UN panel adopts space resolution urging arms prevention, tech access; Pakistan urges peaceful cosmos

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 01 (APP)::A UN panel has passed a draft resolution promoting the use of space technology for sustainable development, weathering deep divisions over health, developing nations, and gender inclusivity, while Pakistan pushed for the final frontier to be preserved exclusively for peaceful collaboration. Adopted without a vote in the General Assembly's Fourth Committee (Special Political ad Decolonization), the text on 'International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space' would have the 193-member body urge all member states, particularly those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to preventing an arms race in outer space. It would also encourage the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to explore existing avenues and new opportunities to increase its capability to meet the growing demand for support to strengthen the capacity of countries, in particular developing countries, in using space science and technology and their applications. Introducing that text, Mario Cospito, an Italian diplomat who is the Chair of the Working Group on International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, thanked delegates for showing 'maximum flexibility' in allowing the Committee to reach agreement on this omnibus resolution. The resolution would call also on all member states, in particular those with established space capabilities to use space systems and appropriate ground infrastructure, as well as the achievements of space science technology for peaceful purposes in accordance with applicable international law, particularly the outer space treaty and the Charter of the United Nations. In his comments, Pakistani delegate Ansar Shah highlighted that outer space is the common heritage of humankind, and said it must remain free from national appropriation and claims of sovereignty, and accessible to all nations on a non-discriminatory basis. 'It (outer space) should be dedicated exclusively to peaceful purposes,' underscored Ansar Shah, a first secretary in the Pakistan mission to the UN. As a space-emerging nation, the Pakistani delegate told the Committee that the prime focus of Pakistan's national space programme remains the pursuit of sustainable socio-economic progress. That programme, he said, provides a framework for harnessing space technologies in support of development, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. In 2023, Pakistan successfully launched PRSCEO1 — first indigenously developed electro-optical satellite — that supports precision agriculture, forest management and disaster risk assessment, while reducing reliance on foreign sources. 'The launch of our first hyperspectral satellite in October 2025, followed by the indigenous electro-optical satellites EO-2 and EO-3 in February and April 2026, respectively, has further strengthened these capabilities,' he said. Pakistan's national space agency, SUPARCO, has also developed a mobile application providing real-time satellite-based solutions for farmers, enhancing productivity, efficiency and sustainability. Additionally , he said, Pakistan employs space-based monitoring for forests, water resources, health, climate change adaptation, humanitarian response and disaster management. In March 2026, SUPARCO launched the Space4Climate initiative, integrating satellite data and geospatial analysis to strengthen climate monitoring and resilience. Pakistan, Ansar Shah said attaches high importance to international cooperation, as he cited the country's membership of various space organizations. Pointing out that space debris mitigation was a common but differentiated responsibility, he said those states whose past and ongoing activities have generated the bulk of orbital debris must assume primary responsibility and extend technical and financial assistance to others. Pakistan, he said, underscores the importance of equitable access to radio-frequency spectrum and orbital resources, particularly the geostationary orbit. 'We oppose the weaponization of space in all its manifestations, including debris-generating anti-satellite tests, which pose grave risks to the safety, security and sustainability of space activities. We reiterate our call for negotiations on legally binding instruments to prevent an arms race in outer space,' the Pakistani delegate added.