UNOOSA opens 65th Legal Subcommittee Session to promote global space governance
Date: 2026-04-16
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has opened the 65th
session of the Legal Subcommittee (LSC) of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses
of Outer Space, bringing together 110 member states, 60 permanent observers,
and several ad-hoc participants.
The
session was formally opened by Chair Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga of Mexico, who
highlighted the Subcommittee’s longstanding role in shaping the international
legal framework governing outer space. He noted that the upcoming 60th
anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty in 2027 presents an opportunity to
reflect on the progress made through key UN treaties, principles, and
guidelines.
In
her opening remarks, UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini emphasized the urgency
of advancing legal frameworks to address emerging challenges in space
activities. She outlined priorities including the development of principles for
the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use of space resources, as well as
improving information-sharing mechanisms under Article XI of the Outer Space
Treaty.
The
session will also focus on expert discussions under the Action Team on Lunar
Activities Consultation (ATLAC), aimed at consolidating key issues and
developing recommendations for safe and sustainable lunar operations.
UNOOSA
reiterated its commitment to capacity building and global engagement,
announcing plans to host four regional space law and sustainability workshops
in 2026, along with its third lunar conference.
The
Legal Subcommittee continues to play a central role in shaping international
cooperation and governance as space activities expand and become increasingly
complex.
