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Forum:
General Assembly 4 (Special Political and Decolonization Committee)
Issue:
Promoting space-based technologies for sustainable development
Student Officer: Abeedah Diab, Shaurya Sahni, Malak Riad
Position:
Presidents
Introduction
By orbiting in space, satellites can cover large areas of the Earth over numerous years. Satellites can
easily transcend national borders, and detect meaningful patterns of ecological/environmental change
that are not easily identifiable from the ground. Not to mention, the information or data recorded from the
satellites, can quickly be processed digitally and distributed globally. This data can be quickly reviewed
and interpreted, providing decision and policy makers much more knowledge to base their actions and
resolutions on.
On both a domestic and international scale, due to space innovation, learning of the different parts of the
Earth framework including its atmosphere, land, seas and ice is is skyrocketing
Moreover, while the dilemma of sustainable development has troubled the world for many years, it can
be largely minimized by utilizing space based technologies. By setting up spaced based technologies
such as satellites nations can better communication technologies, disaster management systems,
education, agriculture, environmental protection and natural resource management. Hence as a result of
all the positive impacts space-based technologies can lead to, it is of great interest to promote spacebased technologies for sustainable development.
Definition of Key Terms
Sustainable Development
Economic, social, and technological developments that occur without natural resources being
depleted or drastically affected to ensure that it is long-lasting.
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Space
The unlimited or infinitely large three-dimensional realm or expanse outside the atmosphere of the
earth in which all material objects are located and all events occur
Satellites
Artificial bodies that travel in an orbit around the earth or moon or another planetary body in order
to collect/process information or for communication.
Tele-medicine
The remote identifying of diseases/troubles and treatment of patients through the use of
telecommunications and technology.
Tele-education
A type of education in which the students are given instruction over the Internet, from a video, and
so on so forth, rather than going to a physical classrooms; it is otherwise known as e-learning.
Background Information
Space technology has served as and can potentially continue to serve as an invaluable tool in
benefiting global sustainable development.
Space technology has benefited various sectors of society, for one education has been greatly
enhanced as a result of satellites. Schools in non urbanized areas in southern Africa and Italy are being
aided through satellite-enabled links. Programmes such as ESA (European Space Agencies)’s satellite
programme guarantee Internet access to schools, which have been implemented satellite terminals and
other required materials. Tele-educaton or “e-learning” for teachers and students endorses cultural
compatibility among schoolchildren, enhances language learning and raises awareness on the
environment thanks to specific courses on local wildlife heritage and sustainable approaches to daily
living.
In addition space technology can also enhance disease prevention capabilities. Health-based
notions can be supported through means such tele-medicine through utilizing satellite communication
software. This is the case as digital satellites provide a method of mapping of mosquitoes to prevent
malaria or Zika outbreaks and the evaluation of the risk of an epidemic utilizing satellite monitoring. In
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fact space based technologies even helped to combat the Ebola epidemic; during the Ebola outbreak,
the ESA (European Space Agency) supported laboratories by providing them with access to satellite data
thanks to an inflatable satellite antenna.
Moreover space based technologies also assist humanity through the betterment of life on land,
underwater and combatting climate change. The satellites which have been released into space and
programmed to record data on the arctic and antarctic give great deals of information about altering ice
sheets as well as the effect of this on atmospheric environments and in turn the climate. In addition
space based technologies can help humans to identify deforestation and fish migration patterns, both of
which can be used to humans’ advantage as by understanding such patterns smart regulations can be
drawn up that endorse sustainable development.
In this way space based technologies have served as a very powerful tool in fostering sustainable
development.
Major Countries and Organizations Involved
United States of America (U.S.A)
The United States of America has, since early on, been one of the pioneering Member States in
promoting the use of space-based technologies to create sustainable development, particularly with
regards to the environment. In 2004, USAID (United States Agency for International Development)
partnered with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to fund for ‘SERVIR’, an initiative
with the aim to provide unparalleled Earth imaging and mapping data, satellite monitoring, geospatial
information, and other scientific information to help improve environmental decision-making in 30
developing countries spanning across Africa and Asia. As the Spanish word for ‘serve’, SERVIR has
been able to vastly improve weather forecasts and provide insightful information on global ecosystems
over the years.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environment Programme has contributed with various other intergovernmental organizations, in order to host the Conference on Space Technologies and Applications of
Wildlife Management and Protecting Biodiversity on the 27-30 of June 2016. This conference concluded
and discussed a variety of ways the usage of Space based technology may aid in meeting the SDGs.
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United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Established in 1958, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has been
involved in every step mankind has taken in outer space. It has written many reports regarding the
benefits of the usage of space based technologies in order to decrease cost, manage any forthcoming
disasters, long term sustainability and the effect on climate change.
