Argentina. There is also the Committee on Disarmament and International Security, the first committee within the framework of which my country, alongside Japan and the United States, co-led a Resolution on Weapons of Mass Destruction in Outer Space. We believe that the work in Geneva, Vienna, and New York within the framework of our respective mandates is complementary with a view to preserving a safe, peaceful, stable, sustainable environment in outer space. To conclude, allow me to reiterate, Chair, the commitment of Argentina towards seeking mechanisms for achieving the use of outer space for peaceful purposes and preventing an arms race in outer space. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Argentina for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair.

The rapid increase in space objects and the growing complexity of space activities over a decade have posed significant challenges for all nations. COPUOS plays a vital role in ensuring the space domain remains safe and sustainable. The voluntary mechanisms proposed and established in this committee, including the Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities and the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines, are very useful tools to manage space threats. Discussions in other UN fora also contribute to this goal. The work of UN General Assembly First Committee and Open-Ended Working Group on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space, Parazoid WG, plays a complement and crucial role in ensuring space security and peaceful uses of outer space. We recognize that the various space-related processes within the United Nations are mutually reinforcing, each operating within its distinct mandate. It is essential to continue fostering effective collaborations among the UN offices in Vienna, Geneva, and New York within their respective mandates to ensure a coordinated approach to maintain space for peaceful purposes. Chair, maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes fundamentally depends on states' compliance with their obligation under international law. Article 4 of the Outer Space Treaty prohibits the the placement of nuclear weapons or any kinds of weapons of mass destruction in outer space. In this regard, we commend the successful adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on weapons of mass destruction in outer space led by the United States, Japan, and Argentina at 79th UN General Assembly last year. The Republic of Korea reaffirms its full commitment to support international efforts to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished delegate of the Republic of Korea for this statement, and I invite the distinguished delegate of China to take the floor.

Chair, China welcomes the ongoing discussion Thank you, Mr. President. On ways and means of maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes, in the interest of time, I will briefly present China's views. The full statement will be uploaded to the Corpus website. The peaceful use of outer space is both the prerequisite and the foundation for the sustainable development of global space activities, and it is also a universal consensus with international community. China believes that the international community should uphold the tranquility and peace of outer space in the following 3 areas. First, we must uphold the principles of Outer Space Treaty to strengthen the legal foundation for the peaceful use of outer space. All countries should refrain should remain steadfast in adhering to the core principle of peaceful use of outer space. China opposes the actions of certain countries that disregard outer space law, undermine the common good of humanity's peaceful use of outer space, and seek to weaponize and transform outer space into a battlefield. In December 2024, The 79th UNGA overwhelmingly adopted 2 resolutions jointly proposed by China and the Russian Federation entitled No First Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and Further Practical Measures for the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space. This fully demonstrates that the peaceful use of outer space remains a shared aspiration and goal of all countries. China hopes that all countries will uphold the Outer Space Treaty, ensuring that the exploration— exploration of outer space truly contributes to the common well-being of humanity rather than introducing new uncertainties to our planet. Secondly, we must deepen international cooperation and mutual trust to ensure that space technology benefits global development. International cooperation in outer space is the best way to build a community with a shared future for mankind. The international community should strengthen information sharing and coordination to enhance the transparency and predictability of outer space activities. At the same time, through measures such as technology transfer and capacity building, we should support developing countries enhancing capacity in space technologies. We will continue to uphold an open, inclusive approach will strengthen communication and collaboration with all countries in this regard. Finally, we must uphold genuine multilateralism and strengthen the coordinating role of COPUOS in global outer space governance. China believes the COPUOS should focus on addressing challenges.

I think The—

we should continue to focus on the weaponization and micro-constellation in the lower low orbit, orbit, and encourage all countries to assume their national regulatory responsibilities. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of China for that statement. I now invite the distinguished delegate of the UK to take the floor.

Chair, there are a growing number of challenges in space. We are seeing an exponential growth in the number of satellites in space, as well as spacefaring nations, resulting in a more congested and space environment. The threat from space debris spreading and the prospect of states developing counter-space capabilities further emphasizes the increasing threat to outer space systems. These are just some of the threats and hazards that individually or in combination put access and use of space at risk. At the first and fourth committee joint panel discussion meeting at the 79th UN General Assembly, states discussed what more we can do to strengthen international cooperation for the exploration and use of outer space. States must comply with their obligations under the Outer Space Treaty and international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which applies to outer space and is applicable to all activities of states, including those relating to the exploration and use of outer space. We should also have a better understanding how different— different parts of the UN system can and should contribute to this task within their own respective mandates. Since then, we have seen the establishment of the open-ended working group on preventing an arms race in space. Efforts to strengthen international peace and security in Geneva can also benefit the discussions on space and sustainability in Vienna, thus benefiting the work of COPUSS and vice versa. Both committees consider how norms can be applied to both space security security and the long-term sustainability of space through the establishment of responsible space behaviors at the Open-Ended Working Group and the development of long-term sustainability guidelines here at COPUS. Both UNGA committees and their subsidiary bodies play a role in ensuring human activity in outer space is safe, secure, stable, and sustainable so that space systems can continue to deliver benefits to humanity into the future. In this context, Chair, we continue to have concerns about the draft resolution entitled Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace. In particular, we are concerned about undermining existing processes without consensus and going direct to the General Assembly. The UK believes that procedurally such an approach undermines the valuable discussions we are having here at COPUS under relevant agenda items at the SDSC and where appropriate in Geneva.

Either.

For this reason, we note that there is no consensus on that proposal. We encourage all states to engage in the upcoming open-ended working group, which may build on previous discussions on substantial elements of a legally binding instrument on PAROS, as well as on responsible space behaviors. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United Kingdom for that statement and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate

Good morning.

