Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Legal Subcommittee, 65th session, 1096th meeting

Good morning. Good morning, distinguished delegates. I now declare open the meeting of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. This morning we will continue our consideration of Agenda Item 4, General Exchange of Views. We will begin and hopefully suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 6, 6, which is status and application of the 5 United Nations treaties on outer space, and ways and means, including capacity building, to promote their implementation, pending the discussions in the working group. Time permitting, we will then also begin our consideration of agenda item 7A, Matters relating to the definition and delimitation of outer space. We will then adjourn the plenary meeting so that the working group on legal aspects of space resource activities can hold its first meeting. And if there are no questions or comments. Then we will proceed accordingly. That being the case, I would now like to turn to the list of speakers for agenda item 4, General Exchange of Views, this morning. And the first speaker on my list is the distinguished delegation of Finland. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I had asked for us to be postponed a little bit, so So if you don't mind moving on to the next speaker, we would appreciate that.

And apologies for this change, Mr. Chair.

Thank you.

No problem.

No problem, and thank you very much. So we will postpone Finland's statement. And now I would like to give the floor to the delegation of the United States.

Thank you, Chair. The United States assures you of our support for a successful session. We thank Director Holomeny and her team for their work in preparing this session. Chair, outer space is paramount for humanity's progression. In the golden age of space exploration and innovation, NASA NASA and its commercial and international partners are helping deepen our understanding of space more than ever before. On April 1st, America launched the brave Artemis II astronauts further than space— into space than any humans have traveled ever before, flying around the moon on a 10-day mission to test the Space Launch System rocket rocket and Orion spacecraft before returning home to Earth. We thank our international and industry partners who came to NASA headquarters last month to join NASA Administrator Isaacman as he outlined the updated strategy to return America to the moon, this time to stay. This enduring presence will be achieved through a phased approach to the lunar that enhances safety while serving as the technology proving ground for the capabilities required for future missions to Mars, opening up incredible opportunities for science. Many novel activities are planned or underway in this regard. The current international legal framework is effective. We do not need further legally binding agreements to address the fundamental issues that underlie activities in outer space. We look forward to working with the subcommittee to address this session's agenda items within this existing framework and identify where we can improve implementation or discuss non-legally binding principles, initiatives, and guidance that may be useful. Consistent with the U.S. National Space Policy, we believe all nations have the right to explore and to use space for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humanity in accordance with applicable law. Since our last meeting, 9 more countries signed the Artemis Accords, committing to the safe, transparent, and responsible civil exploration of space. As of today, Today, 61 countries have now signed the Accords. The Accords signatory countries are committed to providing lunar mission data parameters to the UN, as evidenced by the United States' multiple Article 11 submissions since 2024. We call on all member states to be equally transparent in their plans. For lunar activities. In the past year, President Trump issued 2 executive orders focused on outer space. They highlight that the United States will pursue a space policy that will extend the reach of human discovery, secure the nation's vital economic and security interests, unleash commercial development, and lay the foundation for a new space age. We continue to hear the increasing calls from civil and commercial space actors for action in UN COPUS that is relevant and enables their missions. The space sector is growing and innovating rapidly, and UN COPUS must adopt its operating practices to remain relevant. To stay informed, effective, and relevant, we must encourage states to enable more substantive input from private sector actors, or this committee risks being left behind. We commend UNOSA for its efforts to facilitate greater understanding in the private sector of UN-COPUS's work and urge the Secretariat to continue helping member states learn from and engage with the commercial space industry. My delegation urges this committee to remain focused on its core mission. Proposals for new work in UN COPUOS and its subcommittees must be within the committee's mandate, play to its unique strengths within the UN system, and deliver concrete benefits to space experts and practitioners. We must also avoid the lengthy debates on language and concepts that serve only to divert member states' attention away from this subcommittee's technical expertise. These diversions include the reaffirmation of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals throughout much of the committee and its subcommittee reports. The United States and other delegations have rejected the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, and as they advance a program of soft global governance that is inconsistent consistent with the principles of national sovereignty. We should instead be talking about responsible and long-term development, as the term sustainable fails to indicate the direction and movement all countries expect. This— these ideological debates have continuously threatened adoption of the report and have resulted in lengthy, tense, and ultimately futile debates on the floor that then relitigated again later during negotiations on the omnibus resolution on space in New York. We cannot allow reports with which we fundamentally disagree to further risk politicizing the important work of UN COPUOS. I urge member states to consider moving towards an action-oriented and shortened report to ensure we are focused instead on delivering practical outcomes. Chair, in closing, the United States welcomes the 6 new members to COPOS, making up now 110 members. The consistent growth of this body, coupled with the increase in space actors and activities, demonstrates the ever-growing interest in this body's work and why it's so essential now to deliver meaningful results. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the delegation of the United States for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Iraq.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

My delegation would like to warmly congratulate you, Mr. Chair, and we express our support to your efforts during your tenure as Chair of the LSC. Also, we would like to thank Ms. Arti Holomaini, the Director of UNOSA, especially through its Legal Subcommittee, towards the development and promotion of an international legal framework governing the activities in outer space, which achieves the desirable balance between the freedom of use and international responsibility. And we align ourselves with the statement of the G77 and China.

Mr.

Chair, Iraq reiterates that the rapidly developing space sector, especially when it comes to lunar activities and commercial space, renders an ever more importance on the works of the LAC as the international key forum that addresses emerging legal issues, and this contributes to enhancing the sustainability, or the long-term sustainability of outer space, as well as ensuring to serve the interests of all countries, especially developing states. In this context, we renew our commitment to continue to develop our national legal system in alignment with relevant international instruments, and we are keen to actively engage in international efforts that aim to promote the space governance of space at the global level. As per our strategic vision, Iraq declares that we have embarked on constructing constructing or, or creating the Iraqi Space Agency, which will be in charge of regulating space activities and boosting scientific research infrastructure and coordinating international coordination according to the space international law. In this context, we look forward to building effective and active strategic partnerships with UNOSA and the member states, and we call for the following: providing technical and advisory support towards the development of national legal frameworks governing the space sector, strengthening capacity building and knowledge transfer programs, and supporting national initiatives of developing countries within the framework of international coordination. We also stress the importance—

sorry, foundations of our space activities covering critical areas such as registration of all objects, authorization procedures, insurance, liability, and space debris mitigation. Vizilog provides a solid foundation for diversifying our economy and fostering a skilled space ecosystem. Historically, Cyprus' engagement with space began in the late 1970s through telecommunications and meteorology. Our journey reached a milestone in 2003 with the launch of Helassa 2, the first period and Greek Telecommunications Satellite. Today, Cyprus hosts several international satellite operators, leveraging its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. To manage these evolving responsibilities, the Council of Ministers formally designated the Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy as the Cyprus Space Office on February 5th, 2023. The Cyprus Space Office mandate includes formulating national space strategy, overseeing space legislation, and representing Cyprus in international bodies such as COBOS, the European Space Agency, and the European Union. Mr. Chair, in the first half of 2026, Cyprus is honored to hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union. In this role, Cyprus chairs the EU Council Space Working Party, leading negotiations in pivotal— on pivotal legislative files. A key priority is the EU Space Act, which aims to create a unified regulatory framework for safety, resilience, and sustainability in orbit. Our presidency has been instrumental in drafting a compromise edition of the Act to harmonize national legislations and address risks such as orbital congestion and cyber cyber threats. Additionally, we are overseeing updates to the USPA regulation and the establishment of the EU Space Fund to foster innovation. Furthermore, I am proud to announce that as of March 17th, 2026, Cyprus officially became an associate member of the European Space Agency. This achievement, ratified by the House of Representatives, represents a monumental milestone that elevates our standing within the European space community. It significantly enhances Cyprus' participation in ESA programmes, providing access to valuable expertise, partnerships, and funding opportunities, while creating important new prospects for businesses, research institutions, and startups. It is a strategic objective of our National Space Strategy that has now been realised, aimed at strengthening the innovation and competitiveness of our national economy. Mr Chair, Cyprus acknowledges the vital work of this committee and the importance of the space agenda in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As a full member, we remain dedicated to working closely with all member states to ensure that outer space remains a domain of peaceful cooperation and shared progress of the prosperity of humankind.

Thank you.

I thank the delegation of Cyprus for their statement and now give the floor to the delegation of Kazakhstan.

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, at the outset, I would like to congratulate Mr. Pablo Adriana Rocha Alabuanaga on his election as chair of this session. We also express our deep appreciation to Dr. Arti Holomaini for her dedicated leadership and continued support for initiatives that foster broader international participation and inclusiveness in the space sector, including through the Space for Women project. Allow me to warmly acknowledge the anniversary of the International Day of Human Space Flight. For Kazakhstan, this date holds particular significance. The Baikonur Cosmodrome, located on our territory, is the historic site from which both the first artificial Earth satellite and the first human spaceflight were launched. This legacy continues to inspire our enduring commitment to peaceful exploration and use of outer space. We also extend our sincere congratulations to the United States and all partners involved in the successful completion of the Artemis II mission. This achievement marks an important milestone in the peaceful exploration of outer space and represents a significant significant advancement for the global scientific community. The distinguished delegates, Kazakhstan has consistently advocated for the exploration and use of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes. As a party of all 5 UN treaties on outer space, Kazakhstan attaches great importance to their full and effective implementation. We regard these treaties at the cornerstone of the international legal framework governing space activities. In this context, Kazakhstan highly values the work of COPUOS and its legal subcommittee in strengthening the rule of law in outer space. This work is becoming increasingly vital as technological advancements accelerate and space activities grow more diverse and complex. Today, ensuring Legal certainty, transparency, predictability, and responsible conduct are essential for all sectors. This is particularly relevant on ongoing discussions on national space legislation, registration, and transparency measures, the legal aspects of space traffic management, and regulatory approach to space resources. Kazakhstan supports practical, balanced, and consensus-based dialogue on these issues. We believe that future legal and policy frameworks should further reinforce the peaceful use of outer space, enhance safety and long-term sustainability, and safeguard equitable access to outer space for all states. Kazakhstan remains firmly committed to constructive international cooperation in the space domain and stands ready to contribute actively to joint efforts within COPUOS. Distinguished delegates, in this regard, we are pleased to invite all delegations to participate in Space Days Kazakhstan 2026, to be held from 7th to the 9th of September in Astana. We're confident that this forum will serve as a valuable platform for dialogue, the exchange of experience, and the development of new partnerships. I thank you.

