Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Legal Subcommittee, 65th session, 1094th meeting
General Assembly
Date: 15 April 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/zh/asset/k17/k17jmilsi2?lang=en
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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Chair [36:03]:

Good morning, distinguished delegates. Firstly, Please excuse Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carrulla of Spain for not being able to open this session due to last minute unforeseen circumstances. I've been asked to start this session of the Legal Subcommittee on behalf of Mr. Ripoll. I'm pleased and honored to welcome you all to the Vienna International Centre to the 65th session of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. I now declare open the 65th session and the 1094th meeting of the Legal Subcommittee. As you are all aware, the Subcommittee is scheduled to soon elect its Chair for the two-year term from 2026 to 2027. The outgoing Chair customarily presides over the opening of the session concerned until the new Chair has been elected. Then it will be my pleasure to invite the new Chair to the podium. However, before proceeding to the election of its Chair, the subcommittee should approve its agenda for this session. Adoption of the agenda. Distinguished delegates, You have before you the provisional agenda for the session, which is reflected on the first and the top part of the second page of document A/AC.105/C.2/L.343. This provisional agenda has been prepared on the basis of the agreement reached at the 2025 session of the Committee, as reflected in its report in document A/AT/20. This agreement was subsequently endorsed by the General Assembly in resolution AT/76 of 8 December 2025. Please note that, as indicated in this document, the annotations are not part of the agenda to be adopted by this subcommittee. Distinguished delegates, If I hear no objections, may I take it that the agenda is adopted? I see no objections. It is so decided. Election of the Chair. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to turn to agenda item two, election of the Chair. I would like to inform delegations that, as has been noted, In paragraph 44 of resolution 8076 of the General Assembly, the nomination by the Latin American and Caribbean States was noted for the chair of the legal subcommittee for the period from 2026 to 2027. The Latin American and Caribbean States have nominated Mr. Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga of Mexico for 2026. and Mr. Natanael Pineda Rodriguez of Panama for 2027 to assume the function of the Chair of the Legal Subcommittee. So unless I hear an objection, may I take it that the Subcommittee elects Mr. Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga of Mexico as the Chair of the Legal Subcommittee for 2026? and Mr. Natanael Pineda Rodriguez of Panama as the Chair of the Legal Subcommittee for 2027. I see no objection. It is so decided. I warmly congratulate Mr. Arrocha and Mr. Pineda on their election. Distinguished delegates, Before calling upon the elected Chair for 2026, Mr. Araujo, to take his seat at the podium, please allow me to deliver some short remarks on behalf of Mr. Ripoll. Distinguished delegates, the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space addressed the main issues about the ever more numerous space activities related to international law, traditional issues such as the status and application of the five United Nations treaties on outer space, which the LSC played an essential role in preparing, or the definition and delimitation of outer space and the nature and use of the geostationary orbit, which have gone along with the activities of the subcommittee from its very beginning. But there are also innovative questions. which have recently appeared which raise relevant challenges when it comes to international space law. I'm referring for example to the management of small satellite activities or the management of growing space traffic or the reduction and elimination of space debris. All of these issues were addressed at the 64th session. Delegations had comprehensive documentation to present and listen to interesting presentations and they could participate in the efficient working groups constituted within the LSC, the working group on the status and application of the five United Nations outer space treaties, the working group on the definition and delimitation of outer space, the working group on legal aspects of space resource activities, as well as the ATLAQ Action Team. There was also the symposium organised by the ISL and the European Centre for Space Law focusing specifically on the due consideration in outer space of current legal implications and there were six interesting side events. It is logical to be able to see how focused these topics debated on the high level of interventions of the delegations in the general debates. were at this plenary session. The 64th session also considered new organizational challenges, property the LSC itself, such as the eventual constitution of a study group on legal aspects and policy of space on space traffic and organizational issues which affect COPUOS as a whole, such as the interaction between its two subcommittees or the cooperation on holding the UNISPACE-IV conference. And I must also mention the challenge connected to the liquidity crisis of UNOSA. In concluding my term as Chair of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, I would like to thank all delegations. If you will allow me, I would particularly like to thank the delegation of Spain, my country, for the honour that you have granted me in electing me to chair through 2024 and 2025, chairing a body which has made so many contributions and continues to make so many contributions to international law and space law and which is, and I can verify this, a principal meeting point for the legal space community. At this 64th session, I missed Andrei Mistau. I learned so much from him in previous sessions. Thank you very much. I now invite Mr. Arrocha to assume the position of chair of this august body for 2026.


Speaker 2 [45:22]:

Good.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [45:24]:

Morning everyone, distinguished delegates. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carrulla for having successfully led the subcommittee over the past two years with outstanding results. I would like to extend my full recognition and appreciation to him and his team. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Natanael Pineda Rodriguez of Panama as Chair elected for the Legal Subcommittee for next year, 2027, who I am confident will do an excellent job. For my part, I would also like to thank all States members of the Committee for electing me as Chair of the LSC for 2026 this year and for placing confidence in me to further advance the work of this legal subcommittee I would like to assure you that I will work very hard to promote the work of this subcommittee moreover with this election we have four years of chairs who speak Spanish so thank you for the patience that you're showing towards Spanish and how you were working to strengthen multilingualism in this subcommittee. I would like to inform delegations that I have received communications from the following member states of the United Nations: Bhutan, Liechtenstein, Myanmar and Serbia requesting to participate in the meetings of this current session of the legal subcommittee as observers. Furthermore, I would like to inform delegations that I have received a communication from the following organisations requesting permission to attend the meetings of the current session of the Legal Subcommittee and participate in them as observers. His organizations are the following: Astro Aid Foundation, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, Chilean Space Association and Lifeboat Foundation. I would now like to give the floor to the Secretariat to provide us with further information on the communication received from Myanmar. Thank you very much, Chair.


UNOOSA · Secretariat [48:22]:

With regards to the request from Myanmar, the Secretariat would like to inform the Subcommittee that communications naming different individuals as representatives of Myanmar have been received. The first communication was dated 31 March 2026 from the Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations in Vienna. The second communication dated 6 April 2026, has been received from the Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations in New York. Please allow me therefore to inform the Subcommittee about the practice of other United Nations bodies in similar situations to which competing credentials were submitted, namely, the Credentials Committee of the General Assembly at its 80th session had before it two communications concerning the representation of Myanmar indicating different individuals as representatives to the 80th session of the Assembly. The first was from the representative of Myanmar to the United Nations in New York, and the second communication was from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar. The Credentials Committee has therefore decided to postpone its consideration of the credentials pertaining to the representatives of Myanmar to the 81st session of the General Assembly and to revert to consideration of those credentials at a future time. Please also allow me, Mr. Chair, to also recall the General Assembly Resolution 396 Roman numeral five of 14th of December, 1950, which provides that when more than one authority claims to be the government entitled to represent a member state in the United Nations, this question should be considered by the General Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [50:30]:

I thank the Secretariat for that information. Distinguished delegates, in view of the above, I would like to open the floor to see if the Subcommittee agrees to defer its action on the credentials pertaining to the representatives of Myanmar at the present session of the Subcommittee pending a decision by the General Assembly on the representation of Myanmar. and in line with General Assembly Resolution 396, five of the 14th of December, 1950. I see no objections. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to go back to the ad hoc observer applications by the following member states of the United Nations: Bhutan, Liechtenstein and Serbia, requesting to participate in the meetings of the current session of the Legal Subcommittee as observers, and by the following organizations requesting permission to attend and participate in the current session as observers. Astro Aid Foundation, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, Chilean Space Association, and Lifeboat Foundation. They too would like to participate as observers. In conformity with past practice, I suggest that we invite those observers and those countries to attend the current session and to address the subcommittee as appropriate. That is, of course, without prejudice to further requests of this nature, and it does not involve any decisions of the full committee concerning the status of those requesting it. It is a courtesy that we usually extend to such delegations. If there are no objections, we will proceed accordingly. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to move to the next item on the agenda and present my statement to the committee. Distinguished delegates, representatives, ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor for me to address the 65th session of the Legal Subcommittee as its chair. I thank Member States for the confidence placed in me to guide our work. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty, which will occur in 2027, I think it is timely to reflect on the lasting contribution of this subcommittee to the development of international space law. For more than six decades, This unique multilateral forum has agreed on the legal framework governing outer space, including the drafting of the five UN treaties, sets of principles and several guidelines, which remain the foundation of today's space governance framework. As we mark this milestone, we must continue to uphold the principles enshrined in the treaty, the cornerstone of peaceful, cooperative and sustainable space activities. This legacy is of special importance at a time of expanding space activities. increase in the number of space actors and rapid technological progress, including the return of human beings to the moon. And as I said, an increase in the number of space actors, which is something that generates huge opportunities as well as complex challenges. The work of COPUOS and this subcommittee continue to be essential to guarantee that outer space will continue to be used peacefully for the benefit of all humanity. Distinguished delegates, we have a full agenda before us, and I count on your cooperation and your commitment in the coming days to make progress in our work. within the framework of the situation and implementation of the five UN space treaties. The subcommittee will hear the latest developments from member states on national legislation, space activities and capacity building efforts. Furthermore, it will consider issues arising from evolving space activities and the need to ensure consistency with the international legal framework. UN OOSA will present a report on its capacity building activities, its legal advisory services and its role in the registration of space objects in discharging its treaty obligations. The Working Group on the Status and Application of the Five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space will continue its work under its 2025-2027 work plan, with a focus on the implementation of Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty. It will consider a draft voluntary template to support consistent information sharing by Member States and continue its discussion of a possible repository for such information. The Working Group on the legal aspects of space resource activities is making progress in its work on recommended principles for activities in the use of space resources. Building on progress made during intersessional meetings, the Working Group will continue its deliberations with a view to contributing to a future legal architecture that supports safe and sustainable space resource activities. We will also be continuing with efforts to improve the working methods of the Committee and its subcommittees. At the 63rd session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, its Working Group of the Whole agreed to conduct intersessional work to address the effects of the liquidity crisis and to improve the organization and the work of the Committee and its subcommittees, guided by the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly. The report of this working group is before us under agenda item eight entitled future role and method of work of the committee. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to ensuring that the committee remains effective, resilient and responsive. Under this item, the Subcommittee will also hear a progress report by the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation. This is working to identify cross-cutting and converging issues arising from past, ongoing and planned lunar activities with a view to develop recommendations on consultation and coordination via a possible international mechanism. This session marks the tenth time this subcommittee will consider space traffic management on its agenda. The growing number of national and regional initiatives demonstrate the increasing operational need for a coordinated approach and the maturity of discussions. I invite all delegations to engage constructively and in a spirit of flexibility on this important issue, which is central to the safety, security and long-term sustainability of outer space activities. The relevance of the Outer Space Treaty and the legacy of the Committee and its subcommittees highlight our shared responsibility to preserve outer space as a peaceful, safe and sustainable environment. Through constructive dialogue and cooperation, we can continue to strengthen the rule of law in outer space and ensure that governance frameworks evolve in line with both established principles and emerging realities. Distinguished delegates, Let us demonstrate the Vienna spirit of cooperation through our collective commitment to ensuring that outer space will remain a domain for the benefit of all of humanity, both now and for future generations. Thank you for your attention.

Distinguished delegates.

