Fourth Committee, 15th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session General Assembly Date: 30 October 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c4/81/15 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- 4th Committee · Chair [25:26]: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Wishing everyone a beautiful beginning to the Friday. The fifteenth meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee is called to order. The committee will now continue and conclude its general debate on agenda item 46 (A). entitled “International cooperation and the peaceful uses of outer space”. Once the general debate is concluded, we will suspend the plenary meeting briefly to allow the working group of the whole to meet in this conference room. We will then resume the plenary meeting to take action on the draft proposals presented under agenda item 46 (A). Now I would like to remind delegations of the time limit of 10 minutes for national statements and 15 minutes when speaking on behalf of a group. To assist speakers in managing their time, the red light on the speaker's microphone will begin to blink one minute to the end of the allotted time. After that minute, the microphone will be automatically cut off. And now, I’d like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba. You have the floor. Cuba [27:01]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’re grateful for the presentation of the report contained in document A/81/20, which sets out detailed information on various topics examined by the Committee during its 69th session, as well as in the subcommittees. In the current international context characterized by continuing development and perfectioning of space weaponry, we are happy that the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly continues attaching particular interest to the consideration as a priority of the means to preserve outer space for peaceful purposes. Outer space must be preserved as a common heritage of humanity. Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space is a platform to promote dialogue and global governance of activities in outer space, and in particular, bearing in mind the growing diversification of space operators and the unprecedented pace with which new technologies are being developed in the space sector. COPUOS has offered a timely forum to strengthen international cooperation focused on the use of outer space exclusively for peaceful In this context, I'd like to highlight the role of cooperation as a necessary pillar to foster improvements in developing countries. Cuba would like to underscore its firm conviction that the use and exploration of outer space must be conducted exclusively for peaceful ends, for the benefit and interest of all countries, no matter their level of economic or scientific development, and in conformity with the principles and norms of the applicable international law. Mr. Chairman, the use of geostationary orbit must be within the established legal framework and the relevant treaties of the United Nations, bearing in mind the contributions of space activities to sustainable development and the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes is a right of all States. Regrettably, the exercise of this right today is an unachievable aspiration for most developing countries. It is essential to step up efforts to promote a more broad and effective participation of these nations in space activities. Cuba champions the legitimate right of all states to accede to outer space on equal footing and without any discrimination, and to benefit from cooperation in the area of training and transfer of applications and space technologies. We reiterate our opposition to the militarization of outer space. It is extremely concerning that space technologies are being used to the detriment of the security of nations, including the significant network of spy satellites, which not only is incompatible with peace and development, it continues to saturate geostationary orbit with significant amount of space debris. Mr. Chairman, we should facilitate greater participation, effective participation in developing states in space activities through cooperation, putting technology, space technology at the reach of everyone without any discrimination or unilateral coercive measures. In spite of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the government of the United States against Cuba, our country continues to attach significant importance to space science and its applications. With this in mind, Cuba has been continuing to develop research and space applications aimed at meteorology, for example, particularly in predicting natural disasters such as cyclones, flooding, forest fires, as well as studies of vulnerability and risk. We reaffirm that the United Nations and COPUOS play a fundamental role in the promotion of cooperation and activities pertaining to outer space. Based on that premise, cooperation in this area must be able to respond to the multiple challenges derived from climate change, food insecurity, management of natural resources, and mitigation of the impact of natural disasters. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that space is used exclusively for peaceful purposes, for the good of the planet, for current and future generations. Thank you very much. 4th Committee · Chair [31:34]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. You have the floor. Bangladesh [31:48]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Let me begin by thanking the delegation of Italy for a very comprehensive report on the work of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and for steering the work of the Working Group as a whole. Bangladesh acknowledges the critical role of COPUOS in promoting the peaceful uses of outer space. For a shared and sustainable future, we must work together to ensure the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes only. benefiting all countries and leaving no one behind. Mr. Chair, Bangladesh started its outer space program by initiating Bangladesh Earth Resources Technology Satellite program for surveying natural resources, environment, and disaster monitoring and management purposes. Later, We established the National Space Agency, Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization, which is known as BSRSSO. It plays an important role on critical issues such as disaster management, mega infrastructure development, supporting other government organizations for capacity building in the geographic information systems and space technology application domain. Bangladesh has also launched its first communication satellite. All activities in outer space must be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, regardless of their level of economic or scientific development. We advocate for a robust international legal regime to govern outer space activities, including exploration and use of space for peaceful purposes, with a view to ensuring shared and equitable benefits for all humankind. We believe in the safe, secure, and sustainable use of outer space to facilitate the overall socio-economic development and recognize the importance of space science and technology and their application in achieving the 2030 Agenda. We highlight the importance of having more strong international collaboration to realize the space In this regard, it is urgent to increase the participation of developing countries and ensure capacity building, technology transfer, and effective international cooperation to enable all countries to avail the benefits of space science and technology. Full utilization of the potentials of space science and technology and their applications for disaster management, environmental protection, natural resources management, and climate change impact monitoring are necessary. In this regard, we appreciate the initiatives and work of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response, UN-SPIDER, and emphasize on providing necessary support to UN-SPIDER. Mr. Chair, we echo the concern about the possibility of an arms race in outer space. We reiterate the call for prevention of an arms race in the outer space. We also expressed our concerns about the potentially alarming impact of debris in space. Before concluding, we reiterated our commitment to contribute in the work of the Committee. I thank you. 4th Committee · Chair [35:08]: I thank the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait. Kuwait [35:22]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. We would like to express our appreciation for the efforts made by the Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee, along with the UN Office on Outer Space. These efforts are important to ensure that outer space is only used for sustainable and peaceful purposes. We are proud to be members in the Committee on the use of outer space for peaceful purposes since 2021. We are keen to participate effectively in its efforts, and we support its efforts to enhance international cooperation and ensure the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space in a manner that serves the joint interests of all states. Mr. Chair, the State of Kuwait believes that outer space should remain a domain of peace and scientific development and international cooperation, which is availed to all member states without discrimination, irrespective of state's scientific or economic level of development. In this regard, Kuwait emphasizes its commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and the Outer Space Conventions of 1967, especially the principle that emphasizes that the exploration and use of outer space must be to the benefit of all member states. With the expansion we see in space activities, we emphasize the importance of international cooperation and transparency and guaranteeing that we use space science and technology to achieve sustainable development in a manner that serves all of humanity. The state of Kuwait has a long history in the field of space-related activities. Since the 60s of the previous century, we have participated in international initiatives for communications. We had a milestone in January 2023, as we launched the Kuwait satellite, KuwaitSat-1, which was developed as part of a national capacity-building project under the leadership of the University of Kuwait and with support from the Kuwait Foundation for Scientific Development. As part of these efforts, we announced that the National Center for Space Research was launched in September 2024 with an initiative of Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him and preserve him, as a key step towards enhancing national capacities in space capacities and technological development. March 2026 also witnessed Kuwait joining the Space Research Committee through its National Committee for Space Research. This embodies our continued participation in the development of space research for peaceful purposes. Mr. Chair, the State of Kuwait is keenly aware of the increasing importance of space technology in facing environment and development challenges, especially through remote sensing capacities and monitoring climate change and natural resource management and studying drought and sandstorms and marine environment. The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research is developing remote sensing technologies and is analyzing data taken from satellites to further research in the environmental field so that we can study natural phenomena and