I thank the delegation of Kazakhstan for their statement and now give the floor to the delegation of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, allow me first to join previous speakers in wishing you success in your important task. We would also like to express our appreciation to the Director of the UNOUSA, Mrs. Arti Holmaini, as well as to the Secretariat for their dedicated work. Mr. Chairman, Over the past decade, humanity's access and operations in outer space have fundamentally changed, and the driving factors behind these changes are likely to accelerate in the coming decades. This change presents us opportunities and risks, and we need to develop further the existing governance. Greece strongly believes that the 5 UN treaties on outer space and the relevant UN General Assembly sets of principles constitute the cornerstone of International space law. In this context, Greece considers COPUS and its subcommittees as the main fora for the development of international space law and international cooperation. As to international cooperation in particular, we believe that it should by all means prevail over any use of force in space. We welcome in this regard the adoption by the UN General Assembly of Resolution 80/76 on international cooperation. The peaceful uses of outer space, which among others expresses its serious concern about the possibility of an armed race in outer space and recognizes that all member states, in particular those with major space capabilities, should contribute actively to the prevention of an arms race in outer space with a view to promoting and strengthening international cooperation for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all. In this In this context, we would like to congratulate the United States of America for the successful Artemis II mission. Mr. Chairman, the Legal Subcommittee has proven its ability to deliver on its mandate and should continue to be the primary forum for the discussions on an international legal framework for the development of space resource activities. In developing such a legal framework, its dedicated working group could be inspired by the longest established solid international legal mechanisms adopted within the framework of the UN system, part of which is also COPOLIS, such as the administration of international seabed by the International Seabed Authority established by the UNCLOS, or the frequency spectrum management regime of the ITU and the legal regime governing Antarctica. The Greek space law— as to Greece's recent endeavors at the national level, the Greek Greek space law has been revised in 2024 in order to provide for a third-party liability amount requested by the satellite operators as a mandatory condition. Through this legislative approach, a more flexible regime has been initiated, thus encouraging the growth of the small satellite sector. Furthermore, during the past year, the Greek government, in collaboration with ESA, has accelerated the implementation of the National Microsatellite Programme. A sovereign end-to-end Earth observation system focusing on selected satellite products that include high-resolution and higher revisit time imaging of the Hellenic territory. In concluding, Mr. Chairman, let me assure you that Greece, as an emerging space nation, will continue to intensively work for the promotion and deepening of international cooperation in the space domain and the conduct of space activities in accordance with international law. I thank you.

I thank the delegation of Greece for their statement. And the following speaker is the delegation of Malaysia.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Since this is the first time Malaysia is taking the floor, we extend our sincere congratulations to you on your election as Chair of the Legal Subcommittee for 2023. Malaysia assures you of our full support throughout this session. Malaysia reaffirms its strong commitment to the peaceful use of outer space. As the space sector rapidly evolves with more commercial actors and expanding satellite constellations, we believe that broader access to space must be accompanied by equally inclusive and responsible governance. Mr. Chair, Malaysia has attained a significant milestone in national space governance with the enactment of the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022, which has been fully enforced since 1st January 2025. The Act established a robust legal framework for the authorization and continuing supervision of space activities. To operationalize this Act, the Malaysian Space Board has established the License Regimes Committee to refine regulatory oversight and the Space Accident Investigation Committee to ensure systematic response to space-related incidents. This institute— this institutional mechanism ensures that our national activities remain aligned with the United Nations guideline for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and the space debris mitigation guideline.

Mr.

Chair, in terms of international obligations, Malaysia has— Malaysia officially ratified the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, on 21 October 2025, and acceded to the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space on 26 September 2025. In alignment with these international obligations, Malaysia has established the work process for the investigation of suspected space objects and the guideline of non-catastrophic space accident investigation involving fallen space objects, which signifies Malaysia's readiness and legal framework for managing space debris incidents. Mr. Chair, Malaysia prioritizes capacity building as a cornerstone of treaty implementation. In October 2025, we successfully conducted the 2nd executive training course on international space law, providing policymakers with deep insight into domestic enforcement. This was followed by the inaugural Malaysian Space Law Moot Court Competition and the National Space Law Conference in December 2025, aimed at nurturing a new generation of legal experts. In conclusion, Malaysia remains committed to a rules-based international order. By strengthening national implementation and supporting inclusive capacity building, we ensure that the expansion of space activities strengthen and share orbital commons for all humankind. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the delegation of Malaysia for their statement and now give the floor to the delegation of Argentina.

Chair, as this is my first statement delivered on behalf of the Argentine Republic to this subcommittee, I wish to commend you and express our support for your chairmanship. In turn, I would like to thank the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, and all of the Secretariat staff for their efforts in preparing for these meetings and for work throughout the period. Chair, distinguished members of national delegations, and representatives of observing entities, the Argentinian Republic reaffirms the important role that COPUOS plays as the key forum for matters related to the peaceful use and exploration of space. Space, the Moon, and other celestial bodies in the benefit and interest of all nations regardless of their level of economic, technical, or scientific development and in compliance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Accordingly, we are committed to the work undertaken here in the subcommittees as well as in the working groups and recognize the efforts that are being made in other areas of the United Nations such as efforts to prevent an armed race in outer space. Argentina restates its commitment to the principle of the peaceful use of outer space, the Moon and other celestial bodies for peaceful purposes, and the non-militarization thereof. Distinguished members, during this session we have a working agenda on matters that are of relevance for the future of space activities. We support the working group on potential models for legal standards to govern the activities of the exploration, exploitation, and use of space resources, always based on the premise that these are carried out peacefully, sustainably, and in the benefit and interest of all countries. In turn, we shall continue participating in the discussions held within the Action Team on Lunar Activities at LAC, as well as in the discussions in other working groups planned for the session. As this is the legal subcommittee, we recognize the importance of the Space Treaty as the keystone for space activities and for the subsequent regulation thereof, as well as of other treaties, principles, and norms of international law which were agreed upon and developed within the United Nations context. Chair, distinguished delegates, we are pleased to share with you the recent launch and successful mission accomplished by the Argentinian Athenea satellite, which was fully developed in our country through the National Space Activities Commission, CONAIE, along with national universities and input from the scientific and technological system. The Athenea satellite was one of the international payloads as part of the Artemis II mission, exceeding the demanding safety and security standards and complex reviews that are part of ensuring a successful crewed mission that is designed in order to validate and raise the level of maturity of technologies in deep space, as well as of subsystems designed and manufactured in Argentina. This is a successful accomplishment in upholding the work of our national land-based stations, and we wish to use this opportunity to commend and congratulate the U.S. NASA, as well as the crew of Artemis II for the recent milestone accomplishment for humankind achieved. Chair, to conclude, we wish to explicitly mention that Argentina has disassociated itself from the Pact for the Future and does not consider Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development to be a legally binding instrument, and that therefore these are not legally binding frameworks that are applicable to our nation. Accordingly, to save time, we would request that this matter be borne in mind regarding this agenda item on the Pact for the Future Agenda 2030 and on all of the other outstanding items on the agenda.

I thank the delegation of Argentina for their statement and now give the floor to the delegation of Portugal.

Thank you very much, Chair.

Chair, as this is the first time that my delegation is taking the floor, Portugal would like to congratulate you on the election as Chair and on your excellent work in conducting this subcommittee so far. Portugal extends the compliment to Director Hollamani and to the Secretariat of UNODA. Further to the statement delivered earlier by the European Union, I would like to convey some additional points in my national capacity. Chair, distinguished delegates, last year Portugal revised its national space legislation to regulate the licensing of spaceports, thereby helping to facilitate access to space, a matter of particular importance to us in Europe. The model flows in a business approach based on the state's responsibility for regulating and licensing private space activities, a fundamental principle of international space law that Portugal is proud to follow. I'm happy to report that Portugal has now issued its first license to a national spaceport in Santa Maria de Azores. Azores Islands. This is part of the development of a national strategy for space aiming to promote Portugal's capabilities and potential as a European platform for return missions and access to space, leveraging the strategic geographical position of the Azores archipelago. The Atlantic Spaceport Consortium is now operating from its center in Malbuscas, Santa Maria As I mentioned, and we expect that the request to launch and return activities taking place from Portugal will come soon.

Mr.