I shall now reconvene the legal subcommittees working groups at this session in order to allow for the chairs and vice chair of the respective working groups to begin their work. The following two working groups of the subcommittee should be reconvened under their respective chairs and vice chair. The working group on the status and application of the five United Nations treaties on outer space under the lead of Miss Franziska Knorr of Germany. and the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities under the lead of its Chair, Mr. Stephen Freeland of Australia, and its Vice-Chair, Mr. Ayman Ahmed of Egypt. If I hear no objections, may I take it that the Subcommittee wishes to reconvene those Working Groups under their respective Chairs and Vice-Chair. I see no objections. It is so decided. I wish the working groups, chairs and vice chair the very best of success in advancing their work at this session. I should also like to bring to your attention that the following meetings have been scheduled during the subcommittee session to make the best use of available interpretation services for consultations among delegates as agreed. The Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, known as ATLAC, established by the Committee as its subsidiary body, will hold its formal meeting with interpretation on Monday 20 April under the lead of its co-chairs Mr. Hasan Abbas of Pakistan and Ms. Upa Elena Botesatu of Romania. Allow me also to inform you of the informal consultations during the 65th session of the Legal Subcommittee. Informal consultations by the Working Group on the Status and Application of the Five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space and by the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities. Informal consultations on space traffic in connection with the agenda item. general exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management, and pursuant to the agreement by the Committee at its 68th session in 2025 to discuss and decide on a possible way forward for future work relating to the topic, and informal consultations by ATLAS. distinguished delegates. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 3271 of 1977, the conference resources made available to the subcommittee are indicated on the webpage of the present session. I should also like to inform you of the exceptional arrangements made for this session. in view of the liquidity crisis measures as applied to this session of the Subcommittee. On the 5th of March 2026, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space decided by written procedure that the 65th session of its Legal Subcommittee would be held from the 15th to the 22nd of April 2026 and that the two days immediately preceding the session, the 13th and 14th of April 2026, as well as two days following the session, the 23rd and 24th of April 2026, would be used for informal meetings and informal consultations. Subsequently, to ensure that deliberations under all the agenda items be accommodated within the shortened session, the Committee decided to undertake measures on an exceptional basis to adjust the organisation of work as follows: First, statements to be made under the agenda item, General Exchange of Views, should be limited to a maximum of four minutes. Statements to be made under the other agenda items should be limited to a maximum of three minutes. Secondly, Technical presentations should be scheduled on the 13th or 14th of April 2026. Thirdly, the symposium to be organized by the International Institute of Space Law and the European Center for Space Law should be scheduled on the 14th of April 2026 in the afternoon. As decided by the committee by written procedure, The two days preceding the session, the 13th and 14th of April 2026, were dedicated to informal meetings and informal consultations to be held by the working groups of the subcommittee by Atlak and for any matters that required such meetings and consultations. Similarly, the 23rd and 24th of April, immediately following this session of the subcommittee, will be dedicated to such meetings and consultations. The schedule of those informal consultations has been made available on the session's webpage. Distinguished delegates, I would also like to inform you about the impact of the liquidity crisis on the preparation of the draft report. The Secretariat has informed me that the schedule of submission of the draft report for processing has to be considerably advanced because of limited document processing capacities, with some procedural parts already submitted earlier. and under substantially reduced word limits. I therefore urge the delegations to focus their statements on important updates and major developments. In addition, in view of the shortened session and limited time for reviewing the draft report, I have consulted with the Secretariat to make a dedicated room available for any informal consultations on the draft report. I would like to inform delegations that the room available for those informal consultations is room C10. 0713/15, so that's C0713/15, on the seventh floor of C building. I encourage delegations to make use of this venue for that purpose, as this will facilitate a more organized and inclusive consultation process regarding the draft report. Furthermore, and if there is no objection, it is the intention of the Chair to share with delegations an advanced version of the draft report in English at the beginning of the second week of this session, so as to have more time to identify and resolve any issues. Is there any objection to sharing an advanced draft version of the report in English at the beginning or as soon as it is available? If there is no objection, I shall proceed accordingly. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to begin our consideration of item four of our agenda, General exchange of views. Please be reminded that in order to enable the subcommittee to commence its consideration of all items on the provisional agenda in a timely and balanced manner, the item general exchange of views has been scheduled over a longer period of time during the session. The number of statements to be made under this item at each meeting may be limited as necessary in order to allow sufficient time for other agenda items to be considered as planned for each meeting. As I informed you earlier, statements under agenda item General Exchange of Views are strictly limited to four minutes in length. Please note that the countdown of the minutes will be shown on the screen. And once the four minutes has passed, the speaker will also hear a signal indicating the end of your allocated time. I think we have a test of the sound that you will hear. I would also like to remind delegates that, as shared by the Secretary in their briefing on the 31st of March, in principle the draft report will be reflecting the statements made verbally at the plenary. Therefore delegates who wish to have their views reflected in the report, please be kindly reminded that those views should be verbally expressed at the plenary meetings or during the formal working group meetings. And now, I would now like to give UN OOSA the opportunity to provide updates under its mandate of discharging the responsibilities of the Secretary General under the legal regime for outer space. And the statement will be delivered by Ms. Arti Hollemaijne as Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs. If there are no objections, I will now give the floor to Ms. Hollemaijne.


UNOOSA · Director · Arti Hollemaijne [1:15:24]:

Chair, distinguished guests, distinguished delegates, It's my distinct honor to welcome and address you at the 65th session of the Legal Subcommittee in my capacity as UNOSA Director. Deputy Director Driss El Hadani and I extend our sincere congratulations to Mr. Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga of Mexico, elected Chair for the year 2026, and to Mr. Nathaniel Pineda Rodriguez of Panama, elected Chair for 2027. Our appreciation also goes to Mr. Santiago Ripoll Garrulla of Spain for his efforts in guiding the work of the subcommittee during 2024 to 2025. Distinguished delegates, this is the third cycle of the committee sessions for both me and Deputy Director Driss El Hadani. As we look back and reflect on the journey so far, It is clear to us that COPUOS and its subcommittees continue to rise to the challenges that come along with the pace at which space activities are accelerating. Congratulations. But if we imagine for a moment Mount Everest, we have made it to base camp one, and there is a lot of hard work yet ahead. I would like to recall that this subcommittee is not simply a forum for legal discussion. It is the custodian of one of humanity's greatest collaborative achievements. For more than 60 years, we have shaped the rules that govern our presence in the cosmos and guided generations of scientists, engineers, diplomats, and explorers. And as we approach the 60th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty next year, we must appreciate the extraordinary power of anticipatory diplomacy. By that, I mean the ability of this room to be ahead of the game in terms of taking timely decisions to meet real needs. But anniversaries are not merely moments to look back. They are a moment to bring the past into the present and forge ahead into the future with renewed purpose. At this session, you will be addressing some of the most pertinent issues central to future exploration of celestial bodies and to reinforcing the long-term sustainability of space activities. With concrete outcomes envisaged by 2027, this subcommittee has an imminent task to advance crucial legal work towards principles for the utilization of space resources in a peaceful, safe, and sustainable manner. and templates and a repository for enhanced information sharing under Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty. Equally important are expert exchanges within the Committee on the Legal, Technical and Scientific Aspects of Outer Space to consolidate a list of core issues and begin developing recommendations that will ensure safe lunar operations. Further, the subcommittee will also progress discussions on space safety, also thanks to the inputs heard yesterday during the annual Space Law Symposium organized by IISL and ECSL. The work undertaken during this session will provide essential guidance as space activities expand through renewed lunar exploration, large commercial constellations, and increasingly ambitious endeavors beyond the Earth's orbit. While UNOSA remains committed to supporting member states in these efforts, we must clearly acknowledge the enormous pressure faced by both the committee and the office. Reduced session time, limited interpretation, and the severe financial strain undermining the functionality of the United Nations inevitably also affects our ability to serve you. In this context, I am grateful to Singapore for being the first country to step up with a dedicated recurring financial support for UNOSA to support the Committee. We urge other Member States to do the same. As I informed delegations at the last session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, With UNAT reforms and specifically the liquidity crisis, UNOOSA has absorbed significant permanent reductions, including an almost 20% loss of regular budget posts. I am grateful to Member States for preserving the crucial post linked to the register of objects launched into outer space, although current restrictions may delay recruitment. Our thanks also goes to those various Member States who have provided voluntary contributions supporting our various mandates and responsibilities. We see these contributions as a vote of confidence in the impact of our work, and we hope that other Member States will be inspired to do the same. I also note with gratitude the recent pledge by the Government of Austria in support of a UNISPACE IV conference in 2027 and encourage Member States to take a decision by June this year. UNOOSA's support to Member States is under increasing strain and with growing membership and demands, sustaining the level of support you rightly expect is uncertain. When faced with such pressures, adapt we must. I therefore call on all Member States to be constructive and proactive in the COPFOS reform process to shape our future such that we can continue to deliver as we have during almost seven decades. UNOSA too needs to review its structure and its way of working in order to meet new and increasing demands from Member States. Going forward, you will find a secretariat and an office that leans in, listens, and provides you with more substantive support on different issues to support and advance the work of the committee. Chair, distinguished delegates, when technology evolves, law and policy must evolve as well. This requires greater communication and multi-stakeholder engagement that UNOOSA will facilitate while upholding the integrity of the Member State driven process that is the very essence of this committee. In terms of streamlining, UNOOSA has merged key work programmes into a single space application section. As demand for our advisory services continues to grow for national space legislation, understanding space traffic coordination and space sustainability more generally, we have established a space sustainability section dedicated to implementing space law, sustainability, coordination and operational coherence across emerging and cross-cutting domains. To support this growth, we have launched the Space Cooperation for Development Fund, a multi-partner trust fund designed to ensure that space contributes meaningfully to sustainable development for all nations. We invite Member States to join us in bringing this fund to life. Chair, distinguished delegates, UNOSA continues to discharge the substantive responsibilities of the Secretary-General under the treaties and principles on outer space. I'm pleased to note that in 2025, 2,636 functional and 56 non-functional space objects were registered in the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space by 28 states and one international intergovernmental organization. In 2025, we also received 931 space object re-entry notifications, and additional information for 60 space objects from 15 States. In 2026, as at 1 April, we have already received registrations for another 2,347 space objects from 13 States, highlighting the urgency and the importance of your work here and of the registration toolkit that we have launched. UNUSA would like to thank States of registry for their assistance in the timely resolution of related issues. A summary of other notifications made in 2025 is provided in the annex to my statement. Again, I thank States and intergovernmental organizations for their assistance in the fulfillment of those legal responsibilities. Chair, distinguished delegates, Allow me to also inform you of the work of the office in building capacity in space law and policy. Under its global space law project, UNOOSA continues to support member states with their requests to support national frameworks. Over the past year, the office has delivered tailored technical advisory missions to Cambodia, Ghana, Vietnam, and Singapore. addressing space policy and legislation, regulatory frameworks, treaty ratification, and core international obligations. In parallel, the project has expanded to provide regional capacity building on space situational awareness, including a first regional workshop with a tabletop exercise for participants organized for ASEAN member states held in the Philippines earlier this year. This work, enabled through voluntary contributions from Member States and national self-funding, has seen growing demand, with more than 60 Member States requesting support to date. UNOOSA remains committed to ensuring safe, sustainable and lawful space activities and calls on Member States to continue to support us in this important work. The Astro database developed under UNOSA's Global Space Law Project continues to evolve as the comprehensive repository of space related legal and policy instruments. It provides access to the UN space treaties and related instruments in all official UN languages, as well as more than 140 national space laws and policies supporting coherence and harmonization in national regulatory frameworks. The office thanks member states for continuing to support this important resource and encourages further submissions. In November 2025, UNOOSA made great efforts to ensure that the UN Conference on Space Law underscored the need to translate international and legal and policy frameworks into concrete national regulation and operational practice. It drew on diverse expertise from space regulators, commercial operators and practitioners, highlighting sustainability not as a cost centre but as an investment in ensuring safety and sustainability across the full life cycle of space activities. This implementation focused approach was further advanced during the Dark and Quiet Skies initiative, where a scenario based exercise demonstrated how existing legal and policy tools can be applied in practice to challenges posed by large satellite constellations. Chair, distinguished delegates, I wish to underscore once more that the Office operates under limited resources and relies on your continued support to respond effectively to the growing demand for capacity building across our unique mandate and expertise. Please note that at the end of March, the Office delivered a training on Earth observation for United Nations entities here in Vienna, including an introductory open day dedicated to permanent missions. Given concerns previously expressed about the Office's ability to continue to provide capacity building for developing countries, I must admit I had hoped for greater participation from emerging spacefaring nations. On a positive note, I am pleased to inform you that over this past weekend, an Earth observation instrument jointly developed by Egypt, Kenya and Uganda was launched to the International Space Station, a milestone for joint African space cooperation and climate monitoring under UNOSA's Access to Space for All initiative. Looking forward towards June, the Office is developing a pilot tool under the Space 2030 Agenda to better map space-based solutions and capacity building needs, with the aim of identifying gaps more clearly and sharpening the impact of our collective work. But our work does not stop at the end of the Committee cycle. During the intersessional period, we will continue to support you, the Member States. We are now starting to work on our third lunar conference between 7th and 9th December, and I'm sure we have all been moved by the stunning new images recently transmitted to Earth from the Moon, just as we were moved over a year ago seeing the first samples from the far side of the Moon here in Vienna. Members of the UNOOSA team will soon reach out to you to gather your views on how to ensure an impactful dialogue in support of the work of the Committee at this year's conference. We will also be organizing four regional space law and sustainability workshops for the African region, the GRULAC region, the Asia-Pacific region, and one for emerging spacefaring nations more broadly. These initiatives and so many more that we are undertaking this year mark a step change in UNOSA's ability to support Member States. They are made possible through the financial support of our partners, to whom we say thank you. Deputy Director Driss El Hadani and I encourage you all to step forward to support the work of this office more and more. Chair, distinguished delegates, as I close, please take note of the numerous side events being held alongside this session. UNOOSA itself is organizing an event on Tuesday, the 21st of April at 2:00 PM on operationalizing space sustainability at the national level through UNOOSA's Global Space Law Project, where we will announce the African Regional Space Law Workshop and where we will showcase our work on space sustainability in the Asia Pacific region in 2025. Detailed information is available on the subcommittee's session webpage. Chair, distinguished delegates, I thank you for your kind attention.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [1:30:41]:

