Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, 68th session, 834th meeting
General Assembly
Date: 25 June 2025
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k1m/k1muqmrvxy
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [0:13]:

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to welcome you all to the Vienna International Center, and I now declare open the 68th session and the 834th meeting of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Distinguished delegates, you have before you the provisional agenda for the session contained in document A/ASLISH.105/L341. This provisional agenda has been prepared on the basis of the agreement reached at the 2024 session of the committee as reflected in A/ASLISH.105/L341. Its report in document A/79/20. This agreement was subsequently endorsed by the General Assembly in Resolution 79/87 of the 4th of December, 2024. Please note that neither the annotations nor an indicative schedule of work contained in the annex are part of the agenda. Distinguished delegates, if I hear no objections, may I take it that the agenda is adopted?

Je ne vois pas.

I see no objection. It is so decided. I would like to inform delegations that under agenda item 16. Other matters. We will consider— we will, among other issues, review nominations for the composition of the Bureau of the Committee and its subsidiary bodies for the period 2026 to 2027. I encourage the African Group, who has not done so, to provide their respective nomination during this session so that the Committee can take due note of their nomination. I would also like to inform delegations that under the same item, Other Matters, delegations are invited to provide comments to the proposed program plan of the Office for Outer Space Affairs for 2026 and program performance for 2024. Document A/80/6, Section 6, is available in the Official Document System, ODS. Delegations will also be provided with a conference room paper tomorrow, Thursday, relating to this documentation. This follows the same procedure as our last session in 2024. Distinguished Distinguished delegates, I would like to inform delegations that I have received a communication from the following member states of the United Nations: Cambodia, Côte d'Ivoire, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Maldives, Malta, Myanmar, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, and Uganda. And Honduras, requesting to participate in the meetings of the current session of the committee as observer. I'd also like to inform delegations that I have received a communication from Holy See requesting permission to attend and participate in the meetings of the current session of the committee as observer. Furthermore, I would like to inform delegations that I have received communications from the following organizations requesting permission to attend and participate in the meetings of the current session of the committee as observer: ACES Worldwide, African Space Agency, the Lunar Policy Platform Foundation, and Women in Aerospace Europe. I would now like to give the floor to the Secretariat to provide further information on the communication received from Myanmar.


UNOOSA · Secretariat [4:40]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Distinguished delegates, with regards to the requests from Myanmar, Secretariat would like to inform the Committee that communications naming different individuals as representatives of Myanmar Have been received. The first communication dated 16th of June 2025 was from the Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations in New York. The second communication stated 20th June 2025 was from the Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations in Vienna. Please allow me to inform the committee about the practice of other United Nations bodies. In similar situations where competing credentials were submitted. In particular, the Credentials Committee of the General Assembly at its 79th session had before it 2 communications concerning the representation of Myanmar at that session of the General Assembly, indicating different individuals as representatives to that session. The first was from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar The second was from the permanent representative of Myanmar to the United Nations in New York. The Credentials Committee has therefore decided to defer, postpone any consideration of the credentials pertaining to the representatives of Myanmar to the 79th session of the General Assembly and to revert to consideration of those credentials at a future time during that session. Please also allow me, Mr. Chair, to recall the General Assembly Resolution 396, Roman numeral V, of 14 December 1950, which provides that when more than one authority claims to be the government entitled to represent the member state in the United Nations, this question should be considered by the General Assembly. Furthermore, I would like to recall that at our 61st and the 62nd sessions of the committee, based on the decision of the Credential Committee as well as the General Assembly resolution, the committee decided to defer any action on the credentials pertaining to the representatives of Myanmar at those sessions of the committee.

Thank you very much, Mr.

Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [7:07]:

I thank the Secretariat for the information provided. Distinguished delegates, in view of the above, I would like to open the floor to see if the committee agrees to defer any action on the credentials pertaining to the representatives of Myanmar at the present session, pending a decision by the General Assembly on the representation of Myanmar, and in line with General Assembly Resolution 396. I see no objections. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, let us now come back to requests from Cambodia.

Côte d'Ivoire.

The Lao People's Democratic Republic. The Maldives.

Honduras.

Malta. The Republic of Moldova. Serbia. And Uganda. For permission to attend and participate in the current session of the Committee as observer. I would therefore like to suggest that in conformity with past practice, we invite those delegations to attend the current session and to address the committee as appropriate. That is, of course, without prejudice to further requests of this nature and does not involve any decisions of the full committee concerning status. It is a courtesy that we customarily extend to such delegations. Do I take it that this is agreeable to you all? I see no objections. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, we also have a request from the Holy See for permission to attend and participate in the current session of the committee as observer. I would therefore suggest that in conformity with past practice, we invite the delegation to attend the current session and to address the committee as appropriate. That is, of course, without prejudice to further requests of this nature and does not involve any decisions on the full commit— of the full committee concerning status of the concerned organisation. It is a sign of courtesy that we customarily extend to such delegations. Do I take it that this is agreeable to you?


Speaker 4 [10:13]:

Yes.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [10:22]:

I see no objections. We'll proceed accordingly. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, we also have a request from ACES Worldwide, African Space Agency, Lunar Policy Platform Foundation, and Women in Aerospace Europe for permission to attend and participate in the current session of the committee as observer. I would therefore like to suggest that in conformity with past practice, we invite those observers to attend the current session and to address the committee as appropriate. That is, of course, without prejudice to further requests of this nature and does not involve any decisions of the full Committee concerning status. Distinguished delegates, if there are no objections, we will proceed accordingly. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, as well as the requests by ACES Worldwide, African Space Agency, Lunar Policy Platform Foundation, and Women in Aerospace Europe, We have requests to attend and participate in the current session from the— in capacity as observer. Rather, I repeat, I would therefore like to suggest that in conformity with past practice, we invite those observers to attend the current session and address the committee as appropriate. That is, of course, without prejudice to further requests of this nature. And does not involve any decisions of the full committee concerning status. It is a courtesy that we customarily extend to such observers. Do I take it that this is agreeable to you all?


Speaker 6 [12:49]:

Yes.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [12:56]:

I see no objection. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to move to the next item on the agenda and present my statement to the committee. Before proceeding to my present statement, I would like to recognize and express my gratitude for the presence of Mr. Sherif Mohamed the chair of the committee for 2024, with whom I have the honor of sharing the current biennial term. With the permission of the committee and as part of this agenda item statement by the chair, I would like to invite Mr. Segki to make a few remarks on the committee's accomplishments over the past year. Mr. Shaif, you have the floor.


Egypt · Chair (2024) · Sherif Mohamed Sedki [13:57]:

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. Thank you for this opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for the past year when I had the honor to serve as its chair. It was my privilege to work together with Mr. Juan Francisco Fascetti of Paraguay as the first vice chair and Mr. Hassan Abbas of Pakistan as the second vice chair and rapporteur. I would like to thank all delegations for their support. The success of the committee over the past year in many areas of its work is a result of our collective efforts. During my tenure as chair, the committee commemorated its 65th anniversary of its establishment in 1959 as the General Assembly's Permanent Committee recognizing the importance of the use of outer space for peaceful purposes and of the need to promote international cooperation in the conduct of space activities. Over those 65 years, the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space and its subcommittees have become the institutional home for the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. They have continuously demonstrated their unique role in the establishment and further development of international legal regimes governing outer space activities, in fostering dialogue among spacefaring and emerging space nations, and in promoting the involvement of all countries in space activities. The Committee strengthened international efforts to explore and utilize outer space based on principles and objectives of international law and the relevant United Nations treaties, with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty as its cornerstone, and allowed for coordinated and consensual discussions on developing relevant frameworks of space activities. At the heart of this Committee's mandate lies international cooperation to ensure the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use and exploration of outer space, an imperative that has only grown more urgent amid the rapid expansion of space activities. Our success is a collective effort, and I am pleased to report that important achievements have been made during the last year, namely: In 2024, the Committee agreed to establish the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation to improve consultations related to lunar activities. During the intersessional period, the Committee took a decision to establish its Bureau and made much progress in developing its work plan. The Committee also agreed on a new agenda item on Dark and Quiet Skies, Astronomy, and large constellations, addressing emerging issues and challenges for the next 5 years, from 2025 to 2029. Progress was made on various issues of space sustainability overall, including uses of nuclear power sources in outer space, legal aspects of space resource activities, space debris mitigation and remediation measures, and held discussions on means to enhance international cooperation and ensure that space activities benefit all member states regardless of their degree of development. Notable progress has been made in the work of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittees, Working Group on the Legal Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activity, and the Working Group on the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space, as well as in the work of the Legal Subcommittees, Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resources Activities, and the Working Group on the Status and Application of the 5 United Nations Treaties on Outer Space of Legal Subcommittee. The later Working Group agreed on its multi-year work plan to exchange views on the implementation of Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty. The Committee also noted with appreciation a proposal to hold a 4th United Nations Conference on Exploration and Peaceful Use of Outer Space, or UNISPACE IV, in 2027. Further consultations were held inter-sessionally to refine possible decisions by the Committee on this proposal. Another achievement in 2024 was the declaration of the year 2029 as the UN-designated International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defense, as adopted by a General Assembly resolution in this regard. The Committee also stressed the need to further international cooperation and ensure that space activities benefit all humankind and all member states, regardless of the degree of development, particularly in support of developing spacefaring nations. I should also like to note with appreciation the work carried out by the international bodies whose establishment was facilitated by the Committee, namely the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the International Asteroid Warning Network, the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group, and the Space and global health network and platform. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, as I conduct my— as I conclude my tenure as the Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space for the year 2024 and hand over to you, Mr. Rafi Akram of Morocco, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to all delegations for making considerable advancement under the mandates of the Committee and its subsidiary bodies despite various constraints and challenges surrounding us. I would also like to note the role of the Office for Outer Space Affairs as a substantive secretariat to the Committee and its broad range of activities to bring the benefits of space to everyone, everywhere. Among other things, the Office discharges the responsibilities of the Secretary-General under the United Nations Outer Space Treaties and Principles, supports Member States in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the objectives of the Space 2030 Agenda, and maintains the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Space— into Outer Space. These are critical responsibilities under the Office for ensuring space safety and sustainability. I should also like to note the efforts by the Office to address the liquidity crisis by seeking views of member states of the Committee and consulting them to find solutions to jointly overcome difficulties that impact the organization of this year's session of the Committee. Mr. Chair and distinguished delegates, in conclusion, it has been a great honor to work together with the Member States in our joint efforts to foster multilateral dialogue and cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space based on the United Nations Outer Space Treaties, strengthen partnership among States and other stakeholders, and work together, engaging all countries in space activities. Mr. Chair, with the spirit of cooperation that prevails in its work, I am confident that in your able hands, the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space will continue its work at this session to bring benefits of space to all humankind, meeting the needs of the present generation while preserving outer space for future generations. Thank you for your kind attention.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [20:51]:

Thank you, Professor.

Merci, Professor.

