In August 2024, the international community adopted the first consensus report on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) since the concept was introduced in 1978. This achievement by the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE), established under UNGA resolution 77/250, offers a “glimmer of hope” for future space security negotiations, in a context of rising geopolitical tensions and growing threats to outer space peace. These threats have been worsened by advancements in space technologies, including counterspace capabilities.
To address these challenges, the international community has reaffirmed its commitment to continue working towards the goals of PAROS and securing outer space. To support this work, this UNIDIR event will discuss the GGE’s outcomes, consider lessons from past initiatives and explore the next steps moving forward. Discussions will also explore how different approaches or building blocks can complement each other to foster common understanding and international cooperation in space security.
Speakers
- Ashlyn Milligan, Deputy Director, Global Affairs Canada
- Bassem Hassan, Ambassador, Director of the Department of Disarmament and Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy and Chair GGE on Further Practical Measures on PAROS
- Cassandra Steer, Deputy Director, Mission Specialists, ANU Institute for Space, Chair, Australian Centre for Space Governance
- Claudio Leopoldino, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the Conference on Disarmament
- Denia Baikari, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of France to the Conference on Disarmament
Moderated by Almudena Azcárate Ortega, Researcher, Space Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction Programmes, UNIDIR
When and where
Tuesday, 29 October, 13:15-14:30 EDT, CR.9, UNHQ, New York.
*A light lunch will be provided after the event, from 14:30 to 15:10.
RSVP
The event is open to all participants of the UNGA First Committee.
Further information
For any questions, please contact almudena.azcarate@un.org.