Chair, Portugal's National Space Law is groundbreaking by allowing that a single license can authorize more than one space operation, even if it's more than one operator involved. Besides being an innovative legal framework, one of the goals of Portugal's National Space strategy is a strong focus on international collaboration and capacity building. In this regard, in cooperation with UNOOSA, the UN Portugal Outer Space Fellowship had its second edition last March, with a programme intended to promote space activities and partnerships supporting developing countries in the sustainable development of their own national space strategies. More than 20 participants from all around the world world participated in this program. Portugal was glad to contribute to the Space Law for New Space Actors, a project to assist the Office in Technical Advisory Missions with the technical participation of national legal experts.

Mr.

Chair, one word on space resources, also in the agenda of this subcommittee. We would like to express our deep recognition of Professor Stephen Freeland, Dr. Ahmed, and the Secretariat of INOSA having prepared the initial draft set of recommendations and principles for space resources activities. We are confident that during this session further progress will be made. Finally, Mr. Chair, let me highlight that this month was indeed marked by an important achievement in space activities, as a few have mentioned already: the return of 4 astronauts to the Moon orbit, which shows that human desire for exploration will increase in the decade decades to come. We congratulate the nations involved, the United States and others, in this important achievement, and we'd also like to commend UNOSSAS for advancing discussions on Moon exploration. Muchas gracias, señor presidente.

Thank you very much, Chair.

I thank the delegation of Portugal for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Chile. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Chair, my delegation echoes the congratulations upon your chairmanship to chair this session and thanks the Secretariat for the excellent preparation of our work. Chair, Chile restates its longstanding commitment to the legal framework that comprises the 5 outer space treaties, which provides the bedrock for the preservation of outer space as the province of all humankind. And accordingly, we wish to underscore the following points. Non-appropriation of outer space, including of the Moon and other celestial bodies, is a principle that is to be upheld against any attempts of de facto sovereignty or unilateral interpretations. Universal, equitable, and non-discriminatory access to space and its benefits, ensuring that technological development is not a factor of legal exclusion. The non-militarization of space, as well as the pressing need to prevent an arms race in outer space, guaranteeing that this environment is retained exclusively for peaceful purposes, the long-term sustainability is an essential operational obligation in order to protect the space environment for present and future generations. Strengthening international cooperation as a driver for the progressive development of space law and the safety of activities in space. For Chile, effective space governance depends on coherence with international law, and as such, my country is closely following work underway within the International Law Commission regarding international non-binding legal agreements. We agree that the distinction made between a political commitment and a treaty resides chiefly in the intention of the parties to be bound and in their subsequent conduct. We call for the guidelines developed by this committee to be drafted with the utmost technical clarity, avoiding ambiguities regarding the use of space resources, and here based on the principles of UNCLOS, the Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, we would propose advancing towards institutional arrangements to guarantee that space mining and extraction of strategic resources are carried out in keeping with transparency and sustainability standards, enabling countries with technical and operational capacity to participate actively in this new economic Finally, we reiterate that in keeping with the liability regime established in our treaties, the oversight of activities of non-governmental actors lies exclusively with the state. In Chile, our national space policy is fully in keeping with this mandate, ensuring that our scientific and industrial activity is in keeping with— in strict compliance with all of our international obligations. Chile reiterates that it is It is only through solid multilateral consensus that we will be able to ensure that outer space remains a driver of peace and development for all our nations.

Thank you.

I thank the delegation of Chile for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Norway.

Chair, let me first congratulate you on being elected chair of this 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee. you may rest assured of Norway's support. We would also like to thank the outgoing chair, Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carulla of Spain, for his outstanding work in leading this subcommittee during the last period. As always, we also express our appreciation to the Office for Outer Space Affairs for their excellent work in preparing this session. International law, and in particular the UN treaties relating to activities in outer space, are fundamental for the safeguarding of a continued peaceful utilization and exploration of outer space in the best interest of mankind. Norway is therefore pleased to see that COPUS's membership is steadily increasing. In that respect, we welcome our new members: Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Honduras, Maldives, Malta, and Zimbabwe. In December last year, a new Norwegian space law was passed in Parliament. It will replace the old space law from 1969. The Norwegian regulator will be the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority. The law is a framework law and the corresponding regulations are not yet in place. The law will require that activities be carried out in a responsible and safe manner in accordance with Norway's national security interests. The new law will enter into force on the 1st of July this year. A new Norwegian space strategy will also be drafted this year and will be finalized in 2027. Chair, Norway welcomes the revised draft set of recommended principles for space resources activities in the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Resources Activities. We thank the Chair and Vice Chair for their hard work and look forward to further discussions in the Working Group during the LSC. Norway also welcomes the draft template for providing information on space activities under Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty prepared by the Chair of the Working Group on the Status and Application of the 5 UN Treaties on Outer Space, to be considered by the Working Group at this session of the LSE. When it comes to space traffic management, this topic is gaining increased importance as the number of objects and activities in space continue to grow. Norwegian policy supports a United Nations-led world order in outer space to ensure peaceful coexistence. Space traffic management is a topic where multilateral solutions are central, and a safe and sustainable outer space is in the interest of all nations. It is useful to draw on the expertise of the Legal Subcommittee in such an important matter, in addition to the ongoing technical work in the STSC. Regarding Unispace 4, we support the arrangement of such a conference in Vienna in 2027.

Thank you, Chair. I thank the delegation of Norway for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Uruguay.

Chair, on behalf of Uruguay, allow me first of all to commend you and all members of the Bureau upon your designation to lead our work during this current session of the Legal Subcommittee. Allow me also to acknowledge the candidature of His Excellency the Ambassador of Panama, Javier Enrique Caraballo, to his candidature for the chairmanship of COPUAS for 2028 to 2029. We equally welcome the addition of 6 new members to our committee, including Honduras from our region. In keeping with our longstanding commitment to EUNOSA. Our countries of the GRULAC region have continued to support both nationally as well as regionally the important work carried out by this organization. My delegation wishes to particularly acknowledge Director of the Office of Outer Space Affairs Arti Holmaini for her efforts in this particular climate of budgetary constraints and reform that EUNOSA is going through. We equally I particularly thank the Secretariat for its work in organizing this current subcommittee session. Uruguay notes that between 1968 and 1981, we concluded the process for the signing and ratification of the Corpus Iuris Spatialis, that is, of the 5 international outer space instruments. Subsequently, institutional developments have taken place in my country since 2022, since the establishment of the National Board on Space Policy under the Ministry of National Defence, as well as the competent institutions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs bringing together the National Secretariat of Science and Academia. We are fully engaged to the commitments and activities you all know, so we are currently reviewing and updating our institutional framework in order to be better able to address the broad agenda and And in keeping with the mandate of our national budgetary law adopted in 2025, we will be making necessary changes that we will shortly share with the international community. Regarding the projects currently launched by UNOSA, while these continue to support initiatives assisting emerging nations in the area of space exploration, these largely depend upon voluntary contributions which supplement the scant budgetary resources available. This tendency, alongside the rapid development of space activities, is leading to a dynamic which could widen the gap between consolidated space actors and emerging space actors. And therefore, my delegation has questions regarding equitable access to outer space and the sustainability of space activities, in particular regarding the long-term exploration and use of space resources. We hope that the informal consultations will serve to identify solutions to these issues and will enable the organization to undertake activities for efficiency and effectiveness despite the context of limited budgetary resources. We equally note the need to ensure greater efficiency in our processes and that this must be— take place transparently and inclusively. Therefore, we agree on the need to use these meetings of COPUOS and of its subsidiary bodies to look into the issue of consolidating agenda items in order to ensure sufficient follow-up monitoring, review, and implementation of both substantive issues as well as cross-cutting issues such as international cooperation and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. We understand that the term developing countries should be respected both within COPUOS given its historic significance. In multilateralism, as well as the gravitational weight that it holds in current times, bringing together chiefly those nations and peoples that have not yet attained their potential in terms of scientific technological development in the space sphere. Regarding the reporting modalities that are under review, an issue to be addressed at this legal subcommittee session, my delegation believes that the format to be adopted should allow for operational follow-up to debates, proposals, and resolutions. Therefore, we echo the recommendation of G77 reaffirming that the needs and priorities of developing countries remain central and must be included in the reports of the different COPUS bodies in a clear fashion. Finally, Chair, we underscore that multilingualism is an essential principle of the United Nations, a guarantee of mutual understanding as well as the equitable participation of states, of developing countries, as well as contributing towards ensuring that the organization is more efficient, effective, representative, and transparent by opening the doors wide to the communities that the organization serves. Therefore, we highlight the need to respect multilingualism and expresses the desire that multilingualism is not undermined by the measures that are adopted regarding the current liquidity situation. Finally, Chair, regarding statements delivered in plenary, my delegation supports the requests made by UNOSA as well as various proponent delegations regarding the need to be concise and in keeping with the agenda items, demonstrating our flexibility and sympathy with the current situation, and therefore conclude our national statement.

Thank you, Chair. I thank Uruguay for their statement, and I give the floor to the delegation of Côte d'Ivoire. Monsieur le Président.

Chairperson, the delegation of Côte d'Ivoire would like to begin by I would like to start by offering you our congratulations on your election to chair this legal subcommittee. We assure you of our full cooperation for the success of your term. Our thanks go also to the Director of the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs, Madam Arti Holomaini, and all of her team for the excellent preparation of this 65th session. We echo the statement of G77 and China and of the African Group, and we would like to share the following in our national capacity. We attach great importance to the work of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space. These will allow further strengthening of regional and international cooperation in line with international space law.

