UNISPACE III SPACE/V/5
AM Meeting 21 July 1999

UNISPACE III DELEGATIONS EMPHASIZE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF OUTER
SPACE TECHNOLOGY IN CONFERENCE'S CONTINUING EXCHANGE OF VIEWS

The Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III) continued its general exchange of views this morning. Among the views expressed was that while space technology was crucial for mitigating the effects of natural disasters, many States were unable to use the new techniques due to the costs involved.

Advance warning could minimize the damage of natural disasters, yet many countries could not afford to acquire the required technology, Kenya's Ambassador, Kipkorir Aly Azad Rana said. Floods, droughts and famine could be forecast by remote sensing techniques. Africa was beset with problems, but marginalized in the field of space science and technology.

Ecological disasters knew no boundaries or political divisions, Sudan's representative, Ahmed Hassan, stressed. He called for creating a mechanism through which the benefits of space science and technology could be applied equally to all countries. Developing countries wanted to benefit from space technology, to anticipate natural disasters and to prevent environmental degradation and the proliferation of drugs.

In 1996, 180 natural disasters were recorded, 50 of which were large scale and required extensive international assistance, said Ambassador Raimundo Gonzalez of Chile. Today, weather forecasting through space technology was more important now than ever before. Calling for international agreement on a framework for human security, which could reduce discrepancies, he observed that dealing with natural disasters had a greater cost in developing and least developed countries than industrialized ones.

Developing countries were aware of the importance of space applications, but they must accord priority to sectors such as health and food, stated Cuban Ambassador Luis Garcia Peraza. It was not enough for developed countries to offer to train the scientific personnel of developing countries, since the main obstacle for these countries was the lack of financial resources to acquire and use technology, which was prohibitively expensive. That should be the focal point for international cooperation.

Ecuador's Ambassador, Patricio Palacios Cevallos, drew attention to the extensive work being done worldwide to anticipate, monitor and mitigate the effects of the El Nino phenomenon. El Nino had seriously affected his country, causing damage estimated at some $2.5 billion, or roughly 15 per cent of the national gross domestic product. The country was now engaged in efforts to restore the affected sectors and infrastructure.

Also this morning, the Conference heard from the Chairman of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Vladimir Kopal, who introduced that body's report on achievements, current work and the challenges ahead. Since its establishment in 1962, the Subcommittee's efforts had led to the development and entry into force of five treaties on the use of outer space. He hoped that UNISPACE III would be an incentive to all Member States that had not yet signed or ratified the treaties to do so, and for international organizations to declare their acceptance of the rights and obligations contained in them.

Statements were also made this morning by the representatives of Ecuador, on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group, Israel, Venezuela, Turkey, Egypt, Iran and Syria. The representatives of EUMETSAT and the International Space University also spoke.

The Conference will continue its general exchange of views at 3 p.m. this afternoon.

Conference Work Programme

The Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III) met this morning to continue its general exchange of views. Before doing so, it was to hear from the Chairman of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Introduction of Report of Legal Subcommittee

VLADIMIR KOPAL, Chairman of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: The Legal Subcommittee and the Scientific and Technical Subcommittees were established by The Committee in 1962, consisting of all Committee members, to assist in consideration of the many proposals concerning scientific, technical and legal matters relating to the exploration of space for peaceful purposes. The first Declaration of Legal Principles was adopted by the General Assembly in 1963 and transformed in 1967 into the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. This is the fundamental space law of the United Nations. It has been signed and ratified by 94 Member States and signed but not yet ratified by more than 20 others.

The Outer Space Treaty was followed in subsequent years by four additional instruments: the 1968 Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space; the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects; the 1975 Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space; and the 1979 Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

From 1982 to date, deliberations in the Legal Subcommittee have also led to the Assembly's adoption of four additional Principles governing the use of outer space. These pertain to the use of artificial earth satellites for international direct television broadcasting; remote sensing; the use of nuclear power sources in outer space; and international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for the benefit of all States, and for developing countries in particular.