Thank you, Chair. My delegation aligns with the statement of the G77 and China and would also like to state the following. Colombia expresses its concern about recent actions which diverge from the spirit of cooperation and multilateralism aimed at the peaceful and consensus-based Conflict settlement of conflicts. For this reason, we urge states to maintain the spirit of cooperation and multilateralism to support the well-being and coexistence of all human beings, and to main our focus on seeking progress and finding solutions to our needs and the challenges that humanity faces. Outer space offers opportunities. Opportunities for all, for harmonious and exponential growth. It is imperative that every effort is made to ensure that outer space is not used for the deployment of any kind of weapon. We highlight that the treaty— the Outer Space Treaty provides that the exploration and use of outer space should be done solely for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all of humankind. Likewise, we highlight that the guidelines for long-term sustainability of outer space activities is a key tool for preserving the peaceful nature of outer space. Moreover, we believe that constant monitoring of the orbit environment, including flight paths, potential collisions, and anomalous behavior of space objects, can help to mitigate risks to prevent— and to prevent incidents that may result in tensions between states. Therefore, we recognize the critical role of space domain awareness in ensuring operational safety of space activities. In this context, Colombia values multilateral efforts to build comprehensive open orbit registers, and we believe it's essential for both countries with more developed capacities and emerging ones to participate actively in this collaborative space monitoring. Colombia encourages all states to strengthen the transparency of their space activities, including timely notification of launches, sharing information about missions, and registering space objects in line with the Registration Convention. Only through global governance based on trust, technical cooperation, and respect will it be possible to ensure that outer space continues to be a domain reserved for peace, development, and cooperation between nations. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Colombia for that statement. Now I would like to call upon the distinguished delegate of Italy to take the floor.

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, Italy reaffirms its strong commitment to the peaceful use of outer space and to the preservation of space as a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for all. We are pleased to report significant progress at the national level on this matter. The recent adoption of the Italian Law on Space Economy introduced robust mechanisms for the authorization and supervision of space activities while actively promoting innovation and international cooperation. It's a tangible demonstration of our commitment to the peaceful and responsible conduct of space activities. Italy also recognizes the growing urgency in addressing space security challenge. The increasing in satellite launches especially in low Earth orbit, combined with the proliferation of space debris, calls for strengthened effort in space traffic management and the protection of critical space infrastructure. In this regard, Italy actively contributes to the European Space Surveillance and Tracking Initiative and is investing in advanced advanced technologies to mitigate and remove orbital debris. Italy continues to invest in capacity-building initiatives that enable all countries to benefit from peaceful use of outer space. In this spirit, under the Mattei Plan for Africa, Italy is developing a new partnership with African nations to support the use of space technology for sustainable development, disaster management, and environmental monitoring. In Latin America and Italy, through the Istituto Latinoamericano, ILA will deliver a series of education and training programs in 2026, focuses on Earth observation, space application, and regulatory best practice. Mr. Chair, Italy remains convinced that only through inclusive multilateral cooperation and concrete action can we safeguard outer space as a global commons and assure that its benefits are preserved for future generations. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Italy for that statement. I would now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of France.

Thank you very much, Chair. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, from its inception 60 years ago, the French space program and France itself has committed to guaranteeing free and peaceful use and exploration of outer space to serve all and upholding international law. The French delegation is of the view that full and complete application of the OST, the UN Charter, and the main treaties negotiated by this committee are the sine qua non for maintaining the peaceful nature of the uses of outer space. Here, France would like to reiterate the key importance it attaches to universalization and improvement Thank you. Of the implementation of space law, which is the shared legal framework for all states. At the same time, space safety and space security are more than ever top priorities that complement one another. We recall that peaceful use of outer space precludes aggressive rhetoric and behavior, be it ground-based or in outer space. Peaceful use of outer space is also as transparent as possible, and it means that we line up our actions with our words. It also takes into account other activities in outer space, the activities of other states, for coordination and international cooperation. Building confidence in the long term on the basis of shared understanding and lasting and pragmatic solutions that benefit all to frame our activities. This committee has risen to the challenge to define an objective, namely the 21 LTS guidelines, these adopted by the UN General Assembly. Now it is our turn to implement them and even add to them when the time comes. Chairman, strict compliance with international law particularly as pertains to outer space, non-aggressive behavior in line with UN Charter, and a spirit of cooperation is what will be important in the future. Just as yesterday, today these are the characteristics of the peaceful uses of outer space. Finally, we recall that discussions on the Russian draft resolution have not led to clarification regarding the goal being sought. There shouldn't be any duplication of resolutions or existing work, and we would need to have light on certain principles and their legal founding contained in the resolution.

Thank you.

Thank you to the distinguished delegate of France for that statement. I would now like to call upon the distinguished delegate of Saudi Arabia to take the floor.

In the name of God, merciful and compassionate.

Mr.

