Space Security Issues Tackled by International Experts

Experts from around the globe are engaged in discussing issues for the global utilization of space, from steps toward space traffic control, crafting a Code of Conduct for spacefaring nations to helping curb the development of space debris-producing anti-satellite weaponry. (Ifri/SWF)

Significant steps forward are being made on a range of international security issues that impact civil, military and commercial users of space.

Secure World Foundation proudly co-sponsored in June two major gatherings of global authorities, brought together to discuss a variety of key issues for the global utilization of space, from steps toward space traffic control, crafting a Code of Conduct for spacefaring nations to helping curb the development of space debris-producing anti-satellite weaponry.

Secure World Foundation (SWF) was a co-sponsor of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR’s) Space Security 2009: Moving Toward a Safer Space Environment, held June 15-16 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

“SWF was pleased to participate actively in this important conference and to assist in clarifying the crucial decisions the world faces in tackling the complex issues of limiting weapons in space,” explained Dr. Ray Williamson, SWF’s Executive Director.

“Compared to 2008, I encountered an entirely new and hopeful sense of optimism among the delegates of the Conference on Disarmament now that they have finally agreed on a program of work,” Williamson said.

“The UNIDIR conference was a significant contribution to thinking on space security,” added SWF’s Legal and Policy Advisor, Ben Baseley-Walker. The event provided a forum that discussed space security issues in a new light, he added, deliberations that are relevant to the work of the Geneva disarmament community with emphasis on cross cutting issues that affect all space players: civil, military and commercial.

For further information on UNIDIR, go to:

http://www.unidir.org/html/en/home.html

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