sandstorms, and so that we can study the environment inland and at sea and monitor environmental changes. We are keen to use space applications to serve our national priorities and achieve sustainable development goals. Academic and research institutes at the national level continue to contribute to these fields through research development and through expanding our specialized caders. We are particularly keen on our long-term space activities continuing in the face of the increasing challenges that we see related to space debris and orbital crowding and expansion in space activities, which requires enhanced international coordination and following responsible practices. In this regard, the State of Kuwait supports continued dialogue within the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space so that space debris can be reduced and so that space objects can move in a more coordinated manner and so that the guidelines in this field issued by the United Nations can be implemented so that we can maintain a safe and sustainable outer space for current and future generations. Mr. Chair, the State of Kuwait emphasizes that international cooperation must remain the key pillar for the coordination of international action in this regard. Therefore, we emphasize that Developing states should be supported through capacity building projects and through technical support and scientific partnerships and the exchange of knowledge and expertise, especially in the field of modern space technology and space education. We emphasize the importance of maintaining the central role of the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space. as it is the chief platform within the UN for enhancing international cooperation in this field. We call for continued constructive dialogue and consensus among Member States. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, the State of Kuwait renews its firm commitment to continued collaboration with the international community so that outer space can remain a space of peace and cooperation and sustainable development. We believe that developments in space exploration should not be measured by technological advancements alone, but rather should also be measured by the benefits that humanity then enjoys and the opportunities that this can afford future generations. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 4th Committee · Chair [41:50]: I thank the distinguished. Representative of the State of Kuwait. The distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, you have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [42:02]: In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, at the outset, my delegation wishes to thank the Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for its comprehensive briefing on the outcomes of the 69th session. We reaffirm our support for the Committee and its scientific, technical, and legal work. The Islamic Republic of Iran maintains that outer space and its resources are the common heritage of humankind and should be explored and utilized for the benefit of present and future generations. Their exploration and use must remain exclusively peaceful and respect the principle of non-appropriation. All countries must enjoy equal access, regardless of their economic or technological capacity. Mr. Chair, my delegation rejects attempts by a limited number of actors to dominate or monopolize outer space and its resources. The rapid deployment of mega-constellations in low Earth orbit warrants greater attention within COPUS because of its implications for orbital congestion, operational safety, and equitable access for emerging space actors. Capacity building, technology transfer, and equitable access to orbital resources and opportunities are indispensable to sustainable development. Peaceful space Cooperation must never be politicized. In this context, we firmly condemn unlawful sanctions that undermine developing countries' space capabilities, including those targeting our country's space agencies. We also reject restrictions that obstruct peaceful scientific cooperation. Despite these unfair restrictions, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to advance its peaceful space program through national knowledge and expertise, complemented by international cooperation. We have made significant progress in Earth observation, remote sensing, and space-based communications. These capabilities support agriculture, food security, water management, drought and dust storm monitoring, and disaster preparedness and response. Building on these achievements, we reaffirm our readiness to make domestic launch capacity available for academic satellites from other countries as part of peaceful international cooperation. Mr. Chair. While underscoring the importance of safeguarding peaceful space activities and civilian space infrastructure, we firmly condemn all attacks against such infrastructure, including university facilities and scientific and research centers. Ground-based facilities essential to the control, tracking, and safe operation of space objects must be protected. Their protection is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and to meaningful progress in space traffic coordination and management, and space situational awareness. We are equally concerned about the use of commercial satellite systems to support military operations and acts of aggression. Such practices undermine peaceful cooperation and expose civilian services to the risks of armed conflict. We expressed particular concern over the unauthorized provision of commercial satellite services in the territory of independent countries and the misuse of such services to support military operations against civilians. All commercial space activities