Chair, distinguished delegates, outer space has become a shared domain for all of humanity and a boundless resource, resource of increasing importance as the world grows ever more reliant on its technologies and services across various aspects of life. However, the accelerating pace of space activities, along with associated challenges such as space debris, and climate change necessitates the adoption of effective measures to ensure the sustainability of this vital sector and preserve its peaceful nature. Driven by its firm belief in the protection of outer space is a collective responsibility requiring effective international coordination and robust regulatory framework, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a peaceful use of outer space in alignment with international law and the principles of transparency and cooperation as enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty. In response to these challenges threatening the sustainability of space activities and the growing importance of international cooperation in developing practical solutions to the risks facing the space environment, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia organized its first Space Debris Conference in Riyadh in 2024 with broad broad international participation. The conference resulted in a constructive recommendation that strengthened global efforts to address the issue of space debris and ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities. The Kingdom is now preparing to host the second edition of this conference in '26, which will focus on innovative solutions and enhancing international cooperation in line with, with international guidelines such as Space Debris Mitigation guidelines. As part of its efforts to support the development of space sector and shape future on solid scientific economic foundation, the Kingdom has launched a number of pioneering initiatives, notably the establishment of a Center for Peace— Space Futures inaugurated in 2024 in partnership with the WEF. And the prospect and benefits of space Space represent a foundation of our shared future. To safeguard this strategic sector and ensure sustainability, it is essential to uphold the principles of cooperation, shared responsibility. In this spirit, we call upon nations to strengthen international adherence to outer space treaty, ensuring that space remains a peaceful domain free from conflict. Second, proactively implement enhanced compliance with internationally recognized guidelines on orbital. debris mitigation and the long-term sustainability of space activities. Third, enhance transparency and deepen inclusive international partnership while ensuring representation and empowerment of developing countries. In conclusion, the Kingdom reiterates its call to all nations to make efforts to strengthen the joint action and ensure that outer space remains for peaceful purposes.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Chair. Chair, this delegation would like to reaffirm what is set out in Resolution 1472 of the UN General Assembly on the fundamental role of international cooperation on the development of space activities, highlighting the importance of ensuring that this spirit of cooperation is the guiding light of this committee's work. Thank you, Chair. The committee being the body that has the mandate and obligation to promote, strengthen, and create mechanisms to preserve outer space and its use for peaceful purposes. Chair, this delegation recalls that there are countless possible legal, technical, and policy-based activities that could be put in place to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes, and this concerns all of the states here present. Thus, as you're aware, the current legal regime applicable to outer space does not in itself ensure that outer space is maintained for peaceful purposes. This means that it falls short. Therefore, we reiterate the importance of considering adopting relevant binding instruments that will preserve the space law principles which all countries have willingly signed up to. This will clearly help us to clearly enshrine the non-militarization of outer space in all its aspects, the prevention of monopolies on space exploration and use, the non-placement of nuclear weapons or weapons of any type into orbit around the Earth, Moon, or other celestial bodies, or any other challenges that undermine sustainability of space activities. Bearing in mind the path towards consolidating such instruments requires strenuous, careful efforts, this delegation is of the view that we need to be rigorous in the implementation of existing practices and norms, which will help to foster the goals that, um, that we have. The transparency of space activities through the registration of objects launched and specifically focusing more attention on the purpose of such objects, it could be of use for establishing any damage or harm, whether accidental or deliberate, that a space mission may cause to the space environment, as well as its impact on the Earth's biosphere and on the activities of other states parties. All of this based on what is said set out in Article 9 of the Space Treaty and in light of the rise in projects that aim to take— to undertake non-science-related activities in outer space. Likewise, this delegation would like to reiterate its support for the draft resolution on science and space technology to promote peace, which has been promoted by the distinguished delegation of the Russian Federation and co-sponsored by Venezuela. We emphasize that it's content is a clear contribution to the purposes pursued by this committee. On this basis, Chair, it is relevant to cooperate with UN mechanisms and bodies to promote a legally binding international framework on space— states' activities in outer space, which can be an effective response to the challenges facing peaceful space activities, and which reaffirmed that outer space is the shared heritage of humanity. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Venezuela for that statement and would now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of India.

Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Chair and distinguished delegates, recognizing outer space as a common province of humankind, India continues to pursue its efforts for responsible, safe, and sustainable utilization of outer space. India is a party to all major international space treaties and regulations that enshrine the foundational principles of peaceful utilization and exploration of outer space. India has put in place necessary mechanisms to ensure that activities by non-governmental entities are also in conformity with the existing treaties and best practices. Mr. Chair, India recognizes the pivotal role of space situational awareness, in particular the space object observational capabilities, in ensuring spaceflight safety. Currently, the establishment of required infrastructure for capacity building is in progress in tandem with data sharing and international cooperation. In view of the growing complexity of space activities and their diverse applications, the transparency and confidence-building measures play a crucial role in dispelling potential misgivings about the intent and purpose of the outer space activities. Such measures include adherence to the Registration Convention, notification on launch and major orbital events, and any activities for active debris removal or remediation. Transparent sharing of orbital data on space situation and space situational assessment among the spacefaring entities are also essential for spaceflight safety, as more and more active satellites operate in a shared and increasingly congested orbital regime. Mr. Chair, while voluntarily implementing— voluntary implementation of relevant measures at the state level is an effective means to ensure that the outer space environment remains sustainable for access and utilization, tackling the emerging challenges require collaborative efforts at global level. In this regard, India believes that UN Corpus has been and will continue to be the most suitable forum enabling exchange of relevant ideas, experiences, and lessons learned among the member states to ensure the continued exploration and utilization of outer space. Thank you, Chairman and distinguished delegates.

I thank the distinguished delegate of India for that statement.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman, for giving me the floor. Mr. Chairman, the Kingdom of the Netherlands reaffirms its commitment to maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes in full respect of international law with a focus on the long-term sustainability safety, and security of the space environment. The growing accessibility and use of the space offer major opportunities for innovation, climate action, security, but also increasing the risk of space debris. Debris accumulation, whether intentional or due to insufficient post-mission disposal, poses a threat to critical infrastructure. Global connectivity and the safety of ongoing and future missions. Addressing the challenge requires the integrated international approach combining diplomacy, regulation, capacity building, and technical innovation. The Netherlands emphasizes 4 key priorities. Firstly, international diplomacy and normative leadership. We strongly support responsible behavior in space. The Netherlands has ratified ratified all 5 United Nations space treaties and endorsed the Artemis Accords, which promotes peaceful and sustainable use in space, including norms on space debris mitigation and remediation. We joined the initiative to refrain from destructive ASAT missile testing and encourage others to follow suit. We remain an active contributor to COPOL's and the LTS guideline process.

Thank you.

2, legal and regulatory frameworks. Space debris mitigation is embedded in the Dutch national legal framework. Our Space Activities Act mandates compliance with the international guidelines on post-missile disposal and end-of-life planning. As we update our national law, we aim to align the global best practices and promote harmonized international legal framework. Uh, thirdly, technical capacity building and operational engagement. The Netherlands is actively engaged in space surveillance and tracking, SST. We are a partner in the EU SST partnership with the aim of contributing data and capabilities to help monitor and track debris and active satellites. We also investing in capabilities that support space traffic management, helping to enhance collective safety and situational awareness. Lastly, for sustainability and international cooperation, we promote sustainable vision for space, supporting an international regime that combines debris prevention, mitigation, and remediation. We advocate for open access to satellite data, knowledge exchange, and capacity building for developing countries to ensure global resilience and equitable access. Mr. Chairman, space is a shared domain. Keeping it safe and accessible for future generations is a collective responsibility. The Netherlands remains committed to close cooperation with the United Nations, the European Union, and beyond to foster responsible and sustainable sustainable use of outer space. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the Netherlands for the statement. I would now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Chile.