Thank you.

We note with appreciation that this meeting is our first session of the Legal Subcommittee as a member state. For us, it's a pivotal moment in that it will allow us to begin the process of strengthening our national space legislation. At this point, we would like to note that the government of our country adopted in June 2025 a decree establishing and governing the attributions, organization, and functioning of our National Space Agency. Our agency, which will be involved in Earth observation, space meteorology, astronomy, space exploration, and satellite navigation and communications, is part of our vision for sustainable development through industrialization Harnessing technologies that will allow Côte d'Ivoire to better anticipate and better respond to climate, agriculture security, and environmental challenges. We count on the unwavering support of the Office of Outer Space Affairs for the elaboration of a national regulatory and normative framework. in line with international space law. We appreciate the importance and key role of outer space activities in most of the areas that feed into economic growth and the sustainable development of nations and the world as a whole, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. We would like to reiterate our commitment to the key principles on the use, the peaceful use of outer space.

Thank you.

Space and equitable access for all nations to space resources so as to ensure security, stability, and peace for all of our countries and for all humanity. We underscore the key role that will be played by COPROs in achieving those objectives. To that end, we need to work to properly coordinate the activities of the 2 We have 2 subcommittees here, the scientific and legal one. We need to strengthen our capacities in terms of space law and space policy. This is essential for developing countries. We need to have mutually beneficial partnerships between developed and developing countries in the space area.

Thank you.

I'd like to hail the high caliber of the cooperation among African countries in space via the African Space Agency, which is headquartered in Egypt. We hope that the same will apply to all members of COPROS. By way of conclusion, we'd like to say that we hope that the liquidity crisis can be resolved in order to give further impetus to space activities. Thank you.

I thank the delegation of Côte d'Ivoire for their statement. And would now like to give the floor to the delegation of the Dominican Republic.

Very good morning, Chair. Thank you very much. The Dominican Republic would like to begin its statement by commending the Chair, Mr. Pablo Arochola Buenaga of Mexico, upon his election to chair this legal subcommittee and wishing the best of success in your efforts. We equally thank and recognize the efforts of the outgoing Chair, Mr. Santiago Ripolló of Spain, for his work in leading the subcommittee. In turn, we would like to thank the Director of the Office of Outer Space Affairs, Ms. Artie Holomaini, and the efforts of the Secretariat for preparing for this meeting. The Dominican Republic aligns itself with the statement delivered by the G77 in China and would like to make the following comments nationally. Chair, the Dominican Republic underscores that this committee, with its 2 subcommittees, is the principal United Nations Forum to have a comprehensive discussion of all matters related to the peaceful uses of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies. Therefore, we reiterate that the international legal framework must be developed in a manner that addresses the concerns of all states. The Dominican Republic restates that the use and exploration of outer space must be exclusively peaceful in nature, in the benefit and interest of all states, above and beyond their level of economic or scientific degree of development, and in full compliance with international law. Moreover, we restate strict— the need for strict compliance with the principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Outer Space Treaty as well as the General Assembly resolutions of 1962 and 1984. Furthermore, we recall that the principle of non-appropriation establishes that outer space, including the Moon, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, use, or occupation, or any other means. The fundamental principles of the relevant United Nations treaties and the peaceful uses of outer space must guide our debates regarding the long-term sustainability of activities in outer space as well as the use of space resources, which leads us to further I would like to further underscore that the established principle of non-appropriation of outer space must be maintained and respected. The government of the Dominican Republic therefore supports the further strengthening of mechanisms to promote adherence to the United Nations treaties on outer space. Chair, the Dominican Republic restates its commitment to the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space as a driver of socioeconomic development, our country has taken historic steps through the establishment of an initiative to create a space economy ecosystem in the south of our country, capitalizing on favorable geographic factors. This is an ambitious project which will lead to the establishment of a spaceport. By taking these steps towards the establishment of infrastructure for our own launches of orbital operations and As the statement highlights, the Dominican Republic is committed to undertaking this project in keeping with the strictest safety and sustainability standards, fully abiding by the international legal framework governing space activities. We understand that establishing this infrastructure not only will promote our local technological industry, but will equally strengthen regional cooperation as well as equitable access to outer space for developing nations. Moreover, we highlight the value of resources for space law training programs in order to sustain joint efforts made to close the technological divide and promote effective participation of more countries, in particular the least developed countries. We will continue to participate actively in the work of COPUOS in all areas. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the delegation of the Dominican Republic for their statement. This was the last delegation to take the floor on this We will continue with our consideration of agenda item 4, General Exchange of Views, this afternoon. And I would now like to begin our consideration of agenda item 6. I now turn to the list of speakers under agenda item 6, and the first speaker is the delegation of India on behalf of the G77 and China.

Thank you, Chair. The Group of 77 and China is of the view that a wide adherence and membership to the United Nations treaties contributes to creating a safe, secure, and sustainable atmosphere for the development of outer space activities and enhancing the effectiveness of COPUSS as main body for discussing and negotiating international space law. We therefore note with appreciation the growing number of parties to the UN treaties on outer space and encourage those states that have not yet become parties to them to consider doing so. The group recalls the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which constitutes the foundational framework governing international space activities. This instrument affirms the freedom of exploration and use of outer space by all states, without discrimination and on a basis of equality and emphasizes the obligation to conduct space activities with due regard to the interests of other states. It further underscores the promotion of international cooperation, the sharing of scientific research and information, and the principle that the exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all states, irrespective of their level of economic or scientific development. The group reaffirms the established principles governing outer space activities, including the principles of equality and non-discrimination, non-appropriation, equal access, and the use of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, for the benefit and interest of all states, with particular consideration for the needs of developing countries, and the use of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes. In this regard, the group is of the view that any action by space actors and entities should conform to applicable international space law. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the delegation of India for their statement. I now give the floor to the European Union.

Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The following countries aligned themselves with this statement: Albania, Armenia, and Ukraine. Chair, the European Union supports the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as a cornerstone of the United Nations, and an integral part of the mandate of UNOOSA and COPUOS. The EU contributes to the implementation of the Space 2030 Agenda via the Global Gateway and the EU Space Programme's components Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, and GovSatCom, not only within the EU, but also in third countries, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The EU has shared significant insights on its activities supporting the Space 2030 agenda as part of the midterm review. A central priority for the European Union is to ensure that the benefits of space are accessible to all, and particularly to developing countries. We are committed to strengthening international cooperation and capacity-building efforts to enable partner countries to harness space-based solutions for their national development priorities. This includes support for data access, technical training, and institutional development in close cooperation with international partners and the United Nations systems, as the strategic utilization of space technologies has the potential to substantially accelerate the attainment of the 2030 SDGs. The European Union also recognizes the importance of addressing structural challenges faced by developing countries, including limited technical capacity and unequal access to space. In this context, we actively support initiatives that promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, and inclusive participation in global space governance. We are proud of EU initiatives such as the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme, with its initial investment of €45 million, which fosters space technologies, services, and applications to address critical societal challenges, including climate change monitoring and disaster resilience, strengthening food security and emergency management. These efforts are further supported by utilising data from the EU's Copernicus Earth observation programme. The EU welcomes the Space 2030 Agenda's objective of promoting inclusiveness and gender equality in space activities, notably by enhancing women's participation in science and technology. Chair, in conclusion, the European Union remains firmly committed to advancing the peaceful uses of outer space as a driver of sustainable development through the Space 2030 Agenda. Agenda, and we would like to highlight the need to explicitly address this issue throughout COPUOS and its subcommittees, all while leaving no one behind.

Thank you.

I thank the European Union for their statement, and then I give the floor to the delegation of Italy.

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the Italian delegation welcomes a discussion on this agenda item and would like to highlight the approval of law entitled Measures Relevant to Space Economy, which entered into force on June 25th, 2025, as a major national development to ensure the full implementation of the space law treaties and the completion of the national legal framework governing the space sector. It is a comprehensive measure aimed also to foster innovation at the national space ecosystem, while conferring at the same time a particular focus on the principles of safety, resilience, and environmental sustainability of space activities. The law establishes a space activities authorization, supervision, and liability scheme and redefines the domestic regime for the registration of space objects confirming the task of the China Space Agency, ASI, to maintain and update the national registry as it was provided for in 2005. The law is complemented by provisions relevant to amendments, suspension, and termination of the authorization, along with the transfer of the ownership of a space object and sanctions.

actions.

Mr. Chair, the competence to issue the final authorization rests with the Prime Minister or the delegated political authority, and the Interministerial Committee for Space and Aerospace Policies will assess all aspects pertaining to national defense, security, and foreign policy interests of the space activity submitted for authorization. ASI has been appointed as the supervisory authority and as the national space sector technical authority. Detailed implementing measures of the law, including the space sector technical regulation, are currently under development. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the delegation of Italy for their statement. I now give the floor to the delegation of the United States.