must comply with international law, including the United Nations Charter and applicable international humanitarian law, and must fully respect a state's sovereignty and territorial integrity. States bear international responsibility for national space activities and must remain accountable for them. They must also ensure the authorization and continuing supervision of space activities conducted by their non-governmental operators. Mr. Chair, my delegation remains also deeply concerned about the growing accumulation of space debris and its adverse impact on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated and inclusive action that recognizes states' differing historical contributions to the problem and their varying economic and technical capacities. States with advanced space technologies bear greater responsibility, particularly for removing debris they have generated. Ongoing work on space situational awareness and the legal aspects of space traffic management should strengthen practical cooperation and improve access to information needed for safe operations. Measures must be developed by consensus and respond to developing countries' needs without creating discriminatory barriers. Similarly, work on recommended principles for space resource activities and consultation on lunar activities must uphold non-appropriation, equitable access, and inclusive multilateral governance. These processes must prevent technological monopolization. Transparency and confidence-building measures must uphold the principles of non-intervention and non-interference in a state's legitimate activities. COPES must retain its central role and intergovernmental character. Initiatives outside the Committee must neither fragment space governance nor weaken States' decision-making role. Improvements in scheduling, agenda organization, and reporting must ensure that development priorities continue to receive substantive consideration. Mr. Chair, to conclude, my delegation once again rejects threats, attacks, and unlawful coercive measures directed against our country. Our people remain determined to restore our country’s affected capabilities and advance their peaceful space activities. through domestic scientific expertise and international cooperation. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to work with all responsible Member States acting in good faith to ensure the peaceful, sustainable, and equitable use of outer space. I thank you, Mr. 4th Committee · Chair [48:37]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I have received a request from the delegation of Nigeria to be included in the list of speakers for this item, which closed last Tuesday at 6:00 PM. With your consent, I would like to grant this request. Accordingly, I will instruct the Secretariat to include the delegation of Nigeria in the list of speakers. If I hear no objections, it is so decided. And now, I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria. Sir, you have the floor. Nigeria [49:24]: Thank you very much. First, Nigeria congratulates the Director, Office of Outer Space Affairs, for her coordination and excellence, and continue to assure her of my delegation's support. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Nigeria acceded to the Outer Space Treaty on the 14th of November, 1967. It is also a party to the Rescue Agreement, the Liability Convention, and the Registration Convention. Nigeria registers its space objects with the United Nations under the Registration Convention. For Nigeria, space technology is a practical instrument for development, environmental sustainability, and human welfare. In 2022, Nigeria became one of the first two African signatories to the Artemis Accord. Reviewing our space capabilities, NigerianSat-2 and NigerianSat-X satellites were designed for seven years in orbit and have been deorbited after passing their expected lifespan. Similarly, NISCOMSAT-1R communication satellite reaches the end of its 15-year design life this year. Consequently, the federal government has approved a replacement program. It includes new optical and synthetic aperture radar earth observation satellites, which will image through cloud cover during the rainy season. On the 22nd of August, 2026, the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria also approved two communication satellites, NISCOMSAT-2A and NISCOMSAT-2B. In addition to the satellite development, An assembly, integration, and testing center will be developed and built in Nigeria. This will allow Nigeria to assemble and test future satellites at home. Our space application program is robust. With regards to sustainable development, satellite imageries support crop monitoring, land use mapping, water and mineral resource assessment, and the tracking of deforestation. With regards to disaster risk reduction, since 2008, Nigeria has hosted the UN SPIRIT-AP Regional Support Office for West and Central Africa. And this was formalized by an agreement signed with UNOSAR during the 52nd session of COPUS in 2009. Nigeria remains a member of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. With regards to broadband connectivity, satellite communication continues to extend broadband, broadcasting, education, and health services to remote communities. On capacity building, since November 1998, Nigeria has hosted the United Nations-affiliated African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English language at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. On multilateral cooperation, Nigeria continued to support the work of COPUS and UN OSA, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda adopted by the General Assembly in resolution 76/3. As orbital activity grows, we stress space sustainability, debris