Security through Safety: Linkages between Space Security and International Initiatives for Space Sustainability at the United Nations

The increasing value to society and socioeconomic development derived from space capabilities, coupled with challenges to the long-term sustainability of space activities, have prompted international efforts to solidify norms of responsible space behavior. Relevant entities within the United Nations have undertaken important efforts to identify, understand, and address such challenges in a collaborative manner. These efforts have highlighted the value of engaging the broad international community in the development of mechanisms that build transparency and confidence-building among space actors, the interconnections between civil and security-related discussions of relevance to space sustainability, as well as the need for improved coordination among the relevant UN bodies engaged in these conversations.

Given the cross-cutting nature of space security as recognized by the 2013 Report of the Secretary General’s Group of Governmental Experts on Transparency And Confidence-Building Measures In Outer Space Activities, the joint ad hoc meeting of the First and Fourth Committee of the General Assembly, presented a valuable opportunity to examine space security and space sustainability challenges in a holistic manner.  

Organized by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and the Secure World Foundation in the margins of the 70th United Nations General Assembly, this invitation-only reception and brief discussion brought together key voices within the UN system to highlight the importance of a holistic approach to developing a resilient space stability regime that contributes to the long-term sustainability of space activities. 

Speakers included:

• Mr. Kim Won-soo, Under Secretary-General and Acting High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, United Nations
•  Dr. Simonetta di Pippo, Director of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
•  Mr. Jarmo Sareva, Director of UNIDIR
•  Dr. Michael Simpson, Executive Director of SWF