Thank you very much, Professor Shev Sidki. I express my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Sidki for his leadership over the past year, and now I would like to make my statement in Arabic.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegates, Excellencies, I am pleased to welcome you all to the 68th session of the Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. I am proud— I am honored to serve as the chair, and I thank you for all the confidence you have placed in me and assure you of my commitment to continue the successful work of the committee. Allow me once again to recognize the successful chairmanship of Mr. Sherif Sutqi in 2024 and all what has been accomplished under his chairmanship leading up to this session. Dear Sherif, During your chairmanship, the committee made significant progress on several important matters advancing international cooperation and governance of outer space activities. As the chair of this session, I will strive to continue this successful path. I would also like to acknowledge the work of Hassan Abbas, the second vice chair and rapporteur of for 2024. I warmly welcome Ms. Hessa Al Khalifa of Bahrain to assume that function for 2025. Distinguished delegates, these are indeed unprecedented times as we work under the shortened duration of this session in face of the liquidity crisis. As chair of the committee, I would like to assure you of my utmost commitment to make much progress during that— this session, together with my distinguished colleagues in the bureau, Mr. Juan Francisco Facetti Fernandez of Paraguay and Ms. Hassa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Taking into account international priorities We will strive to strengthen international cooperation, promote compliance with UN treaties, resolutions, and guidelines governing the safety and sustainability of outer space, promote fair and responsible access to space, and encourage knowledge transfer and exchange initiatives among member states. Distinguished delegates, It is my great pleasure to, to welcome Djibouti and Latvia as the newest state members of the committee. Its membership has now grown to 104 states. Furthermore, I would like to warmly welcome 5 new permanent observers, namely the African Astronomical Society, the Global Satellite Operators Association, the Outer Space Institute, the Space Data Association, and Space Renaissance International. These are the newest international organizations with permanent observer status with the Committee, which is in total— which in total are now 56. I am pleased to see the growing interest among member states and international organizations I would like to thank you all for joining this committee to contribute to its work to promote the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use and exploration of outer space. It is encouraging to see the participation of high-ranking senior officials in this session, including more than 10 heads of space agencies. The eyes of the world are on us as a unique for Space Cooperation. This Committee, with its Scientific and Technical and Legal Subcommittees, needs to demonstrate its ability to meet rising challenges and seize new opportunities. A rapid expansion of space activities and space actors, with an increasing number of objects in orbit, and emerging technologies all require us to advance our work progressively. This committee has a crucial role to ensure that the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes can continue to flourish, bringing benefits, benefits to all member states. Distinguished delegates, the deliberations at the commencement of the 79th session of the General Assembly in 2024, have reaffirmed the role of this committee in discussing the establishment of new frameworks for space traffic, space debris, and space resources. We have important work streams in place to deliver on these pertinent matters. The Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee is at an important juncture in its work. The Working Group will meet during this session to make progress in finalizing its report. The Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities The Working Group on Principles of Space Resource Activities of the Legal Subcommittee has started to consider an initial draft set of recommended principles for space resource activities. Its work will continue during the intersessional period to further refine the draft by the next session of the Legal Subcommittee. On the sidelines of the Legal Subcommittee session, Informal consultations among interested delegations took place on the proposal to establish a study group on the legal and policy aspects of space traffic. Building on those discussions, the proposal will be further considered during the current session of the Committee. The Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC, aims to support international dialogue on safe, peaceful, and transparent lunar activities. Co-chaired by Hassan Abbas of Pakistan and Ulpia Botezato of Romania, ATLAS held a series of intersessional meetings to finalize its draft work plan, including an initial list of potential priority topics. It is encouraging to see that ATLAS now has around 100 members appointed by more than 30 member states. The committee will have before it for its endorsement the draft work plan to be finalized by ATLAS during this session. In addition to these areas where the General Assembly expects the Committee to establish new frameworks through its work streams in place, the Committee is further to consult on the proposal to hold a 4th United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Exploration and Use of Outer Space, UNISPACE IV, in 2027. The year 2027 marks the 60th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty, the cornerstone of the international space law. Based on the outcomes of a series of informal consultations and intersessional meetings facilitated by Morocco and Italy, the Committee is expected to decide this year on the objectives, scope, organizational arrangements, and financial aspects of UNISPACE IV. Distinguished delegates, this year in 2025, the Committee is to conduct its midterm review of the implementation of Space 2030 Agenda: Space as a Driver of Sustainable Development. Space tools have become indispensable for viable long-term solutions for sustainable development and contribute effectively to promote the development of all countries. The Space 2030 Agenda adopted by the General Assembly in its Resolution 76/3 contains a long list of valuable tools and international regional mechanisms programs, projects, and platforms that enable countries around the world to leverage space technologies, applications, and data to achieve economic growth and prosperity. Final reporting to the General Assembly on the implementation of the Space 2030 Agenda is envisaged for 2030. However, this year's Midterm review provides a key opportunity to share valuable examples and experiences of using space solutions for development. It could also enable us to identify gaps between benefits offering— offered by the existing space solutions and capacity-building needs. This review could result in identifying avenues for emerging and developing countries to further benefit from using space science, technology, and their applications. Distinguished delegates, during this year's session, the Legal Subcommittee noted the suggestion to add an item to its agenda concerning benefit sharing to support developing countries. The delegations making that suggestion are expected to report to the Committee on the outcome of the informal consultations that they have held open to all State Members of the Committee. Distinguished delegates, I would like to acknowledge the work of the 2 subcommittees, the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee, and to commend their chairs, Ms. Ulpia Elena Botezato of Romania and Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carulla of Spain for their skillful leadership and guidance. Under the respective agenda items, we will hear their reports highlighting achievements of both subcommittees this year. Progress by those subcommittees was possible also because of the untiring efforts by the chairs and vice chairs of their working groups. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Prakash Chauhan and Mr. Umama Hiswaran of India, Mr. Leopold Sommerer of Austria, Mr. Ian Grossner of Brazil, Ms. Franziska Knorr of Germany, and Mr. Stephen Freeland of Australia for their excellent leadership. I welcome the appointment of Mr. Ayman Mahmoud Mohammed Ahmed of Egypt as the Vice Chair of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities. It is with deep regret that I note the passing of Mr. Andrzej Mistal of Poland. He served as Chair of the Legal Subcommittee as well as Chair of its Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities, making significant contributions to the work of this committee over years. Distinguished delegates, I would also like to note with appreciation the continuing work of the international mechanisms whose establishment was facilitated by this committee, namely. The International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the Space and Global Health Network, the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group, and the International Asteroid Warning Network. During this year's session of the committee, we will observe the International Asteroid Day on June 30th. This special day was declared by the General Assembly in 2016 to observe each year the anniversary of the Tunguska impact over Siberia in the Russian Federation on June 30th, 1908. On a related note, we now have a United Nations-designated International Year of Asteroid Awareness and planetary defenses in 2029, as declared by General Assembly in its Resolution 79/86. Distinguished delegates, allow me to commend the work of the Office for Outer Space Activities, which plays a prominent role as a substantive secretariat for our intergovernmental bodies and through its other key work areas. I extend my appreciation to the Director of the Office, Ms. Artia Hola-Meni, and her dedicated team for their substantive support to the Committee and the preparations for this session. The Office continues to uphold the Secretary-General's responsibilities under outer space treaties and principles, including maintaining the UN Register of objects launched into outer space. I commend the Office's efforts in fostering dialogue among stakeholders, building capacity in space law and policy, empowering women and youth in the space sector, supporting regional education centers, and promoting space sustainability. Distinguished delegates, we have a demanding program. And limited time in this shortened 6-day session enriched by various side events and exhibitions. Let me take this opportunity to invite you to respect the speaking time so that we can ensure to accommodate deliberations on all substantive agenda items and to have sufficient time to reach agreement on concrete steps to take on the critical issues before us and ultimately to adopt the report by consensus. Under the Moroccan chairmanship, I am committed to work diligently with all delegations within the framework of mutual trust, and promotion of multilateralism, to bridge differing perspectives through constructive dialogue, and to build consensus and reach decisions on Unispace 4, ATLAS, and the midterm review of Space 2030 Agenda. I count on your cooperation and look forward to a successful session. With the Vienna spirit of collaboration, I am confident that we can enhance this Committee's impact and strengthen its vital role in global space governance and as a key multilateral platform for international cooperation in space activities. I thank you for your kind attention.

Distinguished delegates, I would like to bring your attention— to your attention that the Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee will meet during this session of the committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Omar Mamamashwaran of India with interpretation services, as requested by the SGSE, reflected in its report A/AC105/1338, paragraph 117. The Working Group will also hold informals. Also, on the margins of this session, the Working Group on the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer space of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee will hold its intersessional meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. Leopold Sumaror of Austria, as per the agreement reached at the 62nd session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee this year. As reflected in its report A/AC 105/1388, paragraph 153, and Annex 3, para 11. The Working Group will also hold informal consultations. The schedule of those informal meetings is available on the webpage of the present session of the Committee. The Action Team The Working Group on Lunar Activities Consultation, aka ATLAC, which was established by the Committee as its subsidiary body, will hold its meetings with the benefit of interpretation on Friday, 27 June, under the lead of its co-chairs, Ms. Ahsan Abbas of Pakistan and Ms. Ulpia Elena Botezatu of Romania— Mirmania. In line with the agreement reached, During the most recent session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, and as agreed during the informal consultations on 23 June 2025, ATAC will also hold informal consultations. The schedule of those meetings is available on the webpage of the present session of the committee. Distinguished delegates, pursuant to General Assembly Resolution. Resolution 32/71 of 1977. The conference resources made available to the Committee are indicated on the webpage of the present session. I would also like to inform you of the exceptional arrangements made for this session in view of the liquidity crisis measures as applied to the Committee. The Committee took actions on the implementation of liquidity crisis measures, on conference service resources. During the intersessional period, the Committee decided to shorten the current session by 2 days to be held from 25 June to 2 July as announced through the information Circular dated 27 May, OUSA/2025/43. Subsequently, to ensure that all deliberations under all agenda items be accommodated within the shortened session, the committee decided to undertake exceptional measures to adjust the organization of its work during the present session, as announced in The measures to be undertaken on an exceptional basis at this session are as follows. 1, plenary statements will be limited to a maximum of 3 minutes. 2, no technical presentations will be scheduled. 3, under the agenda items entitled Report of the Scientific Thank you. Report of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on its 62nd session. And report of the Legal Subcommittee. Shortening of the session caused by the liquidity crisis on the preparation of the draft report. The Secretariat. Informed me that the schedule of submission of the draft report for processing had to be considerably advanced due to limited capacity for document processing, with some parts already submitted earlier this week and under substantially limited— reduced word limits. In-session processing capacities remain limited. I therefore urge delegations To focus their statements on important updates and major developments. Also, given the shorter time available for interpretation, I am shortening this orientation on organization— organizational matters. A summary of information on organizational arrangements made for the present session will be uploaded Next to my statement at this session's webpage, distinguished delegates, let us now begin our consideration of item four of the agenda: General Exchange of Views. In order to enable the committee to commence its consideration of all items of the provisional agenda in a timely and balanced manner, the item entitled General Exchange. General exchange of views and introduction of reports submitted on national activities has been scheduled over a longer period of time during the session. The number of statements to be made under general exchange of views at each meeting may be limited as necessary in order to allow sufficient time for other agenda items to be considered and planned for each meeting.

Thank you.

Statements should be strictly limited to 3 minutes in length, as decided by the committee prior to the present session. Please note that the countdown of the minutes will be shown on the screen, and once the 3 minutes has passed, the speaker will also hear a signal indicating the end of your allocated time. I would also like to remind delegates that, as stressed by the Secretariat at the briefing on 5 June, in principle, the draft report will be reflecting the statements made verbally at the plenary. Thus, delegates, who wish to have their views reflected. Kindly be reminded that those views should be verbally expressed at the plenary meetings or during the formal work. Before I move to open the floor for statements by delegations, if there are no objections, I would like to give the floor to the Director for the Office of Outer Space Affairs, Madam Arti Olemajni, to address the Committee.


UNOOSA · Director · Arti Holla-Maini [46:05]:

Thank you, Madam Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [46:06]:

and provide a brief overview of the activities of the office.


UNOOSA · Director · Arti Holla-Maini [46:18]:

