A/76/PV.21 General Assembly

I now give the floor to the representative over Romania to introduce draft resolution A/76/L.3.

It is a pleasure for me to address the General Assembly on behalf of my country, Romania, which this year has the honour of chairing the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and to introduce draft resolution A/76/L.3, entitled “The ‘Space2030’ Agenda: space as a driver of sustainable development”, which includes an implementation plan. This is a milestone document that charts the way to enhancing the contribution of space and its applications to sustainable development and the realization of other global agendas, namely, those on addressing climate change and disaster risk reduction. In 2018, States Members of the United Nations and representatives of the international space community gathered in Vienna at the high-level segment of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space at its sixty-first session to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50), to reflect on more than 50 years of achievements in space exploration and use and to strengthen global cooperation in outer space and the use of outer space for sustainable development. As a result, in its resolution 73/6, of 26 October 2018, the General Assembly mandated the Committee to continue to develop, on the basis of the results of the UNISPACE+50 process, a “Space2030” agenda and implementation plan and to provide the General Assembly with the outcome of its work for consideration by the Assembly. Based on that mandate, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, as the unique platform for strengthening international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and with expertise in promoting space tools and applications for sustainable development, engaged in a three-year-long negotiation process that resulted in the “Space2030” Agenda: space as a driver of sustainable development, as well as its implementation plan, as contained in draft resolution A/76/L.3, following their endorsement by consensus by the Committee at its sixty-fourth session on 1 September 2021. The submission of draft resolution A/76/L.3 also completes the work of the Committee’s Working Group on the “Space2030” Agenda, under the able leadership of its Bureau, comprising the Chair, Mu’ammar Kamel Haddadin, Director-General of the Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre, and the Vice-Chairs, Ambassador Alessandro Cortese of Italy and former Committee Chair and cosmonaut Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu of Romania. The “Space2030” Agenda and its implementation plan together comprise a comprehensive and strategic document for the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and for the international community at large, as it contains valuable tools and a number of international and regional mechanisms, programmes, projects and platforms that Member States could benefit from in order to leverage space technologies and applications and space-derived data to further economic growth and prosperity. The Agenda is divided into two main parts: Part A, “Agenda”, contains three sections, entitled “Introduction”, “Strategic vision” and “Objectives”; Part B, “Implementation plan”, contains four sections, entitled “Partnerships”, “Tools”, “Resources” and “Review of progress”. The four overarching objectives are structured around four pillars  — space economy, space society, space accessibility and space diplomacy  — and aim to enhance space-derived economic benefits and strengthen the role of the space sector as a major driver of sustainable development; harness the potential of space to solve everyday challenges and leverage space-related innovation to improve quality of life; improve access to space for all and ensure that all countries can benefit socioeconomically from space science and technology applications and space-based data, information and products, thereby supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals; and build partnerships and strengthen international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and in the global governance of outer-space activities. The actions described under each overarching objective could be taken by Member States to realize those objectives. It is stipulated that each Member State will implement the “Space2030” Agenda on a voluntary basis and, moreover, in fulfilling the “Space2030” Agenda and its implementation plan, sharp focus is attached to partnerships and cooperation among Member States, United Nations entities, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and industry and private-sector entities, with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs serving as a conduit for promoting and facilitating the use of space-based solutions, including in the implementation of the “Space2030” Agenda. The Agenda envisages a mid-term review by the Committee in 2025 of progress on implementing the “Space2030” Agenda. It also calls on the Committee to carry out a final review of the implementation of the “Space2030” Agenda in 2030 and report to the General Assembly on the results. Space is becoming a permanent presence in common life and on the political agenda of Governments and international organizations. The dependence of our civilization on space systems is proven and of critical importance. From science to direct applications of space tools in everyday life, space has become a rapidly developing area of activity. The global space industry and services turnover already averages more than $55 per capita of Earth’s citizens. Space activities support and accompany most recent activities in human development, from vehicles, navigation and tele-health to the monitoring of the Earth and the climate and world-changing scientific discoveries. Outer space systems generate science and technology, provide day-to-day, necessary and critical services and increase safety and security for citizens and the global community. The role of space-based assets in measuring and monitoring the Earth’s global parameters and the effects induced by our civilization are critical and indispensable tools for mitigating those effects. More and more countries and international organizations are increasing or starting to engage in space activities and programmes and developing strategies with a national, regional or international impetus for the exploration, exploitation and sustainable use of outer space. Nevertheless, we all have one planet, and outer space is still the “uni” verse. The international treaties on outer space guidelines and mechanisms successfully developed by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space since the beginning of the space era, including the “Space2030” Agenda that is before the Assembly today, should be able to suggest ways and means to address the common challenges that we face as a civilization by ensuring sustainable development, both on our planet and in space. We hope that, once the General Assembly has taken action on the “Space2030” Agenda, it may serve as a blueprint for strengthening the use of space tools for sustainable development and a conduit for Member States to avail themselves of the available mechanisms, programmes and projects contained in the Agenda that contribute to, and highlight the broad societal benefits of, space for everyone, everywhere. With this brief overview, I thank those countries that have joined in sponsoring the draft resolution and the General Assembly for its support.

