Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Chair,
New Zealand is one of the world's most active launch nations. As both a space-faring nation and a user of space-based services, we have a strong interest in ensuring outer space remains peaceful, secure and sustainable.
As we approach the sixtieth anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty in 2027, New Zealand reflects on its enduring value as the foundation for the peaceful use of outer space.
The Treaty remains the cornerstone of the international legal framework governing outer space activities. At a time of growing strategic competition, we call on all States to reaffirm their commitment to the Treaty's principles and faithfully uphold its provisions, including those contained in Article IV. All activities in outer space must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
Chair,
For decades, the international community has recognised the risks associated with conflict in outer space and the prospect of an arms race in the space domain. As capabilities evolve and geopolitical tensions deepen, those concerns are taking on renewed urgency.
Keeping outer space free from conflict remains in the interests of all States. It is an enduring international security imperative.
New Zealand remains committed to reducing the risk of conflict in space. We continue to support efforts to advance shared understandings on the applicability of international law, including international humanitarian law, to outer space activities, as well as measures to protect space systems that provide critical civilian services.
We are increasingly concerned by the growing divergence of views on space security issues. As long-standing space security challenges become increasingly tangible, effective multilateral dialogue is more important than ever.
Forums such as COPUOS and the Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space remain essential venues for building understanding, improving transparency, and identifying practical ways forward.
New Zealand continues to support efforts to strengthen norms, rules and principles that reduce the risks of misunderstanding, miscalculation and conflict. We also advocate practical measures that enhance transparency, build confidence between States, and encourage responsible behaviour in outer space.
Nearly six decades on, the central lesson of the Outer Space Treaty remains as relevant as ever: cooperation is essential to ensuring outer space remains a domain of peaceful use and shared benefit.
New Zealand will continue to work constructively with all partners to advance this goal.
The future of outer space will be shaped not only by the capabilities we develop, but by our willingness to work together to manage the challenges they present.
Thank you, Chair.