Mr. Chairman and Distinguished Delegates, I am very honored tospeak at this important conference. First of all, my delegation congratulates Professor Rao on your election as chairman and hope that under your able guidance this conference will be productive.
We would like to acknowledge the excellent work done by the COPUOS main committee and the Scientific and Technical subcommittee as the Preparatory and Advisory committees of UNISPACE III, respectively. The great effort made by these committees in their previous sessions has laid the foundation for the success of the UNISPACE III conference. Furthermore, the collective efforts by the OOSA under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Jasentuliyana in preparing for this conference must be recognized. My delegation also would like to express its deep gratitude to Dr. Abiodun for his dedicated commitment to the regional preparatory meetings.
UNISPACE III is a symposium open to all Member States of the United Nations. It aims at finding ways and means to promote common prosperity and mutual benefit for all of humankind through the peaceful application of space science and technology in the new millennium.
Mr. Chairman, we would like to take this opportunity to remind ourselves of the primary objectives of UNISPACE 111. They include promoting effective means of using space technology to assist in resolving problems of global and regional significance, and strengthening the capabilities of Member States, in particular developing countries, to help them to use the applications of space research for economic and social development.
Since the beginning of mankind, we have dreamed about exploring outer space. During the last 40 years, this dream has become a reality. The remarkable advances in space science and technology have made significant contributions to improving the quality of human life. Space development is becoming a familiar paradigm to every nation and is no longer controlled by a few countries. The benefits of space technology are rapidly spreading worldwide. In every country, we all are preparing for a new space age with sustainable development.
Mr. Chairman, UNISPACE III will certainly be a memorable event in the history of space development by mankind. In this conference, my delegation seeks opportunities to review the implementation of the recommendations of UNISPACE Il and from the regional preparatory meetings, that will constitute an important framework for future space development. The topics, to be discussed at the various technical forums of this conference, will provide substantive information on the current status of space technology development in various areas.
Mr. Chairman, my delegation wishes to share our view with other Member States that UNISPACE III should be an open forum that takes into account regional needs in space application. The Asia/Pacific region, like other regions, has unique characteristics, and needs to fully benefit from space technology for the sustainable development of the region. In particular, special attention should be given to the potential activities of regional cooperation in various space science and technological fields, such as Earth observation, communication and navigation systems, micro -satellites, education and training.
Mr. Chairman and Distinguished Delegates, with your permission, we would like to provide brief information regarding Korea's recent space programme. Since 1990, when Korea initiated its space programme, it successfully launched the first microsatellite into the earth orbit in 1992, and scientific sounding rockets in 1993. Broadcasting and communication satellites, KOREASAT 1 & 2 were launched in the geostationary orbit in 1995 and 1996, respectively, and are now operating commercially. This year will be a landmark year for our country's space development programme. We have three satellite launches this year : the KITSAT-3, a micro-satellite to conduct Earth observation and scientific experiments, was launched successfully on May 26, 1999 and is now in operation. The KOMPSAT, the first remote sensing satellite, and KOREASAT 3, the third geosynchronous orbit communication satellite, will be launched in the near future.
The Korean space programme comprises space communications, satellite development, and Earth observations. Key research areas in space applications, besides space communications, include satellite remote sensing, the Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). These technologies are designed to improve the living standards in our nation and in neighbouring countries.
The National Mid-Long Term Space Development Plan of Korea envisions the launching of 19 satellites by the year 2015, including five communication satellites, seven multi-purpose satellites, and seven scientific satellites. The objective of this plan, whose budget is estimated at 4.8 billion US$, is to establish an independent domestic satellite technology capacity by the year 2015. It includes development of technology and human resources in the fields of communication satellites, Earth observation satellites, and launch vehicles for low earth orbit satellites.
Mr. Chairman and Distinguished Delegates, my delegation is determined to ensure the success of UNISPACE 111. It is ready to fully participate and cooperate with others in this important meeting. In the UNISPACE III Exhibition, we would like to invite all Member States to view the progress of space technology development in Korea.
Thank you very much for your attention.