Thank you, Chair. The United States reiterates the view that the 4 core outer space treaties serve the international community well and enable the peaceful use of space for all. We thank the Secretariat for its efforts to raise awareness and build capacity on space law around the world. We appreciate the Space Law for New Space Actors project and are pleased to contribute with experts to technical advisory missions. The United States works with partners globally to provide technical assistance that complements the Secretariat's goals. In Africa, where over 50 countries just launched the African Space Agency and many are actively developing their own civil and commercial space sectors, the United States is organizing a series of technical and regulatory training sessions to promote the U.S. commercial space industry and our approach to regulating it as the gold standard for innovation. The United States is also actively consulting with the European Commission and EU member states to ensure that the proposed draft EU Space Act ultimately aligns transatlantic regulatory frameworks, avoids duplicative regulations, and enables shared economic prosperity. My delegation expresses sincere appreciation for Francesca Connors' efforts to improve the implementation and application of the 4 core outer space treaties. We support the chair's efforts to improve the implementation of Article of the Outer Space Treaty, by which states parties share information on their space activities. With new technologies like in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, space debris remediation, commercial LEO destinations, and many other novel innovations increasingly coming to fruition, humanity is just starting to unlock the true potential of outer space. To continue unlocking this potential, however, we need to ensure a viable space environment that remains safe and sustainable for our space assets.

Thank you.

assets, and most critically, the growing number of humans in orbit. This includes supporting efforts to facilitate greater sharing of information by states parties to fulfill Article 11 obligations and keep space activities safe, sustainable, and transparent. Our delegation recalls our 2 recent Article 11 submissions from 2024 and 2025, which provided certain lunar mission data parameters. We plan to provide more submissions in 2026. These notifications are also in further furtherance of a decision by the Artemis Accord signatories to share pre-launch information on lunar landing missions in a standardized format and also advance safe and sustainable space operations. It is important to build flexibility and discretion into the way states parties implement Article 11, and we reiterate our commitment to work constructively with the Working Group Chair to find the best path forward. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the delegation of the United States for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Germany.

Thank you very much, Chair.

First of all, Germany would like to reiterate its conviction that the 5 UN space treaties are the cornerstone of the international legal framework for activities in outer space. This very committee agreed on all 5 draft treaties by consensus, and the General Assembly recommended them for ratification. Their universal acceptance and application are key to ensure the safe and sustainable use of outer space. We thank UNOSA for updating the information on the status of these agreements and gladly continue to support its efforts to raise awareness and build capacity on space law around the world, especially through the Global Space Law Project. To provide a concrete example of application of one of the space treaties, namely the Registration Convention, would like to inform the subcommittee that Germany for the first time engaged in negotiations with another state concerning the change of registry of a space object after the satellite was sold to an operator from that state. This is just one example that shows that the existing principles provide the necessary guidance, as well as a robust and flexible framework to address new issues and challenges. And it demonstrates that UN treaties on outer space are everything but outdated. Distinguished colleagues, the interpretation of the UN treaties on outer space should be based on a common understanding and form the basis for harmonized approaches and practices. With a view to the important work of the Working Group under this agenda item, we want to thank the Secretariat for the background paper on a potential repository of information submitted under Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty. We also support further exchanges on both the means and tools to promote information sharing, as well as on areas and topics where strengthened information sharing would be particularly beneficial. At the same time, it's important to recall that the office must be provided with adequate resources to effectively discharge its responsibilities, including, inter alia, the registration of space objects and the facilitation of information sharing.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I thank the delegation of Germany for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of UK.

Distinguished Chair, distinguished delegates, the rapid transformation of space activity driven by technological innovation and the evolving architecture of interaction among an increasingly diverse range of space actors has created a regulatory context in which the United Nations space treaties are complemented by non-legally binding instruments. These instruments, um, particularly through their implementation in national legal framework and their function as confidence-building measures among states, play an important role in contemporary space governance. They are often recognized as voluntary applicable norms and may serve as a foundation for the development of bilateral legally binding agreements, the core of which should remain grounded in the provision of the UN treaties. At the same time, significant challenges arise regarding the relationship between legally binding and non-legally binding norms, including potential conflicts of norms, issues of interpretation, and questions of enforcement. These challenges highlight the inherent limitation of the regulatory model that relies extensively on the soft law instruments. In this context, we are exploring the possibility of promoting the implementation of UN Space Treaties through the development of the guidance of the applicability of non-legally binding instruments. Such guidance would aim to support both national and international legal practitioners by clarifying the legal nature of the various forms of space soft law, such as guidelines, reports, and recommendations, and by providing criteria for their application in situations involving normative conflict or interpretive ambiguity in the relation of the UN treaties. Based on this approach, the possibility of developing a taxonomy of non-legally binding instruments, either as a separate document or as an annex to the above-mentioned guidance, is also being considered. Such a taxonomy could serve as a comprehensive comprehensive reference framework facilitating a clearer understanding of the diversity, function, and the legal application of the soft law instruments in the context of space governance. It should further address rule of interpretation of the role of non-legally binding instrument in informing the development, implementation, and capacity building related to the application of the UN treaties. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the delegation of Ukraine for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Chair. The United Kingdom welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this agenda item and to set out our view on the emerging practices relevant to the application of the UN space treaties. The UK has observed an Thank you. We're seeing an increasing number of transactions involving the transfer of jurisdiction and control of satellites that are already in orbit, where ownership passes between entities under different states. These transactions differ from traditional model of launching satellites. So the space object is already operational and responsibility for its operation may shift without new launch or relocation. This development raises important questions under the existing treaty framework. Questions arise as to how registration information should be maintained or updated when ownership changes across states, how liability for the object is handled, and how authorization and supervision of the satellite is agreed between the transferring state and the transferee state. It is one of the increasing number of examples where the UK has needed to apply well-established treaty obligations to novel space scenarios as the space economy continues to develop. The implementation of this commercial model provides clear benefits and deserves greater attention. The ability to purchase purchase an existing satellite offers faster access to capability, lower cost, and reduced risk compared to designing, building, and launching a new satellite. Such arrangements can extend the useful life of space assets and enable rapid deployment of services in response to national or commercial needs. To realize these benefits, satellites, legal and regulatory clarity is required for states and operators. The United Kingdom's experience of international satellite transfer shows the importance of a regulatory framework that enables these transfers and engaging with other states to agree the transfer process. We recently completed a satellite transfer from Germany to the UK. We would like to thank our colleagues at the German Space Agency, at DLR, for their collaboration which enabled this transfer. We also recently created an agreement setting out state responsibility for satellite transfer process with Luxembourg, and we would like to thank the Luxembourg Space Agency and the Luxembourg government for their collaboration. This experience has provided provided us with an agreement template and process that we could apply for future transfers. The United Kingdom is now drafting our own guidance and UK satellite operators on the international satellite transfer process, and we welcome engagement with other states on this important topic. Thank you very much, Chair.

I thank the delegation of the United Kingdom for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of the Russian

Distinguished Chairperson, distinguished delegates, as the depository state, the Russian Federation notes that on the 12th of May 2005, the Republic of Poland withdrew from the agreement establishing the Intersputnik International Organization. Of space communications. There have been no other changes in the status of the agreements for which the Russian Federation is the depository. The 5 UN treaties on outer space constitute a solid international law basis for space activity that has proven its effectiveness in over 6 decades of spacefaring activities. The Russian Federation urges states that have not yet acceded to these international agreements to consider the possibility of doing so. We call on states to develop their space law in strict compliance with international space law and to refrain from actions that weaken international space law. Against this backdrop, we once again note that national laws adopted by some states that allow private corporations in their jurisdictions to appropriate space resources violate Article 2 of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prescribes national appropriation. We also noted instances of the inclusion in some legally non-binding documents currently being drafted of distorted forms of the provisions of the UN space treaties. In our view, this practice risks undermining the existing international law framework. The status of the 5 UN space treaties as the legal bedrock of all space activities is beyond question. The treaties have shaped peaceful space exploration for more than half a century now. However, the swift evolution of space technology is bringing regulatory gaps to the light of day and necessitating enhancement of the legal framework to avoid potential conflicts and support the long-term sustainability of space activities. Specifically, it would be useful to draft an instrument detailing the rules for the registration of space objects. This would curtail the number of issues arising in connection with the deployment of megaconstellations. Such issues include matters of a legal and practical nature, stemming from the supporter— rather, the shorter active service lives of small satellites which form the basis of megaconstellations, issues with their observation, and consequently, the need to build a unified information space for early warning on hazardous situations in outer space. Important endeavors could be the creation of international and national mechanisms for monitoring near-Earth space, the implementation of systems to monitor the activities of space operators and compliance with international norms and standards, and the creation of an open information system for monitoring near-Earth space independent of opportunistic private interests. Thank you, Chairperson.

I thank the Russian Federation for their statement. Thank you, Mr. President. And I now give the floor to the delegation of Ghana.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Ghana aligns itself with a statement delivered on behalf of the G77 and China.

Mr.

Chair, as space activities continue to evolve, the principles enshrined under the 5 UN treaties remain essential for maintaining legal clarity promoting responsible conduct, and ensuring that the exploration and use of outer space are carried out in a safe, sustainable, and predictable manner consistent with the interests of all states. For emerging space nations such as Ghana, the treaty regime provides the necessary legal assurance that outer space will continue to be governed by agreed international principles, including peaceful use, non-appropriation, international responsibility, cooperation, and due regard for the interests of all states. Mr. Chair, Ghana is actively taking steps towards strengthening alignment with the core United Nations treaties on outer space as part of the ongoing development of its national legal and regulatory framework for space activity.

Mr.