Chair, Excellencies, and distinguished guests, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. I'm honored to congratulate the elected Bureau for the year 2025. Mr. Rafiq Akram of Morocco as elected chair, Mr. Juan Francisco Frazzetti of Paraguay as vice chair, and Ms. Heza Al Khalifa of Bahrain as second vice chair and rapporteur. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Mr. Sherif Sedki of Egypt, chair of the committee for 2024, for his dedicated leadership and commendable efforts in guiding the work of the this committee. Allow me to also express my appreciation to Ms. Ulpia Elena Botezatu of Romania and Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carulla of Spain as chairs of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee respectively. Deputy Director Driss El Hadani and I are now in our second cycle of COPUAS, and we are pleased to see the number of initiatives that are spearheaded by this Committee. Also, the growing interest of more member states to join this committee and the receptiveness of delegates to industry engagement during the various side events and initiatives that we have organized during this cycle. The year 2025 has started on a challenging note for us in the Secretariat, with the liquidity crisis critically affecting delivery of our mandates across the 5 pillars of UNRWA's strategy. These are also challenging times for you, the Member States, as you work to uphold COPWAS's vital role and mandate under the constraints represented by a reduced committee session. Now more than ever, it is important to focus your limited time on urgent topics that can only be addressed through multilateral solutions. Chair, distinguished guests, distinguished delegates, forgive me. Last year was critical in publicly reaffirming the importance of the work and the mandate of COPUAS by heads of state and governments in New York. We have entered a new era of space exploration, one which is characterized by a rapid rise of national and in particular commercial actors. The need for strong multilateral decision-making, and the need for COPUSS to rise to the challenge cannot be overstated. Your deliberations on crucial issues— space resources, space traffic coordination, information sharing, space debris, and lunar governance— are absolutely fundamental to real-world issues today and to the long-term sustainability of outer space. Distinguished delegates, as you know, I have the utmost respect for for the member-state-driven process that underpins this committee. However, the time has come to speak with directness and urgency, for the sake of space safety and in order to preserve the authority and credibility of this committee. Please allow me to explain why. This past weekend, UNOOSA was informed by the Malaysian space regulator of an urgent conjunction warning involving a Malaysian satellite and another satellite operated by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK, with a potential collision predicted within 24 hours. The Malaysian satellite was not capable of performing avoidance maneuvers. Upon receiving this request, UNOSA promptly conveyed the information to the relevant state, and to help assess the situation, we also engaged flight dynamics experts from the Space Data Association and the space situational awareness provider, the GANTRA. These partners assisted in verifying the data and advising on risk mitigation, demonstrating the extreme importance of international coordination in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities. They advised Malaysia to alter the attitude of the satellite in order to minimize collision Typically, a satellite operator will move its satellite to avoid a collision when another object is around 5 kilometers away. In this case, the satellites were only 75 meters away from each other. Thankfully, the DPRK operator performed a maneuver and the risk was averted. I would like to thank the Malaysian space regulator and the Malaysian Space Agency for allowing me to share this information so transparently with you here today. This is the second such instance in the past 6 months where UNUSA has been approached to assist in the context of a predicted conjunction. On the previous occasion, a close approach of approximately 3 kilometers was anticipated between a United States satellite and one registered to China. At the time, there was uncertainty regarding the appropriate point of contact, and UNOOSA was able to facilitate constructive engagement with our Chinese counterparts so as to avoid a collision. As more satellites are launched into low Earth orbit, more conjunctions will occur. From the 2 examples given, I hope that you can see that this is a very real concern. But, distinguished delegates, UNOOSA is not a hotline for space traffic coordination. This is a responsibility that this committee must assume. We urgently need an international committee for space traffic coordination. Therefore, I would like to commend and thank the United Arab Emirates for their initiative in bringing forward a proposal for space traffic coordination, and I encourage member states to please consider this with the urgency and the attention it deserves. Distinguished delegates, as urgent as space traffic coordination is today, and as late as we may be on several of these issues, we are not yet coordinating lunar activities, even though that need is already emerging as well. With these examples, I hope you feel encouraged to consider concrete outcomes for a potential UNISPACE-4 conference. UNOOSA is here to support you, the Member States, in these critical deliberations towards achieving tangible outcomes. We are committed to delivering on our key Secretariat mandates and in supporting deliberations in this Committee and its subsidiary bodies. As Executive Secretariat to the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems, and to the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group, and in leading coordination of UN entities through UN Space, as well as supporting the International Asteroid Warning Network and the Space and Global Health Network. All of these platforms have continued to deliver results and drive international cooperation over the last year. Allow me to provide you with some further highlights of the work of UNOSA. Following the first-ever United Nations Space Bridge Roundtable in New York last October, we organized the United Nations Space Sustainability Days, intended specifically for you, COPUAS delegates, here in the home of space diplomacy, just ahead of the session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. Our goal was to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the practical realities associated with space traffic coordination and on-orbit servicing through simulation exercises that highlighted practical considerations that arise when debris is created and close encounters between space objects occur. To advance on these important matters, UNOOSA is finalizing its Space Sustainability Program to support LTS guideline implementation, to strengthen space traffic coordination around the world, to explore regulatory and financial aspects of space debris removal and broaden stakeholder engagement. In maintaining the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space, we received 2,437 registrations in 2024, another record number. We convened the 2nd meeting of National Focal Points on Registration, the inputs of which will contribute to developing a toolkit on registration practices in the 3rd quarter of this year that can empower nations to establish national registration frameworks. The capacity-building workshop jointly organized by UNOSA and the ITU earlier this month looked at the lifecycle of a site— of a satellite from an ITU filing to registration with UNOSA, which benefited both the Vienna and the Geneva communities. I would also like to inform you that the updated treaty booklet International Space Law, United Nations Instruments, is currently being prepared in all UN official languages. For over 2 decades, this series has served as a valuable reference for policymakers, legal experts, technical specialists, and scholars alike. This work is also part of our broader capacity-building efforts in international space law, offering a platform for the exchange of legal insights and best practices. Complementing this, the ASTRO database on the Office's website hosts key documents on national space regulations and showcases the Office's work on travaux préparatoires for UN space treaties. As an integral part of the Office's mandate, capacity building on space law and policy is provided to member states, particularly emerging space nations, through dedicated legal advisory missions, supporting the implementation of international space law at national level. The Global Space Law Project of the Office plays a vital role in helping member states, especially emerging space nations, to develop and strengthen national space laws and policies. Our team has just returned from a mission to Ghana focused on treaty ratification and initial legal drafting. With over 60 requests received, The project delivers high-impact support but relies entirely on extra-budgetary resources. UNOOSA's other flagships— UN-Spider, Access to Space for All, Space for Water, Space for Women, and Space for Youth— continue to drive impactful results, from supporting the implementation of space law and policy to democratizing access to space, ensuring education for all, to driving national resilience to disaster— to national disasters. Earlier this month, at the United Nations Ocean Conference, we launched the Space for Ocean Alliance, leveraging the transformative power of space solutions to better understand, protect, and sustainably manage our ocean ecosystems. The alliance provides an international platform for coordinated action, convening both the Spain— the space and the marine and maritime communities. The Alliance now has 28 members, thanks to the Philippine Space Agency joining just yesterday. Our UN-affiliated Regional Centers for Space Science and Technology Education continue to offer valuable STEM opportunities across the globe, with meanwhile over 3,200 participants having completed various courses since the centers were established 3 decades ago. The International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems established a new 5th working group on, on lunar positioning, navigation, and timing, vital work that will be closely coordinated with ATLAC. The Space and Global Health Network agreed on its 2025 to 2035 strategy. As part of our Space for Global Health efforts, UNOSA led held at the Regional Conference for the Americas to identify shared regional health needs. We also made strong progress on the interdisciplinary curriculum on space and global health and began defining key space health— space-based health variables to ensure long-term access to space data for global health. The Space Mission Planning Advisory Group established a new working group on Apophis flight missions, as a mechanism to identify and coordinate planned missions, including commercial ventures, to asteroid Apophis during its historic close approach in spring 2029. 2029 is now designated as the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defense, thanks to the recommendation of this committee. We contributed to the 2025 IAA Planetary Defense Conference held in South Africa in May, addressing a hypothetical asteroid impact exercise and disaster preparedness and response. And in breaking news, we disseminated information to all member states on a potential impact of asteroid 2024 YR4, which in February 2025 exceeded the 1% impact probability threshold for 2032. Pursuant to the work which is coordinated by the International Asteroid Warning Network and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group. I invite you to also look at our 2024 Annual Report, From Strategy to Action, which was launched just ahead of this session for further highlights. Chair, distinguished delegates, I hope this summary provides a clear overview of the breadth and the scope of UNOOSA's work. I say this with purpose, as we currently find ourselves in the midst of the UN reform process known as UN80, where the Secretary-General is seeking efficiency and budgetary reform, reviewing mandates, and intense structural changes to streamline operations. There is a real risk that the broader cross-cutting relevance of UNRWA's work may not be fully recognized in New York-based decision-making processes. For example, UNOOSA may be viewed solely as a Secretariat to COPUOS, or our space applications work narrowly defined by our UN-Spider mandate. Such a perception, shaped by only the more visible aspects of UNOOSA's work, risks leading to misguided conclusions, the benefits including the fragmentation of our Office, or its merger with larger entities, which would limit the benefits available to Member States, especially developing countries. We sincerely hope that we can count on your support in engaging your counterparts in New York to help preserve and strengthen UNUSA's role as the UNAT process unfolds. Chair, distinguished delegates, I would like to appreciate my sincere— express my sincere appreciation appreciation to all our partners that support our activities. We hosted a fundraising engagement meeting on the 16th of June, and we aim to proactively reach out to stakeholders further for support on our new Space Cooperation for Development Fund. This multi-partner trust fund will enable coordinated cross-sectoral action across the UN system and with external partners including governments, non-governmental, as well as private sector actors, ensuring that space-based solutions are inclusive, impactful, and future-proof. The establishment of this fund is an important milestone for us, and it coincides with the midterm review of the Space 2030 agenda in 2025, where partnerships play an integral role. We invite you, member states, to engage with us and help us to grow the Multi-Partner Trust Fund so that we can better support you. For a more detailed presentation about the fund and how you can engage, I invite you to join us on Monday the 30th of June from 9 to 9:50 in the press room. Looking ahead, the 2025 Space Law Conference, taking place in hybrid format from the 19th to the 20th November here in Vienna, will focus, focus on the life cycle of space debris and look at how states and operators are translating space debris mitigation and long-term sustainability guidelines into national frameworks, and how emerging operations such as active debris removal, on-orbit servicing, and satellite transfer give rise to risk— give rise to interlinked legal challenges. A day before the Space Law Conference and following last year's Conference on Sustainable Lunar Activities, we plan to host a lunar industry forum on commercial lunar landscape and policy needs. This will be an opportunity for commercial lunar operators to be informed of the work of ATLAS, of their work plan, and also to raise awareness on their planned activities. We hope that this will help member states better understand the role of commercial companies. And the current state of lunar missions, and that it will help inform related policy discussions in ATLAS. In December, from the 9th to 11th, here in Vienna, the UNSKAO workshop on Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society will highlight efforts by astronomers, satellite operators, and manufacturers to reduce satellite impact on astronomical, astronomical observations. It will also address legal and regulatory aspects, bringing together experts, industry stakeholders, and the diplomatic community contributing to COPA's discussions. These are just some highlights, and I invite you to follow our channels for information on the upcoming events. Regarding Unispace 4, I wish to emphasize that we are presented with a window of opportunity. As you deliberate on this topic, I encourage you to consider Unispace 4 not merely as an event, but as a milestone to work towards and deliver mechanisms and solutions that the space community and the developing world urgently need. I hope future generations will look back on 2027 as we today look back on 1967, the pivotal moment that provided the critical certainty required to secure more investment and unleash the potential of space for all Member States. Chair, distinguished delegates, rest assured that UNOOSA is doing its very best in challenging circumstances. During this Committee's meeting, we will also have several key topical side events. This week, starting today, on International Cooperation and Coordination Towards Sustainable Space Activities, co-organized with Japan. Secondly, on unlocking regional potential through Earth observation, a workshop on the Earth Observation Initiative co-sponsored by Singapore. Third, celebrating African space development towards a, towards a sustainable and inclusive global space sector co-organized with Morocco. And fourth, space traffic coordination from a constellation perspective, where for the first time we will have satellite operators from the United States, China, and the European Union discussing their priorities and needs. Next week, on Monday morning, we invite you to join us for a strategic donor briefing on the Space Cooperation for Development Fund, where we will present you on how to engage and support us, followed by side events on the imperative of ensuring space sustainability and a safe airspace, co-organized with Austria and Canada. 6, of space economy and ecosystems and economics, space as a development imperative and catalyst of growth. And 7, towards gender equality in space, insights from the second phase of the UNOOSA-led landmark study co-organized with the Republic of Korea, where we will present key findings from the second phase of the study under our Space for Women project. A detailed list of all these side events is available on the COPA session webpage, and I hope that you will make a little bit of time to join us. As you prepare to begin deliberations for the 68th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, I would like to leave you with a sense of urgency to take bold action. The exponential growth in space activities and objects has dramatically increased the number of stakeholders and the critical need for ensuring space safety. This comes down to understanding what is happening in space now and ensuring robust communication among all actors to safeguard the space environment. As we know, bilateral communication is not always possible or effective. This is precisely why the multilateral process within COPUSS takes on such a such central importance. If COPUSS is unable to deliver on its core priorities, there is a real risk that others who are more agile and faster will step in to fill the gap. It is in our collective interest to prevent this and to ensure that COPUSS remains the leading forum for space governance. Chair, distinguished delegates, thank you for allowing me to take so much of your time. I apologize. I would, however, like to end on a high note, showcasing how we are concretely supporting developing nations and Small Island Developing States, in particular with digital twins, which demonstrates the power of space, artificial intelligence, and UNOOSA's innovative partnerships with companies like Space Data Inc. from Japan. My thanks to Her Excellency Ambassador Matilda Osei-Agyeman from Ghana, for supporting us in the preparation of our recent agreement with Commonwealth Secretariat to support the Commonwealth family of nations with such technologies. Could you please show the video?


Speaker 13 [1:08:42]:

Climate change is affecting all of us. But what if we could see into the future and predict the impacts of disasters, rising sea levels, flooding, and eroding coastlines. This could help us prepare for any eventuality before it happens to protect homes and save lives. Now, with a little help from space, artificial intelligence is being used with Earth observation imagery and innovative partnerships to create digital twins of entire cities This can help governments plan smarter, act faster, and build stronger to preserve life and land in the future. Only a few years ago, this would have taken dozens of man-hours and costly aerial surveillance flights. Now it can be done in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. Let's take Ghana as an example. The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, UNOSA, has worked in close collaboration with the Commonwealth, Space Data Inc., Maxar Technologies, and the Universities of Bonn and Tokyo to make a digital twin of Accra, Ghana's capital. This helps us understand the impact of flooding at any time between a 1-meter to a 10-meter water level rise. This means we can pinpoint which streets and buildings are most at risk, to build flood walls and coastal defenses, to adapt national disaster management strategies, and to assist emergency services. UNOSA brings advanced space tools down to earth to those who need them most, turning science into safety for vulnerable communities. Together, and in partnership with UNOSA, we can scale solutions, tackle national challenges, and build a more resilient future for all.


UNOOSA · Director · Arti Holla-Maini [1:10:51]:

Thank you. It is our hope that we will bring such solutions to many more of the COPOS members and also developing nations in particular. Thank you very much for your attention, and I wish you a productive, cooperative, and impactful session.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:11:11]:

I thank Ms. Holamaini for her statement on behalf of the Office. Distinguished delegates, we have a dense agenda before us. I would like to appeal to all of you to proceed in a constructive and cooperative manner. I would once again like to remind delegations that the statements should be strictly limited to 3 minutes. Please also note that as per practice for all agenda items, representatives of groups of states deliver the statements first, followed by representatives of the member states, and then it— the floor is given to representatives Kindly be reminded that the list of speakers is published on the webpage of this session of the committee ahead of each meeting. Distinguished delegates, I now turn to the list of speakers. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative Mr. President, I now welcome the representative of Kenya on behalf of the G77 and China. You have the floor.


