STATEMENT BY COLONEL LIM TONG HAI, MILITARY ADVISOR AND COUNSELLOR, TO THE 73RD SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 53 ON “INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE”, FOURTH COMMITTEE, 25 OCTOBER 2018

Mr Chairman,

1.         My delegation congratulates you on your appointment. We also take this opportunity to commend the good work of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the UN Office of Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

2.         Singapore aligns itself with the statements delivered by the distinguished representatives of Indonesia on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Mr Chairman,

3.         Singapore would like to make three points.

4.         First, Singapore firmly believes that outer space should remain a peaceful and sustainable global commons. Space applications have become an integrated and indispensable part of our daily lives. There are now more than 6,000 satellites in our immediate exosphere, providing essential services in telecommunications, weather monitoring, global positioning, and other applications. The number of orbital objects continues to increase in tandem with the growth of the global space industry and the proliferation of miniaturised satellites. We need to take steps to address the increasing challenges of orbital congestion, space debris and maintain outer space as our peaceful global commons.

5.         Second, international cooperation on outer space issues is therefore vital and necessary. There is an urgent need to update and strengthen consensus on international norms in space. Global norms of responsible conduct must keep pace with developments in technology and geopolitics. Most of the existing treaties were drafted over thirty years ago. Where necessary, we should update or establish new norms. However, they must also remain transparent and inclusive. To this end, Singapore supports the open and inclusive approach of the COPUOS and its working groups, which allows observers to participate in the consultations. Such an approach helps build confidence and legitimacy.

6.         To this end, Singapore welcomes the ongoing work in the UN to strengthen international cooperation on outer space issues. The UNISPACE+50 conference was a key platform for the international community to consider the future course of global space cooperation. Singapore believes that it is crucial to continue working towards an open and inclusive international framework to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space utilisation, and we look forward to further discussions on the Space2030 agenda.

7.         Third, small states can play a part to harness and promote peaceful uses of outer space.  Singapore set up our Office for Space Technology and Industry in 2013 to facilitate economic investments into Singapore from global space companies and the development of small satellite capabilities in our local universities and research institutes. We are also leveraging microsatellite capabilities to support our Smart Nation initiative and provide nation-wide connectivity for public services.

8.         Singapore is committed to regional and multilateral efforts to enhance international cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space. For instance, Singapore has partnered with France on research and development into space technologies. We have also actively participated in regional and international space fora. 

Mr. Chairman,   

9.         Let me conclude by reaffirming our strong support for the ongoing international efforts to make outer space a peaceful and sustainable global commons.   

Thank you.

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