Chair, in this regard, Ghana's advancement of national processes toward the development of a comprehensive legal framework addresses key elements required under international space law, including authorization and continuing supervision of space activities, registration of space objects, liability considerations, and oversight of governmental and government— and non-governmental entities involved in space activities. Mr. Chair, Ghana recognizes that capacity building remains a critical enabler for effective implementation of United Nations treaties on outer space. Developing countries often require technical assistance in legislative drafting, regulatory design, institutional development, and human capacity human capital training necessary to support implementation of treaty obligations. In this regard, Ghana recognizes the important role played by UNOSA in supporting member states through critical technical advisory missions, training initiatives, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Such support contributes significantly to strengthening national capacity implement treaty obligations and to participate effectively in global space governance.

Mr.

Chair, Ghana equally emphasizes the need to ensure that capacity-building efforts are inclusive and gender-responsive, supporting the meaningful participation of women in the development of national legal and institutional frameworks for space activities. Ghana also recognizes the importance of practical mechanisms that support implementation of treaty provisions, including initiatives that enhance transparency, facilitate information exchange, and promote confidence-building among member states. Furthermore, Ghana considers it important that discussions on implementation of the treaties continue to consider evolving developments in space activities. Activities, including the increasing participation of the private sectors, the expansion of small satellite activities, and emerging policy discussions relating to space resources and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to progressively aligning its national legal framework with the principles contained in the United Nations treaties on outer space. I thank you.

I thank the delegation of Ghana for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of the Philippines.

Mr. Chair and distinguished delegates, the Philippines reiterates its commitment to abide by the international space treaties and principles promulgated by the UN. We are pleased to inform the Legal Subcommittee that The Philippines has officially acceded to the Registration Convention, while the Liability Convention is now in the Philippine Senate for concurrence as part of our domestic ratification process. Consistent with our commitment, we have likewise formally commenced the domestic processes for the ratification of the Outer Space Treaty and the Rescue Agreement. The Philippines, through the Philippine Space Agency. Conducted a briefing and public consultation on these 2 treaties, and we express our sincerest gratitude to the ONOSA for supporting us in this activity by providing a comprehensive presentation on the 2 treaties before relevant government agencies back in the Philippines. Mr. Chair, to advance international cooperation for the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space, FILSA and ONOSA continue to work together on initiatives that enhance space science and technology for socioeconomic development, strengthen institutional capabilities, and promote responsible space activities. Pursuant to our MOU, FILSA collaborated with ONOSA to produce an international edition of our children's book on space policy and space treaties entitled in English Tala and Her Journey Through Space. This carries the same objective of the original book to educate and promote awareness on the peaceful and responsible use of outer space for young readers, but this time to a global audience. We look forward to the release of the international version and future translation of the book to other languages, and we express again our appreciation to UNOSA for this meaningful joint project underscoring the importance of capacity building and the development of a highly capable cadre of professionals, researchers, and policymakers who contribute to advancing national and international space initiatives, the Philippines, through FILSA, continues to support students pursuing graduate degrees at local and international higher education institutions through its scholarships program. FILSA aims to strengthen similar efforts to contribute to the knowledge economy of the country in terms of human capital. The Philippines also actively contributed to the ONOSA Global Space Law Project in Cambodia held in March 2026, where we shared our experience in developing our national space policy and implementing international space law obligations, particularly on the registration of space objects pursuant to the Registration Convention. In closing, we reiterate our national commitment expressly provided in the Philippine Space Act to abide by the UN space treaties and to strengthen international partnerships in line with our duty as a responsible spacefaring nation. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the delegation of the Philippine— Philippines for their statement, and now give the floor to the delegation of Japan.

Chair, distinguished In recent years, the number of actors in the space sector has increased significantly, leading to the diversification of space activities. In this evolving context, Japan reiterates the importance of the United Nations Treaties on Outer Space and calls upon all member states that have not yet done so to accede to the Outer Space Treaty without delay or conditions. Chair, considering the significant growth in space activities, Japan recognizes the importance of promoting education, training, and information exchange to strengthen capacity building in space law and ensure compliance with international norms. Since 2019, the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, also known as APRSAF, has facilitated the National Space Legislation Initiative, also known as NSLI, a regional cooperation mechanism mechanism that promotes information sharing and mutual learning on national legislation and policy practices across the Asia-Pacific region. Following the first and second NSLI reports in 2021 and 2023, the third NSLI report was jointly submitted to the 68th session of COPUS last year. It highlights the efforts of NSLI member states, including those undertaken through the Artemis Accords, as well as contributions to the work of COPUS. Additionally, Japan has been collaborating with UNOSA on the Global Space Law Project since 2021 to support capacity building in Asia-Pacific countries, especially emerging spacefaring nations. Since the last meeting of the Legal Subcommittee, Japan and UNOSA have conducted 2 additional technical advisory missions, one to Vietnam Vietnam in November 2025 and the other to Cambodia in March 2026. Through these missions, participants gained valuable insights into key elements of international space law and national space law and policy. Japan remains committed to further supporting this initiative for countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Chair, the initiatives undertaken by Japanese universities are also noteworthy. In January, the Institute of Space Law at Keio University hosted the 17th Space Law Symposium, and in March, the University of Tokyo, in collaboration with the Lunar Policy Platform, co-hosted a symposium on legal and policy issues related to space resource activities. These events gathered stakeholders from government, industry, and academia, including international experts, to exchange exchange views on lunar resource development and emerging international frameworks. With the participation of students and early career professionals, these initiatives provided a valuable platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and capacity building. Japan remains committed to advancing capacity building efforts in cooperation with UNOSA and its partners. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I thank the delegation of Japan for their statement and now give the floor to the delegation of Canada.

Thank you, Chair. The 4 core United Nations treaties on outer space— the Outer Space Treaty, Rescue and Return Agreement, Liability Convention, and Registration Convention— created a legal regime that has promoted the peaceful exploration use of outer space. But at the dawn of the Space Age, it was states that were the primary participants in space activities. Today, non-state actors, private companies, play a significant role in the exploration and use of outer space. Fortunately, the outer space treaties were drafted in a way that could accommodate such a change while continuing to provide a stable legal foundation to account for the evolving commercial realities. Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty contemplates a role for non-governmental entities and provides states the basis for regulating their activities in outer space. It is the appropriate state party, the appropriate state party that bears responsibility for authorization and continuing supervision of space activities of non-governmental entities. The word appropriate is crucial in this context, particularly in today's world where non-governmental entities can incorporate and carry out business in multiple states. There could be be situations in which several states might be in the position to authorize and supervise the activities of a non-governmental entity. This raises the question, which state is the appropriate state to do so in all cases? This also creates the potential for overlapping or potentially conflicting regulatory regimes and requirements. If a state elects to authorize a non-governmental entity to conduct a space activity, whether or not that entity is incorporated in its territory, it suggests that that state considers itself to be the appropriate state under Article 6. Having decided to authorize a foreign non-governmental entity, it would then bear the responsibility of continuous supervision of that entity. However, there may be cases in which the appropriate state is simply not obvious because a non-governmental entity may operate various segments of a space activity or separate space activities across several jurisdictions. The working group under this item is currently examining information exchange under Article 11. It is possible that the information exchanged, whether through the template or other formats, could provide a useful platform for analyzing, analyzing the trends relating to regulation of multinational governmental entities. Such an analysis could assist a state in determining the circumstances under which it might be considered the appropriate state to authorize and continuously supervise a non-governmental entity carrying out some part of its space activities within its jurisdiction. Chair, distinguished delegates, modern business practices challenge old notions of a tightly siloed space industry where companies operate in one jurisdiction under the banner of one state. The Outer Space Treaty can accommodate these new business models, but it will require legal thinkers and regulators to embrace a pragmatic interpretation of Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty, one that is untethered from traditional concepts of nationality. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the delegation of Canada for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of China.

Mr. Chair, China associates itself with the statement made by India on behalf of G77 and China. In recent years, the rapid development of space technologies, the emergence of new types of space activities, the continuous rise of new actors have posed fresh challenges to the interpretation and application of modern outer space law with the 5 UN outer space treaties as its legal framework. We maintain that the interpretation of these treaties affect the interests of all state parties and should therefore be conducted through multilateral platform of COPUS. China practices a global governance vision featuring extensive consultation, joint development, and shared benefits, abides by the outer space treaties to which we are a party, conducts activities for the peaceful uses of outer space in a reasonable and orderly manner, and actively engages in international cooperation. We are of the view that sharing information on outer space activities is of great significance for enhancing transparency and jointly maintaining the safety and security of such activities. China actively discloses information regarding its space activities to the international community and the public in various forms. These include, but not limited to, note verbals to the U.N. Secretary-General, announcements on websites of China's competent space authorities, and briefings at international platforms such as the UN. China welcomes continued discussions on the implementation of Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty to promote the sharing of outer space information among all nations. China is of the view that strengthening domestic space legislation and regulatory systems is essential to fulfilling U.N. Outer Space Treaty obligations. China continuously advances domestic space legislation and the introduction of supporting policies to ensure that its space activities comply with the international outer space rule underpinned by the Outer Space Treaty. China has formulated and issued a series of dedicated regulations and policies documents covering major aspects of space activities. We are also accelerating the legislative process for space law and satellite navigation regulations, aiming to strengthen the space legal system and advance the rule of law in the space sector. China holds that strengthening capacity building in space law helps promote compliance with UN treaties on outer space. We highly value empowering developing countries in developing their space law capabilities through international cooperation. China's Beihang University hosts the UN-affiliated Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and Pacific China. This center has been advancing aerospace education, training, and international talent development. It has long offered various training programs covering space law, for developing countries and actively expanded cooperation with space agencies and universities worldwide. The Chinese government has always attached great importance to supporting the work of the regional center and will continue to provide necessary support. In addition, China has also actively conducted international exchanges on space law by hosting international seminars and other means. Contributing wisdom to improving global governance of outer space. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the delegation of China for their statement, and I give the floor now to the delegation of Brazil.