Kenya · G77 + China [1:12:32]:

Mr. Chair, I have the honor to deliver this abbreviated version of the statement of the group. The full statement will be published on the G77 website. Mr. Chair, the Group of 77 and China would like to congratulate you and the new members of the Bureau and to thank the outgoing Chair and the Secretariat for their efforts. Considering the time constraints, the G77 and China wishes to make the following remarks, which should be considered applicable to all agenda items and working groups. A, the group reiterates its strict adherence to the principles governing the activities of the states— of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including those in the Outer Space Treaty and as outlined in the relevant UN resolutions. The group is of the view that all outer space activities, including mega constellations, and their related operations should fully respect the international law, including the UN Charter. B, the group underscores the imperative of fully implementing the Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for the Benefit and in the Interest of All States, taking into account the needs of developing countries. Mr. Chair, in this regard, it is crucial that developing countries are not left behind or unfairly disadvantaged by exploration, exploitation, and peaceful uses of outer space. Consequently, space technology applications must translate into concrete benefits for developing countries, including transfer of technology on favorable terms and capacity building. Mr. Chair, the group welcomes the ongoing consultations on the proposal to hold the Unispace 4 in 2027 and underscores that it must be action-oriented and an opportunity to consolidate the interests of developing countries to ensure that the use and exploration of outer space is carried out exclusively for peaceful purposes, for the benefit of all countries, regardless of their degree of scientific and economic development, and in accordance with the Outer Space Treaty and applicable international law. The group noted with appreciation the continued work of the ATLAS and looks forward to endorse its multi-year work plan and initial list of potential priority topics, including consolidating support to developing countries by the committee during this session. Mr. Chair, the group urges states to refrain from promulgating, adopting, and applying any unilateral economic, financial, and trade measures and related actions contrary to international law and the UN Charter, mindful that they hamper or impede access to space and space activities, particularly in developing countries. The group joins other calls to further support UNOSA amid the current financial constraints. The group stresses that the current situation should not impact the principle of equitable geographical representation representation in the Secretariat. The group requests that UNOSA continue, as per its mandate, to promote the peaceful uses of outer space for sustainable development, advance international cooperation, and strengthen the capacity of developing countries in utilizing space applications.

Mr.

Chair, on a final note, the group looks forward to the adoption of a consensus report of this session that avoids matters exceeding the mandate of COPUS. I thank you, Mr.

Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:16:55]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the G77 and China for her statement. The next speaker on my list Next is the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso on behalf of the African Group. Thank you, Chair.


Burkina Faso · Africa Group [1:17:16]:

Delivering a shorter version here, and the longer version will be posted online. The African Group congratulates you on your election as the Chair of the 68th Session and assures you of its full support while commending your predecessor for his leadership of the previous session. We also thank Director Arti for her remarks, as well as the Secretariat. The Group aligned itself with the statement of the G77 plus China. Chair, the Group attaches great importance to the work of the Committee and it underscores the imperative to promote equal, non-discriminatory access to outer space, irrespective of level of socioeconomic or scientific development, and should be cognizant of the needs of developing countries. The group acknowledged the critical role of the committee and its 2 subcommittees, while being cognizant of the fact that the benefits derived from outer space activities are linked to achieving both the development goal of the UN Agenda 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063. In view of the above, the African Union has developed a science, technology, and innovation strategy for Africa with a focus toward developing a coordinated African space process as part of the scientific leg of the African Agenda 2063. The group calls upon copious member states, particularly developed countries to extend benefits derived from outer space activities, provides capacity building and technical assistance to assist them in strengthening capacity in the space sector and effective implementation of countries' space programs. Chair, the group welcomes the progress made in the Working Group on Space Resources and reiterates its call for greater coordination of the international at the international level, as well as the Working Group Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, in carrying out the work plan for the period 2022-2026 and working toward the implementation of the guidelines aimed to promote safely, sustainably, and security, security of activities in outer space. The group welcomes the initiative of the chairmanship of Morocco to organize a side event during this session entitled Celebrating South African Space Development: Toward a Sustainable and Inclusive Global Space Sector. In conclusion, Africa reiterates its commitment toward the peaceful use of outer space. African states will continue to raise awareness on— to the important role of mobilizing resources To support space science and technology in Africa's socioeconomic development. I thank you, Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:20:19]:

Je remercie.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso for her statement on behalf of the African Group. The next speaker on my list is the. Distinguished representative of the Latin American and the Caribbean group. That is, on behalf of the group of Latin American and Caribbean countries, you have the floor.


Peru · GRULAC [1:20:52]:

The group of Latin America and the Caribbean congratulates you on your election as chair, and we express our full support to you. Likewise, the GRULAC would like to extend its gratitude to the Secretariat and the Director of UNUSA for preparing this session and the efforts undertaken to fulfill its mandate despite the serious budgetary limitations. The group welcomes the new member states to the committee and welcomes the candidacies put forward, especially that of Honduras as a member of our regional group. Chair, GRULAC reiterates its commitment to the principles of the Outer Space Treaty. The group emphasizes that the use and exploration of outer space needs to be purely for peaceful purposes in the benefit and interest of all countries and in line with international law. Likewise, we reiterate the importance of preventing an arms race and the placement of weapons of any kind in outer space. RULAC urges states to step up efforts to ensure that all states can participate in the benefits derived from space activities, bearing in mind that outer space is an area outside of national jurisdiction and that its peaceful use should contribute to socio-economic development for all nations. That's why we emphasize that training, technical assistance, and technology transfer are key for promoting greater participation among developing countries. The group emphasizes the how important it is for UNOSA to have sufficient funding, including voluntary contributions, through clear and transparent mechanisms that will help to ensure that capacity can be built, particularly among developing countries. The group emphasizes the value of the UN SPIDER program and believes that it is important to establish a regional office in Latin America which will bolster regional capacities in handling emergencies and disaster risk reduction.

reduction.

GRULAC expresses its concern in the context of the problem of space debris and emphasizes the importance of strengthening responsible standards of behavior in outer space. The group believes that it's relevant to develop governance of outer space and emphasizes that any normative framework needs to be inclusive, transparent, and reflect the interests and needs of all states. Likewise, GRULAC recognizes the work of ATLAG, and we hope that this session will see the approval of its plan and priority areas of work. The group recognizes the possible holding of Unispace 4 in 2027, bearing in mind that opportunity— that it represents an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation for the benefit of all countries, particularly developing countries. Chair, GUELET reiterates its willingness to work constructively to make progress in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of present and future generations. A longer version of this statement is available on the webpage of the session. Thank you very much.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:23:47]:

Je vous remercie.

Thank you very much to the distinguished delegate of Peru on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean countries. The next speaker on my list Is the representative of the European Union. You have the floor.


EU · EU [1:24:06]:

Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries aligned themselves with this statement: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine. We would like to assure you, Chair, of our full cooperation and thank UNOSA and its Director, Lamaini for their excellent work and leadership. COPUOS and its subcommittees remain unique platforms for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and for the development of international space law, norms, guidelines, and best practices. The UN Pact for the Future recognized the need for urgent action to ensure the safe and sustainable use of space for the benefit of all humankind. World leaders reaffirmed the Outer Space Treaty as the cornerstone of the international legal regime and decided to discuss new frameworks for space traffic, space debris, and space resources activities through COPUOS and involve stakeholders. They also encouraged the consult on holding the 4th Unispace Conference in 2027. The EU supports convening UNISPACE IV in Vienna and stresses the importance of UNOSA having the necessary resources. Essential reforms are urgently required to address the growing gap between UNOSA's expanding mandates and its limited resources. Chair, the EU and its member states remain committed to the Sustainable Development Goals and Space 2030 agenda. The EU capacity building and other activities under the EU Global Gateway strategy play a crucial role in reducing vulnerabilities to natural disasters and supporting climate adaptation, food security, and environmental protection in third countries. The EU space programme continues to focus on Earth observation, satellite navigation, connectivity, space research, and innovation. Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus benefit millions of users not only within the EU but also in third countries, and the Iris Square satellite constellation aims to provide secure telecommunication services. Space traffic and space debris mitigation remain key issues for COPUOS. We encourage the Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities to advance its discussions on the implementation of the existing LTS and space debris mitigation guidelines, capacity building, and new challenges. This work should continue beyond 2026. The EU aims to contribute to space traffic management as a global endeavor. Since 2016, EU space surveillance and tracking provides satellite collision avoidance and reentry prediction services activities, and is now open to non-European users. The EU takes note of the proposals to establish a Space Situational Awareness Expert Group and a Study Group on Legal and Policy Aspects of Space Traffic, and welcomes further discussions on their role and mandate with a view to taking a decision at the present session. We also welcome the progress made by the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, and its work program. Chair, finally, the EU remains gravely concerned about the current international context affecting multilateral cooperation. We call on all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, in all circumstances. Violations of the UN Charter undermine the whole UN system. We strongly condemn Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the DPRK's illegal satellite launches using ballistic missile technology. The European Union and its member states strongly support the rules-based international order, with the UN at its core. We remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to advance outer space issues relevant to COPUS. I thank you, Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:28:16]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. The following speaker on my list is His Excellency Minister Minoru Kiyuchi of Japan. You have the floor.


Japan · Minister of State for Space Policy · Minoru Kiuchi [1:28:30]:

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Chair, distinguished guests, it is indeed a great pleasure to be able to attend this session and address you today as Japan's Minister of State for space policy at the 68th session of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Chair, for all nations aiming at the long-term sustainable use of outer space, the recent increase in space debris presents a shared challenge. Japan has long recognized this challenge and continues to take concrete steps to address it through our domestic laws and guidelines, on space debris. After Space Activities Act was passed in 2016, Japan implemented guidelines on licensing on-orbit servicing in 2021 to ensure transparency for on-orbit servicing. In February 2025, Japan formulated new guidelines on collision avoidance with satellites, which set national standards to prevent close approaches and collisions during orbital operations. To further support space sustainability, the Government of Japan has backed domestic companies developing debris mitigation and remediation technologies. A notable example is the pioneering initiative known as the Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration, jointly carried out by JAXA, and the Japanese startup Astroscale. The first phase of this project successfully demonstrated rendezvous and proximity operations last year, including acquiring images of the target space debris from within 15 meters. The second phase is expected to demonstrate active debris removal, ADR in short, in 2027. Japan is committed to conducting on-orbit servicing, including ADR, in a safe and transparent manner under our domestic guidelines. Chair, we are also engaging with the international community. Japan is proud to support capacity-building initiatives such as the Space Law for New Actors Project in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, UNOOSA, and the National Space Law Initiative, NSLI, under the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, APARSAF. In this regard, Japan is pleased to inform you that the 3rd NSLI report has been jointly submitted to the 68th session by its 11 member states. Chair, looking forward, concerning international on-orbit servicing such as active debris removal, we intend to clarify the standard matters that will require coordination among stakeholders, including governments and private companies. To achieve this aim, this summer Japan will launch a joint study involving the government and the private sector of Japan with the input of overseas experts. Through this study, Japan aims to contribute to discussions about international on-orbit servicing. Moreover, as lunar exploration advances, Japan recognizes the need to begin discussions on recommendations for space debris mitigation and disposal management in lunar orbit and on the lunar surface, and would like to propose starting such discussions. Before I close, I warmly invite you all to join a side event today at 1:10 10 past 1 PM, where Japan will provide further details on its new domestic initiative, as well as Japanese private and public sector contributions, including those from JICA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency. I also look forward to a new announcement from JAXA on the Kibo Cube programme in the event. We warmly encourage you to participate. Chair, distinguished delegates, thank you for your kind attention.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:32:34]:

Thank you very much to the distinguished delegate of Japan for that statement. I would now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Morocco.


Morocco [1:32:47]:

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

At the outset, I wish to extend my warm congratulations to Dr. Rafik Akram for his election as Chair for the 68th session of COPU and assure him the full support and cooperation of my delegation. I seize this occasion to extend my appreciation to Dr. Sherif Mohammed Sidki for his outstanding and substantial contribution and chairmanship of the 67th session of COPUS. My delegation would also like to commend Madam Archie, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, for her opening statement and outstanding dedication. We assure her of our full support in the fulfilment of the mandate of UNOSA and express our gratitude to the dedicated Secretariat staff for the diligent preparation of documentation and planning for this meeting. My delegation associates itself with the statement of G77 and China as well as African group, and would like to make the following comments on its national capacity. Mr. Chair, over the past decade, space activity have experienced major acceleration, a trend set to intensify in the coming years due to the factors driving space evolution. Indeed, we stand on the eve of the new dynamic and innovative era in the space sector. Where advancement in technology and growing interest from both public and private sectors are fostering unprecedented use of and exploration of outer space. This new dynamic requires, according to Morocco, more than ever, a shared vision, a clear strategy, and concerted actions to ensure a sustainable and peaceful future in space. Henceforth, The need to develop standards and practice to ensure the long-term sustainability of security in space is crucial to preserving its usefulness for current and future generations. To this end, it is also vital to ensure that space activities are conducted for the benefit of all countries, regardless of their level of development, guaranteeing equitable access sustainability, and the peaceful use of space as common heritage for all. Morocco firmly believes that international cooperation is the most effective avenue for fully harnessing the potential of outer space, especially in its critical areas such as resources monitoring, disaster management, and ensuring equitable access to space technology, and reaffirms its commitment to all initiatives designated to foster global collaboration and promote the responsible utilization of outer space for the benefit of all humanity. Mr. Chair, my delegation would like to express its sincere appreciation to all delegations for their constructive and forward-looking engagement during the informal consultations co-led by Italy and Morocco. We commend the spirit of collaboration and openness that has characterised these exchanges, which contributed to a smooth and productive dialogue. In this context, my delegation supports the ongoing consultation for the organisation of Unispace 4, which we believe is both timely and highly relevant. This platform would provide a valuable opportunity to address emerging challenges in the space era, foster inclusive dialogue, and further strengthen international cooperation in support for the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space. We look forward to a positive outcome and successful recommendations emerging from this session.

