Photo credit: Jessica Stewart
By Jessica Stewart, MIPP
Over the past month, I have been working for Project Ploughshares as a research intern on outer space security. One of my first projects was to help draft and deliver a civil society statement to be delivered at the United Nations 79th First Committee Session for Disarmament and International Security.
The First Committee is one of the six committees of the United Nations General Assembly, meaning all 193 member states can and do participate in general debate and discussions on thematic topics such as nuclear weapons, outer space, and conventional weapons. The Committee largely focuses on non-binding recommendations and resolutions, and can advocate for legally binding measures. However, unlike the Security Council, it lacks the authority to enforce its decisions.
The First Committee holds its annual session every October, starting with a general debate. During this period, member states present their positions on key security and disarmament issues. Following the general debate, civil society organizations, including NGOs and advocacy groups, deliver statements in order to provide additional perspectives and recommendations on various agenda items. Afterward, the committee moves into thematic discussions, where specific issues are examined in detail, including regional disarmament, international security, and emerging military technologies, culminating in the drafting of resolutions.
Civil society statements are an important part of United Nations proceedings. These statements represent the views of a wide-range of stakeholders including non-government organizations, academic institutions, and advocacy groups. Contributions by civil society can also influence the language of resolutions, shape debate, and often inspire new resolutions.
This was the goal for Project Ploughshares’ civil society statement on outer space. With the support of seven other organizations, we highlighted the growing reliance on space for everyday life and the rising dangers of conflict in outer space. Despite efforts to keep space peaceful, there is an increasing threat of not only an arms race, but also of warfare. Interference with satellites and the development of harmful space technologies pose significant risks, which could lead to devastating consequences for life on Earth, such as disruptions to essential services like communication and disaster response.
Our recommendations stressed the importance of ensuring space remains a peaceful, accessible and sustainable domain. Furthermore, the statement highlights the importance of continued international cooperation to prevent conflict in space, emphasizing the need for transparency, mutual trust, and proactive measures to ensure space remains a peaceful and secure environment for all humanity.
Over the next weeks, the First Committee Session will continue its thematic discussions. We are calling on delegations to not only consider our recommendations but create an actionable framework that addresses the growing risk of militarization in space.
Being able to participate in the First Committee deliberations was an incredibly rewarding experience. It is hard to ignore the impact space will have in future United Nations discussions. When walking into United Nations Headquarters you are greeted by a new exhibit called Our Fragile Space, which highlights the issue of space debris on critical infrastructure and the future of humanity. Technology is progressing at light speed, and it is important policy and regulations keep up.
The entire civil society statement can be found here.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BSIA, its students, faculty, staff, or Board of Directors.