February 2014 – UN COPUOS STSC: Agenda Item LTS – Draft Guidelines and TCBMs for Space Sustainability

This statement commends the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee for its international and collaborative work on the Long-Term Sustainability (LTS) of Outer Space Activities. It acknowledges the broad participation of over 30 countries and numerous organizations in drafting the 33 preliminary LTS guidelines, with leadership from global experts across four dedicated expert groups.

SWF emphasizes the significance of reaching consensus on these voluntary best practices and underscores the broader implications of space sustainability for addressing global challenges such as climate change, disaster management, economic development, and human rights. Citing the World Economic Forum’s publication Bringing Space Down to Earth, the statement ties space capabilities directly to urgent terrestrial needs.

It also draws attention to the parallel work of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs), noting meaningful overlaps between GGE recommendations and the draft LTS guidelines. SWF encourages future dialogue to align the LTS process with the GGE’s findings, advocating for a holistic, multi-forum approach to space governance and sustainability.