Russian Federation
The Russian federation has recognized that international unity is of the essence when using
outer space based technology. This is why Russia has contributed in drafting international guidelines,
along with actively encouraging cooperation amongst member states. In addition, Russia has also
endorsed the UN-SPIDER program as they believe it puts forth the necessary means promote the usage
of space-based technologies while still taking the outer space legislations into consideration.
Republic of Kenya
The United Nations/Kenya Conference on Space Technology and Applications for Wildlife
Management and Protecting Biodiversity is an example of the involvement of the Republic of Kenya. For
Kenya has not only encouraged the usage of space based technology, but has cooperated with various
UN based organizations for the purpose of hosting discussions revolving around the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. The aims of this conference are to share past knowledge, while also
examining the various limitations to building space based technologies and providing proposals that could
be applied.
Republic of India
India has taken an active role in establishing ties with smaller Asian countries, in pursuance of
aiding them into using space based technologies for transmissions, weather facilities, land observing and
navigation in addition to various other advantages. India believes that it is vital for all Asian countries to
work hand in hand, which is why India shares disaster management data with 30 countries, and offers
telemedicine provision to Afghanistan and African countries. While maintaining this, India hopes to build
a South Asia satellite that will provide full range of functions and facilities in hopes to reduce or
administer forth-coming disasters.
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People’s Republic of China
The United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster
Management: “A consolidating role in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction- 2015-2030”, is a result of China’s hard work and contribution to this issue. For China has
been keenly participating in the development of Asian countries’ usage of space-based technology. One
of the purposes for this conference is to facilitate a document with procedures to Member States to
accommodate Earth inspections and geospatial technologies in applying the ‘Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction: 2015-2030.’
Timeline of Events
Date
Description of event
Ad Hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
December 13, 1958
established, along with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs as a
corresponding expert unit, following the adoption of Resolution 1348 entitled,
“Question of the Peaceful Use of Outer Space”.
COPOUS to be made a permanent committee, and to include 2 sub-
December 12, 1959
committees: the Scientific and Technical sub-committee and the Legal subcommittee.
General Assembly Resolution 1721 calls for Member States involved in space
December 20, 1961
launches to provide information on their launched space objects and their
findings to the Secretary General to create a UN Register of Objects Launched
Into Outer Space.
First Legal Principles governing Outer Space adopted by the General Assembly
December 13, 1962
in Resolution 1962, including resource allocation, sovereignty of Member States
in outer space, and investments to support outer space missions.
August 14, 1968
First UN Conference of 3 on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
(UNISPACE I)
General Assembly Resolution calls for the inclusion of developing countries in
December 11, 1990
the international effort to better understand and benefit from outer space by
establishing centers for space science and technology.
November 1, 1995
Establishment of the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology
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Education in Asia and the Pacific in India, to promote science and technology
education in developing countries.
October 3, 1998
September 15, 1998
Establishment of the African Regional Center for Space Science and
Technology Education for Francophone countries in Morocco.
Establishment of the African Regional Center for Space Science and
Technology Education for Anglophone countries in Nigeria.
Third UNISPACE where the promotion of space technology to solve problems
July 19-30, 1999
and to inhibit social, cultural, and economic development, particularly in
developing countries.
January 1, 2003
Establishment of the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology
Education for Latin America and the Caribbean in Brazil and Mexico.
Establishment of the International Committee on Global Navigations Satellite
December 2, 2005
Systems to promote cooperation regarding civil satellite-based positioning,
timing, and navigation, to promote sustainable development free of any logistical
hindrances.
United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management
December 14, 2006
and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) created to promote space-based
information systems between regions to improve the effectiveness of disaster
management responses.
December 22, 2007
Introduction of Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines to ensure the smoothness of
space-based activity.
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and the Scientific and Technical
May 19, 2009
Subcommittee of COPOUS jointly produced the ‘Safety Framework for Nuclear
Power Source Applications in Outer Space’ to develop safety standards in the
use of nuclear energy in outer space.
May 29, 2012
June 27-30, 2016
Establishment of the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology
Education in Western Asia in Jordan.
Joint United Nations/Kenya conference on Space Technology and Applications
for Midlife management and Protecting Biodiversity.
Relevant UN Treaties and Events
●
Question on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, December 13 1958 (A/RES/13/1348)
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International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, December 20 1961
(B/RES/16/1921)
●
Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Uses of
Outer Space, December 13 1963, (A/RES/18/62)
●
International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, December 11 1990
(A/RES/45/72)
●
Report of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, 2003 (A/58/20)
●
United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency
Response, December 14 2006 (A/RES/61/110)
Previous Attempts to Solve the Issue
Sustainable development has been a recent goal starting from the early 1950’s. Various UN
conferences have been held since, in order to discuss the changes necessary and set forth goals that
they wish to achieve - resulting in the sustainable development goals that we know today. With
technology advancing on a daily basis, new means by which we are able to attain these objectives are
being discovered. Space based technology is not only one of the best resorts, due to its expenses and
low carbon emission, but it could possibly lead to reaching all these aims in a shorter period of time.
