Credits:ABS-CBN NEWS
The Philippines marked a significant milestone in its space research and development endeavors by participating in the kick-off program of the “Space Law for New Space Actors” held on May 24, 2024, at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna.
The United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) announced the launch of Space Law Technical Advisory Missions across the Asia Pacific region, including the Philippines and Thailand. This initiative aims to equip member states with the necessary capabilities to draft their own space laws in alignment with international regulations.
This project is particularly beneficial for countries in the Asia Pacific region that are in the early stages of their space research and development programs. The collaboration between UNOOSA, which promotes international cooperation for the peaceful use of outer space, and the government of Japan underscores their commitment to fostering peaceful and responsible space activities.
“Each government is required to establish and develop national laws as well as effectively implement them. Promotion of the rule of law in outer space must be pursued for ensuring safety and sustainability, and UNOOSA has been playing a critical role,” said Ambassador Kaifu Atsushi, Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna.
Japan’s involvement is expected to enhance existing regulations for the responsible use of outer space. Aarti Holla-Maini, UNOOSA chairperson, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “The space law for new space actors project does not only fill a gap in services available to emerging space nations but also supports member states in implementing the commitments they spent decades negotiating in the committee on uses of outer space. This support is crucial for developing a robust national regulatory framework and policies for a vibrant space ecosystem.”
Philippine Ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas expressed gratitude for UNOOSA’s technical advisory mission. “UNOOSA’s technical advisory missions allow multiple stakeholders to understand the fundamental principles of outer space law. The importance of international cooperation in the space agenda and developing national regulatory and policy frameworks on outer space cannot be overstated. I thanked the government of Japan for their generous support of the technical advisory mission for the Space Actor program,” she said.
Ambassador Bernas emphasized the importance of international cooperation in space and the formulation of regulatory policies for outer space activities, reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to contributing to global space law and governance.