Director General/Executive Director
10 June 2016
Mr. Chairman,
Excellences,
Distinguished Delegates
and Representatives,
It gives me great pleasure to address the 59th session of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. I am especially pleased to be with you on the day that UNOOSA delivers its first annual report to you.
2016 is a landmark year with the beginning of the implementation of the 2030 sustainable development agenda setting out innovative goals for the world to improve prosperity and provide better lives for everyone.
Space tools and space-derived information can play a transformative role in helping countries achieve the SDGs.
UNOOSA is an essential partner in these global efforts, and has undertaken numerous activities across a broad range of mandates.
They include:
These impressive efforts, and many others, were achieved with a small, but dedicated team under the leadership of UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo.
In just two short years, countries will come together in Vienna to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first UN COPUOS-UNISPACE+50
UNOOSA will be in the spotlight as it seeks to help shape global space governance.
This work is driven by the conviction that, with only one Earth, we are all dependent on limited resources. For this reason, we must cooperate to maintain peace and join together to face global challenges.
UNOOSA is eager to make a bold contribution to these activities and to assist in moving the planet towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Already, its work is making a difference.
Last March, disaster risk management processes were improved through the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
The Sendai Framework has reinforced the value of space-based technology and Earth observation for disaster management and emergency responses.
The UN-SPIDER programme marks its tenth anniversary this year, and it offers an information gateway for using space information in support of disaster relief.
Applying remote sensing for earth observation, satellite-based telecommunication and global navigation satellite systems, UN-SPIDER works in all phases of the disaster management cycle including prevention, preparedness, early warning, response and reconstruction.
But, it is in fostering cooperation in space that UNOOSA reveals its uniqueness, as well as the invaluable efforts it undertakes in promoting peaceful uses of outer space.
UNOOSA's KiboCUBE initiative offers educational and research institutions in developing countries the opportunity to deploy cube satellites from the International Space Station.
The space sector, ladies and gentlemen, is becoming increasingly challenging and complex.
By bringing together the relevant stakeholders, by speaking with authority on space issues, UNOOSA is committed to support you to foster international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.
I wish you a successful 59th session.
Thank you for your attention.