Mr.

Chair, as part of Morocco's strong commitment to African— I mean, to African-led space initiatives, we are pleased to invite you to our side event tomorrow titled Celebrating African Space Development, co-organized in partnership with UNOSA. This event will highlight the remarkable advancements made across the African continent in space science, technology, and governance. It will shine a spotlight on the continent's growing capabilities in shaping the future of space, with a particular emphasis on building impactful and mutually beneficial, beneficial partnership, especially with European counterparts. Bringing together distinguished voices from Africa and beyond, the event will provide a vibrant platform for dialogue collaboration, and exchange. It represents a valuable occasion to celebrate Africa's achievements, foster high-level discussion, and explore new avenues for international cooperation in the spirit of shared progress and global solidarity. We would be honored by your presence and look forward to broad and meaningful participation in this important gathering. Mr. Chair, finally, as Chair of COPUS, Morocco reaffirms its commitment to guiding the session in the spirit of consensus and inclusive dialogue. We are confident that through collaboration, we can advance the peaceful and sustainable use of the space for all humanity. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:38:31]:

Je remercie.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Morocco. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Egypt.


Egypt [1:38:40]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Chair, for assuming the chairmanship of the 68th session of the COPUS. I wish you all the best and assure you of our full support and cooperation. Egypt fully aligns itself with the statements of the G77 and China as well as the African Group and would like to make the following remarks in its national capacity. capacity. Egypt, through the Egyptian Space Agency, made several important strides recently. Egypt launched Earth observation satellites last year, which supports the implementation of SDGs not only in Egypt but also in the African continent. And Egypt is currently planning for its first lunar mission in collaboration with Bahrain and China as part of Chang'e-7 mission. Egypt will be the first African country to be part of this important milestone.

Thank you.

Since 2022, the Egyptian Space Agency is coordinating the African Development Satellite Project that gathers teams from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Sudan, and Nigeria to develop a hyperspectral nanosatellite with the ability to monitor the effect of climate change in Africa, which will be launched in the first quarter of 2026. Most notably, the inauguration of the African Space Agency in Cairo this year is an important milestone stone for Africa that will further consolidate our efforts to realize the goals of the African Union Agenda 2063. Egypt also played a pivotal role in providing capacity-building programs and training sessions for the African countries through the Africa Training Program hosted by the Egyptian Space Agency. This included training of 71 experts from 34 African countries, in addition to manufacturing the remote survey cameras in partnership Burkina Faso, and Uganda. And also at the local level, Egypt is— it was focused to enhance interaction between public and private sector. The Egyptian Space Agency recently established a technology zone that private sector can use for the— as a facility in Egypt to expand the space capacities. Sir Chair, Egypt would like to highlight the following points which applies to this agenda item as well as other agenda items of of this committee. First, Egypt believes that any endeavor to explore and utilize outer space must adhere to the principles of the Outer Space Treaty, which include the principles of non-appropriation, benefit sharing, and equitable access to space activities and benefits. These principles should drive our discussion on emerging issues, including the long-term sustainability of outer space, as well as the utilization of space resources and the space traffic management. Second, we're very Second, it is stated that any regulation of outer space should aim at improving the outer space environment for the use of all states and should not in any way limit the full utilization of outer space activities and application by any other state. Third, the sustainable use of outer space should place a special emphasis on capacity-building activities to bridge the huge divide between developed and developing countries in this domain and address the growing need to secure sufficient resources to this end. We also underscore the continued relevance of Space 2030 Agenda and its implementation plan, and we call for an extension of its review. Fourth, there is also a need to define and agree on possible emerging applications and efforts in utilization of space resources, particularly for the benefit of developing spacefaring nations, and while safeguarding their equal rights to benefit from space and its resources. Accordingly, there is a need to establish innovative framework to consolidate the principle of benefit sharing in outer space. Egypt joins other developing countries to support the endeavors to arrive at a consensual and flexible international cooperation framework that incorporates different forms of technical assistance and technology transfer to developing countries as part of the deliverables of UNISPACE 4. 6, Egypt reaffirms its firm stance on the importance of restricting the use of outer space for peaceful purposes and preventing placement of any weapons in outer space. 7, Egypt supports the UNOOSA flagship Space for Women program, and we stress the need to adhere to the vision of this program and avoid the possible controversial and non-consensual terms that contravene the specific nature and vision of the program. Egypt reiterates that any discussion on the future role as well as the methods of work of the committee should be in accordance to the rules of procedure of the UN General Assembly and the governmental nature of this committee. I thank you, Mr.

Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:43:08]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Egypt for that statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Türkiye.


Türkiye [1:43:19]:

Chair, let me join other delegations and congratulate you on your chairmanship. As always, you can count upon the support of our delegation. We are also grateful to Director Ms. Arti Ollamani for her insightful remarks, which shed light on the important and challenging task of the Office, which we all need to support. Chair, Turkey, as one of the few countries that have ratified all 5 Treaties on Outer Space believes in and is a firm supporter of the peaceful use of outer space. This is in line with our commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and sustainable outer space environment for the benefit of all. In this regard, we value the Space 2030 Agenda within the framework of the UN SDGs and remain dedicated to supporting its implementation. Chair, COPOS and its subcommittees, as the main platforms for the discussions on peaceful use of outer space and development of international law in this field, play a pivotal role in regulating and managing outer space activities. Regarding discussions on potential legal models for activities in the exploration, exploitation, and utilization of space resources, we are of the We view that the authorized body is the corpus that takes its decisions by consensus. As such, the technical mandate of these platforms need to be strictly preserved, also with respect to the discussions on potential legal models for activities in the exploration, exploitation, and utilization of space resources. Chair, Turkey has embraced the 10 core goals in our National Space Space Program, which reflects our commitment to advancing space exploration, science, and technology. Additionally, work is ongoing to establish a comprehensive national space legislation, which will further strengthen our regulatory framework in space activities. In recent years, Turkey has made strong progress in space exploration, with important achievements such as sending our first astronaut on a scientific mission to the International Space Station and successfully launching Türksat 6A, our first fully national communication satellite. This success highlights Türkiye's growing abilities and ambition in space, supported also by special-purpose satellites developed by 3 private Turkish companies. Together, these efforts show the strength and motivation of our National Space Program. Chair, Türkiye remains strongly committed to international cooperation in the field of space. We actively engage with a wide range of global and regional organizations, including the United Nations, Eurosea, the Organization of Turkic States, ABSKO, APRSOF, the IAF, and the ICG. Moreover, Türkiye will have the honor of hosting the 2026 International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, which will serve as a platform to foster global collaboration in space exploration. We also continue to organize the Teknofest Aerospace Festival, which inspires the next generation of aerospace professionals and encourages international participation. Türkiye is committed to advancing the peaceful, secure, and sustainable use of outer space in line with the objectives of the Space 2030 Agenda, and will continue to work together with the international community to ensure that outer space remains accessible and beneficial for future generations.

I thank you.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:47:08]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Türkiye and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Slovakia.


Slovakia [1:47:22]:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, first allow me to extend my gratitude to Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Mrs. Arti Holmaini, and her dedicated team for their support and excellent organization of this meeting. Mr. Chair, Slovak Republic would like to thank you for leading these discussions and assure you of our full support. For decades, the Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space has served as a foundation of international cooperation in outer space, providing a unique multilateral platform where all nations can come together to ensure that the, the exploration and use of outer space are conducted for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humankind. In our national capacity, we would like to add the following. During last year, important milestones in the Slovak space policy were reached. In May '24, the Slovak Republic signed the Zero Debris Charter and strengthened its commitment to the long-term sustainability of human activities in space. Building on the success of GRB Alpha launched in '21, The GRB Beta mission was launched on July 24th on the maiden flight of the European Space Agency's Ariane 6. Both missions successfully demonstrated that gamma-ray burst, GRB, monitoring could be performed efficiently by nanosatellites, complementing large astrophysical missions and is paving the way for future constellation of GRB monitoring nanosatellites. GRB BETA was developed under the leadership of Slovak Technical University of Košice and is the result of the work of an international team of science scientists— Hungary, Czech Republic, Japan, and Canada. In November last year, the National Council of the Slovak Republic approved the Act on the Regulation of Space Activities, which entered into force on February 25th. This act governs the conduct of regulated space activities and establishes a national registry of space objects. In December last year, the Slovak government adopted the Slovak Space Strategy. The strategy was prepared due to the need to highlight the strategic importance and relevance of space activities in the Slovak Republic and to outline the vision and goals of their development. As this is a highly cross-cutting area, the document defines the competencies of responsible ministries and informs about the current system of space activities management in the Slovak Republic with a view to their over-ministerial management in the future. The Ministry of Education, Research, Development, and Youth organized the Slovak Space Forum in March this year. The event was attended but state secretaries of ministries responsible for space agenda in Slovakia. The aim of this meeting was to intensify inter-ministerial cooperation in the field of space policy. At this event, we could also welcome representatives of academia, the private sector, EUSPA, and ESA. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, Slovakia reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful use of outer space, and we look forward to continued collaboration with COPUOS. Thank you for your attention.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:51:42]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Slovakia and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Italy.


Italy [1:51:51]:

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, Italy fully aligns with the statement delivered by the EU. I take this opportunity to offer some brief comments in my national capacity. Mr. Chair, allow me to extend my warm congratulations for your appointment to lead this running session of the Committee. My delegation extends its full support for a successful and productive session. Italy reaffirms its firm commitment to the peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive use of outer space in a world facing significant geopolitical challenges. In this regard, let me acknowledge dedication and leadership demonstrated by the UNOOSA Director, Arti Holomaini, and their collaboration with the membership. Such efforts are of paramount importance in fostering international cooperation in space governance now more than ever. In January 2025, the Italian government published its guidelines on space and aerospace, focusing on expanding scientific knowledge, strengthening industry, creating a regulatory framework, and prioritizing international cooperation. Space diplomacy is highlighted as the key tool for fostering global partnership. On last June 11th, the Italian Parliament approved the National Space Law, the first in Europe dedicated to space economy. This law sets a pioneer framework for regulating national space activities aligned with the Outer Space Treaty principles of safety, sustainability, and responsible use of outer space. It aims to boost investments especially for small and medium enterprises and startups, fostering innovation and infrastructure. The Italian Space Agency has a central role in, in implementing this new framework, ensuring coordination, oversight, and support for all actors in the sector. Italy highlights the role of space technology reaffirmed in the 2024 G7 Summit under the Italian residency, notably in disaster management and climate resilience through geospatial tools and early warning systems. In May 2025, Italy hosted the Group on Earth Observation Global Forum, gathering nearly 100 countries to advance Earth observation efforts against climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. The new GEOWork program was unanimously approved, emphasizing data sharing and capacity building. In June, Italy co-organized the 4th meeting of the Space Agency of ELA member countries with 20 Latin American nations, strengthening cooperation on environment, health, innovation, and capacity building, underscoring the strategic value of space for sustainable development. Under the Mattei Plan for Africa, Italy intensifies for us cooperation in 22 African countries, leveraging the Malindi Luigi Broglio Space Center and supporting capacity building. The 2024 Italy-Africa Space Conference marked a key step for ongoing collaboration. As, as a strong supporter of multilateralism, Italy remains engaged in ESA, EU, and the Artemis Initiative, contributing among others to the lunar multipurpose habitat. We support the Artemis Accords as a vehicle for inclusive and transparent participation in lunar exploration. Recent achievements, including the Iride constellation for environmental monitoring, the LUGDE lunar navigation payload, and the XES-02 mission on space weather, reflect Italy's integrated approach to innovation and sustainability.

Mr.

Chair, Italy looks forward to the upcoming 2 years of presidency of COPOS. We are honored to lead the preparatory process for Unispace 4, a crucial opportunity to reinforce international cooperation and address emerging challenges in space governance. We are also committed to work together to advance efforts in promoting access to space In particular for developing countries and to promote universal participation to the Outer Space Treaty. We express our sincere appreciation to the Moroccan delegation for the leadership and to all delegations for their continued support and valuable contribution. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [1:56:35]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Italy. And I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Germany.


