The Director of
the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Aarti Holla-Maini,
emphasized the inseparable link between the peaceful use of outer space and
space security during her address at the United Nations Institute for
Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) Outer Space Security Conference. She underscored
that maintaining a safe, sustainable, and secure space environment remains a
unified global priority.
Despite a
complex geopolitical landscape, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer
Space (COPUOS) continues to advance consensus-based diplomacy in line with the
objectives outlined in the “Pact for the Future.” Director Holla-Maini
highlighted several key developments, including progress toward a potential
UNISPACE IV conference in 2027.
Significant
work is underway across multiple fronts: the Action Team on Lunar Activities
Coordination (ATLAC) is developing recommendations for lunar interoperability
by 2027; states have begun negotiations on draft principles for space resource
management; and an Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness has been
established to support global space traffic coordination.
Beyond these
initiatives, UNOOSA is strengthening collaboration across the UN system,
partnering with organizations such as the International Telecommunication
Union, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the UN Environment
Programme to address issues ranging from satellite registration and airspace
integration to the environmental impact of space activities.
The Office
congratulated UNIDIR on a successful conference and reaffirmed its commitment
to multilateral cooperation in ensuring the long-term sustainability and
security of outer space for all humanity.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
