Dialogue to Strengthen the Outer Space Treaty: New York Follow-On Discussion

New York, NY
October 21, 2026

Secure World Foundation (SWF), in partnership with the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR), will participate in the “Dialogue to Strengthen the Outer Space Treaty: New York Follow-On Discussion,” a shorter, invitation-only discussion aimed at reinforcing legally binding restrictions against the deployment and use of nuclear weapons in outer space.

Despite being in force for 59 years and having 118 state parties, the Outer Space Treaty (OST) faces growing strain amid an increase in reckless behavior by multiple nuclear-armed states. As commercial, governmental, and scientific reliance on space-based capabilities continues to expand, the ability to verify compliance with the OST has become more critical than ever. Failure to uphold the Treaty’s prohibition on nuclear weapons in space risks degrading the space environment as a vital domain for economic activity and global communications, and in the most severe scenarios, could contribute to nuclear escalation across domains.

This New York follow-on discussion builds on the May 2026 “Dialogue to Strengthen the Outer Space Treaty and Deter the Placement of Nuclear Weapons in Outer Space,” held in Geneva, Switzerland, and co-organized by SWF, CSR, and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

The New York discussion will provide a smaller setting for continued exchange among experts working on space security, strategic stability, arms control, and international law. Participants will examine ways to reinforce the OST, support responsible behavior in outer space, and reduce risks linked to the possible placement of nuclear weapons in orbit.

The initiative is supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Longview Philanthropy through the Consortium to Reduce Nuclear Dangers. Participation is by invitation only.

A report capturing key discussion points from the previous dialogue can be found below.

For more information, please contact SWF Chief Director, Space Security and Stability, Victoria Samson.