UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Space TCBMs Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet – April 2014
UN Group of Governmental Experts on Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures in Outer Space
In 2011, the United Nations established a Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) to examine transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs) in outer space activities. This initiative aimed to reduce the risk of misunderstanding, mistrust, and miscalculation among space actors and to promote international cooperation in space.
The GGE included experts from 15 countries, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. It held three sessions from 2012 to 2013 and produced a consensus report outlining practical, voluntary measures to enhance space security.
Key recommendations included sharing information on space policies and activities, pre-launch notifications, cooperative data exchange, and voluntary visits to space facilities. The report emphasized the value of sustained dialogue, multilateral collaboration, and open norms development to support responsible space behavior.
Endorsed by the UN General Assembly, the GGE report remains a landmark contribution to international space diplomacy and norm-building efforts.
