Delivered by: Sheikh Hamdan bin Eisa Al Nahyan

Mr. Chair,

The United Arab Emirates underscores the importance of preserving outer space as a shared resource offering immense opportunities for all humanity. We stress the need to reinforce the principle of the peaceful use of outer space, ensuring that scientific progress and technological knowledge serve sustainable development and strengthen peace and security on Earth.

The UAE commends the United Nations’ efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space. Advancing this objective requires stronger multilateral cooperation and full compliance by all States with the provisions of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. We also call on States to refrain from placing weapons of mass destruction or other weapons in Earth’s orbit or elsewhere in outer space, preserving its peaceful character and keeping it free from threats.

Mr. Chair,

Responsible State behaviour in outer space is essential to strengthening space security and building mutual trust. This requires adherence to relevant international agreements, practical measures to reduce the risks associated with space activities, and efforts to prevent sensitive technologies from reaching non-State actors. In this regard, we call for greater exchanges of information and expertise to raise awareness and advance best practices for the safe and sustainable use of outer space.

The UAE reaffirms the sovereign right of all States to access and use outer space for peaceful purposes and to share equitably in its benefits. Enabling developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capabilities is vital to ensuring that these benefits improve quality of life and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

We look forward to continuing efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space in all its aspects and to promote responsible State behaviour, preserving outer space as a safe and sustainable domain for generations to come.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.