I thank Ms. Artijolomayni for her statement. We have before us an intense program, and therefore I would like to suggest that any question related to this presentation be addressed to the Secretariat outside of our meeting so that we can continue with our consideration of the agenda item on the general exchange of views. Distinguished delegates, I now turn to the list of speakers. Kindly be reminded that the list of speakers is published on the webpage of this session of the subcommittee ahead of each meeting. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of India on behalf of G77 and China. You have the floor.


India · G77 + China [1:31:41]:

Thank you, Chair. I have the honour to deliver this abbreviated version of the statement of the group. The full version will be published on UNOSA and G77 websites. On behalf of G77 and China, I would like to express our appreciation to Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carreira of Spain for his dedication and successful tenure as Chairperson of the LSC. And I also congratulate Mr. Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga, Legal Advisor to the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs for chairing this session. And you can be assured of our full support. Chair, at the outset, the group reiterates its strict adherence to the principles governing the activities of states in exploration and use of outer space, including those in Outer Space Treaty. The group underscores its firm conviction that the use and exploration of outer space shall be carried out exclusively for peaceful purposes, for the benefit and the interest of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or scientific development, and in conformity with applicable international law. The group also urges states to refrain from promulgating, adopting, and applying any unilateral economic, financial, and trade measures and related actions contrary to international law and the charters of the United Nations, mindful that they hamper or impede access to space and space activities, particularly in developing countries. All outer space activities, including mega constellations and their related operations, should fully respect the UN charter, international law, and the principle of non-intervention. The group emphasizes that the main principles of relevant UN treaties and the peaceful uses of outer space should drive our discussions on the long-term sustainability of outer space as well as utilization of space resources. The established principle of non-appropriation of outer space must be honored and maintained. Another fundamental principle is the universal and equal access to outer space for all countries without discrimination, regardless of their level of scientific, technical and economic development, as well as the equitable and rational use of outer space for the benefit in all interests of all humankind. The group recalls the principle of non militarisation of outer space implies that it shall never be used for the placement and or deployment of weapons of any kind and as province of mankind, its strict use must be for improvement of living conditions and peace among peoples. In line with this, it is important to highlight that international cooperation in the development of space activities is also a paramount principle, especially for those referred to in the UNGA resolution, A/RES/51/122, Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for the Benefit and in the Interest of All States, Taking in Particular Account the Needs of Developing Countries. Furthermore, and in line with the enhancement of international cooperation in outer space activities, it is vital to promote wider participation of developing countries through proactively rendering assistance by advanced space-faring nations. Therefore, the group also highlights that the importance of supporting developing countries in their endeavors to develop national space infrastructure as an essential component of equitable access to outer space. The sustainable use of outer space should place a special emphasis on capacity building activities to bridge the huge divide between developed and developing countries in this domain and address the growing need to secure sufficient resources to this end. We also underscore the continued relevance of SDGs, the Space 2030 agenda and its implementation plan. The group also underscores the importance of appropriate funding as well as mobilization of extra budgetary resources to enable the office to provide valuable support for developing countries, including through UNOSA's capacity building and technical assistance programs. Mr. Chair, the group notes the increased role of non governmental organisations in space activities and reiterates the relevance of Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty in this regard, particularly the responsibility of state parties to the treaty for national activities in outer space, and that the activities of non governmental organisations in outer space shall require authorisation and continuing supervision by the appropriate state party to the treaty. Chair. At the same time, the group underscores the importance of its core positions continue to be fully reflected in the final reports of the committee and its subcommittee, including positions related to SDGs and the Space 2030 agenda. The development dimension remains the core objective of the group and a cornerstone of the mandate of this office. Any discussion on its future role, priorities, or methods of work of the committee and its subcommittees should remain fully consistent with the rules of procedure of UNGA. Finally, for the G77 and China, it is important to reach consensus on the reports of the committee and its subcommittees in order to make progress on issues related to peaceful uses of outer space conducive to our collective advantage, thus avoiding politicization and prolongation of discussions that exceed the mandate of COPUOS.

Thank you, Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [1:36:50]:

I thank the delegation of India for that statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Egypt. representing the African Group.


Egypt · Africa Group [1:36:59]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the African Group, I would like to express the group's appreciation to Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carulla of Spain for his dedication and successful tenure as Chairperson of the LSC, and also congratulate you, Mr. Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga, for chairing the 65th session of the LSC and assure you of the African Group's full support. Chair, the group also expresses its appreciation to the Secretariat for the preparations and planning for convening of this meeting. And also the group aligns itself with the statement made by the group of G77 and China. So, Chair, as Africa continues to bear a disproportionate share of development challenges, including debt, poverty levels, together with the impacts of climate change, the African group emphasizes the growing significance of space-related activities in advancing the sustainable development goals. and through supporting informed decisions. In this context, the group reaffirms its strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its implementation and the African Union's Agenda 2063. Such that the group welcomes the operationalization of the Africa Space Agency in Cairo, Egypt, representing a major step forward in Africa's space aspirations to harness space science and technology for socioeconomic advancement. and calls upon international partners to strengthen collaboration and support to the African Space Agency with a view to support African countries on their outer space aspirations and development goals. The group highlights the CLIM-CAM initiative successfully launched to the International Space Station, bringing together Egypt, Kenya and Uganda to support climate observation and monitoring in line with Africa Union Agenda 2063. This trilateral effort demonstrates leading by example in operationalizing benefit sharing through joint capacity building, shared expertise and data aligned with regional priorities. and facilitated through UNOSA, Access Space for All, in cooperation with Airbus, it further demonstrates how structured cooperation can deliver concrete responses to climate challenges. Mr. Chair, the group underscores the peaceful use and exploration of outer space for benefit of all countries and without discrimination to economic or scientific development in line with the principles and objectives of international law, United Nations treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty. The group underscores the importance of adhering to the principle of non-militarization of outer space, which implies that it shall never be used for the placement and or deployment of weapons of any kind. The group calls for enhanced interregional and international cooperation to build regional and indigenous capabilities to be responsive to our challenges. Capacity building and technical assistance remain key factors in knowledge transfer and building expertise. Chair, the group believes investing in space technology is a powerful driver for empowering African women and youth, particularly through STEM education, contributing to inclusive and sustainable development across the continent. The African group underscores the need to consolidate the principle of benefit sharing in outer space and long-term sustainability, particularly for the benefit of African countries. In the same vein, the group would like to highlight the initiative titled, space for development, international cooperation and implementing benefit sharing and space activities initiated by the African group along with Brazil, Iraq, Jordan, Mexico, Pakistan and Panama. This initiative aims at arriving to a consensual framework for international cooperation and space activities, which could include different forms of assistance and enhance the sharing of benefits of exploration and use of outer space, particularly for developing countries and emerging space-faring nations. Furthermore, and as concluded in the last COP session in June 2025, we are looking forward to continuing consultations on this initiative facilitated by the UNUSA. The group invites all member states to actively participate in this process going forward. Finally, Mr. Chair, the African group notes with concern that the report of the scientific and technical subcommittee, including its annexes, did not adequately reflect the development dimension of COP. including key priorities related to international cooperation, capacity building and technical assistance, nor the need to give due consideration to the interests and priorities of developing countries. And the group looks forward to constructive discussions within this subcommittee that lead to a reasonable consensus while fully preserving its mandate and establishing working methods. The group reaffirms its commitment to the LSC and looks forward to the adoption of its report by consensus. and we will reflect on its views on this matter under the relevant agenda items. I thank you, Mr Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [1:41:36]:

I thank the representative of Egypt on behalf of the African Group and now give the floor to the European

Union.


EU · EU [1:41:45]:

Thank you very much, Chair.

I am honoured to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Albania and Ukraine. This is a shortened version that I will read out. The full statement will be published. Mr. Chair, we express our appreciation to Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carruyo of Spain for his successful tenure as chairperson of the Legal Subcommittee and congratulate you, Mr. Pablo Adrian Rocha Labuenga of Mexico, on your appointment to chair the 65th session of the LSC. We also thank UNOSA for its excellent work and its director, Artihola Maini, for her able leadership. As responsible space actors, the European Union and its Member States are committed to promoting the universalisation and implementation of international instruments on outer space, in particular, of course, the Outer Space Treaty. It remains the cornerstone of the international legal regime governing outer space activities. All activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space must be conducted in accordance with the treaty, and we encourage all states to ratify it and fully implement its provisions. The treaty's central role is reaffirmed by the Pact for the Future and the need to establish new frameworks for space traffic, space debris and space resources through COPUOS. The pact also underscores the critical role of a safe and sustainable use of space in achieving the 2030 Agenda. We look forward to an agreement on the objectives, venue, organisation and funding of the UNISPACE IV conference and emphasise the need for UNOSA to have the resources necessary to implement its mandate. The COPUOS Working Group on the Status and Application of Five UN Treaties on Outer Space is an important forum to review the treaty status, their implementation and obstacles to their universal acceptance, and to promote space law. We welcome the progress UNRIC's work plan on implementing Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty, which is key to enhance information sharing and transparency, including the initiation of a draft template offered to states and international intergovernmental organizations as a voluntary tool to share information on the nature, conduct, locations, and results of outer space activities. we welcome the progress made by the working group on legal aspects of space resource activities in drafting an initial set of recommended principles towards the development of a necessary legal framework. the space resources week hosted by luxembourg in may two thousand and twenty six will address the scientific, technological, economic, legal and regulatory dimensions of space resources and can provide valuable multidisciplinary insights for the working group. we also take note of the work made by the working group on long term sustainability of outer space activities and encourage implementation of the twenty one lts guidelines alongside capacity building activities for space sustainability and emerging challenges. In this context, the representative of the EU and some EU Member States took part in the United Nations Conference on Outer Space Law held in November 2025, which enabled exchanges on incorporating space debris mitigation and long term sustainability guidelines into legal and regulatory frameworks. Mr President, we continue working to identify the best means to promote international cooperation in space traffic and to advance space traffic management at the European level, as set out in the joint communication on space traffic management. Through EU Space Surveillance and Tracking, SST, non European users have benefited from collision avoidance services and, since 2024, from re entry and fragmentation services. We welcome the work of the expert group on space situational awareness, including the collection of information on legal and policy aspects of space traffic to support discussion and decisions on a possible way forward for future work in the legal subcommittee. Recognizing the key role of capacity building in space law and policy, we welcome UNOOSA's work in assisting new space actors and emerging space nations. Mr. Chair, We underline the utmost importance of international law, including the UN Charter, in the exploration and use of outer space. And we express concern about all actions undermining their implementation. In this context, we strongly condemn Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the DPRK's illegal actions in violations of multiple Security Council resolutions, including its satellite launches using ballistic missile technology.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [1:47:01]:

I thank the European Union for that statement and I now give the floor to the delegation of Italy.