Germany [1:56:44]:

Thank you, Chair. First, let me congratulate you on your election and assure you of our full support. Germany fully aligns itself with the statement made by the EU, and I'd like to add the following remarks in my national capacity. Let me start by saying that we meet here in Vienna at a time that is marked by numerous international challenges. We consider it all the more important that we, through our work here in Vienna, contribute to strengthening the international rules-based order and that we regard COPUS and our discussions here this week and next week as part of this endeavor. Let me in this context also thank UNOSA Director Holler-Meini for her continued commitment and efforts in this regard. Chair, colleagues, uh, let me first make some brief remarks on Space for Earth. The Space 2030 agenda strengthens the contribution of space activities to sustainable development for everyone. We are delighted to contribute to both the ESA SDG catalogue and the ONOSA ESA Space Solution Compendium. Our delegation has also provided initial input for the midterm review of the Space 2030 Agenda, and we look forward to sharing more implementation examples along the way. You are all warmly invited to join us for a side event on Overarching Objective 3 of the Space 2030 Agenda, featuring panelists from all regional groups and our reserve astronaut Emily Schoenevold on Friday, 27th of June, at 1 o'clock in Room M2 and via MS Teams. We believe that international cooperation is essential to ensuring that space activities benefit all humanity, now and in the future. Germany continues to support international programs and to engage in various forms of cooperation with organizations such as the UN, ESA, EU, EU-MEDSAT, and CEOS. Let me invoke 2 examples here. First, the German Aerospace Center, DLR, and ESA are offering a pioneering facility that will be used to prepare future robotic and human lunar missions. Luna can carry out highly complex simulations, simulations, and involving both astronauts and robots, adding a vital component to existing global capacities. The facility will be made available to national and international research institutions, space agencies, industry, and startups for conducting experiments and test campaigns. Secondly, in June 2024, experts from all over the world Germany, for an International Space Weather Initiative workshop organized by UNOSA. The program promotes international cooperation in space weather research and aims to create a global framework for the free access of space weather data for research, teaching, and services. Chair, colleagues, let me continue with some remarks on sustainable space space. There is consensus among all of us that we can only benefit from space activities if we ensure a safe, sustainable, and peaceful space environment. Therefore, Germany, together with more than 20 co-sponsors, proposes establishing a study group on the legal and policy aspects of space traffic under the agenda item General Exchange of Views on Legal aspects of space traffic management in the LSC. We warmly invite member states to consult our joint non-paper with the United Arab Emirates on our 2 proposals and to join us at the informal meetings on the 26th and 30th of June. Please contact us bilaterally at your earliest convenience with any questions you may At this session, Germany invites the committee to decide on the establishment of the study group on space traffic in the LSC and an expert group on space situational awareness with an independent structure within the remit of the LTS Working Group under the STSC. This will enable both mechanisms to build up the experience— the expertise of the committee on the important matter of space traffic and provide tangible outcomes for Unispace 4. In addition, Germany welcomes the progress made at the LTS Working Group and wants to see this important mechanism continue. We also support the idea of enhancing the role of technical experts in the LTS Working Group. At the present session, we aim for substantial progress towards finalizing the LTS report with a view to delivering it to STSC in 2026. Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates, we look forward to constructive exchanges based on the Vienna spirit and hope to reach consensus on the important decisions to be made at the current session and express our gratitude to all members contributing to this common endeavor. Thank you for your kind attention.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:02:25]:

I thank the distinguished delegate from Germany, and I give the floor directly to the delegate from Slovenia.


Slovenia [2:02:32]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. Allow me to begin by expressing Slovenia's sincere appreciation to you, Mr. Chair, for your leadership and to extend our full support for your success in guiding the 68th session of this committee. We also thank Ms. Marty— Arti Hola-Maini, Director of the Office of Outer Space Affairs, for her dedicated efforts. The work of this committee and the office is essential to the continued progress of the global space community. Despite the challenges faced in organizing this session, we have once again demonstrated that through cooperation and solidarity, we can overcome obstacles and advance our shared goals. First, let me say that Slovenia aligns fully with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union. In addition, I would like to highlight a few points in my national capacity. Slovenia remains a firm supporter of this committee's work and reaffirms our commitment to being a responsible and constructive member of the international space community. Space and space technologies are critical tools for improving life on Earth, and multilateral inclusive cooperation is vital for ensuring the peaceful, sustainable, and equitable use of outer space. We view COPUS and UNOSA as the central platforms for global dialogue and decision-making in space affairs. In our view, some of the most pressing issues that deserve focused attention include space traffic management, space resources, and space debris. We are confident that Unispace 4 will will offer an opportunity to address these topics meaningfully and deliver concrete, actionable outcomes. In this context, Slovenia strongly supports the creation of a dedicated group to consider the legal aspects of space traffic management. We believe a focused legal discussion will help safeguard the sustainability of our shared space environment for current and future generations. Mr. Chair, Slovenia congratulates Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Peru for successful organization of the World Space Forum 2024 in Bonn. We valued the opportunity to continue discussions related to the Pact for the Future, which we see as vital for enhancing International space governance, Mr. Chair. Slovenia remains committed to active engagement and looks forward to meaningful outcomes from this session. I thank you.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:05:35]:

Je remercie.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Slovenia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of England.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:05:46]:

Chair, distinguished delegates, before the United Kingdom makes its general statement, let me first clearly state that space science and exploration missions and commercial activities rely on cooperation and collaboration between states. Russia's violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and its ongoing war against Ukraine has had a significant impact on this essential cooperation between spacefaring nations and is damaging international cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space. The UK supports all efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and we call on Russia to agree an immediate full and unconditional ceasefire. Now let me move on to our general statement. This committee has a vital role in advancing the peaceful use of space that improve the lives of so many people across the world. The UK recognizes COPUUS as the crucial UN forum for discussing both the benefits we receive from space and the challenges we face to its sustainable use. The work that we do and the work of UNUSA is important, and we're proud to participate in this forum. The UK government recognizes space as a strategic priority that plays an essential role in supporting both economic growth and national security. Following a domestic review of our space regulations last year, the UK has been taking action to enhance our regulatory environment. This includes through an innovative sandbox on rendezvous and proximity operations to test the regulatory framework for novel missions. The UK welcomes efforts to establish an expert group on space situational awareness and a study group on legal and policy issues related to space traffic. This is important work for the committee to consider, and we believe that good coordination of space traffic is vital to achieving a safe, secure, and sustainable outer space environment. The UK continues to support important awareness-raising and capacity-building building for space law and guidelines by funding 2 UK UNUSA projects on the long-term sustainability guidelines and the registration of space objects. We were pleased with the success of the 2nd National Focal Points meeting for registration. We would like to thank UNUSA for organizing the session and all delegations who took part. Finally, we would like to recognize the pressures that the UN system, and particularly UNUSA, is facing right now. We therefore call on all members of this committee to support UNUSA in its important role and to work collaboratively in the Vienna spirit.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:09:10]:

Je remercie.

I thank the distinguished delegate. Of the United Kingdom, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate from the United Arab Emirates.


United Arab Emirates [2:09:26]:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I take this opportunity to congratulate you upon your election to chair this committee. We assure you of our full support and cooperation. It gives us great pleasure to express our Appreciation of your wise leadership and the efforts of the Secretariat of INOSA in supporting and promoting international cooperation in this vital sector. Mr. Chairman, the United Arab Emirates has covered great stages in developing the space sector. It is now one of the primary sources for the economy of the future and a driving force to achieve sustainable development. It is a framework and platform for active participation in scientific progress through our space programs. In this context, we would like to explain to you some of our most important achievements in the space sector over the past few years. In Pursuance of our efforts to explore deep space. This year, we saw the success of the United Arab Emirates in completing the critical technical review of our effort to explore the asteroid belt, and this is a reflection of our advances in technology and science, and I mean, in promoting a deeper understanding of outer space. In our efforts to build national capacity, human capacity, the National Space Academy continues its efforts to prepare a new generation of experts through innovative educational and training programs to enable our youth to participate effectively in the space sector internationally. In the field of space technology, we have continued expanding our national satellite program. We have successfully launched and operated a number of advanced satellites that support various development sectors, including communications, Earth monitoring, and promoting the sustainability of resources and the development of the national infrastructure. We have been anxious to continue our efforts promote international cooperation through organizing a workshop on the Artemis agreements in order to promote the principles of responsible international cooperation in outer space activities and sustainability for the benefit of the entire— of all of humanity as a result of sustainable and peaceful space activities. In our ambitious strategy for space exploration, we continue our efforts in the project of lunar exploration through the development of the Rashid 2 program, a vehicle that is meant to be launched to the far side of the moon next year. This Rashid 2 mission is an important step in our exploration of the moon. And it promotes the activities of exploring space in the future. Within our eagerness to promote the safety of outer space and the sustainability of space exploration on the long term, we support national and international initiatives to promote stability and sustainability in outer space. Therefore, the United Arab Emirates through— during the meetings of the 62nd meeting of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, offered a proposal to establish a group of experts about situational space awareness to be a platform to promote coordination and cooperation and the exchange of best practices among member states in order to promote a space environment more sustainable and peaceful and safe and promote the joint objectives of the international community in the peaceful use of and sustainable use of outer space. In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to continue efforts to promote a safe and peaceful and sustainable space environment for the future generations. We look forward to productive discussions during this session. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:14:07]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United Arab Emirates, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of China.


China [2:14:31]:

The Chinese delegation congratulates you on your election as Chair of the 66th Session and assures you of its full support in your work. We would like to thank Director for UNWTO, Ms. Hola Mani, and the Secretariat under her leadership for the preparations made for the session. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the the past 80 years, the UN has played an irreplaceable role in maintaining international peace and security and promoting global common development. This historical period has also seen rapid human progress in the development and utilization of outer space. As the main UN platform for global governance of outer space, Over the past 50 years, COPERS has contributed significantly to promoting space international cooperation and advancing space science and technology for the benefit of mankind. Today, the space governance faces many new challenges. The technology divide hampers equal participation, and the demands of the Global South to take full part in outer space affairs and benefit science and technology are becoming more urgent. Certain countries pursue unilateralism and politicize outer space cooperation. An upgraded version of the Star Wars program has been introduced. The diversification of space actors, the rapid increase in space commercial activities in particular, and the emergence of new types of space activities are bringing up new issues to global space governance. Faced with these challenges, the international community should uphold true multilateralism, maintain the central role of COPAS, enhance international space law based on the Outer Space Treaty, and strengthen international cooperation with mutual respect, openness, and inclusiveness. It is of particular importance to ensure the right of the Global South to peaceful use of outer space and its share of the benefits of space science and technology, which should be used to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Chair, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. China always firmly upholds the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and actively implements global development initiative The Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. China is vigorously advancing peaceful use of outer space and engaging in international cooperation while sharing the benefits of space development with the international community. The first batch of international experiment projects jointly selected by China and UNWUSA is being successfully carried out aboard the China Space Station. Station. China will announce the second round of cooperation opportunities in due course. The Chinese Space Station will soon receive Pakistani astronauts. In April this year, China released the results of international applications to borrow lunar samples from the Chang'e 5 mission, approving applications from 7 research institutions from 6 countries. During this conference, lunar soil samples collected from Chang'e 5 and Chang'e 6 from both the near and the far sides of the moon will be exhibited in the UN for the first time at the Vienna International Center. I welcome you all to take part in the side event organized by China. At 1 o'clock, at this— on that occasion, the samples from the Moon will be exhibited. So far, 17 countries and international organizations, along with more than 50 international research institutions, have actively responded and joined the International Lunar Research Station Corporation. The BeiDou Global Satellite Navigation System and continues to operate steadily, providing global users with all-weather, all-time, high-precision positioning, navigation, timing services. China's gate to international space cooperation is wide open. Mr. Chair, as we gaze upon the starry sky, we are reminded that humanity shares a common destiny. It is our shared mission to make outer space a platform for cooperation and mutual benefit. Let us take the UN's 80th anniversary as an opportunity to further advance the great cause of peaceful use of outer space, contribute to the improvement of global governance, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind in the realm of outer space. Thank you, Mr. Zhang.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:19:48]:

I thank the distinguished representative of China, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate from Bulgaria. Thank you.


Bulgaria [2:20:01]:

Merci, Monsieur le Président.

Thank you, Chair.