mitigation, prevention of harmful interference, transparency, and confidence-building measures. Nigeria also wish to support the proposed UNISPACE-4, scheduled for 2025. And Nigeria, of course, was listed as a co-sponsor of the 2026 conference room paper on UNISPACE IV with document A/AC.105/2026/CRP.32, alongside numerous other states of the United Nations. For Nigeria, therefore, UNISPACE-4 represent an opportunity to connect national space capabilities with international cooperation, economic development, and the equitable distribution of the benefit of space technology. For Nigeria, we continue, and we will continue to support the efforts of UNISPACE-4. Mr. Chairman, Nigeria will continue to prioritize peaceful applications, indigenous capacity, and measurable benefits for our citizens. We call on all member states to sustain a secure, sustainable, and cooperative space environment for present and future generations. I thank you. 4th Committee · Chair [55:17]: I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria. We have heard the last speaker in the general debate under agenda item 46 A. And as previously. Announced, I will now suspend the meeting to allow the working group of the whole to meet briefly in a closed setting. The plenary meeting will resume immediately afterwards. The meeting is suspended. Ladies and gentlemen, the meeting is resumed. The Committee shall now consider the draft proposals submitted under agenda item 46 A in the following order: First, the draft resolution A/C4/81/L7/Rev.1, entitled “International cooperation and the peaceful uses of outer space”, and the related draft amendment A/C4/81/L9. And thereafter, draft resolution A/C4/81/L8 entitled “Space, science and technology for promoting peace”. And now, the Committee will now proceed to consider draft resolution A/C4/81/L7/Rev.1, entitled "International cooperation and the peaceful uses of outer space", and the amendment A/C4/81/L9. I'd like to give the floor to the Chair of the Working Group of the whole on international cooperation and the peaceful uses of outer space. Mr. Mario Cuspito of Italy, to introduce draft resolution A/C4/81/L.7/rev.1. Mr. Ambassador, you have five minutes, please. Italy · Chair of the Working Group of the Whole [1:15:09]: Dear Chair, distinguished delegates, in my capacity as chair of the working group of the whole, I wish to report on the work conducted by the working group as follows. The Working Group of the Whole established under agenda item 46 A on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space held three formal meetings on 27, 28 and 30 October and conducted related informal consultation on 27, 28 and 29 October. The Working Group as a whole considered the draft resolution on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, documents A/C.4/81/L.7 and L.7/Rev.1 and L.9, were before the Working Group in that regard. The working group has also considered the draft resolution entitled "Space science and technology for promoting peace" as contained in document A/C.4/81/L.8. Since we reached the consensus, I would like once again to express my sincere thanks to all delegations who showed maximum flexibility allowing the Working Group as a whole to reach agreement on the text of document A/C.4/81/L.7/Rev.1 with additional oral revisions. The oral revisions are as follows: Preambular paragraph 5 now reads: Convinced that space science and technology and their applications, including satellite communications, health observation systems, and satellite navigation technology, should be used for peaceful purposes in accordance with applicable international law, particularly the Outer Space Treaty and the UN Charter to provide indispensable tools for viable long-term solutions for sustainable development, and can contribute more effectively to efforts to promote the development of all countries and regions of the world, and stressing in that regard the need to harness the benefits of space technology towards implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Following operative paragraph 16, a new paragraph 16 bis is inserted. It reads as follows: "Calls on all Member States, in particular those with established space capabilities, to use space systems and appropriate ground infrastructure, as well as the achievements of space science, technology, for peaceful purposes in accordance with international law, particularly the Outer Space Treaty. Oh, sorry, I missed a very important part, sorry. In accordance with applicable international law, particularly the Outer Space Treaty and the Charter of the United Nations. With this report, I hereby present the draft resolution on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space as found in document A/C.4/81/L.7/Rev.1 with oral revision to the Fourth Committee for action. I thank you all once again for your patience and for your cooperation. Thank you very much. 4th Committee · Chair [1:19:28]: Thank you, Ambassador Cospito. And now I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation. You have the floor. Russian Federation [1:19:45]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for giving the floor to my delegation. I also thank the Distinguished Chair of COPUOS, we're extraordinarily grateful to all the delegations for the fact that flexibility was shown throughout this day through intensive work, and that we arrived at language that allowed us to establish consensus on the omnibus resolution. This is an extremely important achievement. Given that fact, We're prepared to withdraw Russia's previously submitted amendments to the resolution in the L9 draft. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 4th Committee · Chair [1:20:38]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Draft amendment AC4/AT1/L9 and draft resolution L8 have been withdrawn. The Committee will therefore not take action on draft amendment L9 and draft resolution L8. And now, I open the floor to delegations wishing to make general statements or explain their vote before the vote. As agreed at our organizational meeting, delegations will have five minutes to make a general statement or explain their vote. I see that the delegation of the United States of America has asked for the floor. You have the floor. You have five minutes. United States of America [1:21:39]: The United States thanks Italy as chair of the United UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, COPUS, for their excellent work in that body and in advancing this resolution. We are pleased to join consensus on a streamlined and focused text that dispenses with many of the irrelevant concepts that permeated last year's version. This year's text more closely aligns with the actual work done in COPUS. The United States supports COPUS as the leading body on the peaceful exploration and use of outer space within the UN system. It should maintain its technical focus on pressing issues facing the global space community, including space situational awareness, information sharing, promoting safety of lunar activities, and growing the space economy. The United States is a world leader in promoting international cooperation that supports innovation and scientific advancement in the peaceful uses of outer space. We continue to champion the Artemis Accords, which are grounded in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and complement the work of COPUS. The Accords united a diverse group of nations around a shared vision of safe, transparent, and peaceful space exploration, and we invite all nations to share this vision to join us. We do have some concerns with the resolution. First, the US disassociates from the paragraph on the space and global health platform. Global health falls well outside the committee's core mandate. The United States has withdrawn from the WHO and pursues global health cooperation through bilateral partnerships. We also dissociate from references to developing countries and the sustainable development goals. The former phrase has a lot meaning, has lost meaning, and countries whose economic scale no longer justifies it or is misusing it to unfairly advantage themselves, and so draining limited UN resources. Capacity building and technical assistance should rest on objective criteria, not vague, politically motivated, and inconsistent labels. We fail to understand how a country operating its own space station can also cling to the title of developing country, in this form or any other, yet we continue to see it happening throughout the UN system. We urge the Committee to build on the significant progress this year towards a resolution next year that is further streamlined, to focus on the core mandate of COPUS in advancing the peaceful use of outer space. A shorter resolution focused solely on that mandate and leaving out the divisive political issues and outdated labels will allow us to achieve better outcomes in a fraction of the time we are spending debating extraneous issues. Finally, the US no longer affirms the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the sustainable development goals as a matter of course. They impinge on state sovereignty as a soft form of global governance. Joining consensus does not change our position on these issues. I thank you. 4th Committee · Chair [1:24:42]: I thank the distinguished representative of the United States of America. I see no further requests for the floor. We will now take a decision. on draft resolution A/C4/81/L7. Anyone would like the floor? Can you just raise your hand so we can see you, please? Okay, Mexico. Okay, so my apologies. There's another request for the floor, so. Explanation of vote or before the vote or general statement. Distinguished representative of Mexico, you have the floor. You have five minutes. Mexico [1:25:38]: Thank you. Mexico voted in favor of the omnibus resolution on international cooperation for the peaceful use of outer space, reaffirming our commitment to international cooperation in the area of outer space. However, my country expresses its concern with regard to the elimination of substantive elements that contribute to a comprehensive vision for space cooperation and reflect important priorities of the international community. In particular, we regret references which were removed regarding gender equality and the participation of women in space activities, as well as elements that highlighted the contribution of space technologies to the 2030 Agenda, dealing with disasters and combating climate change, which were removed. These issues are essential for Mexico to promote the use of outer space for sustainable development and the well-being of all peoples. Mexico considers that Simplification of text should not imply removing priorities that have been previously agreed to, and we reiterate the importance of maintaining comprehensive approach, which includes space security, gender equality, and capacity building. We hope that these elements can be examined in future negotiations in favor of space governance that is inclusive, equitable, and based on international cooperation. Lastly, Mexico reaffirms its commitment to the use of outer space for peaceful purposes and considers it fundamental that this principle should be interpreted in accordance with international law and the applicable legal framework. With this in mind, there should be no ambiguities that make it possible to have discretional interpretations for political interests aimed at putting arbitrary restrictions that are contrary to international cooperation. Thank you. 4th Committee · Chair [1:28:04]: I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. Ladies and gentlemen, are there any other speakers? Because now we will move on to take a decision. I see no request for speakers. We will now take a decision on draft resolution A/C4/81/L7/Rev.1 as orderly revised. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution L7/Rev.1 as orderly revised, without a vote? I hear no objection. It is so decided. And now, I’d like to open the floor to delegations wishing to explain their vote after the vote or make general statements. I see. Okay. Okay, we have some speakers, so. I’d like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador. You have the floor. El Salvador [1:29:27]: Mr. Chairman, El Salvador would like to thank the distinguished delegation of Italy in its capacity as Chair of COPUOS and for efforts to conduct these complex negotiations and bridge positions of delegations, and particularly complicated circumstances. We also recognize its readiness to listen and incorporate concerns expressed during consultations, especially those related to international cooperation, strengthening capacities of developing countries, and the participation of women in space activities. El Salvador. welcomes the adoption by consensus of this important resolution and expresses our gratitude to the delegation of Italy and to all the delegations for the efforts they made to achieve this result. At the same time, we think it's important to express officially our considerations with regard to the proceedings followed during these negotiations. Mr. Chairman, streamlining a text that compiles many years of commitments previously agreed, require a very delicate exercise or require sufficient time to examine the substantive implications and ensure effective participation of all delegations. In this context, the extremely reduced time frame to examine the documents and limited opportunities to consider in detail the proposed amendments raise significant challenges. My delegation acknowledges the exceptional circumstances that took place during this process. However, we believe that it is essential that this experience does not establish a precedent for future negotiations. Transparency, predictability, and the inclusive participation must continue to be guiding principles in all processes of negotiation. These are essential conditions to preserve trust among Member States, as well as maintain legitimacy of our agreements. With this in mind, we'd like to underscore that the consensus has been one of the fundamental pillars in the work of COPUOS. Preserving it requires not only the will towards compromise with regard to the content of our decisions, but also proceedings that make it possible for all delegations to contribute to building that consensus in appropriate conditions. El Salvador reiterates its commitment to strengthening COPUOS and space cooperation based on dialogue, respect for commitments previously agreed on, and for the benefit, common benefit of all States. Thank you. 4th Committee · Chair [1:32:22]: I thank the distinguished representative of El Salvador. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada. Ma'am, you have the floor. Canada · CANZ [1:32:33]: Thank you, Chair. I take the floor on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada. Cans attaches great importance to the omnibus resolution, which reaffirms the Committee's work and achievements and demonstrates the continued value of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. It is in that spirit that Cans supported consensus today. We would nevertheless like to put on record that CANS does not support language that intends to draw artificial distinctions between peaceful and other uses of space systems without recognizing their inherently dual-use nature. For many states, including emerging space nations, access to critical services such as telecommunications, emergency and disaster response, public safety, and others depends on commercial systems that support a range of users and purposes. Such use of systems is not easily categorized or labeled in the manner implied by the amendment. We thank the Chair for his efforts to facilitate its adoption. Merci. 4th Committee · Chair [1:33:38]: You're welcome. Thank you, distinguished representative of Canada. And now I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil. You have the floor. Brazil [1:33:54]: Thank you, Chair. My delegation welcomes the adoption by consensus of the resolution, International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. We thank the delegation of Italy in its capacity as Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for its leadership throughout this process. At a time when consensus on outer space matters has proven increasingly difficult to achieve, the restoration of common ground in this process is a valuable signal of our shared commitment to the Committee as the unique platform for international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space. We also value that the streamlined resolution preserves elements of particular importance to Brazil, such as references to developing countries, the Space 2030 Agenda, international cooperation, information sharing, capacity building, and the need to extend the benefits derived from the exploration and use of outer space to all countries. These are important concepts that Brazil has been actively advocating for together with other like-minded countries in the context in the Space for Development Initiative. Mr. Chair, looking ahead, Brazil hopes that future work will build on this basis. Capacity building by the Office of Outer Space Affairs should encompass space science and technology and their applications, in addition to space