Marking one of the conferences that was hosted in order to discuss the implementations of the
outer space technologies, the United Nations/Kenya Conference on Space Technology and Applications
for Wildlife Management and Protecting Biodiversity had addressed the use of space based technologies
in order to meet the sustainable development goals. Although space-based technologies have developed
and continue to grow at a steady rate, there are still states that are deprived of the technical and
economic aspects necessary to emit or undergo the simplest of acts in space.
By utilizing the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, many states were able to
enhance their knowledge and experience of space technologies around the world. A major role in the
advancement of this source is educating people and making them aware of the Programme in order to
gain support, and implement it successfully. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), has put forth suggestions to strengthen both the promotion of space
based technologies, in addition to enhancing the organization.
Possible Solutions
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To promoting the use space-based technologies to ensure long-lasting, peaceful and inclusive
development, one must consider the various factors involved in such a topic, ranging from legislation and
international relations, to education and youth empowerment.
Further advancements need to be made with regards to how resources in outer space will be
accessed, keeping the varying levels of development in each Member State in mind. Developing
countries must be given priority in order to increase their production potential, which could help lower
high levels of unemployment and little economic activity that they experience. In addition, detailed and
sophisticated rationing methods should be introduced to ensure that the allocation of resources is fair
and unbiased.
International space law must also become a working point for the international community, in
order to ensure lasting peace and to avoid any conflict - particularly with regards to nuclear energy.
Member States must be encouraged to ratify such treaties, and to form their own national outer space
laws and ensure that they are compatible with previous international agreements, by working in cohesion
with the United Nations and its relevant bodies that are focused on outer space.
To continue with the efforts made in promoting space science and technology education in
developing countries, focus must be directed towards making this accessible to all parts of society.
Space science should be introduced to school curriculums to ensure that the youth of today are kept in
the loop of new findings and basic knowledge, along with work experience and internship opportunities
for older students. This requires support from the international community, particularly in less
economically developed Member States.
In such a time where conflict is rife, improving international relations must be a priority to ensure
successful cooperation for the betterment of the global society, by putting an end to corruption. The world
cannot handle a third world war over outer space.
Bibliography
"IMPORTANCE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AMONG ISSUES
HIGHLIGHTED, AS FOURTH COMMITTEE TAKES UP PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE |
Meetings Coverage and Press Releases." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
Keusen, Tanya. "United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs." Space Law Treaties and Principles.
United Nations, 0000. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.
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"Space and Climate Change: Use of Space-based Technologies in the United Nations System .:.
Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
Harvey, Sinead. "United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs." Space Law: Resolutions. United
Nations, 0000. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.
IISD. The Sustainable Development Timeline. Digital image. International Institute for Sustainable
Development. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 00 Jan. 2010. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.
Robert.wickramatunga. "United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs." A History of Space. United
Nations, 0000. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.
UNOOSA. Space and Climate Change: The Use of Space Based Technologies in the United Nations
System. Rep. Geneva: World Meteorological Organization, 2011. Print.
Cheney, Catherine. "NASA and USAID Pioneer the Use of Space Technologies for Development Efforts."
Devex. Devex, 01 July 2016. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.
SERVIR. "SERVIR Successes." NASA. NASA, 0000. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.
Appendix or Appendices (All)
Please include any materials that you may wish to Appendix in this section. Also, Roman
numerals must be used in labeling the different appendices. It is highly recommended that any useful
links be placed in this section.
I.
https://www.aprsaf.org/annual_meetings/aprsaf21/pdf/program/plenary/d4_0900_01_escap.pdf
(Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum) Underlines the importance and benefits of
implementing space technology.
II.
http://www.un-spider.org/sites/default/files/EO2015_DiPippo.pdf (United Nations Office for Outer
Space Affairs) States future plans and strategies regarding the usage of space based technology
that would help combat global issues.
III.
http://www.un.org/press/en/2002/gaspd239.doc.htm (United Nations Fourth Committee)
Highlights all statements and ideas said during the 7th Meeting of the UN GA4 on the importance
of space-based technologies.
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IV.
ftp://ftp.earthobservations.org/CBC/201505_Workshop_on_CB_and_DC_in_GEO/Agbaje_ARCS
STEE-GEO%20CBWorkshop-Post-2015.pdf (Group on Earth Observations) Gives an insight into
the workings of African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education
(ARCSSTE) by outlining: UN efforts to be inclusive of developing countries in promoting spacebased technologies, the history of the ARCSSTE, and information about its ‘Capacity Building
Program’ for post-graduates.
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