Italy [1:47:12]:

Thank you, Mr Chair. Distinguished delegates, allow me to congratulate you, first of all, Mr Chair, on your election to preside over this session, as well as the colleague and representative of Panama for the next year and to thank your predecessor for his excellent leadership. My delegation assures you of its full support and expresses its appreciation to UNOSA for the outstanding preparatory work and the leadership assured by the director. Italy aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to offer a few remarks in its national capacity. We consider the legal subcommittee a key forum for strengthening the international legal framework governing outer space and for promoting international cooperation. The United Nations space treaties remain a solid foundation for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. As space activities grow in complexity, consensual legal approaches will be essential to ensure sustainability, equity and security. At the national level, Italy recently adopted a new law on the space economy aimed at completing its regulatory framework, promoting innovation, safety and environmental sustainability. Italy also views capacity building and space laws as a crucial tool for fostering multilateral dialogue and ensuring balanced

access to space activities.

In cooperation with the Italian Space Agency, we will support We are already supporting UNOSA regional technical advisory mission for African countries to be held in Malindi, Kenya to strengthen legal expertise and promote international cooperation. Italy supports ongoing discussions on legal models as well for space resources activities and commands the work of the relevant working groups in developing draft principles as basis of a shared approach. In particular, we support the work of ATLAC as an early signature of the Artemis Accord will remain. committed to safe and sustainable space exploration and look forward to the effective consultation mechanism as a key outcome. We also support the subcommittee's work on space traffic management and welcome efforts to collect national practices that will inform future discussion. We thank the German delegation for its coordination work in this area. Last but not least, as Chair of COPUOS for the period 2026-27, we will work to promote broader participation in the space sector governance, encouraging new COPUOS members and accession to the Outer Space Treaty. This is why I'm pleased to invite all delegation to the side event on joining COPUOS and OST, new challenges and perspective organized by Italy tomorrow at 2pm in CR2. Let me conclude by highlighting that in the current challenging moment for the multilateral system, marked by the financial constraint and complex global challenges, again, principles, pragmatism and cooperation are more important than ever. Italy strongly encourages all concrete and focused actions to support Tunisia and the fulfilment of its mandate, our mandate, yes, Art, it's a call more than a vote of confidence, it's a call to action. I do agree with you. In this regard, Italy is pursuing all efforts to ensure a feasible, effective and efficient UNISPA for 2027. We thank the host country, for its generous financial contribution and rely on the full engagement of the membership to achieve this goal. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [1:50:56]:

I thank the delegation of Italy for the statement and I now give the floor to the delegation of Australia.


Australia [1:51:03]:

Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegates. Australia commends the Chair, the Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Secretariat their continued support of the subcommittee. We also welcome Cote d'Ivoire, the Gambia, Honduras, Maldives, Malta and Zimbabwe as new members of the committee. Australia reaffirms its support for the work of the subcommittee to discuss and develop rules and norms that seek to support the safety, stability and sustainability of outer space. As a founding member of the committee and a state party to the five United Nations space treaties, Australia emphasises the Outer Space Treaty as the foundation of the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. Its arms control provisions also remain vital to maintaining peace and security in outer space, including as member states engage in the UNGA-mandated open-ended working group on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects. Australia supports a broad approach in that group which considers all threats to space security, clarifies how existing international law applies, and develops further measures if needed. Similarly, we urge states to engage with this group in good faith. Chair, Australia supports promotion of and mutual learning in space legislation and policy in the region. This includes our participation in the National Space Legislation Initiative of the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum. We thank the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency as the NSLI Secretary for their efforts. Chair, Australia is working to enhance national and international space partnerships. The 76th International Astronautical Congress held in Sydney in 2025 showcased Australia's space sector to the world. Importantly, it provided a unique opportunity to further our collective understanding of space and serve as a platform to exchange knowledge, present research, and form collaborations that will shape the future of space exploration and innovation. Australia co-hosted the Artemis Accords Principals Meeting for 2025 with the United Arab Emirates and the United States in the margins of the 76th IAC. We are committed to advancing the implementation of the Artemis Accords. In the past year, Australian operators have undertaken several activities that underscore the continued evolution of Australia's space sector. This included the first ever commercial return of a space object to a commercial space port anywhere in the world and the first orbital launch attempt of a launch vehicle designed and manufactured in Australia. Australia continues to consider opportunities to further develop and streamline its domestic regulatory framework for civil space activities, including in supporting implementation of our international obligations. Chair, Australia is committed to working constructively to ensure that COPUOS's methods of work evolve to reflect the growing diversity of actors, the expanding scope of space activities and the increasingly complex challenges facing the international community, while actively finding ways to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of meetings of the committee and its subcommittees. The legal subcommittee plays an important role in facilitating a consensus-based approach to addressing emerging challenges Australia will continue to engage in these endeavours with Member States and permanent observers through this subcommittee. Australia looks forward to constructive discussions over the course of this session.

Thank you.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [1:55:03]:

I thank the delegation of Australia for that statement and I now give the floor to the delegation of China.


China [1:55:15]:

China aligns itself with the statement made by India on behalf of G77 and China. We congratulate you on your election as chair. At the same time, we thank Ola Holamani for the work carried out with the secretariat. Currently, the global space governance becomes an imperative and there is a huge deficit here. The integration of space technology with AI and other new techs is accelerating. Space exploration is going farther and deeper. New types of space activities and emerging commercial space flights are booming. Space resource development and corresponding space safety issues are more prominent. Technology gaps hamper equal participation. The military is increasingly relying on outer space systems and several countries are weaponizing and militarizing outer space. Large-scale orbital maneuver of mega constellations present new challenges pertaining to improving registration system, information sharing and avoidance of orbital collision. Faced with these global challenges, China continues with his efforts to contribute solutions to the world community. President Xi Jinping stated that outer space is the common domain of mankind and space exploration is common endeavor for all humanity. China always upholds the concept of community with a shared future for mankind and is advocating actively implementing the global development initiative, the global security initiative, the global civilization initiative, and the global governance initiative, and vigorously pursuing peaceful use of outer space. China is willing to work closely with all countries to inject stability and positive energy into the global governance framework for outer space. China believes that the international community should uphold the spirit of genuine multilateralism, maintain the central role of COPUOS, safeguard the international order in outer space based on international law, fulfill the treaty obligations in good faith, and promote the development of rule of law in outer space and foster good governance through sound laws. Achieving sound laws and good governance in outer space depends on consultation, joint contribution and benefit sharing of all countries. Over the past year, China has carried out and deepened bilateral space cooperation with many countries. We have signed cooperation document for the International Lunar Research Station with 17 countries. and international organizations and welcomes interested countries, international organizations and international partners to join the related projects. As the host country for APSCo, China's continuing its support to its development and growth. Conducting international exchange on space law is vital for enhancing the rule of law in outer space. China appreciates OSCE efforts in this regard. At the ninth session of the China Space Conference late this April, China will host a series of international seminars on space law and policy. We welcome experts, scholars and government officials to participate and conduct in-depth exchanges on topical and difficult issues regarding the rule of law in outer space. Chair, China is committed, as always, to advancing rule of law in outer space and improving global governance in outer space. We look forward to engaging in pragmatic discussions with all countries during this session. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [1:59:27]:

I thank the delegation of China for their statement. And now I give the floor to France.


France [1:59:35]:

Thank you, Chair, ladies, delegates. Good morning. First of all, I would like to greet you, Chair, for your commitment and pledge the support of the French delegation to successfully manage the works of the subcommittee. I would also like to thank Madam Ati-Holamini, Director of UNUSA, as well as their teams for organizing this meeting. France supports the statement made by the European Union and we would like to add the following elements in our national capacity. I would like to stress the need for outer space to be explored and used freely and peacefully in a non-aggressive way in the interest of all peoples. In this regard, France expresses the desire that UN international agreements on space activities, to which we are party, should be universal and strictly implemented, especially the 1967 Space Treaty. Given the increase and the diversification of the use of space activities and the development of new technologies, Today more than ever, it is indispensable to defend an international order based on international law in order to guarantee the safety and sustainability of space activities. We must deal with the legal problems raised by the acceleration of space activities and focus our efforts to develop on adapted regulations to continue to guarantee a responsible use of space. Chair, France, periodically assesses the relevance of its legislative and regulatory framework for space in order to ensure response to current problems and keeps the subcommittee duly informed. France supports the initiatives of emerging space nations and all countries who wish to draft national legislation and regulations to guarantee a responsible implementation of space activities France has committed itself several times in the global space law project headed by the Office of Outer Space Affairs to provide legal expertise to requesting states. France considers space resources to be a crucial challenge and we welcome the involvement of the Chair and the Vice-Chair in the work of the corresponding working group. In this regard, France would like to recall its attachment to the principle of non-appropriation established by the Space Treaty. This should be one of the cornerstones of the work of this group within the framework of establishing a set of principles to govern future activities regarding space resources, activities which should be undertaken in a sustainable and reasonable way. France would like to highlight specifically the importance of scientific activities and sharing their results. The French delegation would also like to recall the priority we attach to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, especially through the implementation of the 21 dedicated These are the loadstone of our current work. And finally, I would like to express the support of France for the organization of UNISPACE-4 in 2027 and thank Austria for their contribution, which was announced today. We need guidance and impetus so that there is new energy for space activities in the future, especially regarding the coordination of space traffic, the prevention of the production of space debris and good practices to implement responsible behavior regarding space resources.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:03:46]:

I thank France for their statement and now I give the floor to Germany.


Germany [2:03:53]:

Thank you, Chair. Germany aligns itself with the statement of the EU and wishes to add the following points in its national capacity. We congratulate you, Chair, on your election and assure you of our full support in guiding our work in an efficient, inclusive and results-oriented manner. We express our gratitude to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs for its excellent preparation of this session under the extraordinary circumstances of the current liquidity crisis. We express our trust in the Secretariat's expertise, including in the preparation of reports and in guiding the effective scheduling of our work. We also appreciate UNOOSA's dedication in fulfilling existing mandates under the UN space treaties, as well as potential new tasks, often under significant resource constraints. Colleagues, a week ago, the Artemis II crew returned to Earth. This accomplishment opens new pathways for the exploration of space and underscores the value of international cooperation. Germany therefore wishes to express its satisfaction that the European Service Module assembled in Bremen in Germany has contributed to humanity's return to the moon after more than 50 years. With the inclusion of the German Aerospace Center-led radiation measurement project, Mare, Germany and its scientists are at the forefront of efforts to ensure the safety of future space missions. We extend our congratulations to every individual and nation involved in the success of the Artemis II mission. As outer space becomes ever more relevant for our societies, economies and institutions, it is crucial to ensure its safe and responsible use and to preserve it as a global commons. Accordingly, the work of this subcommittee is very relevant. It's the central multilateral forum for the development of space governance. The legal subcommittee must remain a well-functioning body that delivers meaningful and substantive outcomes. Its work must effectively feed into COPUOS and ultimately the United Nations General Assembly. Substantive discussions under our agenda items, particularly those with work plans to provide guidance on pressing issues of space law require adequate resources and appropriate working conditions. At the same time, we should not shy away from committing to additional working formats on important new and emerging issues. Among these, the increasing intensity of space activities requires urgent attention. It is essential to protect the outer space environment in order to safeguard its benefits from all mankind. The growth of space traffic and its legal and policy implications call for further results oriented work here at the legal subcommittee. We thank delegations across the regions that have provided inputs, written inputs on this topic and encouraged all to engage in a constructive dialogue on the way forward. A possible approach to address legal and policy aspects of space traffic here at the LSC has been outlined in our non paper uploaded on the website and we invite you to join informal consultations on Thursday and next Monday at 9 a.m. Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates, important work is carried out by the working group on legal aspects of space resource activities and the action team on lunar activities consultation, ably led by their respective chairs. Fair and sustainable use of resources on celestial bodies while protecting scientific sites and future opportunities is essential. We stand ready to engage constructively and with additional thoughts to advance the work on the draft principles on space resource activities. In our written contributions, we encourage ADLAC to take the next step in advancing its ambitious mandate by outlining at this session a framework for a lunar activities consultation mechanism. Information sharing on space activities is another cross-cutting issue. We encourage everybody to engage in the working group on the status and application of the five UN space treaties to identify areas and types of space activities where information sharing, as agreed in Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty, is beneficial. We invite delegations to join two side events on lunar governance and on information sharing taking place today during the lunch break in conference room seven on the seventh floor in the C building. Chair, to conclude, the effective implementation of the Outer Space Treaty remains the core of our efforts. Several practical means to strengthen operationalize its provisions are under discussion during this session. Germany remains firmly committed to multilateralism, to international space law and to the central role of COPUOS. In this regard, we also very much welcome and appreciate the announcement by Austria to provide additional funding for the convening of a possible UNISPACE IV conference in Vienna. We will continue to engage constructively with all delegations to ensure that outer space remains safe, sustainable and accessible for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all mankind. Thank you.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:09:28]:

I thank Germany for their statement. And now I give the floor to Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Arabia [2:09:40]:

Thank you, Chairperson. Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning. May the mercy and peace of God be upon you. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to express its sincere appreciation to you, Chair, for your efforts in managing the work of the Subcommittee, and also appreciates the role of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs in support of the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space, Chair. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirms its commitment to achieving the peaceful responsible and sustainable use of outer space in accordance with international law and the relevant international treaties based on the aforementioned the kingdom has given priority to regulating and developing the space sector in a manner that ensures maintaining the kingdom's fulfillment of its international obligations related to outer space and encourages the conduct of space activities in this regard the kingdom has worked on drafting a space law and its implementing regulations with the aim of establishing an appropriate regulatory environment for the space sector in the Kingdom and regulating this sector in line with international law and the relevant treaties. Also, Communications, Space and Technology Commission as the regulator of the space sector in the Kingdom published the Space Sector Regulations and Guidelines document for public consultation in December 2025. which provided a regulatory framework and guidelines for space activities, including space object operations, crude and uncrewed space flights, regulation of space ports, space resource activities, space surveillance and tracking, the national registry of space objects and launch operations, as well as sustainability and insurance guidelines related to space activities. The document also provides detailed provisions related to licensing and permitting procedures for conducting space activities, their requirements and durations, in addition to clarifying the obligations on entities carrying out such activities. Chair, such efforts aim to establish an integrated and enabling regulatory environment that supports the growth of the space sector in the Kingdom and enables the conduct of space activities with.

Clear governance framework that ensures the safety and sustainability of outer space.

To conclude, we confirm the importance of ensuring that space activities are conducted within national regulatory frameworks that are consistent with international space law and the relevant treaties in order to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of outer.

Space and to contribute to preserving the sustainability of the space environment for present and future generations.

Thank you, Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:12:44]:

I thank Saudi Arabia for their statement. And now I give the floor to Pakistan.


Pakistan [2:12:59]:

At the outset, let me congratulate you on your election as chair of the 65th session of the Legal Subcommittee of COPUS. At the same time, Pakistan expresses sincere gratitude to the outgoing chair of his able leadership. Considering the limited time available, I will keep my statement brief. Pakistan will submit the detailed version of the statement to the Secretariat for placement on the website. Chair, Pakistan being state party to all five UN treaties on outer space, including the Moon Agreement, firmly reaffirms that space is the common heritage of humankind and cannot be subject to national appropriation through the claim of sovereignty. Pakistan maintains that the outer space must be explored for peaceful purposes and remain accessible to all nations on a non-discriminatory basis. Chair, Pakistan firmly opposes the weaponization of outer space in any form. While the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and voluntary norms are valuable, they cannot substitute for a legally binding instrument. A comprehensive treaty on the prevention of an arms race in outer space, or PAROS, remains deeply imperative. Future outer space has increasingly becoming congested, competitive and contested. The rapid proliferation of private sector and unilateral national legislations risk undermining the core principle of non-appropriation and equal access. At the same time, Pakistan remains deeply concerned by the proliferation of space debris and urges enhanced sharing of radio frequency and orbital data to mitigate collision risk in the low earth orbit. Pakistan, in line with its space policy, calls for the global sincere efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space. On Global Navigation Satellite System, or GNSS, despite our proven technical merits and years of active engagement, Pakistan's application for full membership of International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite System, ICG, has remained unjustly obstructed by one particular country since 2021. We still believe that Pakistan's technical merit shall supersede political bias and it will be granted the membership of ICG. Chair, we firmly maintain that the pursuit of peaceful space technologies for socioeconomic development is an inalienable right of all nations. which is frequently hindered by discriminatory technological denials. In this regard, Pakistan firmly supports the efforts like China-led International Lunar Research Station project and Egypt-led Space for Development Initiative. Chair, in conclusion, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to multilateralism, sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space for the benefit of all humankind, and will continue to strive for international cooperation in this regard. I thank you, Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:15:58]:

I thank Pakistan for their statement. And now I give the floor to Belarus.


Belarus [2:16:09]:

Thank you, Chair. The delegation of Belarus would like to congratulate you, Mr. Arochi, on your election to chair the LSC and would like to express to you our readiness to support the work of the LSC under your leadership. We are grateful to UNOSCR for the excellent organization of the session of the Legal Subcommittee. Belarus shares the concern with regard to the danger to the long-term sustainability of outer space activity by the high speed of space debris formation in near-Earth space. We welcome the application by States of preventive measures to reduce the quantity of space debris through technological solutions when developing and operating spacecraft, for them to be removed to thicker layers of the atmosphere or to be redeployed into a disposal orbit following the end of their active life. Space debris is a real threat to spacecraft and this is particularly relevant for our country. In low earth orbit there are four Belarusian spacecraft which are operating. The space debris mitigation guidelines and the guidelines on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities adopted by COPUOS and which guide participants in outer space activities at the moment are without doubt implementing the functions entrusted to them. when it comes to the international regulation of space debris mitigation. At the same time we would like to say that applicable international normative basis needs to be further improved. It's important within the LSC to make efforts to develop an exhaustive conceptual framework for the legal regulation of exploration and utilisation of outer space for peaceful purposes, which will be the basis for future international treaties and agreements. When improving the international legal regulation of space activities, what can be seen is the development of greater details to do with the applicable legal framework and a maximum transition from principles, which are recommendations, to standards of law of mandatory implementation, taking into account the principle of equitable access to exploring outer space, independent of the level of development of states. We believe that all international legal mechanisms should be developed and agreed on only in the framework of the activities of COPUOS and its subcommittees. which duly takes into account the interests of all participants in outer space activities. The large-scale deployment into space of megaconstellations of small spacecraft is associated with an increase in threats and challenges for States' outer space activities, including an increase in the speed of space debris formation. and this dictates the need for further development of guidelines on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Belarus supports the efforts of states in this area. One of the approaches which could be seen to be effective and which could be broadly applied is for the maximum quantity of spacecraft which are constructed and launched in just low earth orbit were to have a removal mechanism after their active life is over. Chairperson, distinguished delegates, Belarus is certain that international cooperation under the aegis of COPUOS will in the future progressively develop for the benefit of humanity. An important task is keeping the consensus adoption of committee decisions, and we are absolutely certain that politicisation of the discussions does not correspond to the mandate of the subcommittee and its agenda and also has a negative impact on the results of its work. Thank you.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:20:51]:

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


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:21:01]:

The United Kingdom extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carrulla of Spain for his leadership as chair of the legal subcommittee and warmly welcomes Mr. Pablo Arrueta of Mexico as he assumes the role of chair. In 2024, the UK published its space regulatory review. providing a strategic framework for space regulatory reform involving cross-sector cooperation to benefit the UK space agency and industry. The UK was pleased to present at COPUOS last year on our pioneering regulatory sandbox on rendezvous and proximity operations, or RPO. This work helped us advance national space capability goals, with RPO as a key enabler for in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing. With the final stage of the sandbox recently concluded, the UK will now focus on analysing outcomes and factoring these into future work planning. Additionally, the UK has supported the development of two new industry-led space sustainability standards, which seek to incentivise good practice across the life cycle of space activities to prevent future access to space. The flex standards can be found on the British Standards Institution website. The UK remains available to engage with international partners on that work. The UK is proud to be part of the Artemis Accords, contributing to discussions on developing peaceful, safe and sustainable lunar practices. Such international coordination on emerging lunar issues is vitally important. This is why we fully support the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation and its co-chairs in their work. ATLAC should identify new and existing structures to facilitate consultation and coordination, which enables space exploration for all nations. Chair, the UK looks forward to continuing discussions at the Working Group on Space Resources. We would like to thank Chair Professor Stephen Freeland and Vice Chair Dr. Ayman Ahmed for their work and continued stewardship of the Committee. The UK is pleased with the progress to date on the development of the draft principles. The United Kingdom would like to draw Member States' attention to two conference room papers submitted by the UK during this session. one on ATLC and one on the working group on space resources. These provide greater detail on UK policy positions with regard to these subjects. We look forward to discussions under the working group of the five treaties related to Article 11 of the OST. We would like to thank the chair, Francesca Kneer, for her continued leadership of the working group. Finally, the UK would like to extend our thanks to Director Arti Halamani and UNOOSA for their commitment support to the work of this body. Thank you.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:24:13]:

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


Spain [2:24:22]:

Thank you very much, Chair. Spain aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union. We would like to make some additional comments in its national capacity. My delegation congratulates Professor Santiago Ripoll for his successful chairmanship in 2024 and 2025. We also thank the GRULAC group on assuming the chairmanship for 2026-2027, specifically I would like to congratulate the delegate of Mexico, Mr. Arrocha Olabuenaga. We would also like to convey our gratitude to the director and all of UNOSA, which who with their work make this session possible. Spain is a party to the first four treaties of the United Nations which regulate the use and exploration of space. We are in favour of the universalisation and full application of these treaties. Despite the need to be aware of the need to apply measures which increase the effectiveness within the framework of the UN 80 reform, we believe that COPUOS and its two subcommittees, the only multilateral forum in the United Nations in which we can in a cross-cutting manner to address all the legal, scientific and technical aspects to do with the exploration and utilisation of outer space. Chair, for more than three years now, the Spanish Space Agency has been a reality. It works on establishing and implementing national space policy which guides both the public and the private sector and increases the institutional relevance of space in close cooperation with the European Space Agency and the European Union. We also have a national aerospace safety strategy approved in July 2025, which seeks to respond to profound technological, strategic and normative changes and improve safety and defence capacity, contributing to a more safe, sustainable and cooperative aerospace environment and promoting the development of international protocols which regulate it. Moreover, starting from 2026, Spain has now moved to being the fourth greatest contributor to the ESA, with an annual contribution of EUR 455 million, which is an historic increase. Our interest in UNOOSA was recently reinforced with a voluntary contribution of EUR 100 000, which seeks to provide the necessary resources so that it can implement its mandate appropriately. There is also an additional contribution of 85,000 from the Spanish space agency. Concretely, we will support the construction, the building of capacity allowing for a technical mission to be carried out on the space law and sustainability for Latin America in the last quarter of the year. Moreover, Spain is working closely with UNOSA to bolster a serious, inclusive and transparent debate about the protection of dark and quiet skies, and it has also ensured that a specific agenda item be included on the LSC agenda from 2025 to 2028. This will assist in the establishment of normative frameworks that will facilitate the observation of space in collaboration with the industrial sector. My country is working with its European partners on projects to provide services to avoid collisions, analysis of fragmentations in orbit and re-entry, with the aim of protecting European space infrastructure. All of this is of great relevance technically and operationally for the future management of space traffic and space debris, and it can also guarantee the security of outer space. We also welcome progress made by the various working groups at this LSC. Spain believes that the 2030 Space Agenda should allow us to address challenges connected to the peaceful use of outer space on a solid, sustainable and multilateral basis committed to gender policies. We also hope that we come to an agreement on the organisation and financing of UNISPACE-4. We would also like to highlight our commitment to multilingualism and the support of Spanish, especially during this chairmanship by Groulat in 2026-2027. Finally, we would like to express our conviction that only together can we continue to strengthen the legal framework which governs outer space to benefit all of humanity today and in the future.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:28:48]:

I thank the delegation of Spain for that intervention and I now give the floor to the delegation of Egypt.


