Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. For more information on how to protect yourself against scams, please visit the ScamShield website (opens in new tab).

New York UN

STATEMENT BY CHAN KAR MUN, DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE 81ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT THE CLUSTER THREE THEMATIC DEBATE ON OUTER SPACE: DISARMAMENT ASPECTS, FIRST COMMITTEE, 21 OCTOBER 2026

21 October 2026

-

Thank you, Mr Chair. 

         Singapore aligns itself with the statements delivered by Malaysia on behalf of ASEAN and by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We wish to make additional points in our national capacity. 

2      As we increasingly rely on space-based systems to tackle modern and global challenges such as climate change, we are made even more aware of the risks of their disruption. It is therefore critical that we continue to preserve outer space as a global commons and ensure that States live up to their collective responsibility in ensuring its peaceful, responsible and sustainable use by all. I will make three points. 

3      First, a rules-based approach, anchored in international law, must remain the foundation for the exploration and use of outer space. As Party to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), Singapore reiterates the importance of ensuring that outer space is explored and used for peaceful purposes, and in accordance with, inter alia, the principle of non-appropriation. At the same time, there is increasing urgency to develop a common governance framework, building upon States’ obligations in the OST, to address space security challenges. Singapore supports continued discussions on all practical approaches towards such a framework, including through the development of non-legally binding norms, or a legally-binding and verifiable instrument. These are not mutually exclusive but complementary. Against this backdrop, we welcome the substantive discussions at the third session of the OEWG on PAROS in all its aspects in July this year, which seek to advance such discussions.

4      Second, concrete steps must be taken to enhance transparency and confidence-building between States, particularly among those with spacefaring capabilities. The growing complexity and dual-use nature of space activities increase the risks of misunderstanding, mistrust and miscalculation. To reduce such risks, we encourage Member States to build on areas of existing consensus, including the 2013 GGE on Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures in Outer Space Activities and the 2024 GGE on Further Practical Measures for the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space. 

Singapore reiterates our support for the transparent conduct of outer space activities, including advance notification for proximity operations, and prior consultation and/or consent for rendezvous operations, to the extent practicable, to reduce the risk of misinterpretation with potentially serious consequences.

5       Third, discussions on outer space security must remain inclusive. As space activities have global consequences, it is essential that all States, including small and developing States, have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to discussions on outer space security. ASEAN is doing its part in that respect. In our region, initiatives such as the ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on Peace and Security in Outer Space held in November 2025 have helped promote continued dialogue and a shared understanding of outer space security challenges.  

6      To conclude, the preservation of a sustainable, secure, and stable outer space environment must remain a shared priority. Singapore will continue to work constructively with Member States to reduce space threats, prevent an arms race in outer space, and preserve outer space for the benefit of all humankind. 

7      Thank you.