Thank you, Chair. The principles that the Outer Space Treaty sets out, in particular non-appropriation, the peaceful use of outer space, and the exploration and use of outer space for the benefit and in the interests of all countries are the cornerstone of the international legal framework governing outer space activities. Brazil reaffirms its commitment to these principles and to promoting their effective implementation. As an emerging spacefaring nation, Brazil considers capacity building in space law a matter of the utmost importance. Let me highlight three pillars of our national efforts. The first pillar is education. Brazil has submitted an update to the Directory of Educational Opportunities in Space Law to include new national academic programs in this field, one of them being a full postgraduate degree in space law at the Brasilia University Center. We also wish to highlight the work. work of the Brazilian Space Agency's e-learning platform, which offers free online courses on a range of space, space-related subjects, including introductory training in space law. These initiatives help democratize access to knowledge and train qualified professionals who are aware of the international legal obligations applicable to space activities. The second The second pillar is the promotion of knowledge and information exchange through events and professional networks. In May, Brazil will host in Brasília the Latin America round of the Manfred Lex Space Law Moot Court Competition, followed by the 11th International Meeting of the Latin American Caribbean Space Network, HELACA Space. In June, São Paulo will host Space BR Show, international event that connects public institutions, industry, academia, and other stakeholders in the space sector. On the 4th and 5th of November, Brazil will also host the 8th Space Sustainability Summit in Brasília, in partnership with the Secure World Foundation. We view these initiatives as useful platforms for dialogue, legal reflection, and international cooperation And we warmly invite all delegations to take part in these initiatives. The third pillar is the strengthening of domestic, domestic legal framework. In 2024, Brazil enacted its General Law on Space Activities, and the corresponding regulatory decree is currently under preparation. We are also developing the Brazilian Space Registry, HESBRA, as a means of further strengthening implementation of obligations arising under the Registration Convention. Brazil stands ready to share its recent legislative experience with interested partners. Chair, in our view, the most effective response to present and future challenges lies in the full implementation of the existing treaties, complemented by further legal developments including non-binding instruments and by capacity building through education, formation of networks of knowledge, and national legal frameworks consistent with international law. Reducing asymmetries in capacity among states is essential to ensuring that the international legal framework for outer space remains meaningful, effectively— effective, and genuinely universal. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the delegation of Brazil for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Colombia.

Thank you very much, Chair. Colombia recognizes the fundamental value of the United Nations Outer Space Treaties as the legal pillar gearing the conduct of states in this area. At the same time, we highlight that these instruments promote the development of space activities based on clear, fair, and balanced principles. Accordingly, we restate our commitment to the promotion of respect for and strengthening of the current legal regime. To attest to the importance that we attach to international space law, Colombia is proud to inform this subcommittee that Colombia has ratified and is party to 3 of the existing 5 treaties. In 2024, the Treaty on the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Utilization of Outer Space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, entered into force. In 2014, the Treaty on the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space entered into force, as well as the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. Chair, Colombia restates its readiness to continue cooperating within COPUOS and its subcommittees in order to further strengthen the international legal regime on outer space, always seeking to guarantee that the exploration and utilization of outer space is carried out in a peaceful, sustainable, and equitable fashion, recalling the needs of the developing world for the benefit of all of humankind and without leaving anyone behind. Therefore, and aware that the matters of international peace and security are addressed by the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, India wishes to draw attention to the threats posed by military activities in outer space for the international community. We call on those countries with advanced space programs and weapons of mass destruction to refrain from launching an arms race in outer space. This poses not only a direct threat to global security, but equally jeopardizes the scientific and technological advances that are beneficial for all. The risks of such a situation lead to a de facto appropriation or concentration by those actors with greater capacities. Chair, to conclude, Colombia recognizes and positively welcomes the initiatives and progress of the Working Group on the Status and Application of the 5 Treaties of the United Nations on Outer Space. Thank you very much.

I thank the delegation of Colombia for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Ecuador.

Chair, pursuant to the recommendations of the 68th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, calling on member states to contribute to the updating of the Directory of Education Opportunities in space law, Ecuador is pleased to provide information regarding national measures that we have taken in order to further strengthen this discipline and its institutional architecture. In the academic sphere, we have, as part of our higher public education system, established the first diploma course in space law and science. This is taught by national experts and will duly be made available to the international academic community. Moreover, we wish to identify as a relevant milestone of our foreign policy our adherence to the Convention on the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space in March 2025. We are also currently in the phase of designing national space norms in this area. This legal framework will guarantee strict compliance with our international obligations in terms of registration of space objects and will also enable us to close normative or legislative loopholes regarding liability, thus contributing to legal certainty, sustainability of space activities, and the preservation of the space environment. Chair, Ecuador acknowledges that capacity building is a fundamental pillar to enable developing states to participate in a full and effective fashion in the space economy ecosystem. And as such, we are pleased to inform you of the steps taken and actions underway in the following areas. First of all, education and outreach. We have included space law study as part of the military and diplomatic training provided in our academies in order to generate a critical mass of national experts. Secondly, transparency. My delegation restates its commitment to provide UNOSA Secretariat, once they have been adopted, with the texts of our national law and regulations, making our contribution to the global database of space legislation. Thirdly, technical cooperation. We appeal to UNOSA and to regional education centers in space technology and science to further develop their legal assistance programs. For Ecuador, the possibility of drawing on a robust legal framework is a key step in order to implement strategic projects. Finally, my delegation welcomes the updated information regarding the status of international agreements as of the 1st of January, 2026. For Ecuador, International legal certainty is a key prerequisite in order to ensure that outer space is preserved as an exclusively peaceful environment governed by international law and made available on equitable conditions to all states. Thank you very much.

I thank the delegation of Ecuador for the statement, and I give the floor to the delegation of the Netherlands.

Mr.

Chair, thank you for giving me the You have the floor. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a party to all 5 UN space treaties and would, as always, invite all states to also ratify all 5, including the Moon Agreement. The ratification, implementation, and application of these treaties, including through non-legally binding instruments, will promote responsible behavior in outer space. Which is so dearly needed today. The availability of information on space activities enhances transparency, strengthens the safety of space operations, and supports effective coordination and cooperation. Transparency is firmly grounded in international space law. The increasing number of planned activities in outer space, including on the Moon, and other celestial bodies makes the sharing of information on the nature, conduct, location, and results of such activities increasingly important. Such information can help mitigate the risk of accidents, foster coordination, and enable cooperation, thereby contributing to the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use of outer space for the benefit of all. Also, new developments such as in-orbit servicing and in-orbit transfer of ownership, jurisdiction, and control require a fresh look at the implementation of our obligations under international space law to ensure the required legal certainty. My delegation would therefore like to thank the Secretariat for the background paper on a potential repository of information submitted under Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty, as well as the draft template for submission of information on space activities as referenced in Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty. The Kingdom of the Netherlands considers the draft— the shared draft template a suitable starting point for further discussion. The template strikes a good balance between collecting standard standardized information on a range of space activities and leaving room for any additional information a state sees fit to add. During the informal sessions of the working group under this agenda item, useful suggestions were made, and we hope to continue those discussions in a cooperative manner to refine the template. As such, with respect to the background paper, my delegation supports the of the suitability of Option B, a repository for information related to Article 11 with advanced functions as identified in the background paper. My delegation acknowledges the budgetary restraints but wishes to express its support to this option nonetheless. My delegation welcomes the progress achieved under this agenda item and looks forward to a continuation of the constructive constructive discussions in the context of the working group under this item, under the excellent guidance of Ms. Francisca Knoer. Thank you.

I thank the delegation of the Netherlands for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of France.

Thank you very much. Chairperson, distinguished delegates, it's France's wish that the UN treaties on space activities, which have brought code-based support should become universal and should be implemented rigorously. We would like to reiterate our commitment to implementing them. Our commitment takes the form of the Law on Space Operations of 2008, updated in 2022 and 2023, which creates a system for licensing and ongoing surveillance of space operations conducted by French entities and/or deployed from French territory. The granting of licenses depends on compliance with the technical regulations issued for protection of people and property and human health and the environment. The technical regulations were improved in 2024. In 2025, we enhanced our regulations on the operation of the facilities at the Guiana Space Center so as to ensure a safe and adapted framework for the space operations conducted there. We'd also like to reiterate the importance of registration of space objects. We recall that we have our own national register of space objects and that we transmit to the Office of Outer Space Affairs a list of satellites registered in France or launched from France. Within the working group on the status and application of the 5 treaties, we welcome the project on information sharing models. We also contribute to capacity building in space law training and research nationally and internationally. At the national level, we have 2 major hubs for space law research and study. In Paris, we have the Institute for Space Law and Telecommunications Law, which trains professionals and practitioners. In Toulouse, we have the Sirius Chair, which was established by a public-private partnership, which looks at regulatory, institutional, economic, and management issues related to space industry. At the international level, we support the USA Global Space Law Project with financial contributions and contributions of experts.

We supported Ghana and Singapore in 2025, and in 2026 we've already supported Cambodia

I thank the delegation of France for this statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of South Africa.