Egypt [2:28:55]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the outset, allow me to express Egypt's appreciation to Mr. Santiago Carulla of Spain for his dedication and successful tenure as Chair of the LSC. I also congratulate you, Chair, for chairing the 65th session of the LSC and assure you of our full support. Mr. Chair, Egypt fully aligns itself with the statements of the G77 and China, as well as the African Group, and would like to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Mr. Chair, Egypt has continued to advance a comprehensive and forward-looking national space program that integrates satellite development, earth observation, lunar cooperation, capacity building, and industrial partnership. In addition to preparing its first lunar payload in cooperation with Bahrain and China under Chang'e-7 mission, becoming the first African country to participate in this milestone. Since 2022, the Egyptian Space Agency has led the African Development Satellite Project, bringing together five African countries to develop a nano satellite for climate monitoring. These efforts have been further strengthened by the launch of SPANEX, a nano satellite in December 2025, and the establishment of the Egyptian Space Academy. At the regional level, Egypt is proud to host the Africa Space Agency in Cairo, marking a significant step towards advancing the African Union's Agenda 2063. Egypt calls for strengthening international support to the agency, particularly in technology transfer and capacity building on its own contributions. To that end, Egypt is proud to highlight the CLIM-CAM initiative successfully launched to the International Space Station in partnership with Kenya and Uganda. as a clear example of leading by example in advancing equitable benefit sharing in outer space, particularly for climate observation and monitoring. This was facilitated through the UNOSA Access Space for All in cooperation with Airbus, which illustrates how inclusive frameworks can translate into real impact driven solutions to global challenges such as climate change. Sir Chair, Egypt takes note of the issues table before us in this session of the Legal Subcommittee and would like to highlight the following points. that applies to this agenda item as well as our other agenda items. Egypt stresses that any regulatory or normative development should enhance and not restrict the ability of all states, particularly developing countries, to access and utilize outer space. Bridging the widening gap between developed and developing countries remains a central priority, including through strengthened capacity building and adequate resource allocation in line with Space 2030 agenda and its implementation plan. In this context, discussion on emerging issues, including the long-term sustainability of outer space, the utilization of space resources and space traffic management, must remain firmly grounded in established legal principles and must not create new forms of exclusion. Particular attention should be given to safeguarding the rights and interests of developing and emerging space-faring nations, including in addressing the role of the private sector. Chair Egypt believes that there is a need to develop innovative frameworks to operationalize the principle of benefit sharing in outer space. In this regard, Egypt supports efforts to advance a consensual and flexible framework for international cooperation that incorporates technical assistance and technology transfer, including as part of the deliverables of winning space for the same vein. Egypt highlights the initiative entitled Space for Development, International Cooperation and implementing benefit sharing in space activities, launched by the African group together with a broad cross-regional partnership. This initiative aims to advance a practical framework for international cooperation and enhance the sharing of benefits from the exploration and use of outer space, particularly for developing countries. And Egypt looks forward to the continuation of consultations on this initiative facilitated by UNOOSA and invites all member states to engage actively. Finally, Egypt notes with concern that the report of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, including its annexes, did not adequately reflect the development dimension of COPUOS, as per the mandate of the UNGA resolution, the most recent of which is resolution 80/76, nor the need to give due consideration to the interests of developing countries. And Egypt looks forward to constructive discussions that lead to reasonable consensus, which fully preserve the mandate and the working methods of the Subcommittee. In conclusion, Egypt reaffirms its commitment to advancing the peaceful use of outer space in a manner that is inclusive, equitable, and firmly grounded international law. I thank you, Mr.

Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:33:23]:

I thank the delegation of Egypt for that statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of Slovakia.


Slovakia [2:33:38]:

Mr. Chair, excellency, distinguished delegates, The Slovak Republic would like to take this opportunity to thank the Director of UNOSA and her dedicated team, as well as the Chair, for organizing this session and facilitating constructive discussions. Slovakia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. In our national capacity, allow me to add the following remarks. Slovakia remains fully committed to the peaceful uses of outer space and to the progressive development of the international legal framework governing space activities. We are guided by the fundamental principles of the United Nations Treaties on Outer Space, which serve as the basis for ensuring that outer space remains safe, sustainable and accessible to all. At the national level, space activities in Slovakia are coordinated by the Slovak Space Office, which was established on the 1st of January, 2021 by the government resolution at the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic. An important milestone in Slovakia has been the adoption of the Act number 378/2024 on the regulation of space activities, which entered into force on the 1st of February, 2025. This act governs conducting of regulated space activities and the establishment of a national registry of space objects. Moreover, it also states that the operator shall be obliged to take and comply with appropriate measures to limit the production of space debris, taking into account international guidelines for the limitation of space debris. Slovakia also notes the need to consider the environmental impact of space activities on Earth and in space and to provide a clear framework for common impact assessments such as the long-term sustainability guidelines and the space debris mitigation guidelines. Slovakia supports the continued growth and commercialisation of the European space sector and advocates for strengthening its competitiveness in line with the principle of the United Nations Treaties on Outer Space. Space activities in Slovakia are further guided by the Slovak Space Strategy 2030, Space as a Catalyst for Growth. This strategy was prepared due to the need to highlight the strategic importance and relevance of space activities in the Slovak Republic and to outline the vision and goals of their development. Moreover, this strategy outlines the vision for the development of space activities in the Slovak Republic in the following areas, research and education, services for the state administration and the population, development of the space industry, security and defense, and popularization of space activities. These individual measures for the development of the space sector will be set out in more detail in an action plan which is being prepared. Mr. President, Slovakia remains committed to contributing constructively to the work of the subcommittee and to the development of international space law for the benefit of all humankind. Thank you for your attention.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:36:55]:

I thank the delegation of Slovakia for that statement and I now give the floor to the delegation of Slovenia.


Slovenia [2:37:02]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President, distinguished delegates. Slovenia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise a few points in my national capacity. Slovenia remains fully committed to being an active and responsible actor in the global space community. In our view, support of this subcommittee is crucial for successful and inclusive discussions that will lead to the development of internationally acceptable legal frameworks. In our previous statements, we already emphasised a simple but powerful fact. Yes, there is a lot we can do better and more efficiently, but this is the most important and most impactful forum where discussions affecting outer space and with that our access to space get made on the basis of consensus. I said many times before, this Vienna spirit right here is what must be preserved for the benefit of all humankind. While we might not always agree on how we do something, it is evident that we all believe in a shared goal of ensuring the safety, sustainability, and resilience of both the outer space and of Earth. Slovenia firmly believes that international cooperation and a multilateral approach are indispensable to advancing the global space sector. When we speak of a multilateral approach, we view UNOSA and COPUS as central to addressing the most pressing issues within the current space environment, with one of the foremost challenges being space traffic management, which was also recognized as one of our national priorities in 2021. In light with this, we fully support the German proposal for the establishment of a working group dedicated to the legal and policy aspects of space traffic management. Slovenia, together with Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, express its sincere appreciation for the work carried out within ATLAS under the capable leadership of Ms. Bottesato and Mr. Abbas in a joint conference room paper. We recognize the considerable value of the proposed work plan and are confident that it will enable the effective exchange of technical and regulatory expertise necessary for a meaningful participation in future activities. Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, we look forward to the upcoming IASL and ECSL colloquium and warmly welcome the contributions of permanent observers to the work of this committee. We firmly believe that many delegations and emerging space-faring nations can benefit significantly from the expertise of regulatory knowledge of the permanent observers that is essential for effective engagement in the global space sector. We are also honored to report that Slovenia's Space Office and the Law Faculty of the University of Ljubljana will, in collaboration with ECSL, organize the 34th Summer Course on Space Law in Ljubljana. We are convinced that with hosting such events, we will inspire the next generation of powerful voices in space law and policy in Slovenia and internationally. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:40:36]:

Thank the delegation of Slovenia for that statement, and I now give the floor to the delegation of the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [2:40:48]:

We'd like to congratulate you upon your appointment to this post. This year humanity is commemorating a truly significant date, 65 years since the first human space flight. On the 12th of April 1961, the Soviet citizen Yuri Gagarin made his historic flight around Earth. This outstanding event was a breakthrough to civilizational level, a triumph of science and technology, a symbol of human bravery. Thanks to the talent, tenacity and dedication of scientists, engineers and constructors and also the unparalleled heroism of the first cosmonaut, a scientific hypothesis which hitherto seemed fantastical became a reality. It is gratifying that today, 65 years later, active space exploration continues. Spaceships are flying to the moon, which became possible thanks to the achievement partly of Yuri Gagarin. The Russian Federation continues to actively work on developing its national space programme. paying particular attention to ensuring the safety and sustainability of outer space activities. An important area of work in 2025 was the improvement of national infrastructure for data processing from remote sensing of earth. The analytical centres and cloud platforms created allow for a significant reduction in the time needed for processing data and increases its accessibility for state and private users. We are successfully using space technology at all stages of counteracting natural and anthropogenic disasters to prevent and mitigate their consequences, ensuring infrastructure readiness. and the adoption of response measures and carrying out recovery and rehabilitation work in affected regions of the country. The Russian Federation is in favour of keeping the role of the LSC as a central forum for discussing a whole range of issues to do with space law. We underscore the importance of close coordination of the work of the LSC and the scientific and technical subcommittee in the light of the complex nature of tasks facing COPUOS. To fully realise its potential, the LSC must step up its consideration of relevant issues to do with the legal regulation of modern space activity. It should not allow questions falling under the competency of the LSC and requiring the consideration of all States' views to be discussed in other fora with limited composition. The LSC should pay greater attention to issues of reducing debris formation in outer space and removing space debris, delimitation of outer space, space traffic management and also to the problem of activities to do with space resources. The Russian Federation is consistently in favour of discussing them in a substantive and open manner. We underscore the key significance of developing a comprehensive international cooperation on this issue while keeping a central coordinating role for the UN. There is deep concern around the ongoing efforts to politicise the work of the committee and also to weaken its mandate through initiating the consideration of issues related to its conduct in the framework of other international formats. Separately, we would like to note that the involvement of non-governmental organisations in the activities of the Committee and its subcommittees should be done within strictly set limits and should not replace the participation of states. In conclusion, the Russian Federation underscores its commitment to the principles of international space law based on the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, and it consistently supports keeping outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes. and we also support ensuring equal access to its resources for all states independent of their level of economic and technological development. Thank you very much.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:44:21]:

I thank the delegation of the Russian Federation for that statement and I now give the floor to the delegation of Bulgaria.


Bulgaria [2:44:29]:

Chair, distinguished delegates, Bulgaria aligns with the EU statement under this agenda item. Let me begin by expressing our appreciation to Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carrurro of Spain

for his exemplary chairmanship of the Legal Subcommittee

and congratulate you, Mr. Pablo Arrocha Balonuega of Mexico and Mr. Natanael Pineda

Rodriguez of Panama on being appointed as chairs respectively for 2026 and 2027.

We also would like to thank the director of UNOSA and the secretariat for the excellent preparation of this session despite the financial constraints.

Chair, we're witnessing the growing importance of space technologies and

activities for daily life and societal well-being, leading to an increasing number of factors, objects, and operations in outer space,

which underscores the need to establish effective norms to ensure its safety and sustainability for future generations.