The Legal Subcommittee has been considering the review and possible revision of the principles relevant to the use of nuclear power sources in outer space. Recently, it was decided that consideration of this matter by the relevant working group would be suspended, pending the related work of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. Still, it remains on the agenda of the plenary for discussion. On the equitable use of the geostationary orbit, general understanding has been reached that the orbit is a limited resource to which all countries should have access. The Legal Subcommittee is now attempting to reconcile the divergent views regarding the ways that resource should be managed.

Regarding the review of the status of the five legal international instruments governing outer space, the purpose is not to revise or amend them. Rather, issues relating to improving and maximizing accession to the treaties, as well as their effectiveness, have been raised. The working group focusing on this matter convened during the last Subcommittee session in order to consider how to achieve the fullest adherence to those instruments.

New agenda items are being proposed for consideration by the Legal Subcommittee, including the commercial aspects of space use; review of existing norms applicable to space debris; legal aspects of space debris in general; review of space and environmental law; review of principles governing States use of artificial satellites; and improving the treaty on registration of objects launched into outer space. Another matter whose resolution could improve cooperation in space is how to coordinate the work of the legal Subcommittee with that of other intergovernmental bodies that formulate related international norms.

UNISPACE III will hopefully lead to an exchange of ideas and encourage further development of international space law and promote cooperation in space activities. It will be an incentive to all Member States that have not yet signed or ratified the five international treaties to do so and an incentive to international organizations that have not done so to declare their acceptance of the rights and obligations provided for in those treaties.

General Exchange of Views

TILLMANN MOHR, Director of EUMETSAT and Chairman of the Committee of Earth Observation Satellites: EUMETSAT is an intergovernmental organization created through a convention agreed by 17 European States. EUMETSAT is contributing to the global objectives of the Conference by providing synoptic, continuous and long-term global observations needed to understand the Earth's system more comprehensively, in conjunction with the use of modelling technology. The data delivered by EUMETSAT will contribute successfully to the improvement of the human condition, providing reliable weather forecasting and long-term climate prediction, enabling a better management of limited Earth resources. This contribution will only be effective with the development of further knowledge and capacity building within its user communities. Therefore, EUMETSAT has developed, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), an important education and training programme in Europe and Africa.

The Committee of Earth Observation Satellites was created 15 years ago by the world's major space agencies with the intention of improving coordination of their Earth observation satellite programmes and to encourage an exchange of information in this sector. Its objectives are to optimize the benefits of spaceborne Earth observations; to aid both its members and the international user community by serving as a focal point for international coordination; and to exchange policy and technical information to encourage complementarity and compatibility among spaceborne Earth observation systems and their data. The Committee's activity of most interest to UNISPACE III is its contribution to the Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS). Last year the IGOS Partnership was created, bringing the Committee together with a dozen non-space international organizations, including the three Global Observing Systems, in an attempt to define and implement an Integrated Global Observing Strategy.

K. DOETSCH, President of the International Space University (ISU): The space sector will continue to rely on universities to supply the very best scientists and engineers, but at the same time it will increasingly look to universities for the best expertise in business aspects. It will be an ongoing challenge for universities to update their specialized courses in step with space developments. Also, industry and government agencies involved in space will need a cadre of leaders and managers who possess the knowledge and skills to integrate the diverse business, engineering, regulatory and policy factors that go into the making of successful projects. Industry and government agencies face the challenge, not only to adapt their recruitment policies to bring in the right mixture of skills, but also to adjust the skill-set of their current work force through re-training and in-service professional development opportunities. Some of this is best accomplished by means of in-house courses created by employers. In other cases, universities and other suppliers of education and training will need to be alert to the specific needs of the employers, and must create new courses and methods of delivering knowledge to match those needs.

In a rapidly changing environment, leaders of the space sector need opportunities to stand back from their daily work to reflect on the longer term, to exchange ideas and to debate the issues of the day. The Committee on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is an important governmental forum in this respect, involving a very broad global representation. Universities, including the ISU, can offer different complementary kinds of opportunity for exchanging ideas and opinions in an open, free thinking academic setting, mixing government, industry and academia. The global space and space-related sector depends on the educational infrastructure to regenerate its workforce and to help chart the way forward. UNISPACE III and its individual delegations should give wholehearted support to the space-related efforts of traditional universities as well as institutions such as the ISU that are developing new educational paradigms to meet the space sector's needs.