Thank you, Chair. Chair, Chile is party to the 5 space treaties. And we reiterate our commitment to the use of space for solely peaceful purposes. We have conducted responsible capacity building and helped to consolidate effective multilateral frameworks. The increasing congestion of space calls for concrete measures to prevent an arms race and to foster stability. We therefore value the report of the group of government— governmental experts established by Resolution 77/250, which offers a substantive path towards a legally binding instrument. The transparency measures need to be supplemented by clearer and enforceable operative standards. We propose developing practical tools such as notification of sensitive manoeuvres, safe criteria of proximity and data exchange in line with Article 9 of the Space Treaty. Chile participates actively in discussions on responsible behaviors, space situational awareness, and traffic management, convinced that peace in space requires not only legal commitments but also verifiable capacities and shared rules. In this vein, the future National Space Center in the context of a new institutional structure in Chile, is expected to be a regional platform for technical training on sustainability and space safety, contributing to reducing structural divides in Latin America and the Caribbean. Finally, we express our interest in contributing to the UNISPACE 4, addressing emerging challenges such as megaconstellations and the use of advanced technologies, From the perspective of active diplomacy and shared responsibility, thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Chile for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Malaysia.

Mr Chair, as we continue to increase our reliance on space technology in all aspects. aspect of our lives nowadays, the exploration and the use of outer space enter an exciting phase involving new frontiers and activities. The exploration and use of outer space should be carried out in a peaceful manner for the benefit of all humankind, irrespective of the degree of their economic or scientific development. Therefore, Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to the Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to contributing to and supporting the efforts and the work of the COPUSS and its subcommittees towards maintaining the peaceful purposes of outer space as mandated by UN General Assembly Resolution 78/72. Malaysia recognizes the important roles mandated to COPUSS as a global space governance body and as a platform for information sharing to discuss all matters related to the peaceful uses of outer space. The steady growth of COPUS recently is a sign of the international recognition of its unique role. In this regard, Malaysia welcomes the application submitted by Honduras, the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Malta, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, and Gambia to join the membership of Malaysia believes COPUS can promote and enhance transparency and build confidence in space activities among member states. Mr. Chair, Malaysia acknowledges the importance of the rigorous framework and guidelines in ensuring that space activities are carried out in a responsible manner and in accordance with the international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the Outer Space Treaty. The enforcement of the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 in January 2025 underscores Malaysia's commitment to align the global space governance standards, particularly in relation to space sustainability and safety concerns. In this regard, Malaysia expresses its intention to rectify key space treaties under the auspices of United Nations. Further, solidifying its commitment to fostering international cooperation, peace, and security in outer space while ensuring that the benefits of space exploration are accessible to all states without discrimination. Malaysia recognizes that commitment and cooperation from, from all member states are required to preserve space for peaceful purposes and the benefit of humankind and future generations. Article 4 of the Outer Space Treaty prohibits the placement of any object carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction in outer space. Thus, it is essential that all member states shoulder their international responsibilities in conducting space activities. This includes the commitment to prevent any arms race activities in outer space. Mr. Chair, Malaysia continues to devote its efforts to ensuring long-term sustainability and preserving outer space for peaceful purposes. Malaysia is also committed to fostering international cooperation, transparency, and confidence-building measures to promote responsible behavior in outer space for all countries. space. Through these measures, Malaysia is dedicated to contributing to the global framework that prioritizes the sustainability of outer space for future generations.

Mr.

Chair, thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Malaysia for that statement. I would now like to call upon the distinguished delegate of Belarus to take the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. Chair, delegates, retaining outer space for peaceful purposes is one of the founding postulates of the Treaty on the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, from 27 January 1967. Article 9 of the treaty stipulates liability for state signatories carrying out their activities with due account of the related interests of all other states parties to the treaty, and in our view could be considered as the legal foundation for retaining outer space as a peaceful space. We continue to express our commitment to peaceful outer space, and that is why there should be No militarization of it. The placement or use in outer space of any type of weapons increases the likelihood of incidents which could lead to armed conflict. We call upon States to refrain from the placement in outer space of any types of weapons so as to retain a safe outer space for future generations. Outer space activities today are characterized by growth in production and launch in the near-Earth orbit of space devices with various purposes. Orbital clusters of small space devices today can comprise thousands of satellites with rather short service lives. This leads to a saturation in the low-Earth orbits and necessarily to an increase in space debris. This, in turn, adversely impacts the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Our view is that effective means for mitigation of space debris include equipping space devices with mechanisms for deorbiting following conclusion of serviceable life, as well as the active removal of fragments of space debris.

Thank you.

Yet active removal operations, we think, encounter legal obstacles, and thus the international legislative framework here is going to need further improvement. Something also of continuing relevance is the legal definition of the term space debris. When improving the legal foundation for outer space activities, it would be recommended recommendations to legally binding norms. Based on space activities today, we see the need to create a global system for oversight over space objects and the management of space traffic. This should lead to the establishment of regional data collection centers regarding the status of outer space, analysis of this information, as well as the provision of Thank you very much. We are pleased to note that for decades of its activities, COPUOS has demonstrated itself to be an effective international framework for the discussion of matters and decisions having to do with the peaceful uses of outer space. Today, the committee's role has significantly grown, as well as that of its subcommittees, when it comes to seeking mutually acceptable collective decisions. And an important task here is retaining the current status of the committee as an international depoliticized interstate body that takes decisions based on consensus. Thank you very much, Chairman. Thank you all.

Je remercie le.

I thank the distinguished delegate of. Belarus, for the statement. And I would now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Australia.

Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegates. Maintaining a peaceful and secure outer space environment is essential as states increasingly depend on space-based services for communication, navigation, security, and emergency response. These technologies also provide critical data for addressing global challenges such as climate change, extreme weather, and disaster management. Space is an economic enabler supporting the prosperity of states. All states have an interest in taking effective and appropriate measures to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes. This means addressing the security and stability of outer space environment so that vital everyday space-based services can continue and that outer space remains accessible to all. Chair, as we come together to address global challenges, we must respect international law and the multilateral system. Our cooperation within the United Nations is more important than ever. The Outer Space Treaty is a cornerstone of the international framework governing the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. Australia would like to take this opportunity to call on all states who have not yet done so to ratify the Outer Space Treaty and those who have ratified to fully comply with their treaty obligations. Chair, we recognize the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as the key United Nations platform for addressing matters related to peaceful uses of outer space. The Committee's efforts are part of a broader international framework, with UN disarmament bodies, particularly the General Assembly's First Committee, playing a key role in advancing initiatives that encourage all states to act responsibly responsibly, reduce tensions and miscalculations to preserve the space environment. All UN member states share the responsibility of contributing to the stability and security of the outer space environment. This requires an approach that reflects the current realities of the space domain and the diverse threats that have emerged. It also involves recognizing the inherent challenges in defining and verifying the purpose of many capabilities due to the rapidly evolving dual-use dual-purpose nature of many space technologies. For these reasons, Australia, alongside an increasing number of states, supports a space security framework centered on the development of norms, rules, and principles that promote responsible behaviors in outer space. We see responsible behaviors as essential to preserve peace in the outer space environment and ensure it is accessible to everyone. An important subset of responsible behaviors is is transparency and confidence-building measures, which are specific measures that improve transparency around activities in space, such as on-orbit operations and maneuvers, to help build trust and confidence in the international community. For example, as on-orbit servicing becomes a reality, satellite operators and states of registration will need to communicate intention to approach specific satellites for the purpose of refueling and other maintenance activities. The behavior of open and transparent communication will prevent strategic miscalculations in space and help ensure that intentions are understood. This will ultimately help to make space safer and more peaceful. Chair, Australia is on record in supporting the exploration of non-binding behavioral measures to advancing space security. Historical experience shows that the most widely supported space governance instruments have emerged through the gradual development of shared principles and norms. A prime example is the Outer Space Treaty, which was grounded in 2 foundational UN resolutions, one prohibiting the placement of weapons of mass destruction in outer space and another establishing the Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space. This process highlights the importance of first establishing a robust base of non-binding measures. This creates the conditions necessary necessary for developing a comprehensive legal and normative framework capable of addressing both current and emerging challenges in outer space. We can draw inspiration from the Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities as an example of non-binding measures that can help to create positive patterns of behavior in space. Australia welcomes continued dialogue on this issue and looks forward to active participation in the upcoming meetings of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects. Australia would also like to note with concern the Russian proposal for a draft resolution entitled Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace. This proposal is primarily in relation to space security and is therefore not within the mandate of the COPUS to consider. Thank you, Chair.

Je remercie la distinguished delegate of Australia for this.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Maintaining outer space peaceful is essential for its sustainability. This is self-evident in our discussions in this committee, as any use of force in outer space threatens a chain effect that can render large swaths of the Earth's orbit unusable. As our economies and societies grow ever more reliant on space applications, the impact of any such instance could be catastrophic. Critical infrastructure, energy generation, financial markets, navigation through land, sea, and air, uh, disasters risk reductions are all areas that rely heavily on the safe, secure, and peaceful use of outer space. In order to avoid the risk of such scenario, the international community, especially spacefaring nations, must fully uphold international law, international space law, its principles and institutions. Where legal gaps or uncertainty arise, New norms and regulations shall be multilaterally agreed. Regional and plurilateral initiatives can be a step in the right direction, but they are not sufficient. Brazil thus supports the strengthening of the role of COPUOS as the main multilateral forum dedicated to the peaceful use of outer space. Current initiatives of this committee, such as the discussion on long-term sustainability, space resources, lunar activities, and space traffic management, are all relevant to avoid misunderstandings and reduce the risk of unintended harmful interferences over states' space activities. We call on all states to work constructively on these issues and pursue practical and concrete progress on space regulations without contaminations by issues outside the mandate of this committee. Furthermore, we call on all states, particularly leading spacefaring nations, to increase transparency, implement coordination mechanisms, and invest in confidence-building measures. Mr. Chair, Brazil strongly rejects the notion of placing any weapons in outer space. In this vein, we support the commencement of negotiations on a legally binding treaty on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in the Conference on Disarmament. We have also already voiced our support to the negotiation of a treaty on prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space and of the threat or use of force against outer space objects. We hope the recently established open-ended working group on PAROS, chaired by Argentina, will move us in this direction. Thank you.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Brazil for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. The delegation of Ukraine would like to register our firm opposition to the draft resolution Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace, presenting the Russian— presented by the Russian Federation under the pretense of promoting peace in outer space. We believe this initiative is not a genuine effort to protect our outer space. It is a strategic distortion by a state that has repeatedly and egregiously violated international law, including the UN Charter, by launching a war of aggression against my country, occupying its sovereign territory, and targeting civilians with military force. As recognized by multiple United Nations General Assembly resolutions, the Russian Federation is not a peacebuilder. It is an aggressor that continues to use both terrestrial aerial and space-based technologies to fuel its war machine. This includes the integration of satellite systems for reconnaissance and targeting, as well as the repeated use of ballistic and hypersonic missiles with suborbital flight paths. On the 21st of November 2024, the Russian Russian military launched an RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, which exited the Earth's atmosphere against a civilian target on Ukrainian territory. This was a deeply alarming escalation and the first recorded use of a space-traversing weapon in an active conflict against a sovereign state. Such actions run counter to the spirit of Outer Space Treaty and threaten the peaceful character of outer space that this committee is mandated to preserve. A country cannot, on the one hand, weaponize space and, on the other, claim leadership in safeguarding it. Mr. Chair, Ukraine believes that this committee must go beyond words. We call for increased, copious oversight and accountability mechanisms to monitor and address the militarization of outer space. Peaceful uses must be more than a principle. They must be protected through transparency, information sharing, and international scrutiny of state behavior. The credibility of COPUS depends on our collective resolve to preserve space for peaceful purposes and to ensure that those who violate this mission do not reshape it to suit their own ends. Ukraine remains committed to the peaceful, equitable, and responsible use of outer space in accordance with international law. We urge all delegations to reject Russia's cynical initiative. The future of space must be shaped by those who respect peace, not those who wage war. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Ukraine for the statement. Distinguished delegates, we have received a request to exercise the right of reply from the Russian Federation. I thus invite the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation to take the floor.