Singapore welcomes the consensus reached by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space on the “Space2030” Agenda and its implementation plan. That consensus reflects the growing importance and global interest attached by States to space activities and the recognition of the need for greater international cooperation in this important area. Space is taking on an increasingly significant role as a major driver of sustainable development and in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Most space-based technologies support critical Government functions and everyday life, from monitoring weather patterns and conditions to telecommunications and public health. Singapore is building a robust space sector, in which our research institutions and companies are developing innovative space-based solutions to support sustainable development needs in our region and beyond. For example, ST Engineering Geo-Insights leverages geospatial imagery data and analytics to help farmers monitor crop health and size and optimize fertilizer and water input, while the Earth Observatory of Singapore’s recently launched remote-sensing laboratory uses tools such as synthetic aperture radar to map and understand natural disasters to support regional and other international stakeholders in disaster response and preparedness. The use of space-based technologies has also been crucial in global efforts to analyse and address the effects of climate change. Singapore has a keen interest in this area and recently became a member of the Space Climate Observatory. We look forward to contributing to the Observatory’s efforts to use earth-observation tools and data to study climate change and its effects, to which small island developing States are the most vulnerable. We also look forward to being involved in similar initiatives to better utilize space-based technologies for sustainable development efforts. Access to space science and technology applications and space-based data by all countries can support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is therefore important that we work together to encourage the use of space technology to provide equal opportunities to all, such as by enhancing Internet connectivity and access to data and broadband technologies, especially in areas with less- developed infrastructure. In that regard, we welcome efforts by Singapore-based companies such as Kacific and Transcelestial to provide broadband connectivity via satellites at low cost to underserved areas in our region. Kacific satellite broadband services in particular have enabled those in remote areas to access crucial services such as telemedicine and online education. Space-based solutions offer much potential for development, but the proliferation of space activities by various stakeholders has brought about new challenges, such as space debris and orbital congestion. It is imperative that the international community continue its efforts towards promoting the responsible and sustainable use of outer space to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the benefits of the space economy. Singapore reiterates our commitment to preserving outer space as a peaceful global commons to be harnessed for the collective benefit of all humankind. Singapore looks forward to working with all Member States to advance the peaceful exploration and use of space. We are committed to the “Space2030” Agenda and will continue to support efforts, at the United Nations and elsewhere, to promote an open, inclusive and rules-based approach to the responsible use of outer space.

The United States is pleased to join as a co-sponsor of draft resolution A/76/L.3, entitled “The ‘Space2030’ Agenda: space as a driver of sustainable development”, which is the culmination of several years of tireless work by many individuals and truly embodies the spirit of compromise and international cooperation. The United States would like to thank the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Working Group on the “Space2030” Agenda of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for their persistent efforts in pushing this work forward. Their patience and willingness to find areas of compromise were instrumental in the establishment of the Agenda. I have no doubt the process would have been far more difficult without their guidance. The United States has been committed to the process from the very beginning and has enjoyed working with other representatives to further the important cause of sustainably developing outer space. The ability to work together and find common ground is what the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space truly embodies, like the United Nations system itself. We are pleased that the Committee’s efforts were not in vain and it was able to put aside politics and brinksmanship to produce a substantive and ambitious document for the safe and sustainable exploration and development of outer space. This process has highlighted the Vienna spirit and showcased that, even in the darkest of times, which many of us have experienced for the past year and a half, the international community can come together and work towards a common goal. The United States looks forward to continued opportunities to engage with the international community on outer- space issues and would like to underscore the vital role that the United Nations plays in this process.

Switzerland welcomes the adoption by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space of the “Space2030” Agenda: space as a driver of sustainable development, an ambitious Agenda that aims to facilitate access to satellite data and technology and promote their use in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Those technologies provide unique services — for instance, in meteorology and climate change, in telemedicine, long- distance education and emergency assistance, as well as in urban and agricultural planning. The range of applications of space-based technologies is extremely broad, and in certain respects irreplaceable. The “Space2030” Agenda will improve both the accessibility of such applications, while promoting their use in support of political decision-making and their day-to-day operational management. To that end, international cooperation will continue to play a key role. The impressive list of initiatives and activities proposed in the implementation plan will allow everyone to contribute to the best of their abilities so that the benefits of space activities can reach as many people as possible. Switzerland supports the adoption by the General Assembly of the “Space2030” Agenda as contained in draft resolution A/76/L.3. We thank Jordan, Italy and Romania for having led, with the support of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, the efforts towards this important achievement.