In addition to the European Union statement, I would like to make the following remarks in my national capacity. Chair, at the outset, the Bulgarian delegation would like to extend its congratulations to you for assuming the chairmanship of COPUOS and wish you every success in this important task. We also express our appreciation to the Director, Arati Holomayani, and the Secretariat for their continued efforts to promote cooperation in space in support for sustainable Chair, this year's COPE OSCE session is taking place in a complex geopolitical environment which poses challenges to UNOSA and the Committee. As highlighted in the recent Strategic Review, essential reforms are urgently required to address the disparity between the mandate of UNOSA and its limited resources, to ensure that UNOSA will continue to help Member States harness the full potential of space and space technologies to improve the daily lives and well-being of our societies. Bulgaria expresses its support for the convening of, um, Unispace 4 in Vienna in 2027 and emphasizes the importance of providing the adequate resources to UNOSA for its realization. We also reaffirm our commitment to the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC, and look forward to the adoption of its work plan during this session. We believe ATLAC will contribute to the development of safe, sustainable, and transparent lunar activities. As a country with longstanding traditions in space science, research, and development, Bulgaria welcomes the discussions on Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society. Which will contribute to our joint effort to find a way for sustainable coexistence of satellite constellations and astronomical research. In this regard, we support the Conference Room paper on this topic presented by Spain and Chile. On a national policy level, our short-term top priority remains the alignment of our national space strategy and national space programme. With the new technologies challenges. These core documents will outline the strategic direction for the Bulgarian space sector, with a focus on the work with industry, science, and innovations. Bulgaria is actively working to accelerate its transition towards associate membership in European Space Agency. In addition, we are committed to enhancing our engagement with European Union agencies for space programme. Bulgaria sees great potential in strengthening its involvement in the Union's key initiatives such as Galileo satellite navigation system, Copernicus Earth observation programme, and secure governmental satellite communications. We also seek to expand international cooperation including within Artemis Accords and the opportunity to stimulate innovation and business development. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that Bulgaria is a strong supporter of multilateralism within the UN at its core. Multilateralism plays a vital role in maintaining peace and security, and it fosters cooperation among nations, including the space sector. This collaborative approach is closely linked to development, including the goals outlined in Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and recognized by the Pact for the Future adopted by the UN General Assembly last year. We look forward to fruitful deliberation during the present session. Thank you.


Chair [2:23:51]:

Thank you very much to the distinguished delegate of Bulgaria. I would now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [2:24:05]:

Thank you very much, Chair. On behalf of the Russian delegation, I would like to congratulate you on your election to this crucial post. I am sure that your leadership will ensure successful discussions that will be constructive and depoliticized. During the 62nd session of the STSC, the Russian delegation provided a clear report on space activities for 2024. You can look at it on I will emphasize in my statement our priorities. First, the new national project, COSMOS, with 8 federal projects, 2 of them, Space Science and Space Atom. They are for the exploration of the solar system. In May of this year, the state corporation Roscosmos with the Chinese Cosmos Administration signed an MOU regarding the creation of a lunar power station. This will be an important contribution to establishing an international research lunar station. Through research of Venus's atmosphere, we are trying to answer the question that everyone wonders as to whether or not there's life on that planet and how this could impact the future of the Earth. The project's frameworks and production technology systems are to create sectors and infrastructure necessary for carrying out all the other projects. So as to ensure social and economic development in Russia and its regions, there are 4 projects: modern competitive access to space, as well as the manned cosmonautics, which will provide the model for the orbital station, which will substitute the IMS; then communications and Observation of the Earth, which will provide geostationary systems, inter-alia, as well as optic and electronic systems and radars. And then Navigation and Time. So that's also developing navigation systems up to 7-meter precision. This stipulates broad private and public partnerships. This means less burden for the budget and greater effectiveness through market mechanisms. Right now, the Office 1440 is working on the cluster Sunrise, or Dawn, with 300 space devices in the near-Earth space, providing 1 gigabyte per second in coverage of the country. Then pretty much we'll be adding about 900 satellites to it. That means that on the Northern Sea Route, someone can enjoy the same type of communications link-up as they can in the center of Moscow. Then we will have the geostationary and high elliptical orbit component, that is Yamal and the Express-RV satellite. We will be launching 20 radars and 30 optical-electronic dividers. precision is to 2.5 mk by 2028 and will even serve remote areas to the same precision that I mentioned earlier. Roscosmos also continues to develop new launch vehicles such as the Soyuz 5, which was launched in December of this year with the Russian-Kazakh project Bayterek. We're planning to design rocket launcher Amur returning from the first stage. Chair, I'd like to underscore that we pay attention not just to new projects but also retaining historic legacies. The current session occurs on the 70th anniversary of the first spaceport, the Baikonur. That was in 1955 that it was established, just 10 years after the victory over fascism in the most difficult of economic contexts, and our country, which was coming out of an aggression by Nazis, researchers and engineers from the Soviet Union were able to make humanity's wildest dreams a reality. I would like to congratulate everyone on this anniversary, all from our former Soviet republics, with this important date. I would also like to point out another noteworthy event. Just 50 years ago, there was the first successful international space program, Soyuz-Apollo. This was the first international crewed mission in human history, where we had a space handshake of the 2 ships. This was not just a success of the 2 countries, but symbolic, because during the apex of the Cold War, the cosmos remained a place for cooperation and respect. Today, the Russian Federation continues to comply with its international obligations when it comes to the use and exploration of outer space, and consistently calls for retaining outer space as a place for the use of— for peaceful purposes for current and future generations, free from politics. Finally, I would like to invite everyone here to see the exhibit organized by the State Corporation Roscosmos with the Foreign Ministry Which is viewable in the Rotunda of the VIC. On 4 March, during the 58th session and 79th session of the General Assembly, a resolution was adopted by consensus: the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. That is what this exhibit is about: the victory over fascism, Nazism, and militarism, as well as a tribute to the memories of the victims of this horrible war.

Thank you.


Chair [2:29:42]:

Thank you to the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation. I would now like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Djibouti.


Djibouti [2:29:54]:

Thank you, Chairman. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished representatives. Today, I take the floor on behalf of the Republic of Djibouti. I express my heartfelt thanks, and I'm mindful of the responsibilities falling to me. First, I would like to most sincerely thank all of COPOS member states for their warm welcome and support provided to the recent accession of Djibouti to this UN body. Dedicated to the peaceful uses of outer space. Djibouti made the strategic choice of joining the international space community. That is because we are firm believers in the idea that space is key in facing the challenges of sustainable development, climate change, and climate resilience, food security, and water management. In this regard, we have established a National Geospatial Center in Djibouti. Said center should become a pilot site for scientific and operational endeavors for our countries and the region, in particular serving countries from East Africa. This is all part of the 2030 Development Goals and Agenda 2063 of the African Union. This center is to be open for international cooperation in an inclusive manner, be the countries from the north, south, or anywhere else.

Thank you.

We stand ready to host technical, scientific, institutional, and private partners. The goal is fostering exchange, transparency, and mutual benefit. We think there should be shared governance of state— space data. We also believe it's important to build bridges across the institutions of the world.

Chair?

In joining COPUOS, it is our desire to actively contribute to building a multilateral, peaceful, fair, and promising space order for future generations. Thank you.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:32:31]:

Thank you very much to the distinguished delegate of Djibouti. Now I would like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:32:37]:

Thank you very much, Mr.

Chairman. Allow me to extend our sincere congratulations for your election and other members of the Bureau. I would like to associate my delegation with the statement of G77 on China delivered by distinguished representative of Kenya. Mr. Chairman, we are meeting at a very critical time when the Israeli regime, in coalition with the the US, has committed blatant acts of aggression and unlawful armed attacks against Iran in grave violation of the UN Charter and basic tenets of international law, resulting in the killings of hundreds of civilians and injuries of thousands of innocent people of Iran, including women and children. In addition to the civilian infrastructure, these attacks targeted telecommunications facilities and installations that were utilized for peaceful purposes. On one specific occasion, it deliberately targeted Iran's National Broadcasting Organization, IRIB, on June 16th, 2025. The IRIB operates through a space-based infrastructure strictly for peaceful purposes, delivering essential services such as public information, education, and cultural programming. These civilian functions are directly aligned with the objectives of COPUS, which seeks to preserve outer space for peaceful and beneficial uses. In accordance with international humanitarian law, civilian infrastructure of this nature must be protected, particularly during armed conflict. The deliberate targeting of such facilities by the Israeli regime constitutes a serious violation of these principles and must be categorically condemned as a breach of established international norms, both in the context of humanitarian law and the peaceful uses of outer space. Mr. Chairman, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the crucial role of COPUS in maintaining outer space as a domain of peaceful cooperation and shared benefit. This role is more critical than ever as the rapid evolution of space technologies has both amplified opportunities and exacerbated disparities in global space access. We emphasize the need for strengthened international cooperation and capacity building. These are essential not only for enabling broader participation in space activities but also for fostering global peace and development. Technology transfer and equitable access to data and space-derived benefits should be prioritized. Selective and conditional approaches must be avoided. In this context, we support the initiative proposed by the African Group and several other member states on space for development. The growing number of satellite megaconstellations raises significant concerns regarding orbital crowding, increased collision risk, and limited access for developing countries to low Earth orbit. All space activities must strictly comply with international law and be conducted with due regard for the interests of all state. Regarding space debris, we emphasize the importance of coordinated mitigation efforts. The spacefaring nations bear a heightened responsibility in this regard. Yet such measures must be implemented in a way that does not restrict the legitimate rights of developing countries to explore and use outer space. Finally, the lack of adequate capability in space situational Situational awareness, SSA, among developing countries hinders their participation in space traffic management. Limited access to real-time data, modeling tools, and collision avoidance technologies puts their assets at risk and deepens existing inequalities. Enhancing SSA capabilities through inclusive cooperation must be prioritized. Full version of my statement will be posted on UNESA website. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:37:06]:

Je remercie le distingué.

Thank the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Austria.

Austria.


Speaker 54 [2:37:21]:

Australia.


Australia [2:37:33]:

Australia welcomes you warmly, Mr. Rafiq Akram of Morocco, as Chair of the Committee for 2025. You have, of course, Australia's full support. We extend Australia's sincere thanks to Mr. Sherif Mohamed Sedki of Egypt for his leadership. Thank you, Chair. of the Committee in 2024. Australia also commends the Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Secretariat for their continued support of the Committee. We welcome Djibouti and Latvia as new members of the Committee. Chair, the increasing number of activities in outer space presents an opportunity and a challenge. Australia was pleased to co-sponsor the proposal of Germany to establish a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic under the Legal Subcommittee, as discussed at its recent session. We also support progression of the proposal of the United Arab Emirates to establish an expert group on space situational awareness under the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and look forward to future future discussions. Chair, the long-term sustainability of outer space is important to Australia, and we are undertaking practical steps to implement the guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Australia also supports the Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities under the able leadership of its chair, Minister Omar Swaran of India. We look forward to further productive exchanges on the draft report. Complementary to these efforts, through the Australian Space Agency, the Australian government is developing an Australian Sustainability of Space Activities Policy to consider the environmental and social issues and opportunities surrounding the sustainability of space activities in Australia. It aims to support the long-term viability of the space sector so current and future Australians can continue to benefit from space services. The 76th IAC aims to provide a platform to promote global cooperation in shaping the future of space exploration. We invite member states and permanent observers to join us in Sydney later this year. Chair, Australia notes with concern the negative and ongoing impact of the liquidity crisis on the budget and activities of the Office for Outer Space Affairs. Australia appreciates efforts by member states and the Secretariat to find ways to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the meetings of the committee and its subcommittees, particularly in light of the growing membership cohort and increase in space activities. There's a clear operational and practical need to work together in the peaceful use and exploration of outer space. We affirm the important role of the committee in facilitating a consensus-based approach to addressing emerging challenges, and we will continue to engage in this endeavor through this committee. Thank you, Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:41:05]:

Je vous remercie.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Australia for that statement and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Latvia.


Latvia [2:41:17]:

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Latvia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union, and in addition, I would like to add a few brief remarks in my national capacity. I wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Director Arti Holomaini and her office in fulfilling the entrusted mandate Particularly in the face of increasing fiscal constraints that all our nations face. We deeply value your continued efforts to ensure effective management while promoting inclusive space agenda and assuring meaningful participation in the UNAT reform process. On behalf of my government, I would like to inform that Latvia officially joined. The Outer Space Treaty. We join this foundational international framework that has long underpinned the peaceful, cooperative, and responsible use of outer space. Accession reflects our deep commitment to upholding international law and contributing constructively to multilateralism, particularly when it is under unprecedented strain as a result of trends and events that challenge regional security and global cooperation, not least Russia's continued war of aggression against Ukraine. Chair, now a few words about Latvia's contribution. Our space industry is thriving, with over 50 companies and 200 professionals developing innovative, high-impact solutions that contribute to international space missions and scientific research. Latvia hosts valuable space infrastructure, including Northern European— Europe's largest radio telescope, which supports telecommunications and deep space exploration. Latvia stands out in niche technology— technologies, especially those requiring high-precision measurements of time and space, and is a leader in satellite data applications for forestry and for other key sectors of economy. To sustain this momentum, Latvia is also expanding its educational and research domain in the space, strengthening long-term growth and competitiveness. In autumn, Latvia will host the International Big Data from Space 2025 Conference, which will take place from 29th of September to 3rd of October. October in Riga, Latvia. This event will welcome global leaders in Earth observation, artificial intelligence, and geospatial intelligence to explore the future of data-driven innovation. As the newest member of the Committee of the Peaceful Users of Outer Space, Latvia looks forward to continuing an active engagement with UNOSA. We remain committed to advancing the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and promoting transparency and international cooperation. Thank you, Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:44:23]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Latvia and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Syria.


Syrian Arab Republic [2:44:34]:

Thank you very much, Chairman.

The Republic— the Syrian Arab Republic would like to congratulate you and wish you every success in continuing to bolster the peaceful uses of outer space. We also thank the Director, Arti Holomaini, at the head of UN-USA.