Thank you very much, Chairman. Thank you for giving me the floor. Chairman, I have a very difficult task ahead of me. I'm going to have to respond to the declarations from actually a number of delegations which they gave under the Agenda Item 5 currently under discussion. Please be ready that this might take a bit of time. Chairman, colleagues, we have a very clear impression that our Western partners have become totally confused in their own positions and are being totally inconsistent, putting forth an increasing number of theories so as to discredit Russia's initiative for the promotion of the draft resolution in the General Assembly called Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace. We've heard the idea that the resolution is dedicated to military and outer space matters and that thus it must be discussed not here in Vienna on COPUOS, but rather in Geneva. Allow us to note— suffice it to read the short text to see that there is no issue raised regarding weapons in outer space or regarding the matter of space security. The resolution instead is on the idea that civilian space technology must be used for their primary purposes, peaceful purposes, for carrying out the Sustainable Development Goals, or also for the 2030— the Space 2030 Agenda, or for assisting in social and economic development of developing countries, And it's important that these technologies remain to ensure that humanity is able to move forward swiftly. A few years ago, when the Russian Federation for the first time tabled the draft during the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly, Those very same Western countries stubbornly recommended to us that we move discussion of said document to UN COPOAs. There were no proposals such that it should be discussed on the First Committee or even in Geneva at that time. Last year, We put the document to the official consideration of COPUOS, did everything possible to ensure that the negotiations were transparent, organized a series of open consultations, invited all interested states to take part, and there were plenty who did. Indeed, pretty much every member of COPUOS was interested. However, instead of starting work on the document at that time, what we heard was that probably shouldn't be discussed on the committee. A number of states might not be ready to work on it. And back then, the delegation of Ukraine was saying that it was unacceptable back then too, but that it's an important matter. And many delegations were in favor of the topic being discussed must be discussed under the item for ways and means for retaining space as peaceful, and in the STSC under the dark and quiet skies, astronomy and megaconstellations, that item. Since then, we've done a lot. Many consultations were held with partners across the globe. The resolution saw many important enrichment elements added, again, on the peaceful uses of space science and technologies. Politics are totally absent from the document. Right now, we stand ready to continue all of this. Some state partners are sending us their proposals for amendments to the document. However, not a single proposal has come to us from those states who now are criticizing the text. Today we heard the idea that there's no consensus building on the committee on this, and the document can't be put to the consideration of the Fourth Committee. Colleagues, allow me to remind you that last year we didn't have consensus with respect to the request from Latvia, and the committee was unable to let Latvia in as a member. And at that time, we recommended that Latvia take out the politicized elements from its request Do its domestic work and then try again the following year at the committee. And what happened? During the 4th committee of the UNGA, a draft decision was dumped regarding adopting Latvia as a part of the committee, and it was unprecedentedly put to a vote. And outcome of the vote was rather Regrettable indeed. Yes, sure, some support— many supported, but there were plenty of abstaining states and also those voting against Latvia joining. So in the same way, a precedent was established breaking with long-standing practice of adopting decisions on the Fourth Committee based on consensus. And I would like to recall that it was those Western countries, last year who intentionally established that precedent, although we were trying to avoid it. 2 years ago, the Russian Federation, so as to retain this principle of consensus-based work, withdrew its resolution so as to give time for it to be worked on in the committee, take on board all the concerns, all the proposals, and come to the committee with consensus. However, the outcome over 2 years' time, no desire, no progress, no desire from those states who wanted to work on this on COPUOS. We don't see any desire to work on it from them. During the consultations we organized for WIHOG, there was pretty much nobody there. Just 2 states showed up. We saw that as intentional political obstruction and a total refusal to even listen to Russia's clarifications as to what changes had been made to the document. Colleagues, what is your point now? Are you trying to make the committee a hostage of your whims? We want to work on it, we don't want to work on it. Well, no, we won't have the principle of consensus manipulated in this manner, if there is no consensus, if it is not built regarding the document during this session of the committee, then we are totally within right to put it to the consideration of the General Assembly, as actually you've established that example last year yourselves. Now, I won't comment on what we just heard from the colleagues from the delegation of Ukraine. I'm not sure how on the one hand one could say that the committee is not the place to discuss military matters, but on the other hand you get into detail about some sort of military space uses of space satellites, missiles, and various positions, and even actually confusing with the terminology We can— let's leave all that to Geneva. I heard something very interesting from the UK, namely that the activities in Geneva of the open-ended group on preventing an arms race in outer space is a good complement to the work on COPUOS of the the LTSWG. So that is meaning that the Geneva and Vienna platforms are working on cross-cutting issues and are complementing each other. And then the UK delegate said COPUOS isn't the place to discuss the Russian resolution. So where's the logic if According to you, sir, you think that our resolution contains some sort of military space aspects, and of course that is definitely not the main topic because it's mostly about civilian matters. Then why can work in Geneva and Vienna not be complementary? I really don't understand. Are you kicking the ball back and forth? Geneva, New York, New York, Geneva? Geneva, Vienna, we will not stand for the dilution of a very important international topic. And we won't allow for it to be diluted by the so-called responsible rules of behavior in outer space, which has diverted the attention of the international community for something already approved— the discussion of something already approved by the GA, preventing an arms race and outer space. Thank you very much, Chair.

I'd like to thank the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation for that statement. Distinguished delegates, I have just received a request for the exercise of the right of reply from Ukraine, and I would like to now call upon the distinguished delegate of Ukraine to take the floor. Rather, the United Kingdom, please. United Kingdom has the floor.

Thank you very much, Mr.

Chair.

I just wanted to respond to a couple of points that we heard from our distinguished colleague from the Russian Federation, in particular that we are trying to find a way to stop discussion on this issue. I think our intention is quite the opposite. We've agreed, I think, at the SDSC to have an agenda item that deals with some of these issues. We have the Ways and Means agenda item that we're now speaking under, and I think we would like it to be brought into this forum to have a discussion. We think there are adequate places to have that discussion. What we're saying is that by drafting a General Assembly resolution and then taking it into informal consultations that are not open fora where we'd discussed behind closed doors, that it's not the type of discussion that we believe is productive or that is inclusive to not only the full range of committee members who may not be able to participate, but also to observers and others, other interested parties that may have a stake in that conversation. So we're very happy to have an open discussion when it comes to specifically the peaceful uses elements of the resolution, and for all other elements, we we should have an open discussion in Geneva. So we're not trying to stop discussion; we're saying that there are places where we can have discussion. Let's not do it behind closed doors; let's do it here in the Committee in an open way, transparent way, and let's see where we can get to. We can't promise that it will result in a General Assembly resolution, but it seems to me that having the outcome prepared before the discussion is a bit difficult to have an open and transparent conversation when we think that we're aiming towards a General Assembly resolution. Let's leave the General Assembly resolution to one side, let's have a discussion here, and if it results in a General Assembly resolution, then of course that's the usual process. So that's all we're asking for, and I hope that that is understandable to the majority of the Committee here today.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United Kingdom for that statement. I see that the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation is requesting the right of reply You have the floor, sir.

