STATEMENT BY MS. JUHI GEK LYNN NG, DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE 81ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA 46, FOURTH COMMITTEE 27 OCTOBER 2026 UNHQ, NEW YORK

Mr Chair,

1                  Singapore congratulates you on your election and thanks you for steering the work of this committee. You and your Bureau have our full support.

Mr. Chair,

2                  Singapore is a nation that has always looked outward to connect with the world. That same spirit also extends upward, to the possibilities of outer space. Once the preserve of a few, space-based technologies are increasingly within reach of countries large and small. They have transformed how we live, by powering navigation and connectivity, optimising transport and logistics, monitoring climate and environment, and strengthening disaster preparedness and response. As the Space2030 Agenda enters the second half of its implementation period, the question is no longer if humanity will do more in space. The question is how, and for whose benefit. For Singapore, the answer is clear: outer space must remain accessible to all States, regardless of their size or level of development. Its exploration and use must be carried out responsibly, for the benefit of all, and in accordance with international law.

3                  The rapid expansion of activities in space has also brought challenges. With more actors come new ideas and opportunities, but increased orbital congestion and space debris pose serious risks to the safety and long-term sustainability of outer space activities. These are not abstract concerns; international cooperation and governance frameworks must keep pace with developments. This is especially so for a small, highly connected country like Singapore, which relies on space technology for many essential services. Keeping space peaceful, safe and accessible to all, is thus of great importance to us. Allow me to highlight three ways Singapore is contributing to this.

4                  First, Singapore seeks to strengthen an inclusive and rules-based governance framework. To this end, we support the development of norms, principles and standards to guide space activities, grounded in international law, with the Outer Space Treaty as a cornerstone. We actively engage in discussions at international and regional platforms. These include the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), and the ASEAN Subcommittee on Ocean, Earth, and Space Sciences (SCOESS). Within COPUOS, Singapore supports the Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness (SSA) to improve information-related processes that are critical to operational safety and collision avoidance.

5                  We have also demonstrated our commitment to open, transparent, and inclusive dialogue. This year, in February, we hosted the inaugural Singapore Space Summit, bringing together over 2,000 leaders from national space agencies, international organisations and industry. Discussions highlighted the importance of alignment across policy, technology and partnerships to translate space capabilities into tangible benefits. In March, we shared our regulatory experience at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs’ (UNOOSA’s) Workshop on Space Policy Development in Cambodia, under the Global Space Law Project.

6                  Second, Singapore has developed capabilities that contribute to our collective responsibilities in outer space. Following our decades-long space journey, we established the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) in April this year – a crucial step to expand our national space capabilities, deepen our R&D, and forge stronger global partnerships. To support this important work, the Government has committed over US$164 million since 2022 through the Space Technology Development Programme (STDP). This accelerates research and innovation in areas such as space sustainability, climate monitoring, and microgravity research. As our space capabilities grow, we will also be better placed to enrich discussions on sustainable space activities and strengthen international operational coordination.

7                  Third, Singapore harnesses our space capabilities to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. This includes sharing our expertise with partners to strengthen our region’s resilience and support sustainable development. Through the partnership between NSAS and the Mekong River Commission (MRC), Singapore will contribute to flood mapping efforts using geospatial and satellite technologies. These efforts are enabled by our Earth Observation Initiative (EOI), which uses satellite data to monitor critical areas such as food and water quality, disaster and disease monitoring, and forestry and land management. Singapore will continue to work with interested partners to harness space technology to deliver tangible benefits where they matter most: on the ground.

Mr Chair

8                  Singapore may be small, but size on Earth does not determine a country’s stake in space. The services that cross our skies support every economy, and the risks in orbit are shared by all. Singapore reaffirms our support for the UN’s work to preserve outer space as a peaceful, safe, and sustainable domain. We stand ready to work with international partners to ensure that its benefits remain accessible to all.

9                  I thank you.