PATRICIO PALACIOS CEVALLOS of Ecuador, speaking in his capacity as President of GRULAC (countries of Latin America and the Caribbean): UNISPACE III constitutes a forum of singular importance, allowing governments to highlight important developments in the field of space science and technology. The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean believe that scientific and technical progress only has sense if it is turned into an effective instrument of development for its people. Recognizing that space is the common heritage of mankind, it is important to have regional and international cooperation on outer space, governed by the relevant United Nations resolutions and the Declaration on International Cooperation on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, for the interest and benefit of all States, taking into account their individual needs. The exploration and peaceful uses of outer space should be carried out in respect of the United Nations Charter and the relevant resolutions.

Meeting in Concepcion, Chile, the regional preparatory conference for UNISPACE III for Latin America and the Caribbean produced a number of resolutions whose implications go beyond the regional level. GRULAC believes that space technology should be used for global understanding of oceanic and atmospheric phenomena, such as "El Nino". It considers the setting up of the Regional Training Centre for Space Science and Technology for Latin America and the Caribbean as important for the contribution for the development of indigenous capacity in the region in the field of space science and technology. The Group also highlighted the important role of the Committee on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the United Nations Programme on Space Applications. It believes that the consolidation of the legal regime represents a safeguard for all States, regarding the peaceful use of space. It wishes to restate the need for outer space to be preserved for exclusively peaceful uses and especially the prevention of any arms race in this area.

ABY HAR-EVEN, Head of the Israeli Space Agency, Israel: The Agency was established in 1983 as a Governmental organization, and charged with furthering space-related activities in Israel. Israel officially entered the space age in 1988, on board the OFEQ launch. Next year, it intends to launch commercial remote sensing satellites, together with a United States company. Israel's emphasis is on building an infrastructure geared to achieving optimal economic outcomes by making use of Israel's technological advantages in selected niches, particularly small satellite and remote sensing. Other efforts include mapping of geology and seismic activities in the Jordan Rift Valley; remote sensing of vegetation cover as indicators of soil and land conditions; measurement of soil moisture in the Negev and the Middle East; and a national database for digital satellite images.

The Agency is funding at the Israeli nuclear research centre a space electrical thruster and a small laboratory to inspect every subsystem for sustainability in the space environment. Another current project is the Mediterranean Israeli Dust Experiment, which will be launched on a NASA shuttle and accompanied by an Israeli astronaut. Among our official cooperation agreements, Israel has signed agreements with the space agencies of the United States, Russian Federation and European Union. It hopes to have in the near future agreements with India and Ukraine.

Space is the best area for international cooperation between nations. In the past, Israel only had agreements with the United States and technologically leading countries such as France and Germany. It hopes that as the political situation in the Middle East changes, there will be increased opportunity for cooperation. The primary challenge of the modern nation is to improve the quality of life of its citizens. Now is the right time to do this on a regional basis.

FIDEL GAROFALO, Charge d'Affairs, Venezuela: This Conference takes place in an international environment very different from the bipolar standoff characterizing previous years. The dramatic political and economic changes of this decade were accompanied by raised expectations. But there are great discrepancies in the process of globalization, mismatches between rapid increase for some and growing problems for others. The pressing needs of the majority of the planet's citizens demand serious thinking about coexistence between nations. Trends such as the reduction of the role of the State and marketization must be considered in the context of phenomenon such as environmental degradation and the population boom. To avoid diluting the opportunities of globalization, there is need for courage and intelligence. The astonishing technological advances of this century contribute to improving the quality of life, but also drives forward the arms race. The peaceful use of outer space is an objective that should be reflected in the political declaration stemming from this Conference.

There is vital need to reaffirm that outer space is the common heritage of humankind. In view of the transnational repercussions of modern phenomenon, the use of space must be based on universality. If the international community wishes to turn knowledge from space exploration into support for sustainable development, it must focus on the legitimate aspirations of developing countries and call for clear political commitment from countries with more advanced technological capabilities. On the international level, that means strengthening cooperation systems; on the national level it means providing appropriate infrastructure to allow developing countries to avail themselves of opportunities. In particular, developing countries' technical infrastructure must be developed which, in turn, requires training and education. New coordination modalities stemming from this Conference must enhance links between Governments to forge a genuine alliance between the space industries.

