Statement of the delegation of the Republic of Armenia at the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Agenda[...]

Chair,

At the outset, we would like to extend our gratitude to the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and its Director, Aarti Holla-Maini, for her leadership, dedication, and the meticulous preparation of this session, and assure you of our support and cooperation.

Chair,

Outer space is a shared domain of humankind and its sustainable use and exploration for purely peaceful purposes should form the backbone of our collective efforts towards the progress and advancement of mankind.

Armenia supports the mandate of the COPUOS and its two Subcommittees, recognizing them as unique platforms for advancing the peaceful use of outer space, promoting international cooperation, and fostering capacity-building in space science and technology.

We welcome the reaffirmation of these principles in the Pact for the Future, which particularly highlights the importance of the widest possible adherence to and full compliance with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the cornerstone of the international legal regime governing outer space activities. We further note its emphasis on the critical role of safe, secure and sustainable use of space in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, as well as the need to establish new frameworks for space traffic, space debris and space resources through COPUOS.

Chair,

As a country which has recently initiated its own space activities, Armenia advocates for equitable access to space and its resources for all nations, including developing countries. In this regard, technical support and cooperation, as well as sharing of know-how between the developed and developing countries are essential to ensure that all nations have necessary capabilities to benefit from the immense opportunities provided by outer space.

Armenia attaches great importance to the development of national space capabilities. We view the space sector as a strategic component of our sustainable development and a catalyst for scientific and technological advancement, while ensuring that the space technologies enhance our understanding of environmental and climate challenges and help devise targeted strategies and programs for the environmental preservation.

Chair,

Armenia welcomes the initial draft set of recommended principles for space resource activities prepared by the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities. We affirm that the governance of space resources should ensure equitable access for all States, particularly those with emerging or limited space capabilities. Armenia encourages discussion on the establishment of mechanisms which may include financial instruments and technology transfer provisions to facilitate the participation of developing countries. Scientific cooperation, capacity-building, and the exchange of technology and data should be promoted as foundational components of a just and inclusive space economy.

Armenia is actively engaged in the process of operationalization of the ATLAC. This is an important endeavor to develop coordinated and cooperative regulatory frameworks for lunar activities among states. Armenia stands ready to support the objectives of the ATLAC with a view to making the immense opportunities provided by lunar activities beneficial for all states and humanity as a whole.

In conclusion, we look forward to engaging in productive discussions throughout this session.

I thank you.