In this regard, the work of the Committee on the

Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, its subcommittees, and working groups remain essential for ensuring the peaceful

and sustainable use of outer space.

The development of frameworks on space traffic management, space debris and space resources is of particular importance.

Technological progress must therefore be guided by a robust and predictable legal framework.

Bulgaria reaffirms its strong commitment to the existing global legal framework governing outer space, including the Outer Space Treaty and the core United Nations treaties and principles. This position is further reinforced by the Pact of the Future, which also highlights the importance of advancing new frameworks through COPs

and recognizes the role of safe and sustainable space activities in achieving the 2030 agenda.

Ensuring sustainability and space safety remains a priority for Bulgaria.

We underline the importance of the guidelines for the long-term sustainability of space activities and call for the enhanced international cooperation in space situational awareness to protect critical space infrastructure

from collisions and debris. We welcome the contributions of the Working Group

on the Status and Application of the Five UN Treaties on Outer Space,

as well as the progress made on the legal aspects of space resource activities.

We also emphasise the need for closer collaboration between the subcommittees. Chair, Bulgaria attaches great importance to international cooperation in outer space as a driver of innovation and progress.

actively participate in several EU space programs including Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus and others and remain committed to further expand

our role within the European Space Agency. We have recently joined the EU GovSatCom initiative aimed at enhancing secure satellite communications for critical public services.

We aim to strengthen international cooperation in civil space exploration including within the framework of the Artemis Accords. In conclusion, Chair, let me reaffirm Bulgaria's commitment to multilateralism with the United Nations at its

core as essential for maintaining peace, security and sustainable development in line with the 2030 agenda. Thank you, Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:47:31]:

I thank the delegation of Bulgaria for that statement and I now give the floor to the delegation of Ukraine.


Ukraine [2:47:39]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To begin with, the delegation of Ukraine would like to express its sincere

appreciation to Mr Santiago Ripoll Carulla of Spain for his dedicated leadership and effective stewardship of the Legal Subcommittee

over the past two years. We warmly welcome Mr Pablo Adrian Rocha Olabuenaga of Mexico

on his appointment as Chair of the 65th session of the Legal

Subcommittee and wish him every success in guiding our work.

You may count on Ukraine's full support and constructive engagement.

Distinguished delegates, Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union under this agenda item.

In my national capacity, I would like to add the following remarks.

At the outset, Ukraine would like to highlight

the significance of recent advantages, advancements in human space explorations, including the Artemis II mission.

The

milestone demonstrates that humanity is entering a new phase of activities beyond Earth's orbit, including renewed engagement in lunar exploration.

These developments reaffirm that outer

space remains the province of all humankind and underscore the importance of ensuring that international space

law continues to provide clear, inclusive, and universally applicable principles for future activities.

Mr. Chair, Ukraine remains firmly committed to multilateral cooperation within COPUOS and its subcommittees,

which serve as essential platforms for the progressive development of international space law and the promotion of

the peaceful uses of outer space.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the broader international context in which our discussions are taking place.

Russia's ongoing war of

aggression against Ukraine conducted in blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and fundamental principles of international law continues to undermine trust, stability and the rule-based international order, including in domains such as outer space. In this context, we would like to draw attention to a concerning emerging trend, the use of COPUOS platforms to advance initiatives that risk introducing political divisions into a forum that has traditionally been guided by consensus. We refer in particular to the draft UN General Assembly resolution entitled Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace, initiated by the Russian Federation. We would like to recall that this initiative has already been presented and discussed within COPUOS over several sessions.

These discussions have clearly demonstrated that the proposal does not enjoy broad support among Member States.

Reintroducing it under different procedural approaches does not alter this fundamental reality.

Moreover, Ukraine notes that this proposal raises a number of substantive concerns.

First, elements of the draft resolution touch upon issues related to security and the use of space

systems in conflict contexts, which fall outside the mandate of COPUOS and shall be addressed

within appropriate frameworks, including those under the First Committee of the General Assembly. Second, the draft risks introducing ambiguous or selective interpretations of the principle of the peaceful uses of outer space, which may lead to restrictive approaches affecting access to space technologies. Third, advancing such initiatives outside the established consensus-based process of COPUOS undermines the procedural integrity of the Committee and risks

creating an undesirable precedent.

If such practices were to become normalized, they could weaken COPUOS as the primary forum for the development of international space law. In this regard, Ukraine would like to recall that

the Outer Space Treaty clearly establishes the principle of free and non-discriminatory access to outer space for all States.

Mr. Chair, in our view, strengthening the effectiveness of COPUOS requires first and foremost reinforcing transparency.

States should provide complete and reliable information regarding their space activities in line with existing international obligations and transparency practices. Secondly, it requires the preservation of the procedural integrity of the Committee. Any initiatives aimed at developing new legal norms must proceed through established COPUOS mechanisms based on dialogue and consensus. Ukraine remains committed to constructive

engagement and to advancing the work of this subcommittee in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:52:51]:

I thank Ukraine for their statement. And now I give the floor to Panama.


Panama [2:52:59]:

First of all, please allow me to congratulate you on your appointment as chair of the legal subcommittee and express our full support. You can count on our support for the work of this subcommittee. Panama endorses the statement made by G77 and China and would like to express the following in its national capacity. My country reaffirms its commitment to international law and the exclusively peaceful use of outer space, as well as our commitment to the role of this subcommittee as the central forum for the progressive elaboration or making of space law. We consider that current international space law is in a phase of significant change. The current challenge is not just in general principles, but also in effective implementation in an environment characterized by an increase in the number of space actors, new capacities, and the diversification of space activities. Therefore, questions such as authorization and oversight of space activities, transparency, exchange of information, registry of space objects and the international liability of states acquires growing relevance. We would like to highlight the importance of Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty, which establishes the responsibility of States for national activities in space, including those carried out by non-governmental institutions, which must be subject to authorisation and oversight on a continuous basis. Strengthening these elements is essential, in our opinion, to guarantee legal certainty, sustainability and the peaceful nature of outer space activities. Chair, Panama has been consolidating its alignment with the international space law regime. Our country is a state party to the Outer Space Treaty since 2023, as well as the Agreement of Salvage and Return and the Liability Convention. We signed the Artemis Accords in December 2024 as proof of our commitment to peaceful space exploration. which is at once responsible and transparent and in harmony with prevailing International law at National level Panama has begun to draft a legal and institutional framework for space in October 2025 we requested technical assistance from un USA within the framework of the global space law project in order to develop a national regulatory framework for our space activities. We've also been consolidating international cooperation with strategic partners that includes initiatives with academia and technical cooperation with countries such as Italy, Mexico and France, and we've established links with space institutions such as NASA. These partnerships have enabled us to develop training programs, including training in Earth observation and space applications, contributing to the progressive strengthening of our national capacity. This process is not only technical in nature, it also requires a national legal framework so we can regulate, oversee and grant legal certainty to space activities is in line with international law. The effective implementation of international space law means that states have to have suitable domestic regulatory frameworks and we coincide with G77 and China that strengthening legal and political capacity in space is essential to guarantee the effective participation of developing countries in space we would like to highlight that the evolution in space law should reflect the interests and needs of developing countries and emerging space Nations access to outer space should take place without discrimination and on an equitable footing for the benefit of all of humankind finally Panama is pleased to see confidence deposited in our country in chairing this subcommittee in 2027 and reiterate our commitment to constructive legal work. Panama will continue to support an international space law based on international cooperation, responsibility, sustainability, and equitable access to outer space benefits. Thank you.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [2:57:45]:

I thank Panama. And now I give the floor to Algeria.


Algeria [2:57:56]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the outset, I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Santiago Ripoll Carulla for his successful tenure of the legal subcommittee. I would like also to congratulate you, Mr. Chair, for assuming the chairmanship of our session and to reassure you of our support and cooperation. Also, we would like to thank UNOSA for the impeccable preparation for this session. My delegation aligns itself with the statement of the Group of 77 and China, as well as the statement of the African Group, and we would like to make the following statement in our national capacity. My delegation stresses the importance of the exploration and use of outer space, including the moon and celestial bodies, should be only geared towards serving peaceful purposes and serving the interests of all countries without discrimination and according to international law, UN Charter, UN treaties, especially the Outer Space Treaty. My delegation acknowledges the increasing importance of small satellites for the access to space, especially for developing countries. And we reiterate that the guarantee of safety and sustainability of space activities requires that the same should abide by UN treaties and ITU regulations, as well as non-binding instruments such as the CopuOS guidelines regarding reducing space debris and also guidelines related to long-term sustainability. My delegation calls for the importance of identifying and specifying the future legal framework that governs the exploration and exploitation of space resources under the auspices of this subcommittee, as this subcommittee is the only guarantor of an equitable process that guarantees full abidance by the main foundations of the space law, especially the principle of non-appropriation and equitable access. Mr. Chair, given the challenge posed by space traffic management, especially with the increase in diversity of activities, my delegation stresses the paramount importance of rapid, accurate, and non-discriminatory exchange of data on space situational awareness. And we consider that equitable access to the same is a prerequisite to enable all countries to effectively assess the risks of collision and protect the safety of their space assets. And in this regard, we need enhanced international cooperation capable of addressing the urgent challenges related to the increasing space debris. with special attention to the needs of developing countries and emerging space-faring institutions as well. Also, we should guarantee that these norms should not be an obstacle but should be a leverage that ensures the right of all countries to the exploration and use of outer space. Also, at the national level, we would like to not to brief the subcommittee, uh, on the recent launching in January, 2026 of Alsat 3 and Alsat 3B. And this reiterates the impor- for the earth observation. And this reiterates the, uh, central and strategic role of space activities as a national priority. And it also, translates the determination by my country of harnessing space sciences for socioeconomic advancement. In conclusion, you can rely on the cooperation of my delegation under your wise presidency towards the success of our session. Thank you.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:01:49]:

I thank Algeria.

And before I continue with the list of speakers, I notice that the Russian Federation has requested the floor. Is this on a point of order?


Speaker 50 [3:02:15]:

Interrupto la delegación.

No estamos escuchando, por lo menos yo no escucho la interpretación en inglés.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:02:27]:

I was not hearing English. Could you please start again so we can hear it? Thank you.


Russian Federation [3:02:39]:

Distinguished Chair, in the room, according to the rules of procedure, We draw attention to the fact that one of the delegations violated the rules of procedure by saying in its statement that it was going beyond the competency of this organ. Please ensure, Chair, strict compliance by all delegations with the established rules. Thank you very much.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:03:15]:

Thank you. We take note of your statement and we continue with the list of speakers. And now I give the floor to Malta.


Malta [3:03:26]:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Malta aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and now has the honor to deliver some remarks in its national capacity. I would like to start by congratulating you, Mr. Chair, on your election and assure you of our full support. And we'd like to express.

Our thanks to your predecessor, Mr. Ripoll.