Outer space is the common heritage of humankind. Its exploration and use cannot be carried out in a selective manner. The use of space generates substantial financial gains, and the international community must ensure that these benefits are disseminated for all. Now more than ever it must increase efforts to develop existing rules for an international legal system enabling the exploration and use of space predicated on partnership between space agencies, governments and the private sector. The United Nations, with its universal and impartial nature, should become the focal point for financial and technical assistance, with emphasis on key aspects such as training and the establishment of networks. Workshops and fellowships offered by Governments in support of the United Nations efforts are indispensable.

KIPKORIR ALY AZAD RANA of Kenya: Africa has been marginalized in the field of space science and technology. This is unfortunate, considering that the continent is still beset with major social and economic problems, the resolution of some of which lies in the application of space technology. Problems such as flooding, drought or famine disastrously affect the crucial sectors of food, health and environment. It is possible to forecast such potential disasters through the use of the space science techniques of remote sensing and thus minimize their impact, or even avert them altogether. Access and provision of certain services to remote areas is yet another difficulty in Africa that can be overcome by the use of space technology. Education, health and communications are among the services that the remote communities could be provided with through satellite technology. Hence, Kenya supports attempts that are currently being made to build an indigenous space capacity in Africa.

The needs of developing countries, particularly Africa, should be accorded adequate consideration by the Conference along the lines of the United Nations resolutions and recommendations of the Africa and Middle East Regional Preparatory Conference. The United Nations should establish, as a matter of urgency, a special fund within the Office of Outer Space Affairs to assist in the implementation of the recommendations of UNISPACE III. Further, the developed countries should generously avail financial and technical resources for the full realization of the Conference's recommendations. This will be necessary to enable the developing countries to benefit from the application of space technical know-how for socio-economic development. Part of the process of taking care of the needs of developing countries should include guaranteed equal rights of all countries for access to, and use of outer space. Under the auspices of the United Nations and the International Telecommunications Union, orbital slots for those countries which are not yet capable of launching satellites into space should be reserved as a matter of right.

RAIMUNDO GONZALEZ of Chile: One of the new paradigms emerging in the global agenda is that relating to human security. Emphasis is being placed on the risks placed on individuals. Space technology and application are indispensable factors in sustainable development and defeating poverty. The detection of natural resources and disaster mitigation are among the issues that could be tackled with this technology to achieve results. This was among the views expressed at the Regional Preparatory Conference held in Concepcion, Chile. The Earth's population is increasing at a rate of 250,000 people a day, which put enormous pressure on existing resources. This exploitation has caused grave environmental problems, such as deforestation, inadequate access to freshwater and ozone depletion. There is a need to safeguard the Earth's resources and protect the environment. These facts illustrate the profound implication in humanity's daily life of facts which jeopardize safety and impede development. Benefits of space technology should reach all citizens and in this context, "distance learning" plays a crucial role. Poor people have not only less capital but less knowledge.

Today, it is inconceivable that one can tackle development systematically without dealing with the space component. There will be cases which will be difficult to handle without the support of telemedecine. Natural disasters are another problem that the international community has to face. In 1996, 180 natural disasters were recorded, 50 of which were large scale, requiring international assistance. In the least developed countries, the costs of such disasters is 20 to 30 times higher than it is in the industrialized countries. A proper framework for human security, as a result of international consensus, will make it possible to shrink the existing differences. Space technology through weather forecasting for example, is an aspect which is acquiring increasing significance. Unorthodox threats to safety make it necessary to establish preventive diplomacy with regard to space science and technology. Chile is aware of the need for joint efforts and appeals to the international community to bring space science and technology closer to the people for the improvement of their quality of life.

PATRICIO PALACIOS CEVALLOS, Ambassador, Ecuador: The new political reality resulting from the end of East-West confrontation allows all countries to pool efforts for scientific development. These combined efforts should contribute to abolishing the discrepancies between countries. Exploration and use of space, with its infinite dimension, requires cooperation between countries. The International Space Station is a good example of such cooperation, with 16 countries collaborating efforts.