Thank you very much, Chairman. Briefly, if I might respond to the comments received from the distinguished colleague of the United Kingdom. I will repeat again, when it comes to the so-called closed nature of the process, it seems that you might have heard wrong, or maybe it wasn't interpreted correctly. So in April and May of this year, the Russian Federation conducted a series of consultations on the draft resolution for all member states of the UN. We organized them according to the UN 5 regional groups, including the Western European group. There was a large turnout, lots of interest. Excluding, of course, one group, which would be the Western European group. Of all the Western European states, just 2 participated in the consultations, and the UK wasn't there. Every opportunity was provided such that there would be open discussion on the resolution. But those opportunities weren't taken. And actually, moreover, here in the work on the committee, we conducted consultations too for all interested states. During those, we again presented all the changes that had been made to the updated draft. Allow me to remind you I would like to inform you that tomorrow at 1:00, there'll be another round of those consultations held. If our British colleagues and other partners are interested in taking part, then please come. We're inviting you, inviting you to say everything that you think, even make amendments and changes to the resolution. This is a completely open process. However, if you come tomorrow, that we do not wish to discuss the resolution as you did in the past, then we will have no other choice but to continue forward towards the General Assembly. When it comes to your desire to discuss the topic as a whole, we very carefully followed the discussions held on the margins of the STSC in February. Under the agenda item Dark and Quiet Skies, there was no active discussion from you on the issues that we raised. In this regard, allow me to point out to you that even during this session, this session, the distinguished delegate of Iran prepared a working paper CRP. It's a very balanced text which in detail explains all of the issues which we've been pointing out for several years now, including an appeal to quickly begin discussion of this problem. But we're seeing no reaction. We prepare documents, CRPs, Nobody looks at them. Other partners prepare CRPs and the same, nobody looks at them. So where is your readiness to look at this issue that you're talking about? We heard the same from you last year and we got a zero outcome. We think that it is inadmissible at current time to lose so much time. Time is of the essence. Thank you.

Thank you to the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation for that statement. Following a request to the— for the right of exercise of the right of reply from the United Kingdom, I will call then upon the United Kingdom now.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and We listened carefully and with interest to this statement from our distinguished colleague from the Russian Federation. I think that what we are trying to say and what we said in our statement here under this agenda item in this forum is that we do not believe a General Assembly resolution is the right way to go. Therefore, it's very difficult for us to amend and participate in discussions on a product that we don't think is suitable. In fact, we think undermines the discussions here. What we are saying is that there are adequate opportunities for the Russian Federation to raise their concerns. We have adequate agenda item time. We can discuss it in length if they want to. But for us, it's not necessarily an interest. It's not necessarily a topic that we find that we want to make proactive statements on. That's our right, as it is the right of the Russian Federation to raise the issue and see how much interest there is. It's not our responsibility if there's not so much interest within the committee. I mean, maybe that's a signal that actually people don't necessarily want to talk about that topic. But of course, it's their right to keep raising it and keep raising it as they wish under the relevant agenda items. As it is our right to decide if that's a topic that we want to engage upon, or if actually it's not necessarily a concern for us. I think the job of the committee is to find areas of common concern for all members so that we may discuss and advance our work here, and I'm— I regret that that doesn't necessarily seem to be the case with the concerns that are being raised by the Russian Federation at this time, although we are very happy to listen to them under the relevant agenda items in the relevant fora in the usual way. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United Kingdom for that statement. Distinguished delegates, we will now move to statements from observers. The first on my list is the distinguished observer from Space Renaissance International. You have the floor.

Hello, thank you. So originally conceived as providing a stable background to states affairs, the Outer Space Treaty has proved an effective and moderate instrument supporting the extensive growth of the space industry. Furtherance of space utilization will redoubt many efforts for a peaceful and equitable future world. Current wars in Europe indicate a shift in momentum towards the defense Thank you. The importance of comprehensive aspects of space technology rather than purely developmental and scientific engagement. The UN paradigms that predict and consolidate mutual and stable expectations can do much to alleviate divisiveness and antagonism between state partners. The technologies of outer space are sensitive instruments that have considerable bearing on international affairs. These important issues include the prospects for the placement of dual-use assets such as vast cyberspace complexes space-based solar power utilities, and vehicles for satellite maneuverability. Although such technology is highly pertinent for space industrialization at large, the lack of interchange and mutual agreement at treaty levels results in serious implications for global security. While advanced cyberspace, including fast space-based communications, can be considered a medium of warfare, these surveillance complexes can also be viewed as essential elements in transnational interchange, with ramifications for the nuclear monitor, likewise demanding a Such as border and arms control can be much improved through collaborative cyber interchange. The safety and protection of satellite assets cannot be underestimated. As such, emphasis is posed particular criteria for national bodies operating within the framework of defensive attributes. Yet even within necessary parameters, the enhancement of global space situational awareness provides a valid and responsive outlook. The current dynamic has become very critical, and new pathways must be quickly investigated and examined. Progress towards a ban on the placement of Be contemplated. A world in which the open and accessible features of outer space development becomes constrained by overt political pressure and militarization is unacceptable. The risk of such a closed technological scenario may escalate over many years, forestalling the International Lunar Settlement program and exposing humanity to the dangers of a defunct and unusable low Earth orbital status. Although the UN protocols are largely taken up by PAROS, the Committee for Prevention of Arms Race in Space, and the Security Council, the Committee on Non-Peaceful Uses of Outer Space will also have a role to play. Space Renaissance International requests that all delegates and states make clear commitments towards the establishment of a comprehensive space weapons ban and continue to explore the potentials of international alignment through advancing the scope of the Space Treaty.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished observer from Space Renaissance International for that statement. I'd now like to give the floor to the distinguished observer of CANES International.