Thank you.

for the presentation. We fully support her unstinting efforts. I'd also like to thank the members of the Secretariat for everything they have done. Chair, the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic endorses the statements made by the G77 and China and makes the following in its national capacity: the use and exploration of outer space must be done for solely peaceful purposes. This is a right for all countries without discrimination and irrespective of their scientific, economic, or technical development level. There has to be fair and rational use of outer space as well as non-ownership of it. This includes the Moon and other celestial bodies. By what's means may be as per the Outer Space Treaty. It is, though, important to strengthen the current legal framework to ensure that space remains a shared or common heritage for humanity. There must be a multilateral approach here headed by the UN and COPUOS. The foundations for for an international legal framework that is more appropriate for the use— peaceful use of outer space. The Syrian Arab Republic emphasizes the need to strengthen international cooperation in outer space activities, with particular emphasis on developing countries and those particularly emerging from conflict, such as Syria. Needs include technology transfer, capacity building, and access to key space technologies for rebuilding and disaster management, as well as resource management. This means that space can better serve sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda, namely leaving no one behind. An increase in space debris is a serious threat for humanity and requires enhanced international cooperation for mitigation. It's important that whatever is done here be done, be done in a spirit of cooperation without hampering developing countries' rights to the exploration and use of outer space. We highlight the need to avoid We are committed to avoid any arms race in outer space and to ensure that space remains free of any types of weapons. It is crucial, therefore, to take all measures necessary to bolster transparency and confidence and provide protection against unpredictable situations. Sir, we support the activities of COPUOS and emphasize the need for transparency and international cooperation. We reiterate our desire to cooperate with you and all other delegations to ensure the success of this session. Please publish my statement on the site. Thank you.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:48:16]:

Thank you to Syria for that statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of South Africa.


South Africa [2:48:28]:

Chairperson, distinguished delegates, South Africa wishes to congratulate you, Dr. Rafiq Akram, on your assumption as Chair and extend my delegation's warm wishes on your stewardship during this 2025 Plenary Session. My delegation also wishes at the outset to commend the work carried out by the United Nations Office on Outer Space Affairs UNOSA, including its Director, Ms. Arti Hola-Maini, and the Secretariat for their dedicated work in the preparations for this meeting. South Africa remains committed to multilateralism and international cooperation as central tenets in the governance of outer space. As a member of the African Union and G20 presidency holder in 2025, we recognize the critical importance of inclusive global governance in space and are working to ensure Africa's voice and priorities are reflected in the multilateral space fora. In recent years, South Africa has made strategic investments in space infrastructure and capabilities, most notable through the Space Infrastructure Hub, SIH, program. This initiative will enhance capabilities in Earth observation, communications, and space-based services. The SIH is designed to serve our national priorities and cooperate within the continent. South Africa supports the development of open access data platforms and interoperability frameworks to ensure that Earth observation and climate data serve communities in need. Chairperson, South Africa supports the present conference room paper which was prepared by the Secretariat on the basis of information received from the National Space Society on space traffic management with legal challenges and considerations. My delegation appreciates the ongoing work on STM and supports a balanced approach that promotes safety, transparency, and predictability while safeguarding access for emerging nations. We advocate for inclusive dialogue to ensure that developing countries are not excluded from shaping global STM frameworks and standards. South Africa is looking forward for further studies on the regulatory impact of STM to commercial activities, studying cooperation with ITU, ICAO, and IMO regarding the adoption of binding technical regulations and standards, and how best to maintain a leveled international playing field. Which might lead into one cohesive regime as well as national-level licensing standards and procedures. Chairperson, South Africa is also committed to empowering the youth to take up leadership roles in the space sector by equipping them with relevant skills, education, and expertise. It is in this regard that South Africa hosted a training workshop in June 2024 for early career professionals and youth for the entire continent. We also plan to have a series of training workshops to empower space authorities. We hosted the Africa regional round of the Manfred LaFerme Space Moot Court in Pretoria, 22-23 May 2025. From this competition, Kenya won and will be finalizing and representing Africa in Sydney. In conclusion, South Africa reiterates its commitment to represent outer space as a Global common governed by inclusive and transparent multilateralism. We remain ready to work alongside member states to ensure outer space is preserved for peaceful purposes for present and future generations. We affirm our full support for the chair and wish this session every success. Thank you, Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:53:12]:

Je remercie.

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


Canada [2:53:25]:

Thank you very much, Chair. Chair, Canada congratulates you on your appointment, and we look forward to working with you. Canada also thanks the Secretariat for the essential support to the committee's work and commends our UNOSA Director for her leadership. This session has an ambitious agenda and several important decisions before it. Space should unite us, and we hope all delegations will approach this unique session with this in mind. Canada is actively participating in the Action Team on Lunar Activities consultation and looks forward to reaching consensus on its work plan. We also support the ongoing negotiations on an initial set of draft principles under the Space Resource Activities Working Group. Through our work, Copious, we should be looking at tangible solutions to preserve outer space for future generations. Several emerging trends, including uncontrolled space debris reentry, underline the urgency of implementing measures to support the sustainable use of outer space. Canada looks forward to adopting adopting a substantive consensus-based final report for the working group on the long-term sustainability of outer space in 2026 and ensuring that these essential discussions continue within the Long-Term Sustainability Working Group. We also thank Germany for its proposal to establish a study group on space traffic management and the UAE for its proposals for space situational awareness expert group. It's important we reach a decision on Unispace 4 at this session. We thank Italy and Morocco for their efforts to advance this important discussion. Unispace 4 would be an excellent opportunity to consolidate and take forward existing copious work streams and raise high-level awareness of the work of UNOSA. Dialogue, trust, and transparency will be critical to tackling emerging challenges and implementing novel and concrete solutions. Canada thanks the UAE Space Agency for hosting the Artemis Accords workshop in May 2025. These discussions complement the priorities of COPUS and its subcommittees. Achieving progress in space depends on bold, creative, and resourceful minds. Organizations that support a diverse and inclusive workforce are better positioned to seize new opportunities in space. We thank Kenya's space agency for hosting the Space for Women expert meeting in Nairobi in November 2024. Chair, our discussions at COPUSS aim to safeguard peaceful and sustainable operations in outer space, thereby enabling the delivery of space-based benefits on Earth. The Russian Federation has continued to destroy civilian infrastructure, preventing the Ukrainian people from accessing critical space-based services, and the Russian Federation must immediately cease its war of aggression against Ukraine. We look forward to a productive session.

Thank you.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:56:25]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Canada. I give the floor directly to the distinguished delegate of Chile.


Chile [2:56:34]:

Thank you very much, Chair. Chile congratulates you on your election as Chair, and we thank the Director of UNOSA, Madam Arti Olomäini, and her team for the preparations. We align with the statement made by Gruelag and the G77 plus China, and in our national capacity, we'd like to state the following: Space needs to be governed by clear rules, effective cooperation, and shared responsibility. Its value does not lie in its strategic dimension, but rather in its capacity to generate concrete solutions for sustainable development. Our satellite platforms allow us to anticipate risks, to manage resources, and to support public policy. We don't see these features as an end in themselves, but rather as instruments in the service of more resilient, inclusive, and just development. In this sense, space cannot be seen as a an area for unrestrained competition, but rather a shared global asset which requires active governance and shared principles. Chile appreciates the scientific— that the Scientific and Technical Committee has introduced an agenda on dark and quiet skies, astronomy, and satellite constellations. This is an emerging agenda with scientific, cultural, and environmental implications which needs a collective response. Protecting dark skies and radioelectric silence is not a question of nostalgia. It's a way to protect astronomical observation, our natural heritage, and the quality of the space environment. For this reason, an updated version of the conference room paper entitled Dark and Quiet Skies is for Science and Society has been presented to this session. Drafted together with various states and observer organizations, the text brings together experiences and proposals aimed at ensuring harmony between the deployment of satellite constellations and astronomical observation, including voluntary mitigation activities, coordination with international industrial actors, and improvement in impact traceability. Likewise, it is proposed to strengthen the Group of Friends on Dark and Quiet Skies in order to consolidate this space for technical, open, and multidisciplinary dialogue. Chair, space governance cannot lag behind technology. We need to be one step ahead of it with ethical frameworks, regulation that is evidence-based, based and structured cooperation. Chile reiterates its commitment to space diplomacy that promotes sustainability, cooperation, and shared benefits. Thank you very much.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [2:59:35]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Chile. Distinguished delegates, we have received a request for a right of reply from the Russian Federation. As this is a request for the right of reply, I will give the floor to the representatives of the Russian Federation before closing this item of the agenda. To remind you, this is the practice in the work of the committee— it is the practice in the work of the committee that a member state cannot request the right of reply more than twice on the same agenda item at a given meeting. As the distinguished representative of— rather, a delegate of Russia, you have the floor.


Russian Federation [3:00:29]:

Thank you very much, Chairman. Thank you for giving this delegation the floor. floor to exercise its right of reply. We had pointed out that during today's meeting in the morning, many delegations spoke about the armed conflict in Ukraine. Allow me to recall to all of my colleagues that this matter is absent from the agenda of UN COP We should like to separately respond to the delegation of the UK, which in addition to baseless allegations against the Russian Federation stated that the delegation rather is doing everything so as to attain sound peace in Ukraine, and that is an absolute lie. We know very well. that it is actually the UK that is doing more than others so as to protract the conflict, so as to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, obstaculing a political and diplomatic solution to this issue, and in so doing establishes for the Kyiv regime fruitless illusions. Chairman, The Russian Federation believes in the inviolable right of every UN member state to develop its rocket space programs for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. Missile bomb strikes on Iran, however they may be justified, are a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. It is with regret that we must note that as a result of the acts of aggression against civilian scientific research infrastructure in Iran, the latter were damaged, including leading to civilian casualties. We again call upon all members of COPUOS and these include those who are joining the work of the committee for the first time, to refrain from politicization and to focus instead on normal work falling under the agenda of the committee. Thank you very much.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [3:03:00]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation for this statement. I would ask the distinguished delegate of the United Kingdom to say if this is the right of reply.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [3:03:25]:

Yes, please, Mr.

Chair.

Should I continue?


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [3:03:34]:

Sorry, distinguished delegate to the UK, you have the floor.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [3:03:42]:

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and let me just start by thanking you for managing these sessions. We're very happy and glad to see you there, and we will offer our support to you as much as we can throughout these deliberations and discussions. We just heard a right of reply from our distinguished colleague from the Russian Federation that specifically picked out the UK. Um, I found it slightly extraordinary that the second half of the statement about attacks on civilian infrastructure was not related to the first half of the statement in which the UK actually talked about the exact similar situation being conducted by their delegation in Ukraine and the disruption that that's caused to the ability of the international community to both have constructive conversations here, as we've seen in previous sessions of COPUS, but also for our friends in Ukraine to work in the same way as they, they had before. So for us, we would like to be able to give our statements. It's our right as a sovereign nation to express our opinions, but we don't expect Those statements then be taken out of context and distorted in rights of reply. Rights of reply for trying to establish the facts, and what we heard was actually a gross distortion and manipulation of those facts. So if we could refrain from that, we would appreciate it. Thank you very much, Mr.

Chair.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [3:05:12]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United Kingdom for the statement. Distinguished delegates, I will now adjourn this meeting of the committee. Before doing so, I would like to inform delegates of the schedule of work for this afternoon. We will meet promptly at 3 PM this afternoon and we will continue our consideration of the


Speaker 73 [3:05:41]:

Thank you, Mr. President.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [3:05:42]:

We now move on to the consideration of agenda item 4, General Exchange of Views. Distinguished delegates, as you may recall, at its 66th session, the committee agreed that with the exception of the item on the General Exchange of Views, all agenda items of the committee and its subcommittees are to be considered in sequential order. While the holding of working group meetings In view of the above, this committee will proceed and consider agenda items in sequential order, with the exception of agenda item 4, General Exchange of Views. We will begin, and I hope conclude, our consideration of agenda item 5, Ways and Means of Maintaining Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes.

Thank you.

We will then adjourn the plenary session so that the Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities can hold its first meeting. I would like to inform the delegates that informal consultations on the Space Traffic Study Group led by Germany will be held this afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in the Conference Room M2. I would now like to give the floor to the Secretariat to provide information on the side events.


UNOOSA · Secretariat [3:07:22]:

Thank you, Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I apologize for the bad management of time this morning, and I also would like to thank all the interpreters for staying back for 15 more minutes. And then Jasenko would like to make an announcement in English.


UNOOSA · Secretariat · Jasenko [3:07:38]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. Today at lunchtime right now, there are actually 3 side events going on. One side event entitled One Humanity: Infinite Frontiers, organized by China, is being held right now, um, in the press room. The side event entitled International Cooperation and the Coordination Towards Sustainable Space Activities, co-organized by the Office for Outer Space Affairs in Japan, is being held from 1 to 10 PM. It's only going on in Conference Room M3. And then a side event entitled A Table of Two Forums: How Geneva and Vienna Talk About Space, organized by the United Kingdom will be held from 2:10, 10 past 2 PM in the press room of the VIC. Well, thank you very much, Mr.


Morocco · Chair · Rafiq Akram [3:08:23]:

Chair. I thank the Secretariat for this information. Are there any questions or comments on this proposed schedule? Distinguished delegates, the meeting is adjourned until 3 PM. Thank you.