SWF Statement – UN COPUOS, Agenda Item 4: General Exchange of Views (May–June 2023)

Secure World Foundation highlights its activities from May 2022 through mid-2023, reinforcing its commitment to space sustainability, space law, and capacity-building. The statement underlines SWF’s collaborative work with UN institutions and other partners to support peaceful, responsible, and inclusive uses of outer space.

Notable Contributions:

• Handbook for New Actors in Space:
  Distributed in four languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese), with free downloads available. A revised edition is in development for 2023.
• 5th Summit for Space Sustainability:
  Scheduled for June 13–14, 2023 in New York City. The 2022 Summit (co-hosted with the UK Space Agency in London) welcomed over 600 participants and focused on debris mitigation, governance, and industry action.
• Keynote at 2023 Summit:
  Mr. Guy Ryder, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy, will deliver a keynote linking the Summit to the UN’s “Our Common Agenda” and Policy Brief 7 on the future of space governance.
• UNOOSA Legal Advisory Project:
  SWF continues supporting this tailored legal capacity-building initiative (with Belgium, Chile, Luxembourg) to help emerging space nations draft national legislation in line with international law.
• COPUOS Briefing Book Launch:
  A new resource for delegates and stakeholders—offering guidance on COPUOS history, structure, working methods, and working groups. Free physical and digital versions are being distributed starting June 7, 2023.

The statement concludes with a reaffirmation of SWF’s dedication to advancing the peaceful uses of outer space and supporting the Committee’s multilateral work.