Good afternoon, Mr.

Chair and distinguished delegates. On behalf of CANES, I thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this critical discussion on preserving outer space for peaceful purposes. As we reflect on the future of global space cooperation, particularly in the lead-up to Unispace 4 in 2027, it is essential to recognize that safeguarding space as a peaceful and inclusive domain requires more than treaties and declarations. It demands practical, innovation-driven mechanisms that enable shared benefit, transparency, and resilience. One such mechanism is the strategic deployment of deep technologies for peaceful space application. This includes artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, autonomous systems, and biotechnologies, all of which hold vast potential to support climate action, disaster response, for food security, global health, and equitable connectivity. However, many of these innovations face a bottleneck in deployment and development, stalled— called so-called valley of death between early research and operational deployment, which is the TRL 4 to 6. This not only delays the solutions to urgent global needs but also risks widening the technological divide among nations. CANES, established in 2001 specifically to bridge this gap, has long advocated for international collaboration to accelerate material innovations with peaceful space applications. We believe the peaceful use of outer space can significantly advance by establishing a deep tech for space acceleration initiative aligned with the 2030 Agenda, the Space 2030 Agenda, and the value of Unispace 4. Such an initiative would promote peaceful cooperation through joint innovation programs that serve global challenges, from global debris, orbital debris mitigation, to climate observation and planetary health. Foster shared infrastructure such as testbeds and living labs to democratize access to innovation and reduce barriers for developing nations. Build inclusive talent ecosystem emphasizing youth, women, and underrepresented regions to ensure a more balanced and representative space community, and encourage dual-benefit public-private partnerships that deliver both peaceful outcomes and technological progress. As a tangible step, CANIS is partnering with global institutions to establish a network of deep tech for space material innovation acceleration hubs designed to support peaceful space innovation and capacity building across regions. These hubs will act as a collaborative platform for mission-driven demonstration projects, open knowledge exchange, and responsible dual-use innovation rooted in the shared goal of maintaining space as dominant space peace domain for peace, sustainability, and opportunity.

All, Mr.

Chair, we invite member states UN agencies and stakeholders to collaborate in this initiative as a legacy contribution to UNISPACE 4 and as a strategic way to transform innovation to peaceful impact. We look forward to working together to shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and innovation-enabled future in outer space. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the distinguished observer from Canyus International. Distinguished delegates, I've just requested a— received a request from Mexico to make a statement under this item, and thus I will give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Mexico.

Thank you very much, Chair. Chair Rafik Akram, distinguished delegates. As this is the first statement made by my delegation, I'd like to extend Mexico's congratulations to you on assuming the chair of this committee, and we express the support of Mexico to you as you guide our work. We'd also like to thank the outgoing chair, Sherif Mohamed Seky from Egypt, for his successful work during the previous session in guiding Mexico expresses its concern regarding the growing threats to international security in different forms. Therefore, we believe in the need to step up efforts in all relevant fora to work constructively to preserve peace and international security. In this case, it is incumbent upon us to work together to strengthen the in particular to work seriously and collaboratively to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes and to ensure that the activities that are carried out in this province of humanity are purely for peaceful purposes. Mexico believes that ensuring the solely peaceful use of outer space and avoiding an arms race in space requires compliance with the applicable international law, including the principles enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty of 1976. The developments in the area of space, as well as the increasing number of stakeholders in space, means that the implementation of the Outer Space Treaty on the part of states and compliance with the good faith obligations include the principles related to the use of outer space solely for peaceful purposes. These include due diligence and reparation requirements. In this context, it's also important to note that states should step up efforts with a view to ensuring How are you ensuring that the Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space, PAROS, can make headway and lead to positive results for ensuring the peaceful use of outer space? Well, it comes under the scope of this committee and the other fora in Geneva and New York. There are distinctions, but we do need to avoid duplicate— duplication of efforts, which would be counterproductive for the harmonious development of space governance. This would also— we would also benefit from developing the outcomes of this committee, such as the development of certain key concepts as, uh, as agreed to in the legal committee. Lastly, Mexico would like to recall that international cooperation, transparency, and fostering trust-building in this outer space context are critical elements for preventing an arms race in outer space. This is why we are calling on all member states of the committee to promote new strategies that will help to ensure full— the full realization of this the committee's goals. Thank you very much, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Mexico for that statement. Distinguished delegates. We have concluded our consideration of Agenda Item 5, Ways and Means for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Distinguished delegates, I will shortly adjourn this meeting. Before doing so, allow me to inform you of our program of work for the afternoon. We will meet at 3 p.m. and continue consideration of agenda item four. We will con. We will begin consideration of agenda item six: report of the STOC on the six. 62nd session, and we will continue and hopefully conclude consideration of that item. Then we will also begin item 7, report of the Legal Subcommittee on its 64th session. We will begin and I hope conclude the consideration of

Thank you, Mr. President.

We will now begin the discussion of Agenda Item 8, Space and Sustainable Development, and time permitting, we will begin consideration of Agenda Item 9, Spinoff Benefits of Space Technology, Review of Current Status, and Item 10, Space and Water. I would like to inform delegates that the Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities will be holding its first informal meeting during lunchtime from 1:30 to 2:50 in Conference M2. The informal meeting will also be available through the MS Teams link contained in the circular dispatched on 5 June 2025, CU/2025/186. The schedule of informal meetings is available on the website of the session. Now I would like to give the floor to the Secretary to provide information on the side events.

Thank you very much, Mr.

Chair.

Distinguished delegates, there will be 2 side events during the lunchtime today. From 1:10, 10 past 10, to 2:00 PM, there will be a joint side event organized by Morocco and Office for Outer Space Affairs, entitled Celebrating African Space Development Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Global Space Sector. There'll be another side event from 10 past 2 to 3 PM.

There'll be, um, the side event organized by Canada entitled Recent Experiences with Space Debris Reentry: Lessons Learned and Best Practices.

Both events will take place in the press room in this building and building, and all delegations are invited. Thank you very much, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the Secretariat for that information. Are there any questions or comments on the proposed schedule? I see none. Distinguished delegates, the meeting stands adjourned until 3:00 PM this afternoon. Thank you.