Lexicon for Outer Space Security Now Available in All UN Official Languages

12 March 2024
Lexicon for Outer Space Security Now Available in All UN Official Languages

UNIDIR and the Secure World Foundation have jointly developed a Lexicon for Outer Space Security to enhance common understandings around frequently used terminology. The Lexicon, originally prepared in English, is now also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.

All language versions of the Lexicon aim to serve as a global reference point for terminological issues related to space security. They were prepared in collaboration with geographically representative and linguistically diverse committee of 11 internationally recognized space and disarmament experts. The versions in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish were created using the English version as a basis and adapted as necessary to highlight important linguistic differences relevant to each individual language.

The Lexicon does not intend to establish uniform definitions for all, but rather highlight, when necessary, that different stakeholders may interpret key concepts in differing ways, thus providing clarity and aiding in achieving common understanding on space security. Ultimately, the Lexicon seeks to facilitate international discussions on space security-related matters, promoting a common understanding on the terminology used in the context of these discussions, to enhance transparency, foster accessibility, and reduce potential misunderstandings.

The Lexicon was edited by Almudena Azcárate Ortega (UNIDIR) and Victoria Samson (Secure World Foundation) and can be found here in all available language versions: A Lexicon for Outer Space Security → UNIDIR.