There is important work being carried out globally to anticipate, monitor and mitigate the effects of the El Nino phenomenon, which has had very serious negative effects on Ecuador. El Nino recently caused damage to Ecuador estimated at $2.5 billion, which is some 15 per cent of the national gross domestic product. Efforts are underway to restore the affected sectors and infrastructure. While much of this damage could not have been avoided, the information provided by scientific technology was of great importance. Ecuador is participating in a number of space-related activities now being undertaken on a regional basis.

There is need for a sui generis legal regime governing access to the geostationary satellite orbit, without prejudice to the role of the International Telecommunications Union in that area. It is a limited resource. That legal regime should pay special attention to the developing countries. Technical and economic capacity should not be the only determinants of use of the orbit.

YASAR YAKIS of Turkey: The capabilities of developing countries should be strengthened by means of international cooperation and support, so that they can draw more benefits from technological developments. Improvement of international cooperation in space activities has a great importance for the future of humankind and for the environment. Developing countries should be better informed of the opportunities of space technology and be encouraged to take part in space-related activities, particularly in the areas of health care, education, development of resources and agriculture, disaster management and environmental management. For that purpose, remote sensing data and analyzed information should be made available to all countries at reasonable costs.

Research activities are encouraged and supported by Turkey in the fields of remote sensing, image processing, radio and microwave sciences and technologies for use in the environmental and space areas. Within the framework of regional cooperation, work is underway for the establishment of a network of core institutions of the central, eastern and southeastern European countries, which will facilitate the dissemination of information and data in the fields of space science and technology. Turkey attaches great importance to the use of space technology in the improvement of the quality of life in the world and in undertaking the planning of sustainable development efforts. As a result of rapid development in outer space activities space debris has become an important and priority issue. The ongoing research and work done on this issue will further contribute to mitigate the risks of space debris and to protect the space environment.

LUIS GARCIA PERAZA, Ambassador, Cuba: It is regrettable that many of the recommendations from the UNISPACE Conference held in 1982 have not yet been implemented. The increasing gap between developing and developed countries makes it more difficult for the former to benefit from space research and applications. Today the planet is plagued by deforestation, the depletion of the ozone layer, climate change, and soil contamination. To save the Earth, efforts must be coordinated without discrimination between countries. It is not enough for developed countries to offer to train the scientific personnel of developing countries, since the main obstacle for these countries lies in the lack of financial resources to acquire and use technology. This should be the focal point for international cooperation. The essential problem does not lie in a lack of awareness among developing countries of the importance of space applications, or a lack of desire to use them. The acquisition of space technology is extremely expensive and therefore inaccessible to many countries, which must accord priority to sectors such as health and food.

Outer space should be used to benefit humankind. Privatizing space would limit the benefits that space exploration can provide for the citizens of developing countries. Cooperation in the area of space must proceed according to the norms of General Assembly resolution 51/122, regarding international cooperation and the use of outer space to benefit all States, taking into particular account the needs of developing countries. Cuba also endorses implementing the provisions of "Agenda 21" elaborated at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro), regarding the use of space, and reaffirms the importance of the role played by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, for its scientific and technical roles and as a coordinating centre. Cuba greatly appreciates the training seminars and workshops. The creation of a regional centre for training in space science for Latin America and the Caribbean will strengthen the region's space capabilities.

With the end of the Soviet Union and the tightening of the blockade imposed by the United States, Cuba's space research has been severely constrained, but it continues. Since 1983, it has had a national commission on space attached to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. Research is being developed for satellite image analysis, the results of which can be used to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and other uses. High costs of data acquisition are prohibitive. Cuba has carried out studies on resources and environmental matters and developed national software for processing satellite information. Regular soil observations are carried out, as well as observations on sun, ionosphere, and geomagnetic fields, with the data sent to world centres.

ALY SADEK ABDEL HAMID, Chairman, Board of Research for Space Science and Technology of Egypt: Egypt, as part of Africa and the Middle East and as a developing country, is interested in a wider use and application of space technology, especially for development, to make the benefits of outer space available to all countries. Outer space belongs to all and its benefits should be available to everyone. International cooperation and the need for collective efforts among Arab and African countries is essential to carry out space projects. Such inter-regional space projects has to be encouraged and supported by international organizations, especially the United Nations.

