Synopsis
The 2023 UNIDIR Outer Space Security Conference, held on September 13-14, 2023, in Geneva, provided a platform for discussions on space security, involving diverse stakeholders from diplomatic, military, industrial, and academic spheres. The conference addressed the increasing importance of outer space and the corresponding need for international efforts towards space security, safety, and sustainability, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Panel Discussions
Panel I: Mapping Space Threats, Risks, and Challenges
- Explored the rapid advancement and diffusion of space-related technologies, discussing both their societal benefits and potential hostile uses.
- Emphasized the imminent threat posed by space debris, known as the Kessler Syndrome, and the necessity for debris removal and sustainable satellite usage.
- Debated the distinction between space security and safety, and the overlapping concerns of security, safety, and sustainability in space.
- Discussed different approaches to achieving space security, including capability-based and behaviours-based approaches, and the roles of various international bodies in these approaches.
Panel II: Taking Stock of Multilateral Efforts to Build Space Security
- Reviewed past initiatives and their contributions to the goal of preventing an arms race in outer space (PAROS).
- Recognized the changing space environment and the need for inclusive discussions, considering non-state actors and future generations.
- Discussed the significance of existing legal and normative frameworks and the need to build upon them.
- Highlighted the importance of both legally binding instruments and voluntary norms in achieving space security.
Panel III: Preparing for Success in Future Multilateral Space Security Initiatives
- Reflected on recent developments in multilateral discussions around space security.
- Discussed the potential roles and outputs of Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) in shaping future space security measures.
- Proposed separating safety-related and security-related issues into different discussion frameworks.
- Emphasized the need for comprehensive approaches that integrate elements from different frameworks and consider both binding and non-binding measures.
Panel IV: Practical Tools to Facilitate Space Security, Safety, and Sustainability
- Acknowledged the challenges in negotiations due to political will and geopolitical tensions.
- Discussed the roles of transparency, confidence-building, and space situational awareness in achieving PAROS.
- Highlighted the key role of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the need for legally binding mechanisms.
- Stressed the importance of international cooperation and bilateral partnerships in fostering transparency and confidence-building.
Panel V: The Importance of Global Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Multilateralism for Space Security
- Emphasized the need for international, intra-regional, and inter-regional cooperation for PAROS.
- Discussed the impact of regional concerns and the importance of considering these in global space governance.
- Highlighted successful examples of regional collaboration and the necessity of inclusive participation in space security initiatives.
- Addressed the need for legal instruments to ensure the peaceful use of space and the inclusion of diverse perspectives.
Panel VI: Building Common Understandings Between Stakeholders
- Focused on exploring synergies between different stakeholder communities for achieving PAROS.
- Discussed the challenges and opportunities in integrating private sector perspectives into space security dialogues.
- Stressed the need for clear regulatory frameworks and the importance of dialogue involving all stakeholders.
- Suggested models for stakeholder participation and the importance of a balanced approach between hard and soft laws.
Key Takeaways
- Recognized the need to understand and complement the relationship between space safety and security.
- Emphasized ensuring synergy between various space security processes.
- Highlighted the availability and importance of practical tools for fostering a transparent and collaborative space environment.
- Stressed the critical need for global inclusivity and diversity in the space security domain.