I express our sincere gratitude to UNOSA Director, Ms. Arty Holamaini, and all her team for their commitment, support and dedicated efforts to ensure the continuation of the valuable work of COPUOS. Mr. Chair, it's a great pleasure and honour for my country to be participating for the first time as full member of COPUOS. We reaffirm our strong commitment to multilateralism and to the United Nations system, which were key guiding principles underpinning our decision to seek membership of COPUOS. Malta firmly views outer space as a domain for mutual advancement and dialogue that unites the international community around shared interests and responsibilities. Through COPUOS and its subcommittees, the international rules-based order in outer space is upheld by providing an inclusive, multilateral forum to convene, exchange views and share best practices on the peaceful uses of outer space, where the overarching objective remains that of ensuring prosperity for all humankind. Outer space is a global commons governed by the rigorous international legal framework must continue serving as an engine for sustainable development and collective benefit. This requires ensuring that this domain remains peaceful, secure, and open to all. We further underline that the legal subcommittee is particularly well positioned to develop and advance the norms, principles, and legal understandings necessary to promote responsible behavior, strengthen trust among states, and guide outer space activities in a vibrant and fast evolving environment. Such efforts will ensure that the potential of the last frontier is unleashed responsibly for the enduring benefits of present as well as future generations. Mr. Chair, while Malta may be modest in geographic size, our ambitions are far reaching. Nationally, we are working on a Malta Space Act, which aims to establish a clear and internationally aligned regulatory framework to establish a responsible space jurisdiction. This framework provides legal certainty with clear rules for licensing and overseeing space activities and supports innovative and sustainable engagement in the space sector, which will position Malta as a reliable, forward-looking partner with an attractive environment for sustainable and innovative space activities. Malta is therefore very pleased to engage with this subcommittee at a pivotal moment for outer space, marked by rapid technological advances, including artificial intelligence, and increasing commercial participation. Multilateral forums such as this remain vital to sustaining the dialogue necessary to advance effective, inclusive and forward-looking space governance. In conclusion, we wish to join others in warmly welcoming the announcement by the Austrian government, and we look forward to the discussions on the international space governance and its robust legal foundation, whose continued effectiveness depends on practical and cooperative implementation that translates shared principles into predictable and scalable frameworks that benefit all stakeholders. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:07:08]:

I thank the delegation of Malta for their statement. And now I give the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [3:07:20]:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to congratulate you on assuming the chairmanship of this meeting and to align my delegation with the statement of G77 and China. Mr. Chairman, on 28th February 2026, the United States and Israeli regime attacked my country in gross violation of international law and international humanitarian law. Their aggression targeted civilian infrastructures, including the Iranian Space Research Center, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, weather stations, and many other facilities. These attacks resulted in the martyrdom of thousands of innocent Iranians, including 168 schoolgirls in the city of Minab. Their attacks not only violates international humanitarian law, but also contradicts the mandate of corpus in pursuing the peaceful use of outer space. In this regard, the provision of military assistance to the aggressors by the so-called commercial satellites demonstrates that outer space is no longer being used exclusively for peaceful purposes. These acts of aggression undermine the objective and purpose of COPUOS, as well as the collective efforts of these members toward strengthening this committee. The aggression by the US and Israeli regime against Iran's satellite ground facilities and Syrian radio and television infrastructure constitute a clear violation of the fundamental principle prohibiting the use of force under Article 2 of the UN Charter. The targeted facilities are infrastructures whose functions are directly linked to the civilian rights, access to information and other non-military public services. Targeting them results in the widespread disrupt of civilian communications and leads to the humanitarian consequences. These facilities serve as critical links between space and Earth and are used for civilian communications, public broadcasting, emergency services, and crisis management. Such attacks represent serious violations of international law, including binding rules of the international humanitarian law, international space law, and the constitution of the International Telecommunication Union. We expect these attacks on civilian infrastructure to be condemned by the international community as clear violations of principles governing the peaceful use of outer space. Furthermore, effective and binding mechanism should be established and strengthened within the UN and relevant international bodies to protect facilities and stations related to civilian space infrastructure against military aggression. Mr. Chairman, the legal subcommittee is a fundamental pillar of corpus in advancing dialogue on international space law, clarifying the rights and responsibilities of nations and fostering equitable access to outer space resources. It is through the collective agreement of member state built on mutual understanding and respect for national interests that we can progress toward a stable and predictable legal environment for space activities. In this regard, consensus forms the bedrock of all deliberations within the COPUS framework. Consensus-driven decision-making not only strengthens our collective efforts but also ensures the legitimacy, applicability, and sustainability of COPUS decisions. This approach prevents marginalization, reinforces multilateralism, and solidifies space law as a tool for fairness and stability rather than division or exclusion. In conclusion, my delegation takes note of the liquidity crisis within the UN and its impact on relevant bodies, in particular UNSA. and emphasizes the importance of the efforts of the Secretariat and member state to address the challenges ahead we support these efforts and stand ready to work on the proposals put forward to address this issue such efforts and proposals must provide a sustainable solution without compromising the core mandate of copus I thank you.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:11:52]:

I thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for their statement and now I give the floor to Austria.


Austria [3:12:02]:

Mr. Chairman, at the outset, let me warmly welcome you as chair of this subcommittee and wish you every success in steering our work. Our gratitude also goes to the director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs and her team for the excellent preparation of this session. Mr. Chair, Austria fully aligns itself with the statement of the European Union And let me add a few reflections in our national capacity. Austria notes with concern recent decisions to shorten the subcommittee's formal meetings. We recognize that efforts to improve efficiency and implement reforms are necessary. At the same time, we must ensure that the subcommittee remains an effective forum to advance our important legal agenda. Space activities have reached levels that seemed unthinkable even just a few years ago. These activities affect our lives in innumerable ways, from communication to navigation, research and innovation and beyond. Figuratively speaking, outer space has never been closer to humanity. This represents a tremendous opportunity for our civilization and at the same time a formidable challenge for all of us in this room. Strong and effective multilateral cooperation in the design and implementation of internationally accepted rules is essential for the safety, security and long term sustainability of activities in outer space. Austria therefore calls on all states that have not yet done so to become parties to the UN treaties on outer space. We call on all members of the subcommittee to work together to further develop and deepen our legal frameworks. In doing so, we must never lose sight of the primordial principle guiding our work, that outer space must be used for peaceful purposes only. This is essential for maintaining international peace and security, as well as for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities. Mr. Chair, space traffic management is an increasing challenge for space activities in an area where COPUOS can and must add value. We welcome the ongoing initiatives on this issue by Germany and the United Arab Emirates and hope we can make further tangible progress in the two subcommittees. In the same vein, we strongly support the drafting of principles for space resource activities. We would like to thank the chair and vice chair of the working group, Professor Freeland and Mr. Ahmed, for their diligent leadership. Austria is deeply committed to the safe and sustainable and peaceful exploration of outer space. It was against this backdrop that Austria became the 50th signatory of the Artemis Accords in December 2024. The accords are fully embedded in the wider international legal framework for the peaceful use of outer space, including all the five UN treaties on outer space. Mr. Chair, Austria attaches great importance to safeguarding the legal subcommittee as the principal multilateral body mandated to promote the progressive development of international space law for the peaceful use of outer space. We also stress the importance of monitoring the implementation of the rules developed, both binding and non-binding in this subcommittee. Austria welcomes the preparation for the fourth UNISPACE conference envisaged for 2027 and recalling the important legacy of the previous UNISPACE conferences, which were all held in Vienna. We look forward to further advancing this process As a host country, we stand ready to provide EUR 400 000 in budgetary support towards the successful organisation of the conference next year here in Vienna. In closing, let me reaffirm that the Austrian delegation will continue to strongly support the work and the deliberations of the subcommittee and we look forward to a productive and successful session. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:16:22]:

I thank.

The delegation of Austria for their statement. And I give the floor to Ghana, who will be the last speaker for the morning. Ghana, you have the floor.


Ghana [3:16:33]:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, the Republic of Ghana congratulates you, Mr. Chair, on your election as the chair of this session, and we assure you of our full support. Ghana aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the G77 and China and the African group respectively. Mr. Chair, Ghana remains firmly committed to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space in accordance with international law and to ensuring that space activities contribute to sustainable development, scientific advancement, and the well-being of society. As an emerging space nation, Ghana continues to strengthen its national policy, legal and institutional frameworks to support responsible participation in global space activities. Ghana's national space policy approved by cabinet and launched in 2024 provides strategic direction for national activities in space science, earth observation, satellite communications and innovation. Building on this foundation, government approved the establishment of the Ghana Space Agency in 2025, marking an important step towards strengthening national coordination of space activities and enhancing Ghana's ability to contribute to the global space community. Ghana continues to benefit from constructive cooperation with UNOSA, And in June 2025, Ghana hosted a space law technical advisory mission, as said by the director, which supported national efforts toward the development of a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework aligned with the United Nations treaties on outer space. Mr. Chair, Ghana continues to strengthen technical capacity in science, in space science, through the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory at Kuntunse, developed in collaboration with international partners and at the Square Kilometer Array Project. Progress in system upgrades and ongoing technical integration activities are supporting Ghana's readiness to contribute to global radio astronomy research and scientific cooperation. Ghana is also expanding the use of earth observation data and artificial intelligence to support national development priorities. Current initiatives include the development of AI-enabled tools for crop monitoring, crop classification, and crop yield prediction to support agricultural decision-making. Ghana is also participating in international cooperation efforts, applying digital twin approaches for flood modeling and climate resilience planning. Ghana therefore notes with gratitude Eros' efforts that have enhanced collaboration with partners to expand these tools under the project, in quotes, enhancing climate resilience in Ghana and Nigeria through space-based solutions, including exploring applications in vulnerable coastal areas such as Keta. Mr. Chair, these emerging space nations in Africa and in developing world are exploring initiatives and this will require strengthening capacity building, access to scientific data, cooperation partnerships and appropriate regulatory readiness consistent with international space law. Mr. Chair, Ghana also underscores the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in space science technology, engineering and mathematics, recognizing that inclusive participation across gender, geography and development status is essential in realizing the full potential of space for sustainable development. Mr. Chair, Ghana further welcomes continued regional cooperation efforts in Africa aimed at strengthening coordination of space activities, development of human capital, and the promotion of innovation activities. So, Mr. Chair, this brings to mind what we just saw on the UNOSA website this morning that UNOSA has announced a landmark moment for African space cooperation, where we have Egypt, Kenya, and Uganda jointly, that they have jointly sent claim camp and AI enabled earth observation instruments to the International Space Station. This is the first time in history that three African countries have designed, built, tested a single joint ISS payload. Ghana congratulates our sister nations on this remarkable achievement, achievement which powerfully demonstrates what African countries can accomplish when we collaborate and reinforces why our continuous engagement in COPUOS and the broader international space governance framework matters so profoundly for our continent. Mr. Chair, outer space remains the province of all humankind. and international cooperation remains essential to ensuring that space activities contribute to shared global progress. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:21:55]:

I thank the delegation of Ghana for their statement, and I will now adjourn for lunch. However, before doing that, I would like to inform you about Ukraine has requested the floor. Is this a point of order?


Ukraine [3:22:17]:

Yes, I would like to raise a point of order, Mr. Chair.

Ukraine wishes to recall.

That under the general exchange of views, delegations are fully entitled to raise matters they consider relevant to.

The work of the subcommittee, including issues affecting trust, compliance with international law and the conditions of genuine international cooperation.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:22:43]:

The Chair takes note of your statement and thank you for that comment. As I said, we will meet this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. on the dot and we will continue with agenda item four, general exchange of views. We shall begin and hopefully conclude agenda item five, information on activities of intergovernmental, of international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations relating to space law. and if we have enough time we shall begin our consideration of agenda item six status and application of the five united nations treaties on outer space and ways and means including capacity building to promote their implementation we shall then adjourn the plenary meeting so that the Working Group on the Status and Application of the Five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space can hold its first meeting. Distinguished delegates, I will now give the floor briefly to the Secretariat. to provide information on today's side events. You have the floor.


UNOOSA · Secretariat [3:24:17]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Very quickly, already at one o'clock. So distinguished delegates, during lunchtime, there will be three side events. A joint side event organized by Germany and Canada on the governance and international cooperation in the context of the lunar activities 55 PM in conference room seven on the seventh floor, and we also virtual connection. Another event, a side event organized by the Russian Federation to meet and greet with the cosmonaut Sergei Prokopyev. This event will be held also from 1:00 to 1:55 PM in conference room two on the second floor. Third event, a joint side event organized by Germany, COSPAR, and the Lunar Policy Platform. on the role of the information sharing about space activities, perspectives and the sustainability science exploration and the capacity building. This event will be held from 2 to 2:55 p.m. in conference room seven on the seventh floor and be also virtual connection. All delegations are invited to attend all these side events. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.


Mexico · Chair · Pablo Adrian Arrocha Olabuenaga [3:25:30]:

Thank you very much. And if no other delegation wishes to take the floor or has a question on the schedule I will adjourn and we'll meet back here at 3 p.m. thank you.