Egypt has been interested in space and its uses, as well as astronomical applications, global weather networks, telecommunications networks and natural disaster reduction for decades. To avoid duplication in its activities, Egypt has established a Space Research Council, which carries out space studies and research. The Council is made up of a number of divisions, including the Division for Remote Sensing and the Division for Space Application, Earth Science and Weather Networks. The Council has formulated a National Space Plan for the peaceful uses of outer space and the achievement of Egypt's technological and development goals. The Plan is based on several points, such as making maximum use of international cooperation in the space field to enhance Egypt's space programme, through taking advantage of joint programmes and exchange visits. It also believes in encouraging the private sector to take part in space technology to enhance Egypt's space programme.

Egypt is sure that accelerating development in developing countries needs the creation of domestic capacities capable of assimilating technological advances to the local needs of the countries. As many training centres as possible are necessary to increase awareness of the importance of space. Egypt proposes the establishment of a regional centre in Egypt for the Arab region for training in space technology to address the space needs of Arab countries. It also calls for preference to be given to developing countries in the field of space technology. They should be encouraged to develop their space programmes to accelerate their development.

MOSTAFA SAFAVI HEMANI, Deputy Minister for Education, Research and Technology, Ministry of Post, Telegraph and Telephone of Iran: Special emphasis has been put on the practical uses of space science and technology in the areas of remote sensing, satellite communications, broadcasting, meteorology and satellite navigation in Iran. To coordinate all ongoing activities in research-oriented institutions, administrative agencies and universities, a recently modified national body called the Iranian National Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space has been formed to act as the focal point responsible for policy and decision-making.

Iran is one of seven countries which have participated in the design, manufacturing and launching of a Small Multi-Mission Satellite. In the implementation of the Iranian domestic satellite project called "Zohreh", a strong linkage between the university, industry and the operating company has been established. The high cost of implementing a domestic satellite project can only be justified if it can be used as the means for enhancing space science and technology in the country and to improve the public's knowledge, education and awareness of outer space and their applications for the benefit of mankind.

The peaceful uses of outer space is not only limited to demilitarization of this common heritage of mankind, but also includes its appropriate utilization for the benefit and enhancement of the quality of life. Broadcasting those television programmes through satellites, which are contrary to the religious and ethical norms and values of other sovereign nations, are not to the benefit of mankind.

IBRAHIM HUSSEIN, Director-General, General Organization of Remote Sensing (GORS), Syria: Since the General Organization was created in 1968, Syria has participated in seminars and workshops organized by the United Nations. From the start, GORS has sought to apply its work to accelerating development in Syria to the greatest possible extent. Syria has conducted research and implemented projects in the field of space. With the help of satellite imagery and analysis, it studies ground water resources in the country's territory. It has prepared studies on the topography in the coastal areas, forests and the desertification phenomenon. It has detailed geo-environmental maps for Damascus and other areas. Using remote sensing, Syria has undertaken a thermal survey of the coastal strip, and it maps coastal pollution. Among Syria's other space-related activities, it produces an advanced space atlas and publishes a scientific magazine using information from remote sensing.

Syria hopes that UNISPACE III will arrive at a specific and realistic programme to develop and enhance international cooperation in the field of outer space. Countries possessing advanced technology should lend a helping hand to others. It hopes that international cooperation means a move away from hegemony, since outer space should be used for the benefit of all humankind.

A. HASSAN, Alternate Permanent Representative of Sudan: Lack of resources deprives some States from applying even the most basic achievements to the daily lives of its people. Sudan's environment ranges from rainy to drought-ridden, and it requires great effort to put into action the achievements of technology. Despite financial shortcomings, Sudan made major steps in implementing telecommunications systems throughout the country, with global television links.

The extraordinary spin-off benefits of space technology are of great importance to developing, and especially least developed countries, but the proper equipment is needed to apply the achievements of space technology. Outer space should prove to be a heritage for all mankind. Sudan desires a role in the benefits of space technology to prevent the proliferation of drugs and the further degradation of the environment. A mechanism is needed through which the benefits of space science and technology can be applied equally to all countries, since ecological disasters know no boundaries or political divisions. States should help reinforce cooperative channels for promoting and fostering international cooperation and minimize obstacles to technology transfer.