UNOOSA, Saudi Space Agency advance global cooperation on space sustainability

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has reiterated the urgency of safeguarding the long-term sustainability of outer space amid growing congestion caused by an increasing number of satellites and frequent launches.

This focus formed part of discussions at the Space Debris Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where UNOOSA participated in high-level engagements on responsible space activities and the future of space sustainability. The conference was hosted by the Saudi Space Agency and brought together international stakeholders to address the escalating challenge of space debris and orbital congestion.

On the margins of the conference, the Saudi Space Agency and the United Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening international cooperation in support of a more sustainable and secure space environment. The agreement reflects Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in the global space sector and its commitment to multilateral collaboration on space governance.

UNOOSA highlighted that the protection of outer space is a shared global responsibility, underscoring its ongoing efforts to translate awareness into concrete action. These efforts include supporting the implementation of internationally agreed Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines, advancing dialogue on space governance through the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, providing legal and policy guidance to Member States, and building capacity through workshops and advisory missions.

The discussions in Riyadh also aligned with broader United Nations initiatives to raise public and institutional awareness of space sustainability challenges, as the rapid growth of space activities continues to test existing governance frameworks and technical safeguards.