law and policy, and the office should continue to inform the Committee of its efforts to meet the growing demand for support. The implementation of the Space 2030 agenda should continue until its final review in 2030, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries. Finally, Brazil would have welcomed broader references to the participation of women and girls in space activities and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, which remains a priority for my country. I thank you. 4th Committee · Chair [1:35:57]: I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. Costa Rica [1:36:11]: Mr. Chairman, Costa Rica was happy to join consensus with regard to the resolution on international cooperation for the peaceful use of outer space, reaffirming our commitment to the work of COPUOS and the principle that Exploration and use of outer space must be conducted for exclusively peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humanity. We are grateful to all delegations for their constructive work and the flexibility demonstrated to achieve it. We are also grateful to Italy for its leadership, its openness, and constructive spirit throughout this process in particularly complex circumstances. We in particular value that the concerns expressed by various delegations were heeded. And that in the final text, part of the language pertaining to international cooperation and developing countries was incorporated into the text. This is particularly important for countries with incipient space capabilities. We believe this should not compromise the needs priorities of these countries. We would also like to reaffirm that for Costa Rica, the full Equal and meaningful participation of women and girls is essential to achieve a broader and inclusive participation in scientific, technological, and decision-making activities related to space. A space sector that excludes the talents of half of the population. will not reach the, achieve the benefits that are necessary for all of humankind. Mr. Chairman, the difficulties we experienced during this process offers an opportunity to reflect on the need to establish a clear procedure of negotiation that is more predictable, more transparent, and more inclusive, that doesn't depend exclusively on traditional practices. The possibility would be to negotiate updates biennially within the COPUOS and the participation of all its membership, taking advantage of the presence of national experts. Alternatively, if the negotiation continues to be in New York, this should be done sufficiently well in advance to be able to provide substantive contributions from capitals. In an organization is more and more diverse, it's essential that all delegations, independently of their resources or technological capacities, can participate on equal conditions and adopt decisions duly informed. Thank you very much. 4th Committee · Chair [1:38:51]: I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I see no further requests for the floor. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of agenda items 46A and 46 as a whole, 46A and B as a whole. And if you'd allow me, colleagues, before adjourning this meeting, I'd like to make a few reflections with you. Not going to take much of your time. As we conclude our consideration for this agenda item, I wish first to renew our deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Teodoro Valente, former President of the Italian Space Agency and Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Our thoughts remain with his family, his loved ones, and the government and the people of Italy. His dedication to advancing international cooperation and the peaceful uses of outer space will not be forgotten. I would like to also extend our sincere appreciation to Ambassador Mario Cospito for his leadership, for his patience, and for his tireless efforts in guiding these negotiations towards consensus. Bridging differences among Member States is never an easy task, mainly when positions appear far apart. His willingness to listen to all delegations and his commitment to finding common ground deserve our collective recognition. Distinguished delegates, having participated in yesterday’s informal consultations, I was reminded of something fundamental about our work here at the United Nations. Diplomacy is not about eliminating differences; it is about finding a way forward despite them. Political differences have always existed, and they will continue to exist. We may not always agree on our positions, our priorities, and even our approaches, but that should never prevent us from recognizing the objectives we share. Yesterday's discussions demonstrated that when we set political differences aside, listen to one another, and engage constructively, even the most challenging negotiations can produce meaningful results. Consensus does not mean that everyone gets everything they want. It means that everyone has contributed to something we can all stand behind. And perhaps that is the most important lesson we can take from this process. In a world where division often dominates the headlines, moments like these remind us why dialogue mutual respect, and multilateral diplomacy remain indispensable. I congratulate all delegations on their flexibility, constructive engagement, and collective achievement. Let us carry this same spirit beyond this room and into many challenges that still lie ahead. Thank you for everything, and thank you for allowing me this short message. The Committee, I'm done with my remarks. Hope that was not long. The Committee will meet again next Monday, November 2nd, at 3:00 PM in this conference room to begin its consideration of agenda item 51, entitled "Questions relating to information." The meeting is adjourned.