The United Kingdom welcomes the “Space2030” Agenda and implementation plan and commends the work of the Working Group on the “Space2030” Agenda of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. We are pleased to co-sponsor draft resolution A/76/L.3 and will continue to advocate for a safe and sustainable space environment that is available for all States to use in support of their development. The implementation plan is a key tool to achieve our joint goal and will assist Member States in understanding how to use space-based technology to realize the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. We look forward to using the yearly agenda items at the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the review phases flowing from the “Space2030” Agenda in 2025 and 2030 as further opportunities to showcase international cooperation on this important topic. The United Kingdom Space Agency‘s award- winning International Partnership Programme initiative uses the United Kingdom’s space capabilities in satellite technology and data services to develop space-enabled projects in partnership with developing countries, which deliver real benefits to people on the ground and ultimately make the case for investment in space to policymakers. To date, the Programme has benefited 47 countries across Africa, the Asia- Pacific region and Latin America, while tackling global development and resilience challenges in the areas of climate, food security, maritime safety, health, education and disaster management. Alongside the “Space2030” Agenda, the United Kingdom will continue to support the implementation of the 21 guidelines on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. We are committed to driving discussions on space safety, security and sustainability across the various parts of the United Nations system, in whichever forum is most appropriate, and holding other nations to account for their actions in space. In conclusion, the United Kingdom fully endorses draft resolution A/76/L.3 and its contribution to ensuring the further realization of Sustainable Development Goal targets. We will continue to work to deliver on our shared goal of maintaining space as a peaceful, safe, stable, secure and sustainable environment for the benefit of all.

Let me begin by expressing the appreciation of my delegation to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, a dynamic Committee that has continued to ensure that its mandate of promoting the peaceful uses and exploration of outer space is achieved. Nigeria commends the good work achieved during the 2021 deliberations of the Committee’s Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and of its Legal Subcommittee to ensure that the Committee implements its mandate and continues its important work despite the challenges brought on by the coronavirus disease pandemic. Nigeria is also proud to represent Africa on the Bureau of the Committee as the First Vice-Chair. The present-day role of space technology has become pervasive. Indeed, never before have information, communication, banking, navigation, medicine and even political and strategic decision-making been so dependent on space-based technologies. For that reason, outer space and celestial bodies must continue to be regarded and safeguarded as a common heritage of humankind and must be used, explored and utilized for the benefits and interests of all humankind in the spirit of cooperation. Securing the future of outer space assures the future of our world. We therefore welcome the “Space2030” Agenda and regard it as a major driver, and its adoption and implementation plan as a positive way forward towards ensuring that outer space is beneficial for all nations regardless of their level of technological advancement. My delegation urges Member States to implement the Agenda in good faith. Nigeria remains committed to using its growing space-science capabilities for developmental purposes. To that end, we have embarked upon several projects, including on a desertification-sensitivity index, population-dissymmetric analysis and carbon-emission assessment. Nigeria firmly believes that space technology has immense potential to benefit developed and developing countries alike. In that regard, the United Nations must continue to promote equal, non-discriminatory access to outer space, irrespective of levels of social economic or scientific development. Nigeria accordingly reiterates that the immense potential of space technology and applications should be equally beneficial to all Member States and calls on the United Nations to promote equal and non-discriminatory access to outer space for all nations. We must all refrain from actions contrary to that objective and to the relevant existing treaties in the interests of promoting international cooperation.

We are happy to co-sponsor draft resolution A/76/L.3 and join others in supporting its adoption. We thank the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for drafting the “Space2030” Agenda and its three-year implementation plan. We also thank the Committee for successfully holding its sixty-fourth session despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Bangladesh believes in the safe, secure and sustainable use of outer space to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We launched our first communication satellite, Bangabandhu-1, into space in 2018. Bangabandhu-1 has imparted momentum to Bangladesh’s ongoing development trajectory and helped achieve progress towards the targets of the 2030 Agenda. It is playing an instrumental role, particularly in the fields of disaster risk reduction, Internet and banking services, telemedicine and remote education. We are preparing to launch our next communications satellite. We thank the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for recommending Bangladesh to become a member and look forward to contributing to the work of the Committee. We feel that the disparities in terms of access to space technology between developing and developed countries are still very high. We need to work hard to eliminate that gap and ensure the benefits reach everyone everywhere. We would like to highlight some specific thoughts. First, greater access to space-based data and applications and space infrastructure can play an important role in achieving our shared goals under the 2030 Agenda, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Data-driven analysis and data- based future planning are vital for implementing those global agendas. Secondly, space-based technology plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of the coronavirus disease through contact tracing and the identification of affected areas. Moreover, amid this challenging time of the pandemic, we have seen how space technology and its application helped us to continue delivering health and education services through telemedicine and distance-learning. Space technology will help us to reach more people in remote areas through health and education services, which are essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Thirdly, gender dimensions should be incorporated effectively into outer space affairs. Promoting the role of women in space science, technology, innovation and exploration is highly important in this Agenda. We look forward to the successful adoption of the draft resolution.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this agenda item. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/76/L.3, entitled “The ‘Space2030’ Agenda: space as a driver of sustainable development”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of draft resolution A/76/L.3 and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/76/L.3: Albania, Angola, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Canada, the Central African Republic, China, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, the Gambia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Jordan, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Namibia, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Rwanda, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam.

May I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/76/L.3?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 30?