Chair, South Africa continues to regard the UN treaties on outer space as the foundation of the international legal framework governing outer space activities. South Africa considers that the existing treaty framework remains indispensable, and its core principles are capable of application if they are interpreted in good faith and in accordance with their object and purpose. Therefore, the discussion must increasingly confront questions of compliance, implementation, and interpretation as they arise in the present context. Supplementary non-legally binding instruments are important to clarify obligations and in the implementation implementation of existing obligations, but they cannot displace the treaty framework itself or alter its fundamental principles. Chair, in keeping with its international obligations, South Africa has this year re-established its national regulatory and licensing authority, the South African Council for Space Affairs, to oversee compliance with its treaty obligations. This is consistent with Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty, which requires states to authorize and continuously supervise their national activities, including those undertaken by non-governmental authority entities. The Council also maintains the National Registry of Space Objects in accordance with the Registration Convention. Chair, the voluntary template being developed by this working group under Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty is a useful tool to promote transparency, confidence building, and wider access to information on space activities, and South Africa is giving due consideration thereto. Chair, South Africa also considers that practical legal capacity building must be strengthened at the regional level. In that spirit, South Africa will host on 28 and 29 May May of this year, the Africa Space Law and Policy Conference under the theme Laying Firm Legal Foundations for the Sustainable Development of Africa's Space Economy, which will contribute to ongoing efforts to deepen African legal and policy capacity in relation to the implementation of the outer space treaties. It will bring together several African space agency agencies, the African Space Agency, legal practitioners, private actors, and academics and policymakers so that the continent is better placed to contribute meaningfully to the shaping of their national and international space law and policy. And in this regard, we will host a side event on Monday next week which will serve as a high-level briefing. South Africa also welcomes the collaboration between the University of Pretoria and McGill University's Institute of Air and Space Law, which will strengthen postgraduate teaching and research in international space law. We support practical work under this item aimed at strengthening domestic legal and regulatory capacity and affirm the main UN treaties and preserving the role of this committee in the progressive development of international law. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the delegation of South Africa for their statement. Thank you very much, Chair. As it is the first time that I have taken the floor at this session, allow me to commend you in my personal capacity upon your designation to chair this session of the Legal Subcommittee. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the G77 and G8 leaders in the context of the China, and in our national capacity, would like to make the following comments. My country reaffirms its commitment to the further strengthening of the international legal framework applicable to activities in outer space, in particular the 5 United Nations treaties. Their value as a normative bedrock remains undeniable. We believe that the effective implementation of these instruments requires not only formal adherence, but equally the progressive development of national capacity in order to fulfill the obligations derived from these instruments and to the transparency of space activities pursuant to international law. And in particular international space law. In this regard, we are closely following the initiatives aimed at further strengthening the practical implementation of Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty, including through the development of possible structured mechanisms for information exchange, such as accessible repositories and standardized reporting formats. These are tools that could make an effective contribution to enhancing transparency, predictability, and the informed participation of states and other state— space actors regarding the peaceful uses of outer space and its resources. My delegation highlights the need to ensure ensure that capacity-building efforts in space law are in keeping with the specific needs of developing countries and those countries with less developed financial or space technological capacity.

And finally, Panama is satisfied to take note of the increasing number of states that have adhered to the United Nations Outer Space Treaty and encourages those states that are not yet party to the treaty to consider their adherence as a key step in order to strengthen a cohesive international legal framework that is predictable and norms-based.

Thank you, Chair. I thank the delegation of Panama for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Malaysia.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Malaysia welcomes the discussion the United Nations. The Commission welcomes the resolution on this item and reaffirms our steadfast belief that the 5 United Nations space treaties, particularly the treaties on principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, constitute the foundational legal framework essential for maintaining the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space. Mr. Chair, to ensure the effective implementation of these treaties, Malaysia has significantly strengthened its institutional framework under Malaysian Space Board Act 2022. This includes the establishment of the Licensing Regime Committee to refine authorization processes and ensure continuing supervision as mandated by Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty, 1967. Complementing this, the Space Accident Investigation Committee has been formed to provide legal and technical clarity and systematic interagency coordination in line with the Convention on International Liability for damage caused by space objects, and the Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts, and the Return of Space Objects Launched into Our Space. This structure ensures that Malaysia's domestic activities are governed by a robust regulatory system that prioritizes safety and international accountability. Mr. Chair, Malaysia recognized the legal structure must be supported by continuous capacity building and high-level expertise, as seen through an executive training course conducted by Malaysia on strategic framework and its implementation into Malaysian law. This initiative was instrumental in bridging the gap between international international principle and the practical domestic enforcement. Furthermore, Malaysia advanced its regulatory framework by hosting the inaugural Malaysian Space Law Moot Court Competition and the National Space Law Conference. This initiative has provided a strategic platform for stakeholders to align legal standards, legal standards with the National Space Development Agenda. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, Malaysia maintains that the universalization of United Nations space treaties necessitates both formal ratification and sustained institutional evolution. We remain committed to sharing our legislative framework and capacity-building expertise to advance a secure rule-based order in outer space. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the delegation of Malaysia for their statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Chile to be the last speaker on this item this morning. Thank you very much, Chair.

As is known, Chile is a state party to the 5 United Nations treaties on outer space. This full adherence reflects our belief that it is through a multilateral, robust, and universal legal framework that we can guarantee that the outer space environment remains safe and peaceful. At a time of unprecedented technological change, we recall that the effectiveness of the regime lies not only in ratification but also in effective implementation. Under Article 6 of the 1967 Treaty, states hold the international liability for their national activities, including of non-governmental entities. Continuous supervision is the guarantee to ensure that private innovation is aligned with the principles of peace and safety. To strengthen the this architecture, Chile attaches the utmost relevance to upholding Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty. We prize the progress that has been achieved within the working group on establishing a standardized template for the communication of information. We believe that this instrument, even though voluntary, will provide practical content to uphold the obligations of transparency and will promote mutual trust among actors. We agree that the scope of Article 11 must evolve in order to address the growing complexity of space activities, including of lunar missions and megaconstellations. Given the rise in data volume, Chile supports the possibility of establishing a dynamic digital catalogue where member states would be able to directly include information, thus optimizing the work of the office and enabling access to more transparent, up-to-date, and streamlined information. Chair, we underscore that fulfilling these treaties requires technical and effective institutional capacity. We call on the subcommittee to redouble its technical assistance efforts. It is only by closing the knowledge gap that we can ensure that space will remain both now and and for future generations the province of humankind. Chair, Chile restates that the geostationary orbit remains a natural limited resource, the use of which must be rational, efficient, and equitable. In this context, it is fundamental that we prevent the saturation of the geostationary orbit and avoid situations that could lead to a de facto appropriation. Our delegation recognizes the fundamental role played by the International Telecommunications Communications Union in terms of technical coordination. However, we underscore that this subcommittee plays an irreplaceable role in analyzing legal and political aspects that guarantee that access to the geostationary orbit is governed by the principles of justice and equity. Chair, we restate our readiness to working actively within this group on this item and call on the subcommittee to prioritize multilateral solutions. That will provide the international community with certainty, ensuring that the legal framework will facilitate technological development and is for the benefit of all states.

Thank you. I thank the delegation of Chile for their statement and would now like to suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 6 in order to adjourn our meeting so that the Working Group on the legal aspects of space resource activities can hold its first meeting. Before doing so, I would like to inform delegates of our schedule of work for this afternoon when we will meet promptly at 3:00 p.m. and we'll first continue with our consideration of agenda item 4, general exchange of views. We will then continue We will continue with our consideration of agenda item 6 in order to conclude the list of speakers and suspend our consideration of agenda 6. We will then begin and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 7A, and subsequently we'll then begin and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 7B.

Thank you.

And then finally, we will begin and hopefully suspend our consideration of agenda item 8, pending the discussions by the action team on lunar activities consultations. At the end of the plenary meeting this afternoon, the working group on the status and application of the 5 United Nations treaties on outer space will hold its 2nd meeting. Allow me to also inform delegates that the following informal consultations will be held during lunchtime today. The Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities will hold its informal consultations from 1 PM to 1:55 PM in Conference Room 7, CR7, on the 7th floor. These informal consultations are open for participation through MS Teams with a virtual connection made available to working group members. The MS Teams link The link is contained in Information Circular OOSA/2026/21, dispatched on 7 April 2026. Furthermore, the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC, will hold informal consultations from 2 PM to 2:55 PM in Conference Room 7 of well. These informal consultations are also open for participation by ATLAC members virtually through a connection link sent to ATLAC members. The schedule of the informal consultations is also available on the webpage for this session, and I would now like to give the floor to the Secretariat to provide information on side events. Thank you very much, Chair.

Distinguished delegates, during lunchtime today, the following side events will also be held. A side event organized by Space Renaissance International on operationalizing space as a cross-cutting enabler of sustainable development, perspectives on an emerging 18th SDG articulation. This event will take place from 1:00 to 1:55 in Conference Room 3 on the 7th floor, and also via virtual connection. Another side event will be also organized by Italy on joining COPUS and Outer Space Treaty, new challenges and perspectives. This event will take place from 2 to 2:55 in Conference Room 2 on the second floor.

Thank you very much, and I would now like to invite the chair Mr. Stephen Freeland and the Vice Chair, Mr. Ahmed Ayman, of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities to the podium so that the Working Group can hold its first meeting. And with that, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.